• 2015 •
SOUTHWEST COLORADO
HUNTING GUIDE
2 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u September 2015
2015 Southwest Colorado
Hunting Guide
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4 News and hunting tips for southwest Colorado 6 Conservation in our region
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The Durango Herald uses reasonable effort to include accurate and up-to-date information for its special magazine publications. However, all information comes from a variety of sources and may change at any time for any reason. To verify specific information, refer to the organization or business noted. To view the online version of this guide, visit: www.durangoherald.com
Travel Planning Resources U.S. Forest Service Directory *RD - Ranger District Norwood RD Norwood (970) 327-4261 Ouray RD Montrose (970) 240-5300 Durango (970) 247-4874 Pagosa RD Pagosa Springs (970) 264-1500
Bureau of Land Management Directory *FO=Field Office Southwest Center Montrose (970) 240-5300 Tres Rios FO Dolores (970) 882-7296 Gunnison FO Gunnison (970) 641-0471 Pagosa FO Pagosa Springs (970) 264-2268
All photos in this publication were taken by David Hannigan for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife and/or were provided by the CPW website.
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7 Colorado 38th state to approve apprentice hunting program
8 5-year season structure beginning changes are underway 9 Gardenswartz Outdoors gives advice on avoiding accidents Dolores-Dry Creek rundown on 10 GMUs, harvest statistics 12 Hermosa GMUs, locations, weather, harvest statistics 13
San Juan Basin GMUs, location of big game, harvest statistics
14 Big and small game, birds 2015 season dates
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thadtrujillo@frontier.net www.thadtrujillo.com September 2015 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u 3
News/Tips in the Southwest State Park offers exclusive hunting experience in GMU 711 For a unique hunting opportunity, anyone who draws a license for GMU 711 is eligible to enter for a chance to hunt at the 12,000-acre Lone Mesa State Park. Located northwest of Dolores, the park is undeveloped and currently only open to the public for big game hunting. The number of hunters is limited, from 12 to 25 depending on the season. The access fee is $100 or $200 for residents, and $200 or $300 for non-residents depending on the type of license. The park is located in prime big game habitat and the hunter success rate is high. For more information, go to the Lone Mesa State Park page on the CPW website, www.cpw.state. co.us, or call (970) 882-2213. OHV game retrieval in GMU 711 An ATV may be driven off road for 1 mile to retrieve game in a section of GMU 711 as described on the USFS travel map. The hunter who killed the animal must be in the retrieval party. Vehicles must be no more than 50 inches wide. Two OHVs may be used, but they must travel together and can only make one trip in. If one OHV is used, two trips are allowed. Avoid passing over the same track twice. Avoid wet areas, cross streams slowly, don’t spin tires and avoid other hunters. To obtain a map, call the Dolores Public Lands office, (970) 882-7296. Lead bullets and game meat Concerns have been raised about potential health risks of exposure to lead from eating wild game harvested with lead bullets. Children under 6 and pregnant women should avoid this meat. Because lead bullets fragment, the lead can scatter beyond the wound. Trim meat liberally when processing an animal. Discard damaged meat, meat that is discolored or bruised, and meat that shows dirt, hair or bone fragments. Lead is soft and can be spread when meat is ground. Lead fragments can also sicken birds, such as eagles and hawks that scavenge on gut piles. More and more hunters are using copper bullets. They are accurate and deadly. Copper bullets cost a little more, but hunters can use lead bullets of similar weight at the range to sight-in their rifles and to practice. Hunters are required to call prior to hunting mountain lion Hunters are required to call the 1-888-940-LION (5466) number for GMU closures prior to any hunting trip. You must check daily to make sure the unit you want to in hunt is open. Units close when harvest limits are reached. Call no earlier than 5 p.m. the day before your hunting trip for a recording of closed units. If a unit is closed, you must pick a different unit. It is unlawful to hunt in a unit after it is closed. Tooth collection Colorado Parks and Wildlife is asking hunters to allow collection of a small tooth located just behind the mountain lion’s upper canine. The tooth will be analyzed to determine the lion’s age. Hunters can help by making sure the jaw is propped open with a stick before rigor sets in and not having the carcass frozen during inspection. The animal’s age will be posted on the website 4-5 months after lion season ends. Lion tooth age results for the previous hunting season are typically posted in July. Ages will be posted by seal numbers, so hunters should write the number down to check the age of their animal. For privacy reasons, hunters’ names are not posted. 4 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u September 2015
Know the rules for off-highway vehicles (OHVs) Inappropriate and illegal use of OHVs causes conflict among hunters and can cause resource damage to public lands. Hunters must be aware of the laws and regulations governing OHV use. All OHVs must be registered and permitted annually in Colorado. Permits cost $25.25. Non-residents using OHVs must obtain a Colorado permit. Permits and regulations can be found online at www.cpw.state.co.us. or call 1 (303) 791-1920 for information. Federal “Travel Management Plans” are written to ensure protection of resources. If you are hunting on public land, contact the local U.S. Forest Service or BLM office to obtain current regulations. Colorado wildlife officers, USFS officers, BLM rangers and other local law enforcement agencies are authorized to ticket OHV users who violate rules. Those riding in unauthorized areas face fines and penalties of $100 from CPW and $250 from federal agencies. Hunters, anglers or trappers using OHVs illegally will receive 10 penalty points against their hunting and fishing privileges. The fine for riding in federal wilderness areas is $500 and 15 penalty points. Please observe these rules and guidelines: • Be considerate of other hunters. OHV noise disturbs big game animals. • Obtain a Motor Vehicle Use Map for federal lands. • OHVs cannot be driven into designated wilderness or roadless areas. • OHVs are generally prohibited from most streets in towns and on some county roads. Check local regulations. • Rifles carried on OHVs must be in a case and unloaded completely. • Explain these rules to young hunters and those unfamiliar with using these vehicles on public lands. Don’t shoot a moose Moose are present throughout the southwest region. Moose favor wetlands - but they can be found in any terrain where elk live. Too often, hunters mistake moose — especially cows — for elk. Please be sure of your target. The fine for accidentally killing a moose is $1,370. If the animal is killed illegally and the carcass abandoned, the shooter can be charged with a Class 5 felony. Know where you’re hunting It is your responsibility to know exactly where you are hunting. If you harvest an animal in the wrong GMU you will be subject to penalties, and you will not be allowed to keep the animal. Location descriptions of each GMU can be found starting on page 61 of the Big Game Brochure. Buy a high-quality topographic map, read the boundary description inthe brochure carefully and outline the boundaries on your map. If you have questions, call the CPW office in the area where you are hunting. In Colorado, landowners are not required to post or fence their land. It is your responsibility to know the location of private property. You must obtain permission to hunt on private land. If you hunt on private land without permission you may be charged with trespassing, be required to appear in court and fined.
High-Altitude Checklist Tips for a healthier and happier trip to Pagosa Springs (7,105’—12,604’)
PLAN It’s tempting to bike, hike, hunt, ski… as soon as you arrive, but ease into it for the first couple of days. And, get a good night’s sleep. DRINK LOTS OF WATER Start drinking more water and reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption a few days before your trip. BE PREPARED Don’t forget your medications and talk with your physician before you exert yourself at altitude.
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A challenge for hunters: Bears Black bear populations are healthy throughout the southwest region. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is encouraging hunters to try their hand at stalking the native ursines. Bears are most likely to be found in patches of scrub oak brush, and in moist areas where there are berry bushes. Archers and muzzleloaders can purchase a license to hunt only bears. During the rifle seasons, however, bear hunters must also have a deer or elk license in the GMU where they’re hunting. All licenses are sold over the-counter but there is a cap, so they are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who harvest a bear must personally present the carcass for inspection and sealing at a CPW office within five days of harvest. Carcasses must not be frozen. Agency staff will also remove a premolar tooth for research purposes.
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September 2015 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u 5
Conservation in the southwest region A cow moose plays in the waters above Slumgullion Pass. Moose were reintroduced into this area in the 1970s.
More recent RMEF projects that directly affected southwest Colorado include: • In 2013, the RMEF and various partners conserved 2,520 acres of key habitat and migratory corridors in La Plata County. Referred to as the John R. Schirard Conservation Project-Alkali Gulch, this conservation easement provides protection from development, which in turn will conserve existing big-game migration patterns. • In 2014, $300,000 in RMEF grants funded more than two dozen habitat enhancement, research and hunting heritage outreach projects in 28 Colorado counties such as Dolores, La Plata, Archuleta, Montrose and Gunnison counties. Grants awarded in our area were used for the following: Dolores Burned 284 acres to increase grass and forb production and reduce fuels on high use elk and deer winter range as part a larger-scale effort to treat 25,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands in the Dolores River Canyon. La Plata and Archuleta Applied noxious weed treatment with herbicide to 65 acres and 60 acres with biological control in Bonnell Canyon on the San Juan National Forest, an elk winter concentration and transition area 10 miles northeast of Bayfield.
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here will always be groups of people who may not fully agree with the whys and why nots of hunting big-game animals. However, there is plenty of proof in the actions of hunters that show their intentions don’t just lie with hunting, but also with state preservation. According to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, more than 6.6 million acres of North American wildlife habitat has been enhanced and protected by this organization alone. From 1985 to 2012, the state of Colorado saw 570 various conservation projects completed, valuing at $147 million, through the RMEF. The organization is comprised of over 205,000 members, 90 percent who are avid hunters. Anone who takes part in outdoor recreation can bank on license and registration fees, park and camping fees, sale of goods, and other wildlife fees to contribute to the billions of annual dollars that circulate back into maintaning the natural beauty throughout Colorado.
6 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u September 2015
Montrose and Gunnison Mechanically treat 500 acres of pinon-juniper and mountain shrub communities on the northwestern end of the Uncompahgre Plateau in the Uncompahgre National Forest in elk summer and winter concentration range in the final phase of a three-year project that previously treated 296 acres; improve 520 acres of elk year-long and high concentration winter range on public lands south of Grand Junction with weed treatment, riparian restoration, and reseeding (also affects Delta and Montrose counties). Burn 1,000 acres across three adjacent burn units to create a mosaic of underburned and burned areas and further enhance forage in previously mechanically treated oak and mountain brush habitat as well as isolated aspen stands on the Uncompahgre Plateau of the Uncompahgre National Forest to benefit elk winter, summer and transition range, mule deer summer and transition range and winter range for Merriam’s turkey. Hunting and fishing combined generates $1.8 billion a year, and more than 21,000 jobs are created in small towns helping to sustain and support rural areas. The importance of hunting goes far beyond the hunter.
What do hunters do for conservation? A lot. The sale of hunting licenses, tags, and stamps is the primary source of funding for most state wildlife conservation efforts. By respecting seasons and limits, purchasing all required licences, and paying federal excise taxes on hunting equipment and ammunition, individual hunters make a big contribution toward ensuring the future of many species of wildlife and habitat for the future. By paying the Federal excise tax on hunting equipment, hunters are contributing hundreds of millions of dollars for conservation programs that benefit many wildlife species, both hunted and non- hunted. Each year, nearly $200 million in hunters’ federal excise taxes are distributed to State agencies to support wildlife management programs, the purchase of lands open to hunters, and hunter education and safety classes. Proceeds from the Federal Duck Stamp, a required purchase for migratory waterfowl hunters, have purchased more than five million acres of habitat for the refuge system (2005 statistics only); lands that support waterfowl and many other wildlife species, and are usually open to hunting. Local hunting clubs and national conservation organizations work to protect the future of wildlife by setting aside thousands of acres of habitat and speaking up for conservation in our national and state capitals. Source: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
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n May 22, 2015 Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus member Governor John Hickenlooper signed Senate Bill 226 into law, making Colorado the 38th state to authorize the adoption of an apprentice hunting program based on the Families Afield model. When fully implemented, Senate Bill 226 will allow individuals, age 10 and up, to hunt under the supervision of an adult mentor prior to completing a hunter education course. Central to the Families Afield model, apprentice programs seek to minimize the barriers that prevent prospective hunters from trying out the sport before they commit to spending a significant amount of their time in a hunter education course. “For many Coloradans, hunting is a time-honored autumn ritual. However, participation in the hunting sports has declined over the last four decades. SB15-226 is aimed at reversing that trend by attracting new outdoor enthusiasm into the hunting sports by offering ease of access to first time hunters,” said Gov. Hickenlooper. “Sportsmen and wildlife enthusiasts also play an important role in the state’s economy, generating an estimated economic impact of $5 billion annually while supporting an estimated 50,000 jobs. This bill is also an important step toward our broader goal of engaging our next generation with Colorado’s remarkable outdoor opportunities and natural resources.” “The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) applauds Governor Hickenlooper for his role in establishing a Families Afield-style apprentice hunting program in Colorado. In a state with a longstanding and rich hunting heritage, it’s critically important that we welcome as many newcomers as possible to the outdoors,” said CSF Western States Director Andy Treharne. “Signing Senate Bill 226 moves us closer to achieving this goal.” Launched in 2004, Families Afield is a joint legislative effort led by CSF, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and the National Rifle Association. Since its inception, Families Afield has allowed nearly 1.5 million hunters to participate in the sport through apprentice hunting programs nationwide. Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the “lobbying” arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Visit www.nraila.org for updates on this bill.
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September 2015 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u 7
5-year season structure A
t the September 2014 Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting, the Commission approved the Big Game Season Structure for 2015-2019. Following is a summary of changes that began this year:
Youth Hunting In order to provide more opportunities to young hunters in Colorado, a minimum of 15 percent of limited licenses for doe pronghorn, antlerless and either-sex deer, and antlerless elk in all seasons and manners of take, except public Ranching for Wildlife and Air Force Academy seasons, will be available for youth hunters ages 12-17. In addition, youth hunters with unfilled limited antlerless or either-sex elk or deer licenses will be permitted to hunt any open antlerless rifle season for that species within the same units after their original licensed season has closed. Youth hunters are required to convert an unfilled either-sex elk or deer license to an antlerless license for the appropriate species prior to hunting in any antlerless season following the closure of their original licensed season. Deer, Elk, Moose, & Pronghorn The Big Game Season Structure for 2015-2019 will remain unchanged for deer, elk and moose. This is also true for pronghorn, except for muzzleloader season, which will open on September 21 (the day following closure of the archery pronghorn season) and run for 9 days. Public input demonstrated that most hunters are satisfied with the current season structure for these species and as a result, CPW kept most seasons the same. We also heard comments concerning the overlap among methods of take, especially for pronghorn, which CPW addressed through the change in the timing of pronghorn muzzleloader season. Pronghorn Muzzleloader Muzzleloader pronghorn season shall open on September 21 (the day following closure of archery pronghorn season) and run for 9 days. Mountain Lions & Bears April and regular mountain lion seasons will remain unchanged. However, CPW will initiate a process to establish a new fall mountain lion season in the future for hunters with a valid elk/deer license that will be valid during open rifle elk or deer seasons (hunting with hounds not permitted). For black bears, an over the counter archery season will open on September 2 and close on September 30 with no season participation restrictions. 8 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u September 2015
Another change for black bears is that there will be two regular, rifle limited bear seasons with the first opening on September 2 and closing on September 30 and the second opening with first rifle elk and ending with the close of the fourth rifle deer/elk season. These licenses will only be valid during open rifle deer/elk seasons and hunters must have a valid deer/elk license overlapping at least one of their bear unit(s) if hunting west of I-25 or in GMU 140. These changes were made in response to public interest in providing more hunting opportunity for these species while factoring in other management considerations. Preference Points There was no changing alternative to the preference point system at this point in time. This system established a wait list or draw priority for Colorado’s limited licenses to hunt deer, elk, pronghorn and bear. According to the Big Game Attitude Survey, there was interest in a random draw for respondents with fewer points and a banking system for respondents with higher points. CPW strives to balance predictability for hunters waiting to draw with access to our hunts and ability to be able to hunt every year with offering preference to hunters who consistently participate in the draw. The current system takes all of these into account and any change to the system would have a negative impact on these factors. For more information, view the 2015-2019 Season Structure brochure found at www.cpw.state.co.us.
Avoiding accidents in the backcountry A
ny activity in the backcountry encompasses a degree of risk. Managing that risk effectively involves planning and preparedness. Although a few backcountry mishaps are totally unavoidable, most are the result of a chain of events involving poor decision making, and inadequate planning and preparedness. The decision making process can be improved with thoughtful planning and preparedness by identifying potential risks. A key element in planning is having a method for letting someone know that you are in trouble. That could mean simply hunting with a partner, leaving a location and time expected back at home or camp, or having a reliable communication device. Countless hours of Search and Rescue volunteers’ time is wasted every hunting season, looking for people who simply underestimate their projected time out. However, in the case of a serious medical problem, reliable communications is and always will be the hands down winner. Going through “what if” scenarios before heading into the backcountry can go a long way toward identifying skillsets and equipment needed for effective problem solving. Preparedness involves knowledge and equipment. Here are some possible approaches to preparing for those risks: • Weather – Have adequate clothing to deal with cold and wet conditions. The newer synthetic clothing offers significant protection over cotton. The ability to build a fire can be a lifesaver. Do not underestimate the difficulty of starting and maintaining a fire in wet conditions, more oftentimes than not, low tech solutions to fire building work best – a couple of Bic lighters and pieces of bicycle inner tube or fuel cubes. Practice building a fire under wet conditions to learn what works best for you. • Terrain - Get yourself in shape before your hunting trip then recognize your limitations. As you get higher in altitude make sure you increase your water intake. Altitude and alcohol are a bad combination. Another planning consideration is selecting hunting terrain that is consistent with your physical abilities. Even people that are acclimated to Durango’s altitude can expect to struggle at 11,000’ in steep terrain. Whether you choose to use a map and compass, or GPS, make sure that you are certain of your navigation skills and practice before venturing in the backcountry. The same terrain that is difficult for you is also challenging on an ATV or on horseback. Develop your riding skills before your hunt and, again, recognize your limitations. • Illness/injury – Illness or injury can occur anytime, anyplace. Having an understanding of first aid and the equipment to deal with injury is a basic life skill. At some point all of us will be in a situation where we will have to administer aid to ourselves or another. Excellent training is available through classes, books or online. • Communication – Cell towers do not exist in the wilderness and cell coverage is spotty even on our county roads. That being said, most of our calls for help come in by cell phone; dropped, garbled calls are the norm. Be prepared to give the most vital information which includes; precise location and the nature of the emergency. Precise location can not be emphasized enough – the more precise the better.
Emergency locators are becoming more common and the use of satellite technology over cell technology is becoming more reliable. The most popular emergency, satellite locator is the send only device, Spot Messenger. The Spot Messenger simply sends a pre-programmed message that you need help and your GPS location. The Delorme InReach is another satellite emergency locator that has the advantage of being able to send and receive text messages as well as send your GPS location. Although significantly more expensive, the gold standard in backcountry communications is the Iridium Satellite phone. They provide two way communications and can be rented online at reasonable costs. In a medical emergency, effective communication will make the difference between life and death. This article is not meant to be all-inclusive, but rather as a stimulus for thought. Each of the readers’ needs, experience and willingness to prepare will be unique. This information was provided by the Gardenswartz Team. Gardenswartz is a downtown Durango business with two locations distributing the best outdoor sports gear, clothing, accessories and other outdoor needs.
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Dolores - Dry Creek GMUs 70, 71, 711, 72, 73 Montrose CPW: (970) 252-6000 Durango CPW: (970) 247-0855 71, 711, 72, 73 - San Juan National Forest 70 - Uncompahgre National Forest
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his area covers a 2,800-square-mile landscape from the west side of the Uncompahgre Plateau to the Utah state line and south to the New Mexico border. Habitat throughout these GMUs is favorable for big game. Weather can change quickly so be prepared for all conditions. There is good vehicle access in these areas; consequently, hunting pressure is heavy on public lands. An exception is the Lizard Head Wilderness Area, GMU 71, which is accessible by foot and horseback only. Most of unit 72 and the western sections of 70 and 711 are desert terrain - not elk friendly. Be aware of private land in the northern sections of GMUs 71 and 711, and in the southern section of GMU 70. The southern half of units 72 and 73 is tribal land. Hunting by non-tribal members is prohibited. Deer In the northern units, the buck-to-doe ratio is high so more buck licenses were allotted for 2015. In the southern units, the ratio is dropping so no new licenses were added. In the early seasons, deer are evenly distributed, mostly above 8,000-feet.
Deer concentrate on winter ranges in Dry Creek Basin, Disappointment Valley and along the rim of the Dolores River Canyon. GMU 70 in Dry Creek Basin is recommended in the third and fourth seasons. Estimated deer population: 16,700 (includes all five GMUs); 3-year average sex ratio: 26 bucks per 100 does ( GMUs 70, 71, 711); 3-year average sex ratio: 28 bucks per 100 does (GMUS 72 and 73). Elk The elk population is holding steady and herds are at objective levels. Generally, GMU 71 is better early in the season, but will hold elk on south-facing slopes during the later seasons. GMU 711 becomes better as the season progresses. The opportunity to see a mature bull is only fair. There are many young bulls in this unit, so be careful not to shoot a spike. Hunt away from roads and OHV trails for the best chance of success. Estimated elk population: 19,200 3-year average sex ratio: 16 bulls per 100 cows. MOOSE ARE PRESENT HERE -- BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET!
2014 Deer Harvest Statistics Dolores/Dry Creek GMU
Season
Bulls
Harvest
Hunters
GMU
Season
Bulls
Harvest
Hunters
70 70 70
Archery Muzzle 2nd Rifle
29 19 283
29 57 292
101 57 448
711 711 711
Archery Muzzle 2nd Rifle
3 2 103
3 5 109
32 28 186
71 71 71
Archery Muzzle 2nd Rifle
24 12 79
35 17 80
99 49 198
72 72 72
Archery Muzzle 2nd Rifle
10 12 174
12 15 277
44 28 293
10 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u September 2015
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September 2015 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u 11
Hermosa
GMUs 74, 741 Durango CPW: (970) 247-0855 San Juan National Forest Elevations range from about 6,000-feet near the New Mexico border to more than 12,000 feet near Silverton.
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n abundance of vegetation provides good summer range, but winter range is declining because of development. Public land is abundant in GMU 74 with much of it quite remote. Where road access is good expect hunting pressure. Most of the land in GMU 741 is private or part of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. Only members of the tribe can hunt on the reservation. The Bureau of Reclamation owns the property around Nighthorse Reservoir near Durangp and currently hunting is not allowed. Hunting is allowed on the 3,000 acres owned by CPW in the adjacent Bodo State Wildlife Area. Deer Hunting Good fawn production and survival the past few years has helped this population. The buck-to-doe ratio is high, so it is possible to find quality bucks. In October, deer move from their summer range at the high elevations in the north to their winter range to the south. In the early seasons deer hunting can be good near timberline. As deer begin to move to winter range they can be more difficult to find. Look for timbered areas with a good mix of open meadows or undergrowth. Deer will head to winter range, usually 8,500 feet and below, during the third rifle season in a typical year. The lower portions of Junction Creek and areas further south can provide good deer hunting in the later seasons. Estimated deer population: 5,300; 3-year average sex ratio: 37 bucks per 100 does.
From top to bottom: Perins Peak, Andrews Lake and Bodo State Wildlife Areas are located in GMUs 74 and 741 of the Hermosa hunting region.
Elk Hunting The elk herd is below objective but the population is stable and increasing slightly. CPW is working to increase the population and has reduced cow harvest in this unit over the past several years. This has been done by decreasing cow and either-sex licenses. Most elk in GMU 74 are at higher elevation areas until snow accumulation pushes them down. Hunters willing to go into rugged terrain could be rewarded. Consider hunting near Engineer Mountain, in the Hermosa Creek drainage west of the Purgatory ski resort. and up Junction Creek just northwest of Durango. Finding bulls is tough. They have survived by knowing how to avoid hunters. Concentrate on rugged terrain away from other hunters. Weather often dictates the success rate in this area. Estimated elk population: 4,500; 3-year estimated sex ratio: 16 bulls per 100 cows. MOOSE ARE PRESENT HERE – BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET!
2014 Deer Harvest Statistics Hermosa Region GMU
Season
Bucks
Harvest
Hunters
GMU
Season
Bucks
Harvest
Hunters
74 74 74
Archery Muzzle Early
45 41 15
45 41 15
98 92 18
74 74 74
2nd Rifle 3rd Rifle 4th Rifle
55 21 8
55 21 8
181 70 34
741 741 741
Archery Muzzle 2nd Rifle
16 10 69
18 10 106
44 28 218
741 741
3rd Rifle 4th Rifle
107 30
161 49
240 64
12 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u September 2015
San Juan Basin
GMUs 75, 77, 78, 751, 771 Durango CPW: (970) 247-0855 San Juan National Forest Public land and road access is good at mid to high elevations in these units – between Durango and Wolf Creek Pass.
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eather can change quickly and be severe. If the weather is warm, animals will be scattered widely in the vast alpine terrain. Hunters should concentrate their efforts away from roads. Two wilderness areas– the Weminuche on the north and the South San Juan in the southeast – offer good back-country hunting opportunities. If you’re hunting the backcountry in earlier seasons plan to get a harvested animal out and into a cooler quickly. Temperatures are often in the 70s and meat will start to spoil within a day. South of U.S. Highway 160 much of the land is privately owned or part of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. To access pockets of public land within the Southern Ute boundaries you must obtain a crossing permit ($25) from the tribe. Hunting is not allowed on tribal lands. Deer Hunting After a few years of cutting licenses the population appears to be stable with a good buck-to-doe ratio. The areas with the best deer hunting on public lands are: the HD Mountains, the Piedra River, Florida River and Los Pinos drainages, and lands southeast of Pagosa Springs. A large percentage of the deer in these units initiate north-to-south migration in mid-October. After the first week of November deer are typically on winter range. Much of the winter range occupied by this herd is on private land or tribal property. Estimated deer population: 21,500 3-year estimated sex ratio: 30 bucks per 100 does. Elk Hunting Even though cow licenses were cut the previous few years this herd is not growing. CPW is watching this population closely and working on management strategies. Hunters must be prepared to walk into remote and forested areas. In early seasons stick to cool areas on north-facing slopes in the spruce/fir and aspen forests. In late seasons, ponderosa pine forests and oak brush can be productive. Areas south of Pagosa Springs and east of Highway 84 can provide good hunting as snow begins to accumulate. The Missionary Ridge Road (FS Rd 38 682) and Beaver Meadows Rd (FS 135) provide access into good elk country in GMUs 75-751 as does the Mosca Road (FS 631) and FS Road 634 in GMU 77. Estimated elk population: 17,700 3-year estimated sex ratio: 14 bulls per 100 cows
From top to bottom: Pastorius Reservoir, Devil Creek and Williams Creek are state wildlife areas located in GMUs 75 and 77.
MOOSE ARE PRESENT HERE – BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET!
2014 Elk Harvest Statistics San Juan Basin Region GMU
Season
Bulls
Harvest
Hunters
GMU
Season
Bulls
Harvest
Hunters
75 75 75
Archery Muzzle Early
27 0 0
63 3 64
441 36 118
77 77 77
Archery Muzzle Early
67 0 0
71 9 4
544 38 14
751 751 751
Archery Muzzle 1st Rifle
39 0 24
47 2 41
346 22 224
771 771 771
Archery Muzzle 1st Rifle
16 0 0
16 0 0
124 3 55
September 2015 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u 13
2015 Season Dates
Big Game Animals
Archer Deer/Elk (west of I-25 and Unit 140) Aug. 29–Sept. 27 Plains Deer (east of I-25, except Unit 140) Oct. 1–23; Nov. 4–30; Dec. 15–31 Moose Sept. 12–27 Pronghorn (bucks only) Aug. 15–31 Pronghorn (either sex) Sept. 1–20 Muzzleloader (by draw only) Deer/elk/moose Sept. 12–20 Plains deer (east of I-25, except Unit 140) Oct. 10–18 Pronghorn Sept. 21–29 Rifle Deer/Elk/Moose Moose Oct. 1–14 Separate limited elk (1st season) Oct. 10–14 Combined (deer/elk) (2nd season) Oct. 17–25 (3rd season) Oct. 31-Nov.8 Combined limited (deer/elk) (4th season) Nov. 11–15 Plains deer (east of I-25, except Unit 140) Oct. 24–Nov. 3 Late plains deer (east of I-25, except Unit 140) Dec. 1–14 Rifle Pronghorn (by draw only) Pronghorn Oct. 3–9 Black Bear Rifle limited (by draw) Sept. 2–30 Archery (over-the-counter with caps) Sept. 2–30 Muzzleloading (over-the-counter with caps) Sept. 12–20 Rifle (over-the-counter with caps) concurrent with deer/elk rifle seasons 14 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u September 2015
Birds
Band-tailed pigeon Sept. 1 – 14 Statewide NOTE: permit required through HIP Chukar partridge Sept. 1 - Nov. 30 Statewide: except units 9, 19, 191 Doves: mourning dove and white-winged dove Sept. 1 - Nov. 9 Statewide Eurasian-collared dove ONLY Year-round Statewide European starlings, English or house sparrows Year-round Statewide
Small Game Animals
All small game animals can be hunted statewide. There are no unit restrictions.
Abert’s Squirrels Nov. 15 - Jan. 15 Beaver Oct. 1 - April 30 Bobcat Dec. 1 - end of Feb. Cottontails, Snowshoe Hare, White-Tailed & Black-Tailed Jackrabbits Oct. 1 - end of Feb. Coyote Year-round Fox & Pine Squirrels Oct. 1 - the end of Feb. Marmot Aug. 10 - Oct. 15 Badger, Mink, Pine Marten, Gray Fox, Red Fox, Swift Fox, Raccoon, Ring-Tailed Cat, Striped Skunk, Western Spotted Skunk, Long-Tailed Weasel, Short-Tailed Weasel, Opossum, Muskrat Nov. 1 - the end of Feb.
Hawking/Falconry
All small game animals can be hunted statewide. There are no unit restrictions.
Pheasant Sept. 1 - Mar. 31 Quail: Northern bobwhite, scaled & Gambel’s Sept. 1 - Mar. 31 White-tailed ptarmigan Sept. 1 - Mar. 31
207584
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