Southwest Colorado
2016
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— Bow Technician On-site — Family owned & locally operated since 1987 307 S. Camino Del Rio • Durango, CO (970) 247-5725 • M-F 9-6:30 Sat 9-4 www.GoodsForTheWoodsCo.com
Southwest Colorado
HUNTING GUIDE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER DOUGLAS BENNETT VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS BOB GANLEY VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING DAVID HABRAT CREATIVE SERVICES PRODUCTION MANAGER SUZANNE DUKE DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICES TODD BARTZ EDITOR/DESIGNER CHRISTIAN RIDINGS
ADVERTISING DESIGN/ PREPRESS JIM DODSON JUSTIN MEEK ADVERTISING COORDINATOR
6 Thriving Wildlife in Colorado
DEANNA KUCHLER ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
7
Successful Conservation
BART COLLINS COLLEEN DONLEY HANK BLUM RYAN ROBISON
8 5-year season structure beginning changes are underway
SHAWNA LONG TERESSA NELSON EMILY ROOS
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
4 News and hunting tips for Southwest Colorado
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.
9
Gardenswartz Outdoors gives advice on avoiding accidents
10 Dolores-Dry Creek rundown on 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 2016 season dates
Wild Game Processing Call for Availability 8AM - 5PM • 970-884-0999 September 2016 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 2016
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 road less 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 in the 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.
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September 2016 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u 5
Colorado’s Fish and Wildlife Are Thriving Wild Turkeys
T
he “Gobble-obble-obble!” of a wild turkey is one of the most recognizable sounds in all of nature. Yet, the wild turkey’s boisterous call was nearly silenced in the early 1900’s because of poaching and habitat destruction. At the time of the Great Depression, only 30,000 turkeys remained in all of North America. Today, thanks to conservation efforts by sportsmen’s groups and state and federal wildlife agencies, the United States is home to nearly 7 million of the wild birds. CPW, in cooperation with the National Wild Turkey Federation, launched an aggressive reintroduction program in the 1980’s to help strengthen Colorado’s dwindling populations. In the last three decades, Colorado’s turkey population has surged to more than 35,000 turkeys, and the abundant birds are now found in 53 of the state’s 64 counties. Colorado has two subspecies of wild turkeys: The native Merriam’s, which are found in the foothills and mountain meadows west of I-25, and the Rio Grande, which were introduced to riparian corridors on the Eastern Plains. The reintroduction of wild turkeys in Colorado has proven so successful that CPW has increased hunting licenses to help manage turkey populations in areas where the birds have become too plentiful.
mountain parks where they were originally introduced and are expanding into new territories. In recent years, moose have even ventured into Front Range suburbs. Although a favorite viewing animal among Colorado residents and tourists alike, moose are extremely unpredictable and dangerous, and they will charge aggressively if disturbed or threatened. CPW has increased hunting licenses in recent years to help manage growing populations, offering moose hunting in 57 game management units throughout Colorado.
Rocky Mountain Elk Living in Colorado, it’s easy to take for granted our enormous elk herds. After all, Colorado is home to more than 280,000 animals— the largest elk population in the world. But did you know that elk were near extinction at the turn of the century? In the early 1900’s, only 40,000 elk remained in all of North America. The elk’s dramatic demise was attributed to unregulated market-hunting. A century ago, Colorado imported 50 elk from Wyoming to re-establish dwindling herds. The elk were transported and released in Idaho Springs and in the Greenhorn Mountains in Pueblo County. From these meager transplants, and through decades of trapping and relocation efforts by wildlife managers, elk populations have soared to the abundant herds for which Colorado is now famous. CPW, in cooperation with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and other sportsmen’s groups, continues to conduct research, protect key winter range and migration corridors and improve statewide habitat to ensure Colorado’s elk herds remain abundant for future generations.
Bighorn Sheep CPW File Photo
Shiras Moose Weighing up to 1,000 pounds and towering at more than 6 feet at the shoulder, the Shiras moose is Colorado’s largest big-game animal. In addition to its massive size, the moose is also one of Colorado’s biggest conservation success stories. Although common today, the Shiras moose was quite rare in Colorado throughout most of the 20th century. CPW biologists believed that the only way to establish a selfsustaining moose population in Colorado was to transplant animals from neighboring states. In 1978, CPW conducted the first transplant of 24 moose from Utah and Wyoming to Colorado’s North Park region near Walden. Over the next three decades, biologists released more than 200 additional animals from Wyoming and Utah to the Grand Mesa and other areas of the state. Today, Colorado is home to more than 2,400 moose and boasts one of the fastest growing populations in the lower 48 states. In fact, the animals are doing so well that moose are vamoosing the 6 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u September 2016
Majestic and agile, the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep is a prominent figure on the steep and jagged walls of Colorado’s canyons. Because of its iconic status, the bighorn was declared Colorado’s state animal in 1961 and, for nearly 100 years, the mighty ram has been the proud symbol for CPW’s logo. But, despite its prominence and grandeur, the bighorn was near extinction at the turn of the century. Diseases introduced through European livestock and over hunting had decimated populations throughout the West, and only a small number of the native sheep remained in Colorado in the early 1900’s. CPW, in cooperation with the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society, has spent decades rebuilding sheep populations through aggressive trapping and relocation efforts. CPW conducted the first sheep transplants in the 1940’s, including planting bighorns between Georgetown and Silver Plume. Known simply as the “Georgetown herd,” this population of 250-350 sheep is one of the largest herds in the state and has become one of the most popular sheep viewing sites in the nation. Since Colorado’s restoration efforts began, CPW has completed more than 100 bighorn sheep transplants, most of which took place in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Recent transplants include Gore Canyon in northwest Colorado.
Bighorn sheep are extremely susceptible to infectious diseases and experience regular outbreaks of pneumonia, usually transmitted from domestic sheep and goats. Therefore, keeping wild sheep and domestic sheep separate is important in disease prevention in bighorns. CPW closely monitors bighorn sheep herds and maintains healthy populations through controlled hunting and ongoing trapping and relocation. Thanks to decades of dedicated conservation efforts, Colorado’s bighorn sheep are once again abundant with an estimated statewide population of 7,000 animals.
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Colorado’s fish and wildlife are thriving only because of conservation science, partnerships and dedicated funding. For CPW’s team of wildlife managers and biologists, protecting and restoring Colorado’s fish and wildlife resources brings great rewards, but success does not come easily. Wildlife reintroductions are a complicated and delicate process where biologists and field staff may spend years establishing self-sustaining populations. Because of its dedicated staff, CPW has become one of the premier wildlife conservation organizations in the world. And by working cooperatively with Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), sportsmen’s groups and conservation organizations, CPW has leveraged its resources to ensure Colorado remains at the forefront of conservation science and wildlife management. The restoration of these and many other fish and wildlife species in Colorado did not happen by accident. It is the direct result of scientific research, partner collaboration and dedicated funding. Written by Jerry Neal. Neal is the editor for Colorado Outdoors Online and is a media specialist for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.CO).
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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. 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 8 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u September 2016
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 skill sets 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 preprogrammed message that you need help and your GPS location. The Delorme In Reach 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. The 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.
We have everything you need to get prepared for a successful trip. Stop by today for free advice from our experts about where to go, and what to use. Kenetrek & Danner Boots, Sitka & First Light Clothing, Mystery Ranch Packs and a large selection of firearms & accessories. Gardenswartz Sporting Goods has what you need! September 2016 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u 9
Dolores - Dry Creek GMUs 70, 71, 711, 72, 73 Montrose CPW: (970) 252-6000 Durango CPW: (970) 247-0855 70, 71, 711, 72, 73 - San Juan National Forest 70 - Uncompahgre National Forest
T
2015 Deer Harvest Statistics Dolores/Dry Creek GMU
Season
Bulls
Harvest
Hunters
70 70 70
Archery Muzzle 2nd Rifle
28 26 316
0 26 328
28 67 490
71 71 71
Archery Muzzle 2nd Rifle
6 6 79
6 6 79
87 38 185
GMU
Season
Bulls
Harvest
Hunters
711 711 711
Archery Muzzle 2nd Rifle
14 13 88
14 13 88
42 31 158
72 72 72
Archery Muzzle 2nd Rifle
14 14 142
14 14 142
52 32 182
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 Hunting 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 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: 17,250 (includes all five GMUs); 3-year average sex ratio: 29 bucks per 100 does ( GMUs 70, 71, 711); 3-year average sex ratio: 25 bucks per 100 does (GMUS 72 and 73). Elk Hunting 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: 19,280 3-year average sex ratio: 16 bulls per 100 cows. MOOSE ARE PRESENT HERE -- BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET!
10 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u September 2016
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September 2016 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 well over 12,000 feet near Silverton.
A
n 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 ratio is high, so it is possible to find quality bucks. In October, deer move from summer range at 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. Elk Hunting
From top to bottom: Peak, Andrews Lake and Bodo State Wildlife Areas are located in GMUs 74 and 741 of the Hermosa hunting region.
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. 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 void hunters. Concentrate on rugged terrain away from other hunters. Weather often dictates the success rate in this area. Estimated elk population: 4,900 3-year estimated sex ratio: 18 bulls per 100 cows MOOSE ARE PRESENT HERE – BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET!
2015 Deer Harvest Statistics Hermosa Region GMU
Season
Bucks
Harvest
Hunters
GMU
Season
Bucks
Harvest
Hunters
74 74 74
Archery Muzzle Early
31 30 9
31 30 9
102 92 13
74 74 74
2nd Rifle 3rd Rifle 4th Rifle
74 17 15
74 17 15
185 99 38
741 741 741
Archery Muzzle 2nd Rifle
11 17 88
14 20 137
53 36 201
741 741
3rd Rifle 4th Rifle
100 22
145 57
254 101
12 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u September 2016
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.
W
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 70’s 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: 24,150 3-year estimated sex ratio: 34 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: 18,612 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!
2015 Elk Harvest Statistics San Juan Basin Region GMU
Season
Bulls
Harvest
Hunters
GMU
Season
Bulls
Harvest
Hunters
75 75 75
Archery Muzzle Early
42 0 0
56 2 61
508 39 185
77 77 77
Archery Muzzle Early
55 0 0
78 2 15
635 22 21
751 751 751
Archery Muzzle 1st Rifle
32 0 22
32 0 47
358 20 231
771 771 771
Archery Muzzle 1st Rifle
13 0 10
13 0 34
123 2 85
September 2016 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u 13
2016 Season Dates Big Game Animals Archer Deer/Elk (west of I-25 and Unit 140) Aug. 27–Sept. 25 Plains Deer (east of I-25, except Unit 140) Oct. 1–28; Nov. 9–30; Dec. 15–31 Moose Sept. 10–25 Pronghorn (bucks only) Aug. 15 - Sept. 20 Pronghorn (either sex) Sept. 1 - 20 Muzzleloader (by draw only) Deer/elk/moose Sept. 10 - 18 Plains deer (east of I-25, except Unit 140) Oct. 8 - 16 Pronghorn Sept. 21–29 Rifle Deer/Elk/Moose Moose Oct. 1–14 Separate limited elk (1st season) Oct. 15–19 Combined (deer/elk) (2nd season) Oct. 22 - 30 (3rd season) Nov. 5 - 13 Combined limited (deer/elk) (4th season) Nov. 16 - 20 Plains deer (east of I-25, except Unit 140) Oct. 29 - Nov. 8 Late plains deer (east of I-25, except Unit 140) Dec. 1–14 Rifle Pronghorn (by draw only) Pronghorn Oct. 1 - 7 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. 10 - 18 Rifle (over-the-counter with caps) Concurrent with deer/elk rifle seasons 14 u Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide u September 2016
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
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