Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide 2017

Plan your hunting adventures with our regional information, as well as guidelines and recipes for game meat.

AIM

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PACKING & SHIPPING 2 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u September 2017

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER DOUGLAS BENNETT VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING DAVID HABRAT DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICES TODD BARTZ TAD SMITH DESIGNER CHRISTIAN RIDINGS EDITOR HUNTER HARRELL

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES COLLEEN DONLEY KELLY BULKLEY TANA BOWEN SHAWNA LONG TERESSA NELSON EMILY ROOS ADVERTISING DESIGN/ PREPRESS SAM LINDSAY JUSTIN MEEK RYAN BROWN

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

Bureau of Land Management Directory *FO=Field Office

Norwood RD Norwood (970) 327-4261 Ouray RD Montrose (970) 240-5300 Durango (970) 247-4874 Pagosa RD Pagosa Springs (970) 264-1500

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

- Letter from the editor - News briefs - Hunting season dates - Dolores Dry Creek - Hermosa - San Juan Basin - Gun sighting - Outfitters -Donating meat - Game cuts & recipes

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September 2017 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u 3

Letter from the editor: On the first of October every year, fresh flowers arrived to my home, school or work. Vase after vase, year after year, the flowers were arranged in brilliant fall colors, decorated with maple leaves and deer antlers. They smelled like warmth and sunshine at the time when days were growing shorter. My father always sent my mother and I these flowers as a reminder of the hunting season. My mom always felt like it was something to make up for the hours that he was gone, but I saw it more as a celebration of our favorite season.

For my dad, family meals were replaced with plates left in the microwave from October to mid-November. Some days when I hopped off the bus and bounced up the driveway, I’d see the garage door left ajar and a note on the counter inside: “I’ll be home at dark-thirty. Love you!”

I vividly remember the nights that he was successful in his endeavor. I’d see an extra pair of headlights in the driveway and make a second plate of leftovers for our guest. I’d sit at the bar, watch them both shovel scoops of food into their mouths while still in full camo, and ask about their hunt. Then I’d follow them out to the shed and hang out while they dressed the animal.

What’s more clouded, but important about the way I grew up is how my father described hunting to me as tradition, and respect for the animal and nature’s cycle. Every successful hunt meant an abundance of meat for not only my family, but our friends and neighbors too. My dad takes pride in providing and protecting, and hunting is just one way he fulfills his purpose, and I’m thankful for all the hunters out there just like him.

4 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u September 2017

Colorado Parks and Wildlife news briefs Colorado State Park camping opportunities

Four state parks in the Southwest Region offer outstanding camping facilities, including showers and electricity. Some also offer cabins and yurts. For information, call: Mancos State Park (970) 882-2213 · Ridgway State Park (970) 626-5822 Crawford State Park (970) 921-5721 · Navajo State Park (970) 882-2208

2017 license reissue policy

Any license returned to CPW that took five or more preference points to draw will be manually reissued to the next eligible person based on the residency status of the returned license. For each license returned, CPW will contact the next five people from the current year’s draw order.

If one of those individuals accepts the license from the manual reissue process all of that person’s preference points will be used. If a person has a current conflicting license for that species, they may exchange their current license for the one being offered.

If none of those five people accept the license from the manual reissue process, it will be placed onto the leftover list at random intervals. Any license that is returned to CPW that took fewer than five preference points to draw will automatically be placed onto the leftover list at random intervals. Customers who obtain a license from the leftover list will not have to use their preference points.

CPW will make more changes to the license refund, reissue and exchange policies in 2017. Keep up to date by visiting the website www.cpw.state.co.us/refunds.

Mandatory Chronic Wasting Disease Testing in Select GMUs

In order to gauge the presence of CWD in select deer herds, CPW will require mandatory submission of CWD test samples from some hunterharvested bucks and does during the 2017 archery, muzzleloader and rifle seasons. Any notified hunter that harvests a deer in the hunts specified will be required to present their deer for testing at a CPW facility. There will be no charge for this mandatory testing. For information regarding where and how to submit a sample, as well as affected GMUs, visit the website www.cpw.state.co.us/bg/CWD.

Big game now included in walk-in access program

CPW is initiating a pilot big game access component within the WalkIn Access Program for 2017 that will allow public access to some WIA properties for deer, elk and pronghorn hunting, within season dates of Sept. 1-Dec. 31. Information on specific enrolled properties are available in the Walk-In Access brochure.

Hunter Pink an alternative to Hunter Orange

It is legal for hunters to wear solid fluorescent pink clothing as an alternative to solid daylight fluorescent orange garments. This law applies to those who take deer, elk, pronghorn, moose or black bear with any firearm. Private Ranching for Wildlife hunters hunting with archery equipment are not required to wear fluorescent orange or pink, although they may consider wearing it if concerned about visibility to other humans.

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September 2017 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u 5

Season dates Hunt dates may vary by license type and hunt location. Ultimately, it is up to the hunter to know season dates and what the license allows.

Please also be aware of varying bag limits. For more information, visit www.cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/RulesRegs.aspx

SMALL GAME Abert’s Squirrels ~ November 15 - January 15 Beaver ~ October 1 - April 30 Bobcat ~ December 1 - February 28 Common Snapping Turtle ~ April 1 - October 31 Cottontails, Snowshoe Hare, Jackrabbits ~ October 1 - February 28 Coyote ~ Year Round Fox/Pine Squirrels ~ October 1 - February 28 Marmot ~ August 10 - October 15 Prairie Dog ~ June 15 - February 28 Prairie Rattlesnake ~ June 15 - August 15 Wyoming Ground Squirrel ~ Year Round Mink, Pine Marten, Badger, Gray Fox, Red Fox, Swift Fox, Raccoon, Rign-Tailed Cat, Striped Skunk, Western Spotted Skunk, Long-Tailed Weasel, Short-Tailed Weasel, Opossum & Muskrat ~ November 1 - February 28

MIGRATORY & SMALL GAME BIRDS BIG GAME DEER/ELK Archery ~ August 26 - September 24 Muzzleloader ~ September 9-17 Second Rifle ~ October 21-29 Third Rifle ~ November 4-12 Fourth Rifle ~ November 14-19 PLAINS DEER

Archery ~ October 1-27, November 8-30, December 15-31 Muzzleloader ~ October 14-27 Rifle ~ October 8- November 7 MOOSE

Archery ~ September 9-24 Muzzleloader ~ September 9-17 Rifle ~ October 1-14

PRONGHORN Archery ~ August 15 - September 20 Muzzleloader ~ September 21-29 Rifle ~ October 7-13 BEAR

Archery (over-the-counter w/ caps) ~ September 2-30 Muzzleloader (over-the-counter w/ caps) ~ September 9-17 Rifle (limited) ~ September 2-30 Concurrent Rifle (over-the-counter w/ caps) ~ October 14 - November 19

SHEEP & GOAT

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep ~ August 5 - December 31 Mountain Goat ~ September 5 - October 31 Desert Bighorn Sheep ~ November 1 - 30 6 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u September 2017

Band-Tailed Pigeon ~ September 1 - 14 Chukar Partridge ~ September 1 - November 30 Crow ~ November 1 - February 28 Mourning, White-Winged Doves ~ September 1 - November 29 Eurasian-Collared Dove ~ Year-Round European Starlings, Sparrows ~ Year-Round Greater Prairie Chicken ~ October 1 - January 7 Grouse: Dusky (Blue) ~ September 1 - November 19 Grouse: Greater Sage ~ September 9-15 Grouse: Mountain Sharp-Tailed ~ September 1-17 Pheasant ~ November 11 - January 31 Quail: Northern Bobwhite, Scaled, Gambel’s ~ November 11 - January 31 Sandhill Crane ~ September 30 - November 26 Sora & Virginia Rail ~ September 1 - November 9 White-Tailed Ptarmigan ~ September 9 - October 1 Wilson’s Snipe ~ September 1 - December 16 DUCKS & COOTS

Western Zone ~ September 30 - October 18 & November 4 - January 28 Eastern Zone ~ September 30 - January 12 GEESE

Western Zone ~ September 30 - October 9 & November 4 - January 28 Eastern Zone ~ September 30 - January 3

Dolores Dry Creek GMUs 70, 71, 711, 72, 73

Covering 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, the habitat throughout these GMUs is favorable for big game. With altitudes from 5,000 feet to more than 12,000 feet, the vegetation ranges from desert shrubs to alpine tundra. Weather can change quickly, so be prepared for all conditions. There is good vehicle access in these areas; consequently, hunting pressure can be heavy in areas of easily accessible public land. An exception is the Lizard Head Wilderness Area, GMU 71, which is accessible by foot and horseback only.

Be aware of private land in the northern sections of GMUs 71 and 711, and in the southern section of GMU 70. The southern section of GMU 70.

The southern half of units 72 and 73 is tribal land. Hunting by non-tribal members is prohibited. Hunting is prohibited at Mesa Verde National Park.

Deer Hunting The deer population, after several years of decline, has bounced back and is growing again. In the northern units, the buck-to-doe ratio is high so more buck licenses were allotted for 2017.

In the early seasons, deer are evenly distributed, mostly above 8,000 feet.

Deer begin migrating to lower elevations, generally from east to west, in mid-October. Snow will cause them to move to lower elevations earlier.

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: 23,000 (includes all five GMUs) 3-year average sex ratio: 30 bucks per 100 does GMU 70, 71, 711

28 bucks per 100 does GMU 72, 73

Elk Hunting The elk population is holding steady, but calf recruitment is very low and big-game managers are, working to determine the reasons. If you hold a cow tag, be sure you’re hunting in the correct GMU. Animals are distributed widely throughout the eastern portion of these units. 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. Elk will move quickly into thick aspen, evergreens and rugged terrain with hunting pressure. Hunt the edges of timbered areas slowly at first light and at sundown when elk are most active. 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 Three-year average sex ratio: 16 bulls per 100 cows

2016 Elk Harvest Statistics San Juan Basin Region GMU

Season

Bulls

Harvest

Hunters

GMU

Season

Bulls

Harvest

Hunters

70 70 70

Archery Muzzle 1st Rifle

82 26 164

113 53 223

752 263 518

711 711 711

Archery Muzzle 2nd Rifle

38 3 50

48 13 63

306 76 441

71 71 71

Archery Muzzle 2nd Rifle

61 17 116

54 11 146

279 44 850

72 72 72

Archery Muzzle 3rd Rifle

13 4 13

13 4 13

173 28 154

2016 Deer Harvest Statistics San Juan Basin Region GMU

Season

Bulls

Harvest

Hunters

GMU

Season

Bulls

Harvest

Hunters

70 70 70

Archery Muzzle 3rd Rifle

8 19 339

8 19 350

108 65 501

711 711 711

Archery Muzzle 3rd Rifle

10 7 169

10 7 169

46 19 315

71 71 71

Archery Muzzle 2nd Rifle

23 11 99

23 11 99

93 44 201

72 72 72

Archery Muzzle 2nd Rifle

20 23 121

20 23 121

52 36 172

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2016 Elk Harvest Statistics San Juan Basin Region GMU

Season

Bulls

Harvest

Hunters

74 74 74

Archery Muzzle 1st Rifle

79 14 69

116 27 107

853 112 297

741 741 741

Archery Muzzle 3rd Rifle

3 0 17

13 0 17

75 2 101

2016 Deer Harvest Statistics San Juan Basin Region GMU

Season

Bulls

Harvest

Hunters

74 74 74

Archery Muzzle 3rd Rifle

25 40 39

25 40 39

102 99 116

741 741 741

Archery Muzzle 3rd Rifle

15 13 127

19 14 139

52 32 219

Hermosa GMUs 74, 741

Elevations range from about 6,000 feet near the New Mexico border to well over 12,000 feet near Silverton. An abundance of vegetation provides good summer range, but winter range on the south is declining because of development. Public land is abundant in GMU 74 with much of it quite remote. Expect hunting pressure where road access is good.

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. No hunting is allowed around Nighthorse Reservoir which is owned by the Bureau of Reclamation. Hunting is allowed on the 3,000 acres owned by CPW in the adjacent Bodo State Wildlife Area.

Deer Hunting This population is holding steady, and the buck-to-doe ration is high, so it is possible to find quality bucks. In October, deer move from summer range at the high elevations in the north to southern winter range.

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: 4,600 Three-year average sex ratio: 33 bucks per 100 does Elk Hunting The elk herd is at the low end of the population objective and calf recruitment is well below average. CPW is working to increase the population and has reduced cow harvest in this unit over the past several years and again this year. 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 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: 5,000 Three-year estimated sex ratio: 19 bulls per 100 cows.

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San Juan Basin GMUs 75, 77, 78, 751, 771

Public land and road access is good at mid-to high elevations in these units which lie between Durango and Wolf Creek Pass. Elevations range from about 6,500 feet to more than 12,000 feet. Weather 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 corner – offer good backcountry hunting opportunities. If you’re hunting the backcountry during earlier seasons, get a harvested animal out and into a cooler quickly. Temperatures in the early seasons are often in he 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 Indian Reservation boundaries you must obtain a crossing permit ($25) from the tribe. Call (970) 563-0125 for information.

Hunting is not allowed on tribal lands.

Elk Hunting Even though cow licenses have been reduced in the last few years, this herd is not growing and license numbers have been reduced by about 10 percent for last year. Hunters must be prepared to walk into remote and heavily-forested areas to find animals. Do not expect to see elk from roads or areas open to OHV use. In the early seasons, stick to north facing slopes in the spruce/fir and aspen forests. Elk will move lower when snow accumulation is significant. In late seasons, ponderosa pine forests and oak brush are usually productive.

The wilderness area boundary north of Pagosa Springs often holds elk when snow pushes them down. Areas south of Pagosa Springs and east of Highway 84 can provide good hunting as snow begins to accumulate.

Access is provided by the Mill Creek Road, Rio Blanco Road and Buckles Lake Road. Hunters who don’t mind working in rough country can be successful in the hills on either side of the Piedra River north of Highway 160. The Missionary Ridge Road and Beaver Meadows Road provide access into good elk country in GMUs 75 and 751 as does the Mosca Road and Forest Service Road 634 in GMU 77.

Estimated elk population: 1,900 Three-year estimated sex ratio: 14 bulls per 100 cows

Deer Hunting After a few years of cutting licenses, the population is growing. License numbers were increased in 2016 and will hold at those levels this season.

Deer hunting will be excellent in all GMUs and hunters should be able to find bucks. 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: 22,500 Three-year estimated sex ratio: 34 bucks per 100 does

2016 Deer Harvest Statistics San Juan Basin Region GMU

Season

Bulls

Harvest

Hunters

GMU

Season

Bulls

Harvest

Hunters

75 75 75

Archery Muzzle 2nd Rifle

41 51 155

66 52 159

170 115 302

77 77 77

Archery Muzzle 2nd Rifle

39 28 188

51 30 191

119 114 441

751 751 751

Archery Muzzle 2nd Rifle

6 31 121

20 14 124

83 32 250

771 771 771

Archery Muzzle 3rd Rifle

9 10 151

14 10 151

31 39 188

2016 Elk Harvest Statistics San Juan Basin Region GMU

Season

Bulls

Harvest

Hunters

GMU

Season

Bulls

Harvest

Hunters

75 75 75

Archery Muzzle 3rd Rifle

27 11 88

30 21 125

508 81 474

77 77 77

Archery Muzzle 3rd Rifle

24 10 103

48 17 113

632 118 886

751 751 751

Archery Muzzle 1st Rifle

31 4 42

37 7 71

364 48 205

771 771 771

Archery Muzzle 3rd Rifle

3 0 35

3 0 35

99 14 278

September 2017 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u 9

Set your sights on a successful hunt

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Every hunter knows there is a certain amount of luck involved in the pursuit of game, but a few key preparations can increase the odds of a successful trip. Since bullets travel in an arc rather than a straight line, adjusting weapon sights before each hunt can increase the likelihood of bringing home a trophy.

The first step in sighting the weapon has little to do with the weapon at all.

In fact, the first step is to make sure you are in a safe location for sighting the weapon. While some public lands allow hunters to sight-in big game rifles, gun ranges often have sight-in days as well.

Next, stabilize the rifle and peer through the barrel. When the barrel is lined up with your target look through the scope without moving the rifle and adjust the crosshairs to your target. Some gunsmiths or gun shops have a device that can perform this action in a fraction of the time it would take a person. For those in a time crunch, this is a great alternative.

After sighting without ammunition, it’s time to test out the shot. If working with a new rifle or scope, start with a 25 to 50 yard target to make sure your bullet is at close range. If you’re simply tuning an established rifle and scope, go straight for the 100-yard target and use the elevation and windage adjustments to fine-tune. Due to different weight, styles and powders among bullets, it’s important that the ammunition used to sight the weapon is used in the hunt as well. Try a couple shots, and adjust crosshairs accordingly.

Regional Ranges DURANGO Durango Gun Club (970) 247-9722 Robinson Game Birds LLC (970) 259-4673 Evil Roy Shooting School (970) 385-4141 BAYFIELD Bayfield Lions Club Shooting Range (970) 247-0855 CORTEZ Four Corners Rifle and Pistol Club (970) 560-2291 Shooter’s World (970) 565-8960 10 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u September 2017

Outfitters With the abundance of wildlife in the Four Corners region, hunters don’t have to travel far for a successful trip. To receive assistance in planning, contact an outfitter to help guide the adventure. Even local hunters benefit from hiring an outfitter by discovering new areas to hunt in the region. These professionals will provide hunters with an unforgettable time full of great views, and hopefully a successful hunt.

What is an outfitter?

Outfitters are a person or business that offers services in hunting and fishing. These services might include guide activities, equipment, accommodations, lodging and food.

Depending on the size of the operation, an outfitter may be a multi-staff organization or a sole proprietorship. The size of the company shouldn’t play a big role choosing an outfitter, but the quality of its services should.

Talk to a few Once research is complete, it’s time to discuss pricing options with your local outfitters. Make a list of the top three organizations you would like to interview and reach out by email or phone.

Some potential questions to ask to ensure needs will be met: · Can you provide a list of references I can call or email to inquire about the experience you provide? · What is your expertise and experience hunting the areas where you provide outfitting services? · What are your most popular packages, and what can I expect to pay for each of them?

Picking an Outfitter Once you decide to schedule the next big hunting trip, consider the local hotspots. Staying close to home means less time driving and more time hunting. Check in with the region’s most popular outfitters to get quotes on an adventure.

Check reviews by others who have used their services as well. There are plenty of hunting forums online that give hunters the chance to leave their reviews. Follow prospective outfitters or area hunting groups on social media to stay connected.

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There are fewer sports with as many rules and regulations as hunting.

Even transporting an animal after a kill requires special care. Here are few things to remember after the kill.

Carcasses must be properly tagged and meet evidence of sex and antler-point requirements.

Hunters must keep their own license.

Carcass tags or donation certificates have to accompany processed meat.

To ship by commercial carrier, the license, photocopy of license, carcass tag or donation certificate must accompany carcass or processed meat.

Bounty can benefit poor population After the thrill of the kill, hunters must decide what to do with all that meat. Most choose to have it processed for personal use. Few realize that area food banks will take game meat donations as long as the animal is processed by a licensed facility.

Today, nearly one in eight people in this state struggle with food security, according to Hunger-Free Colorado. For seniors, choosing between buying groceries or necessary medication can cause stress on a fixed income.

Furthermore, 75 percent of individuals that receive food stamps live with children. To combat food insecurity, donation programs have grown steadily since the recession.

With the bountiful wildlife of rural Colorado, families in the area could receive the help they need from area donation programs. However, that requires hunters to take on the task of finding a place to process the meat, and then locate a food pantry or organization that is able to store and distribute the meat. Sometimes, that means hunters must deliver the processed meat to the donation location themselves.

Director of Durango Food Bank Sarah Smith says both hunters and recipients benefit from game meat donation. Hunters can write-off the

Hunters transporting game through national parks or monuments must follow federal regulations. Contact the National Park Service for questions or information.

expense of processing game and feel good about helping others if they choose to donate. Recipients benefit from heartier meals and variety in their diet.

Some meat processors such as The Buck Stops Here in Pagosa Springs reward hunters for donating by offering small discounts to customers that donate all or a portion of the processed meat to local food pantries or families in need. What’s more, organizations are slowly making the donation process easier as funds become available.

“If an individual takes their meat to be processed and says they want all or a portion of that animal donated, the business completes the processing,” Smith said. “Once the processing is complete, we wait for a call from the business, and take our refrigerated truck to pick it up. A donation receipt completes the whole process.”

Not all places that take donations have the storage space for an abundance of meat, however. Calling ahead ensures the product will not go to waste.

If an area food bank can not take the donation, check with local churches or other nonprofit organizations focused on feeding the community.

Donation certificates showing names, addresses and telephone numbers of both donor and recipient are required for all game meat donations.

They must also include the donor’s hunting license number, species and amounts donated, date of kill and the donor’s signature. No special form required for this document, but it must stay with the meat until completely consumed. Donor and recipient are subject to bag and possession limits.

September 2017 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u 13

Recipes for Wild Game Wild game is the original free-range, grassfed source of protein. One of the benefits of harvesting game is using the meat for wholesome meals at home in the coming seasons. Compared to domestic livestock, wild game is often low fat, lean protein and full of minerals such as iron and zinc. And the best part - it’s easy to substitute ground beef with ground elk for a new twist on an old favorite.

Here are just a few of my favorite recipes.

ELK CHILI 1 ½ pounds ground elk meat 2 large yellow onions, diced 2 (10 ounce) cans tomato sauce 1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes 1 (15 ounce can) kidney beans, drained 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper ½ cup brown sugar Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 1 hour Ready in: 1 hour 30 minutes In a large dutch oven, cook ground elk until evenly browned. Drain excess grease.

Pour tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, kidney beans and green chilies into the skillet with the meat. Stir to blend. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, oregano and brown sugar.

Cover and simmer over low heat for at least one hour.

ONION ELK STROGANOFF 1 ½ pounds elk roast 1 ½ tablespoons steak seasoning 1 teaspoon rubbed sage 1 small onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, chopped 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of onion soup 1 cup water 1 cup sour cream Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 5 hours 30 minutes Ready in: 5 hours 45 minutes Season elk roast with steak seasoning and safe.

Place into slow cooker along with onion, garlic, cream of onion soup and water. Cover and cook on low until the elk is easily shredded with a fork, between five and seven hours. Stir in the sour cream, and cook 30 minutes more.

Serve shredded with sides or noodles.

CHICKEN FRIED VENISON STEAKS 2 cups seasoned dry breadcrumbs ½ cup all-purpose flour Salt and pepper to taste 2 eggs 2 tablespoons milk 4 (6 ounce) venison loin steaks, pounded to ¼ inch thick ½ cup vegetable oil Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Ready in: 45 minutes Combine the breadcrumbs, flour, salt and pepper in a Ziploc bag beat the eggs and milk together in a shallow bowl.

Dip each steak into the egg mixture, place in the plastic bag and shake to coat.

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the steaks, turning once, about six to eight minutes per side or until golden brown.

14 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u September 2017

VENISON GYROS 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 ½ tablespoons ground cumin 1 tablespoon minced garlic 2 teaspoons dried marjoram 2 teaspoons ground dried rosemary 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar Salt and pepper to taste 3 pounds venison, cut into ¼ inch thick strips 1 (12 ounce) package pita breads, warmed Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Ready in: 2 hours 45 minutes Whisk together olive oil, cumin, garlic marjoram, rosemary, oregano, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper in a large glass or ceramic bowl.

Add the venison strips, and toss evenly to coat.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator at least two hours.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the venison strips, a half-pound at a time, until the venison has browned on the outside and is no longer pink on the inside, about eight minutes. Pile the meat onto warmed pitas and serve with your choice of sauce and add-ons.

RABBIT IN MUSTARD SAUCE 2 rabbits (about 2 1⁄2 lbs. each), cut into pieces Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1⁄2 pound pancetta or unsmoked bacon, cut into 1⁄4”-thick strips 1 1⁄2 cups crème fraîche 3⁄4 cup Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh thyme 2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh sage 2 teaspoons black or yellow mustard seeds, crushed 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 4 bay leaves

Divide rabbit in a single layer between two shallow roasting pans and top with any of the remaining marinade. Roast the rabbit, turning once and basting with pan juices occasionally, until the juices have reduced and rabbit is cooked through, about 55 minutes. Set oven to broil and cook until golden brown, about five minutes more. Serve rabbit with pan juices.

ORANGE RABBIT 2 tablespoons Olive Oil 4 cloves of garlic 1 tablespoon of salt ½ cup concentrated orange juice 2 ½ pounds of rabbit, cut into pieces 2 sliced red onions ½ cup lemon juice Prep time: 1 hour 15 minutes Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes Ready in: 3 hours Blend first four ingredients, and place rabbit in Ziploc bag with mixture for one hour. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Pour rabbit into covered casserole dish and place in oven for 15 minutes. Lower heat to 325 degrees for one hour. Marinate sliced red onion in lemon juice and salt. Serve on bed of greens or rice and top with onion slices.

Prep time: 1 hour 15 minutes Cook time: 1 hour Ready in: 2 hours 15 minutes Season rabbit generously with salt and pepper and place in a large bowl along with remaining ingredients. Mix together with your hands until rabbit pieces are coated. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let marinate at room temperature for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.

If rabbit has been chilled, allow it to come to room temperature. Heat oven to 400 degrees and arrange a rack in the middle of oven.

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