Wapiti Talk | Elk Hunting Forum | Elk Hunting Tips
 

News from CO Parks, Wildlfe Sportsmen's Roundtable summer me

Moderators: Swede, Tigger, Lefty, Indian Summer, WapitiTalk1

News from CO Parks, Wildlfe Sportsmen's Roundtable summer me

Postby Elkduds » 08 15, 2020 •  [Post 1]

As an appointed rep to the Roundtable I am determined to share news from the group with online constituents. FYI, the Roundtable is a gathering of interested anglers, hunters, trappers that advise CPW. The group meets formally 2x/year, and informally as warranted. As an advisory group, most topics are discussed @ more length than can be included here. Below is a summary of news and topics from the summer virtual meeting:



First words out of every CPW regional rep's mouth: "@ least 150% increase in users on public lands this year, due to pandemic." The agency is not budgeted or staffed for that level of use, staff is doing best they can.



The western slope mtn lion plan will be finalized this fall, likely @ the Wildlife Commission's Sept. meeting. It happens Sept 2,3 and you can participate online via the CPW website.



Due to drought, many public shooting ranges are closed. The huge range @ Cameo/Palisade remains open, and is gaining national and international attention National competitions are held there annually, with an international match scheduled for next year.



Senate Bill 181 is law. It changes the focus of the oil/gas advisory committee more toward conservation, and requires more consideration of impacts on habitat and wildlife. CPW has staff dedicated to collaborating w oil/gas industries, reported better results than just pushing for new rules.



This year there was a 40% increase in applications for big game licenses over last year. Largest increase was among 25-45 year old.



Hunter's Ed is transitioning to 100% online.



Discussion of concern that some counties may close or require 14 day quarantine for hunters, as NM has. Leadership is not anticipating that problem in CO. CO is expected to see large increase in hunters who would have chosen NM.



Discussion of ways to educate and manage this huge influx of new hunters. Options include partnerships w conservation groups, outdoor industries. CPW has much info for newer hunters posted on CPW website.



CPW continues to be the 2nd largest of grant funders in CO, behind lottery/GOCO. Those grants typically emphasize strategic partnerships w groups and landowners @ the local level.



CPW is actively considering alternatives to requiring users of State Wildlife Areas to hold a hunting or fishing license. Federal rules prohibiting what were formerly called Habitat Stamps have eased.



CPW's priorities for funding are expanding public access, preserving migration corridors, preserving/improving habitat. Over $44 million in funding, and 30,000 acres of additional access reported so far.



Research continues on very low elk calf survival in the southwest region. this summer 57 calves were collared for this research.



A very large wildfire is burning in Glenwood Canyon, and a massive fire is north of Grand Junction. Both will significantly impact big game hunting access this fall.



Consideration of legalizing spearfishing in CO is dropped for the time being.



Trappers advocated for required reporting of # of furbearers harvested by each individual. That reporting is now mandatory, including all species except coyotes.
User avatar
Elkduds
Rank: An Elk Nut
 
Posts: 1536
Joined: 09 29, 2013
Location: Colorado Springs
First Name: Mark
Last Name: Scott

Re: News from CO Parks, Wildlfe Sportsmen's Roundtable summe

Postby Billy Goat » 08 15, 2020 •  [Post 2]

thanks for the update sir.

looks like a good year to have drawn a limited entry unit

like me....

:)
"First teach a child to love God,
teach them second to love their family
and third, teach them to hunt and fish,
and by the time they reach their teens, no dope peddler under the sun will ever teach them anything".

-Cotton Cordell
User avatar
Billy Goat
Rank: Rag Horn
 
Posts: 285
Joined: 05 08, 2020
Location: Denton, TX

Re: News from CO Parks, Wildlfe Sportsmen's Roundtable summe

Postby Lefty » 08 16, 2020 •  [Post 3]

Thanks for being a rep

The update was a good read

All to often we hear the negative stories from fish and game depts
User avatar
Lefty
Wapiti Hunting - Strategy and Tactics
 
Posts: 6926
Joined: 06 25, 2012
Location: Pocatello Idaho
First Name: Dennis
Last Name: H

Re: News from CO Parks, Wildlfe Sportsmen's Roundtable summe

Postby Trumkin the Dwarf » 08 18, 2020 •  [Post 4]

This is very helpful! Thanks for sharing. I'm a little concerned that point creep is gonna be worse after this year.
User avatar
Trumkin the Dwarf
Rank: An Elk Nut
 
Posts: 675
Joined: 06 14, 2013
Location: Montana
First Name: Malachi
Last Name: C