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September 19, 2018
H
unting
Take One
IN THE
San Luis Valley
Guide to Hunting Services AND MORE
Growing up hunting in the Valley
By Grace Beckner
SAN LUIS VALLEY— Hunting is a very common sport in the San Luis Valley, the love of which is often passed down from parent to child. Luis Espinosa, a senior at Monte Vista High School, is no exception. For him, his earliest experiences hunting with his family began when he was just six years old. Born in Alamosa, raised in Monte Vista, Espinosa originally got into hunting because it was a way to get closer to his dad, “We’d usually go hunting with a group of people, like close family members, but for me, it was just a fun way to spend time with [my dad] when I was little.” Espinosa then explained that he does not have a single favorite place to hunt. Instead, he says that he just likes being outside, “I don’t have one main hunting spot, I just really like being out in the mountains in general.” Espinosa also shared that his favorite animals to hunt are elk and deer because “[elk and deer] are the best to eat, in my opinion. Plus, their racks are really nice and you can keep them as a trophy.” Espinosa also offered some insight as to why he thinks hunting is such a big deal in the San Luis Valley, “I mean, we got the great outdoors right in our backyard!” Since hunting is such a prominent activity in the San Luis Valley, it is not a surprise that the sport has a lot of emotional significance for many locals. Espinosa, for example, affectionately describes the good memories he associates with hunting; “We’d be there in the tent, and my uncle would be telling us funny stories and jokes to make us laugh. It was a great time.” Hunting is an important part of the San Luis Valley’s culture and tradition, one that needs to be passed down, generation
Courtesy photo
Luis Espinosa poses with his first rifle to generation, and that can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter where in the Valley they live. According to the United States Department of Agriculture and the Forest Service, there are many areas designated for big game, bird game, and small game hunting all across the Valley: Antonito, Creede, Crestone, Del Norte, La Jara, Monte Vista, and Saguache. The San Luis Valley is a rich environment for all kinds of hunters, so get out there and make some memories! Grace Beckner is a Monte Vista High School senior working as an intern for Valley Publishing.
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San Luis Valley offers excellent hunting opportunities
By Lyndsie Ferrell
SAN LUIS VALLEY— It is that time of year again as hunters prepare for another epic year in the San Luis Valley. Throughout the entire region, hunters from all over the world gather for the next few months eager for their chance at hunting in one of the most beautiful areas in the state. Those that participate in the many different types of hunting in the area hunt for everything from elk and deer, to bear and even moose in the backcountry or try their hand at small game hunting. The Valley is filled with some of the most sought-after hunting areas throughout the U.S. and brings in thousands of people every year that help boost the economy and keep businesses busy long after the summer season has come to an end. From the very base of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range to the very tops of the La Garita mountains, there is a hunting location for any type of animal. One thing that many hunters are unaware of in the Valley is that there are three national wildlife refuges located in three of the major hunting units in the region, and many of the area’s animals venture to the refuges during winter months. Because of this the Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers a limited number of permits for the Alamosa, Baca and Monte Vista wildlife refuges. Local wildlife refuges are also open to designated hunts but must be applied for prior to opening seasons. According to previous articles on the topic, it states, “In cooperation with the USFWS, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has secured permitted access to these refuges, allowing hunters to access them during specific big game seasons for elk. The official application period and drawing have already occurred. However, several seasons were undersubscribed or no applications were taken for permits at the three refuges. CPW will now accept applications for the following seasons on a first come, first served
basis to fill these gaps: Baca Refuge: second and third rifle seasons, Alamosa Refuge: archery; muzzleloader; first, second, third and fourth rifle seasons, Monte Vista Refuge: muzzleloader; first, second, third and fourth rifle seasons CPW will take up to 10 applications for each season, depending on the number of slots that are already filled. The first five applicants will be given a permit. The next five hunters will be on a waiting list and contacted as slots become available. An application does not guarantee a permit will be given. Hunting opportunities for those on the waiting list may not be realized, so please be aware of this before applying. Interested parties should send an email to montevista.wildlife@state.co.us. The email must include all of the following information: Name, CID, contact phone number, license hunt code, refuge wanted. Please remember that this is a permit, NOT a license. You must already hold a valid license for the Unit of your preferred refuge location.” Going towards the Saguache area, hunters travel into southwestern Colorado’s most hunted area in units 68, 67 and 66. The three units are where most hunter venturing to southwestern Colorado end up with limited tags sold in each area. The terrain is wide, grassy valleys that lead into dense forests at the base of the La Garita, San Juan and Elks mountain ranges. Herd numbers for large game are diminishing in the areas which has caused some frustration among hunters. On the other side of the La Garita Mountains, is a once in a life time hunting unit, only open to those who have accumulated enough points on their hunting licenses and should be hunted by only the most experienced hunters, due to the terrain. Unit 76 in Mineral County is a very secluded, minimum access area that has a minimal Please see HUNTING on Page 2
Page 2
Hunting in the San Luis Valley
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Drought brings subtle changes to this year’s hunting season
By Ruthanne Johnson
SAN LUIS VALLEY— Big game hunting season is in full swing in the San Luis Valley. That means deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat and bear, among other species. Even if you haven’t purchased a license, there’s still hope for buying an overthe-counter tag from one of Colorado Parks & Wildlife southern offices, located in Monte Vista, Salida, Durango and Pueblo. “Hunting is important for our local economies,” said public information officer Joe Lewandowski with Colorado Wildlife and Parks. “Thousands of hunters use the San Luis Valley and spend money here, at the restaurants, stores, gas stations and on things like maps, clothing, food and supplies.” Fortunately, this year’s drought has not affected big game populations, which are calculated by aerial counts and end-of-season hunter surveys. Native vegetation and habitats have fared relatively well, Lewandowski said. “But if the drought extends two or three years, that could start killing certain types of vegetation and degrading habitat that deer and elk rely on.” The positive this year was no late freeze to kill the blossoms that eventually become berries, which has meant good late-season forage for bears. “And this year the scrub oak are just packed with acorns. That’s a huge food source for bears,” Lewandowski said. The drought, however, may mean subtle differences when it comes to where wildlife hangs out. “Animals typically move to the high country in the spring,” Lewandowski said. “But this year, with such little snowpack, a lot of animals never moved down.” Because of the reduced movement elevation-wise, wildlife may diversify their forage patterns more as commonly grazed areas become depleted of vegetation. What this likely means for hunters is heading deeper into the high country, at least earlier in the fall season. Another consideration when tracking animals this year is the reduced waterflow in creeks and other riparian areas. Animals typically found in these once rich habitats will likely have found other areas to feed. Hunters need to be cautious since the creeks they’ve historically visited to fill their water bottles may have run dry. “People need to make sure they carry enough water when
HUNTING
Continued from Page 1 number of roads. Several who come to the area hunt the area on foot, leaving behind modern day vehicles for the more primitive outlook to hunting in the area. The Valley consists of two other hunting units that are located in between the two units mentioned above. Units 79, 80, 81, 82 and 83 that cover Conejos, Rio Grande, Alamosa and Costilla counties. These units take hunters into the lower peaks on the southern side of the Valley and into some historic mining areas. The terrain is steep with high peaks and dense pine forests that have not yet seen the effects of the spruce bark beetle like the western side of the Valley. Always remember to notify someone of the hunting unit before leaving on a hunt. Have a detailed plan laid out prior to hunting season and prepare for any type of situation when packing for a hunt. For more information, detailed maps of hunting areas or tips about hunting in the Valley, please visit www.cpw.org
heading into the backcountry,” Lewandowski said, “This year they simply can’t count on those natural water sources being available.” Hunters are first required to take the state’s hunter safety course before being issued a hunting license. The class includes backcountry safety advice, gun and hunting law education and hands-on exercises. The reason for all the safety rigmarole and regulations does not stand without reason. Not only are the rules for human safety, they are meant to keep wildlife populations from plummeting below sustainable levels. Pell-mell hunting and fishing (as well as loss of habitat) have nearly extirpated species such the Canada Lynx and Greenback Cutthroat Trout. Other species such as bison, wolves and grizzly bears have been completely wiped out from Colorado’s wildlands for the same reasons. Though hunting accidents are rare, they do happen— like the fatal 2017 shooting of a 13-year-old boy by a hunter safety instructor in Michigan. And there was the tragic death of a 67-year old woman out enjoying a day hike in the Canadian wilds when she was struck down by the stray bullet of a deer hunter. Even though hunters go through safety education classes before being issue a license to kill, there are certain laws commonly disregarded by hunters will lead to being ticketed and fined, like crossing onto private land and carrying loaded guns on moving ATVs. Detailed maps can prevent boundary uncertainties, while its required by law to have guns unloaded and in closed cases while driving ATVs. There’s also a law that bans shooting across or within 50 feet of a road. “We don’t want people sitting there leaning against their pickup trucks and shooting. That simply isn’t fair chase,” Lewandowski said. “Not allowing those kinds of practices helps with safety and it also puts game more on equal footing with people. It gives them a fair chance at escape.” Hunters are also required to check in daily with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to see if the unit they are hunting is still open, as units close when harvest limits are reached. And they are required to wear fluorescent orange or pink on the top of their head or hat and at least 500-square inches of fluorescent orange or pink on their body when in the field during season. “So that would be like a vest and a cover on your backpack for extra visibility,” Lewandowski said. “It’s also not a bad idea for hikers using hunting areas to wear orange.” Another law folks might not know about is that it’s a felony to use or hold a firearm— even it’s unloaded— while drinking alcohol or being high on marijuana. “When under the influence of alcohol, people tend to do stupid things,” said Deputy Michael Pino with the Rio Grande County Sheriff’s office. “The law even covers a bow and arrow and other deadly weapons like num-chucks.” It’s also a felony menacing charge to point a loaded or unloaded gun at another person, whether or not you’re joking or intoxicated. For folks wanting to hunt this season who haven’t yet taken the hunter safety course, there are a few traditional, in-person courses still available in October and November out of Salida and Pagosa Springs. Online courses
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are also available, but they must be supported with a half-day conclusion class that includes a written test as well as hands-on and live-fire exercises. This season’s license fees range anywhere from $11 to $2,200, depending on the species and whether or not you’re a Colorado resident. For more information on hunting season dates, licenses and regulations, visit cpw.state. co.us.
Photos courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife
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Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Hunting in the San Luis Valley
Page 3
Know the rules and know your limits
By Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Hunting is challenging. Not only must you understand the habits of the animal you are hunting, you must also understand regulations, laws governing public and private lands and your own limitations. Following are some reminders and things to consider before you start your hunt. To obtain a license, all hunters born after 1948 must present a Hunter Education Card from Colorado or another state. You must know the specific rules that apply to the Game Management Unit in which you are hunting. If you violate rules you can be cited and fined. Pleading ignorance to the regulations is not a defense. Be sure to know where you are hunting. You can only hunt in the Game Management Unit that your license specifies. As you are hunting be aware of buildings, homes, roads, and your overall surroundings. Make sure you know what is behind an animal before you shoot. A bullet shot from a highpowered rifle can easily carry for more than 1,000 yards. Make sure that someone at home knows where you are hunting, your vehicle’s license plate number and where you are staying or camping. Weather in the fall can change rapidly in Colorado. A day that starts sunny and warm could end with a snow storm. Be sure you are prepared for all weather conditions. Make sure you can recognize the symptoms of hypothermia in your hunting partners.
Know how to get back to your camp. Cell phone service is not reliable in the mountains. Don’t expect to contact someone by phone if you are lost or if your vehicle is stuck. Make sure to drink plenty of water. Colorado’s dry air and high altitude can quickly dehydrate you and deplete your energy stores. Be sure to consult Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations to understand antler requirements for taking bull elk. Do not attempt to shoot at animals that are in areas where you could not retrieve the meat. Know your physical limits. If you harvest an animal, make sure the carcass is properly tagged. Tags must remain with all processed meat. If you transfer an animal killed by another hunter, ensure that it is properly tagged. You could be cited for illegal transport of a game animal even if someone else made the error. Do not strap a harvested animal on the outside of your car. Operate ATVs and OHVs responsibly. The vehicles must be registered in Colorado - even if it is registered in another state. Off-road vehicles can cause resource damage. Be sure to know the local travel management rules for public lands. OHV’s also disturb animals and other hunters. If you see hunters violating laws, please report the actions to a wildlife officer or other law enforcement agency. Actions by a few hunters can reflect badly on all hunters. For more information: cpw.state.co.us.
Photo courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Common hunting violations can be costly
By Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Every hunting season, officers for Colorado Parks and Wildlife hand out hundreds of tickets for violations that cost hunters hundreds of thousands of dollars. While some of those tickets are for flagrant violations of wildlife regulations and hunting laws, many more are for minor violations that could have been avoided. Hunters are reminded that not only can they be fined for violations, they can also lose their hunting privileges in Colorado and the 45 other states that cooperatively participate in a nationwide wildlife compact agreement. Rick Basagoitia, area wildlife manager for the San Luis Valley, explained that hunters need to set aside some time to review the Colorado Big Game Brochure. The brochure explains many of the common violations and how to avoid them. “Hunters must know their responsibilities
when they get into the field,” Basagoitia said. “Wildlife laws are written to protect a valuable resource and for safety.” Following are some of the more common violations that occur every year: Not wearing fluorescent orange or pink: You must wear at least 500 inches of daylight fluorescent orange/pink, including a head covering of the same color that can be seen from all directions. Mesh garments are legal but not recommended. Camouflage orange/pink does not qualify. Carrying loaded firearms in or on vehicles: Rifles must not have ammunition in the chamber while in or on any motor vehicles. For those riding OHVs, weapons (rifles and bows) must also be in a closed case and fully unloaded (chamber and magazine). Most accidents involving firearms occur in or near vehicles. Shooting from a road: Before firing a shot, you must be at least 50 feet off of a designated
state or county road, and just off forest service or BLM roads. You also cannot shoot across a road. License not voided: After you kill an animal, you must void the license immediately. Improperly attached carcass tag: The carcass tag must be attached to the animal. The best way is to cut a hole in the hide and attach with a tie. It is OK to wait until you get the animal back to camp or to your vehicle to attach the carcass tag. No evidence of sex: Be sure to leave evidence of sex naturally attached to the carcass. Evidence includes the head, the vulva or the scrotum. Waste of game meat: Big game meat can begin to spoil at 38 degrees. To keep the carcass cool, remove the hide as soon as possible after the kill to allow for air to circulate around the meat. Reduce the mass of the carcass by quartering the meat or boning out the meat.
Place the meat in a cooler as soon as possible. Even in cold weather, a carcass should not hang outside for more than 36 hours. Remember: Because game meat contains very little fat, it cannot be aged like beef. The so-called “gamey taste” is caused by spoilage, not because the animal is wild. To learn how to field dress a big game animal, see the video at: http://cpw.state.co.us/ learn/Pages/HuntVideos.aspx. Shooting a spike-antlered elk: Hunters who hold a cow elk tag sometimes shoot spike bulls. Be sure of your target. If you are shooting at a long distance or in low light conditions, it can be difficult to see spike antlers. If you are not absolutely sure, do not shoot. Illegally tagging an animal: You can only place a tag on an animal that you shot. You cannot trade tags with other license holders, or use tags of other license holders. For more information: cpw.state.co.us.
of three points. Future applications are pooled with other three-point applicants. If you are unsuccessful in the pooled drawing, a “mathematically weighted” point is awarded to increase the probability of drawing a future license. You must apply at least once in a consecutive 10-year period to keep your points. • Nonresident allocations are determined by the average number of preference points a Colorado resident needs to draw a specific license during a 3-year period. For hunt codes that required six or more points for a Colorado resident to draw an elk or deer license, up to 20 percent may go to nonresidents. For hunt codes that required fewer than six points for a Colorado resident to draw an elk or deer license, up • A Colorado Habitat Stamp is required to buy or apply for a license. The Habitat Stamp may be purchased online, by phone or at any Wildlife Service Center or license agent.
the same for 2017, and these 40 apply, 20 will in three years. draw a license using their preference point and Preference-point requirements can be found at 20 will be awarded a second point. An applicant the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. Go to with no points could expect to draw a license the Big Game hunting page at cpw.state.co.us.
Preference points – understanding the system
By Colorado Parks and Wildlife
When applying for a limited license, a preference point is awarded when an individual is unsuccessful in drawing their first-choice hunt code. Preference points provide a mathematical advantage when applied to future drawings. Some things to remember: • Preference points are awarded by species, not hunt code. A point can be used to apply for any type of license available for that species. • A preference point is awarded only for unsuccessful applications for a first-choice hunt code. • Use a preference point hunt code as your first choice if your goal is to accumulate points for use toward a future quality hunt. Points needed can change significantly from year to year. • For bear, elk, deer and pronghorn, you will accumulate preference points until you are successful in drawing a first-choice license. If you draw your first choice, your preference points drop to zero. There is no “banking” of preference points. • If you do not apply or hold a license for that species at least once within 10 consecutive years for a bear, elk, deer or pronghorn, your preference points for that species will be lost. • For bighorn sheep, moose and mountain goat, an applicant can accumulate a maximum
How long will it take to draw a license? Statistics from previous years may be used to estimate the approximate time required to successfully draw a license. For example: If a unit allowed 20 licenses with 60 applicants, zero preference points required, 40 were unsuccessful. These 40 would be awarded a preference point. Assuming that the quota for this unit remained
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Hunting in the San Luis Valley
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
High-altitude survival By Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Photo courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Be sure to know where you’re hunting
B y C olorado Parks and Wild life
Harvesting a deer or elk in the wrong Game Management Unit is not only illegal, it can be very expensive. Consider the experience of an Oklahoma couple hunting in southwest Colorado. A Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer drove into their camp late one morning during the first rifle season. When he asked how the hunt was going the husband explained that they had each killed a cow about a mile away from their camp. The officer congratulated them and then asked to see their licenses. After looking at the licenses he asked exactly where they’d hunted. “Well, we were just over that ridge there,” the husband said, pointing to the west. The officer shook his head slightly and said, “Well, I’ve got some bad news. You were hunting in the wrong unit.” The man protested and attempted to point out their location on the basic map that’s printed in the Big Game Hunting brochure. The map provides little detail, shows only the location of a few major roads and offers no topographic markings. The wildlife officer pulled out a topographic map and showed the man that they were at least 15 miles - as the crow flies - away from where they were authorized to hunt. “But we’ve been hunting here for years,” the man said.
Politely, but firmly, the wildlife officer explained the consequences: The meat would be confiscated and donated to a local food bank, and each of them would be fined $1,500. The couple’s hunting privileges in Colorado were subsequently suspended. “There is no excuse for hunting in the wrong unit,” says Matt Thorpe, area wildlife manager in Durango. “Most unit boundaries have been in place for years and they seldom change.” Despite that fact, hunting in the wrong GMU is a common mistake. Here’s how to make sure you are hunting in the right unit: Go to page 61 in the 2018 Colorado Big Game Brochure, find the GMU number and read the official location description. Buy a high-quality topographic map that includes the GMU area and locate the boundaries; then mark the map. After you arrive at your hunting location, study the map and the landmarks in the area to make sure of the boundaries of the GMU. If you have any questions, contact the nearest Parks and Wildlife office. Hunters must also be aware of the location of private land. To hunt on private land you must obtain permission. In Colorado, landowners are not required to post or mark their property. GMU descriptions can also be found on the Parks and Wildlife website: cpw. state.co.us.
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Every year more than a few hunters must be rescued from the wilds and high country of Colorado. Hunters get trapped by snowstorms, injured in various types of accidents or simply get lost in the woods. Hunters must remember that altitude can affect their health and their ability to move easily. And in the Rockies, weather can change quickly with fast-moving storms dumping a couple of feet of snow in just a few hours. Be prepared for all types of weather - wet, cold, dry and hot. Take appropriate clothing and the right camping gear. If possible, especially for those coming from lower altitudes, spend a few days at higher elevation just before the hunting season to allow your body to acclimate. Heavy snowfall can occur starting in September. High-country hunters, especially those who backpack into wilderness areas and have to get out on foot, need to watch the weather closely and pick their escape routes before they choose a campsite. Snow can obliterate trails or make them impassable. Survival experts recommend that you never go into a wilderness area alone. Unavoidable accidents do happen that make self-rescue impossible. Learn how to use a compass, take a map of the area and orient yourself before leaving camp. Explain to your hunting partners where you’ll be going and when you plan to return. Always carry a survival kit and know how to use it. Such a kit should include a knife, waterproof matches, fire starter, compass, reflective survival blanket, high-energy food, water purification tablets, first aid kit, whistle and unbreakable signal mirror. If you get lost, sit down, regain your composure and think for a few minutes. Many times people who are lost can figure out where they went wrong and make it back to camp. If you truly don’t know where you are, stay put. Survival experts explain that survival is 80 percent attitude, 10 percent equipment and 10 percent skill and knowledge. If you are caught in a storm or forced to spend the night out, there are three keys to survival: shelter, fire and signal. If you can’t find camp and have to overnight in the wild, your first priority is shelter. Even if you have nothing else going for you - no fire or food - an adequate shelter that is warm and dry will keep you alive until rescuers find you. That means anything from an overhanging rock shelf to a cave, a timber lean-to or snow cave. Always prepare for the worst and build a shelter that will last. Cut boughs from evergreen trees and use them as padding and for covering. Dress in layers and take extras with you. Put on layers before you become chilled and take off a layer before you become damp with perspiration. Staying warm is a process of staying dry. Do not dress in cotton – it becomes wet easily and is dif-
ficult to dry. Use wool, wool blends or synthetic clothing that wicks moisture away from skin. Be sure to carry a quality stocking cap that is made of wool or synthetic fleece. You lose up to 45 percent of your heat around your head, neck and shoulders. Winter headgear should conserve heat, breathe and be water repellent. The old saying, “If your feet are cold put your hat on”, is good advice. Use water-proof footgear, wool or synthetic socks, and always remember to carry gloves. Fire is the second priority if you are forced to stay out overnight. Know how to build a fire even in wet or snowy conditions. That means carrying a lighter, metal matches or wooden matches in waterproof containers and a fire-starter – such as steel wool, cotton or sawdust saturated with paint thinner or alcohol. Camping stores sell a variety of fire starters. Experiment with various materials before going into the field. A fire will warm your body, dry your clothes, cook your food, and help you to signal for help. The third priority is signaling. This can be done by fire--flames at night or smoke from green branches during the day; with a signal mirror in bright sunshine; and with sound--hence the whistle. You can live up to three or four weeks without food. You will, however, be more efficient and alert, and have more confidence if you are able to satisfy your hunger. So carry some high-energy food in your survival kit. Water is more important to survival than food. Your body needs about three quarts of water a day to metabolize its energy reserves and carry away waste. Carry iodine tablets to add to water taken from streams or snow banks. Avoid drinking ice-cold water which can cause your body temperature to drop. Altitude sickness is another danger. Hunters who are fatigued, cold or exhausted are vulnerable. At the very least, altitude sickness can ruin a hunting trip; at the worst, it can be fatal. Hunters who are coming to Colorado from low altitude areas should be especially careful. Take time to acclimate and do not move quickly above 8,000 feet. Symptoms of altitude sickness include shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, headache and loss of appetite. To avoid altitude sickness get in shape, limit alcohol consumption, acclimate for a few days before the start of the season and drink lots of water. Staying hydrated is a key factor in reducing your chances of getting altitude sickness. Hunters with any heart problems should be extra careful in Colorado’s high country. If you have a heart condition you should keep any prescribed medication with you at all times. Inform your hunting partners of your condition. Finally, be sure to leave accurate information at home about where you’re hunting and when you’ll return. For more information about hunting in Colorado, see: cpw.state.co.us.
Photo courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife