Northwest Colorado Hunting Guide 2016 by Solas Publications, Inc.

2016 Northwest Colorado

HUNTING GUIDE

Vol. 17

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Bear Crackdown - Avoiding Trouble- Choosing an Outfitter - Buy your own Hunting Property

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2016 Northwest Colorado

HUNTING GUIDE Table of Contents

8 10

Rio Blanco County outlook Colorado’s “big game factory” is up and running.

Becoming a straight shooter Tips for hitting your target

Managing risks in the outdoors

Colorado cracking down on bears

Field preparation for big game meat

Keep yourself and your hunting party safe by following these simple tips.

A lot of things can come against you in the wilderness, but preparation is key to success.

How to prep your trophy’s hide

Garfield County outlook

Routt & Moffat County outlook

Get your own private land

Take advantage of this opportunity to bag another animal during your stay. Proper care of your kill will ensure months of delicious meals to come.

25 28

Choose your outfitters Your outfitter plays a crucial role in the success of your hunt. How to choose the right one for you!

Trophy Gallery Submitted photos from local outfitters and individuals provide inspiration for your hunt.

SOLAS PUBLICATIONS, INC. | PUBLISHER SEAN MCMAHON | EDITOR NIKI TURNER | PRODUCTION 2

Avoiding trouble in the outdoors

Your taxidermist will love you if you follow these simple steps for proper preparation of the hide. The Glenwood Springs, New Castle, Silt and Rifle corridor provides rich hunting opportunities. Critters abound in these northern counties

Tired of being limited to public options? How to buy your own exclusive hunting property.

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EXPERIENCE.

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MEEKER.

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NORTHWEST COLORADO

contact information for hunters in the NW Colorado region NW Colo Sheriff’s Departments: n Rio Blanco County Sheriff, (970)878-9620 n Garfield County Sheriff, (970) 945-0453 n Moffat County Sheriff, (970) 824-4495 n Routt County Sheriff, (970) 870-5503 n Mesa County Sheriff, (970) 244-3500

n 600 Reservoir Road, Pueblo, CO 81005, (719)561-5300 n 2300 South Townsend Av., Montrose, CO 81401, (970)252-6000 n 7405 Hwy 50, Salida, CO 81201, (719)530-5520 n P.O. Box 775777, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477, (970)870-2197

Recorded Information:

NW Colo Healthcare Providers: n Pioneers Medical Center, Meeker—(970) 878-5047 n Rangely District Hospital, Rangely—(970) 675-5011 n The Memorial Hospital, Craig—(970) 824-9411 n Grand River Medical Center, Rifle—(970) 625-1510 n Valley View Hospital, Glenwood Springs—(970) 945-6535 n St. Mary’s Hospital, Grand Junction—(970) 298-2273 n Yampa Valley Medical Center, Steamboat Springs—(970) 879-1322

Area Offices:

n 122 E. Edison, Brush, CO 80723, (970)842-6300 n 50633 Hwys 6 and 24, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, (970)947-2920 n 300 West New York Av., Gunnison, CO 81230, (970)641-7060 n 346 Grand County Road 362, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80451, (970)725-6200 n 1204 East Olive, Lamar, CO, 81052, (719)336-6600 n P.O. Box 1181, Meeker, CO, 81641, (970)878-6090 n 0722 South Road 1 East, Monte Vista, CO 81144, (719)587-6900

n Leftover limited licenses (303)291-7519 n Big Game Season Dates/Info (303)291-7529 n Hunter Safety Classes/Replacement Cards (303)291-7530 n Fish Stocking Schedule (303)291-7531

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Special Recreation Permits in Game Management Units (GMU) 10, 11, 12, 21, 22, 23, 24, 211, 30, 40

All or part of this operation is conducted on private lands as well as public lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management

3&/5"- )034&4 hunting and pack horses I Available Archery, Muzzleloading & Rifle Seasons

I Summer Horses Available I Guided Rides

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WILLIAMS FORK 970-276-2048

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CRAIG 970-824-3468

781 County Road 15 • Craig, CO 81625 (Seely and Morapos call Craig Ranch)

SNOW MOUNTAIN 970-887-1999

STEAMBOAT 970-879-2306

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DOTSERO (Sweetwater) 970-524-9742

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BUSINESS OFFICE 303-442-0258

911 Kimbark Street • Longmont, CO 80501

Permitted on White River BOE Routt /LFHQVH (2( (23

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BENEFITS of USING a HUNT with PROFESSIONALS

Outfitters must be registered, bonded and insured to operate in Colorado and have permits to operate on public lands.

If your outfitter is operating illegally, you run the risk of having your hunt canceled in progress and your game confiscated if your outfitter is arrested.

Knowingly contracting with an illegal outfitter could result in felony convictions for all hunters involved.

You may not have legal recourse if you are injured or your illegal outfitter does not provide the services you purchased.

Visit www.northwestcolorado-outfitters.com to find a listing of our professional outfitters.

Things To Ask To Be Sure Your Outfitter is Properly Registered:

• Are you registered with the Colorado Office of Outfitters Registration? If so what is your Registration number? • Will we be hunting on public lands at any time? If so do you have a Bureau of Land Management or U.S Forest Service permit?

Other Indications Of An Illegal Outfitter:

• Outfitter does not provide a written contract. • Outfitter counsels you not to talk to State or Federal officers or asks you to say we are just friends or family hunting together.

Protect Yourself:

Verify your outfitter2s registration by contacting the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies at www.dora.state.co.us/outfitters

HUNT WITH PROFESSIONALS

Things you can do if you suspect illegal outfitting or poaching activity: Gather as much information as possible. Call toll free Operation Game Thief 1-800-332-4155 or e-mail Game.Thief@State.CO.US 4you can remain anonymous5. You may be entitled to a reward offered by Operation Game Thief or the Colorado Outfitters Association. www.northwestcolorado-outfitters.com This message brought to you by the Northwest Chapter of the Colorado Outfitters Association

www.northwestcolorado-outfitters.com N O RTHWE ST C O LO RADO HU N TIN G G U IDE | 2016 F ALL E D ITIO N

Welcome to the 2016 Hunting Ideal conditions exist in Rio Blanco BY SEAN McMAHON NWCO HUNTING GUIDE

When good things continue to happen in the wild, that is a good thing for the stewards of our Colorado wildlife and for area hunters. All of the big game that can be found in Rio Blanco County—with few exceptions—had a fourth-straight winter where conditions were nearly ideal. That means plenty of precipitation, temperatures that did not include intense frigid periods of long length and plenty of forage. The moose, elk and bears emerged from the intense winter of 2015-16 in “excellent shape and quite happy,” said Bill deVergie, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife area wildlife manager for the Meeker field office. “All three of those animals are tough and resilient, but, of course, the bears spent a lot of their time hibernating. “We had snow nearly every day or every other day from November through March, then we have had some good rains as we got into the spring, so conditions have really been ideal for those three species,” he said. The news isn’t quite as good for the deer and antelope, he said, because of the amount of snow that fell early in the winter season throughout the entire Northwest Colorado. “These animals just aren’t as big and

sturdy as the moose and elk, and they couldn’t quite get down to where the forage was under the snow,” he said. “We have noted an increase of 10 to 15 percent in still-born deer and fawns that just didn’t survive,” he said. “That’s pretty much attributable completely to the heavy snows we had early. “The good news is that it wasn’t really a significant increase in losses and should only have a negligible effect,” he said. “We have had two to three really very good years prior to this winter, so there had been a fair increase in the number of animals, and the slight up/down cycles are good and what we actually hope for. He said the fluctuation is good so that, for instance, if there was a good increase every year without a check, like this past winter, the numbers can grow too fast and it isn’t long until there is another kind of problem. “Sure, we will see a small decrease in the first year as there are fewer ‘recruits’ coming up,” he said. “But that should even out over a couple of years.” Conditions, he said, are still ideal in Rio Blanco County with lots of forage, the ground still being wet and the smaller animals are mostly able to take care of themselves. “The precipitation we had was just incred-

ible this past winter, then the rain we had two weeks late June soaked everything that had started to dry out,” he said. “If we get some more monsoonal rains in the next few weeks (as the seasonal monsoons are expected to kick up) then we will be in great shape again headed into the fall.” He said that overall he felt it was a good calving and fawning season for the animals and that the numbers are going to look good headed into the fall. “The elk are doing just fine,” he said. “We haven’t done the normal amount of checking we do on the elk each spring and summer, but the reports we have gotten and the number of elk we have seen indicate that they are doing well. “They came down out of the high altitude this winter because of the heavy snow and they even came down enough to get onto the critical winter range around Maybell and north of Highway 64,” he said. “I don’t think we have seen any higher calf survival than in normal years, but they are looking good and are back to normal, on the top of the Flat Tops and spread out throughout the entire area. They have been seen high and low this summer and the forage is in peak condition. It is all shaping up as a good hunting season and there are plenty of calves for next year.”

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STOCK PHOTO

Season in Northwest Colorado County for all kinds of big game

As far as the moose and elk hunting seasons go, deVergie said the weather will guide the situation as it has in the past few winters. “If we get a lot of snow and cold temperatures early, we could have a repeat of last year, when the moose, elk and deer head to the lower altitudes, something the deer will probably do anyway,” he said. “But if we don’t get an abundance of cold and snow during the first couple of hunting seasons, the moose and elk will likely stay fairly high and it will be important for the hunters to go up after the moose and elk.” deVergie said there has also been a loss of between 10 and 15 percent in the adult deer survival rate, “just due to the tough winter.” “The snow was very deep between Meeker and Rangely and up to Maybell,” he said. “In fact, it was noticeably snowier almost everywhere west of Highway 13 to Craig. “As far as the overall deer picture, I see a possible total decrease of 15 to 20 percent this year, which will make for small decrease over the next few years with a small drop in the number of ‘recruits.’ When you have a loss of the young ones, it will be there for the next year or two.” But, he said, that is all a part of wildlife management and is expected over the long term. “It has not been a critical loss that will be

felt in the long term, and I would still say we have a good number of deer and fawns,” he said. deVergie said the few antelope herds in the area wintered “well, but those antelope are extremely resilient.” Where the deer tend to lose fawns through still-born births, antelope have a tendency to abort, deVergie said, adding that the evidence isn’t as easy to find and that the CPW doesn’t spend the time monitoring the antelope to the extent of the deer, elk and moose. “The moose are doing really well,” deVergie said. “They are so spread out and isolated that they don’t really herd up, which would make them easier to survey. They are hardy and did well, and we have had reports and seen the cows with calves this summer. “The population in the area is continuing to grow and they are concentrating in the Flat Tops east of Meeker, the lower mountain areas east of Meeker and have been seen as low as Miller Creek,” he said. “Most of the elk have moved up higher, but there are still some moose to be found only about 10 miles up, around Miller Creek now,” he said. As for bears, the news is all good—for the bears. “We have got to lower the population of bears and that is why we have been printing

as many bear licenses as possible,” deVergie said. “Over the past three years we have seen the largest bear harvests in history and we are still pushing to get rid of more. “I would estimate that 10 to 15 percent of deer/elk/moose hunters purchase a bear tag, but we are still desperate to harvest more,” he said. “When we lost the spring bear hunt in 1990 or ’91, we kind of let the the bears get out of control. They thrived without the spring hunting season and numbers have been growing ever since. We are just in the last five to 10 years really putting the emphasis on harvesting bears—and they are abundant all over the five CPW districts in Northwest Colorado.” Regarding sheep, we have small groups along the south branch of the White River, but they are reportedly not doing well. “They have not done real well for the past couple of years,” deVergie said. “They are so isolated and tough to track that it isn’t really known for sure what the problem is, but there haven’t been any lambs seen, and if there are no lambs, there is no growth. “They tend to stay in at least small groups; sometimes large,” deVergie said. “They are tough to find in that rugged terrain, so I don’t know how well they have been tested. My guess is that there is some kind of disease involved but it is just tough to confirm.”

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MEEKER

Becoming a real straight shooter BY COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE

"Do you know how to shoot straight?" While some people might take offense at such a question, it is one that big game hunters need to ask themselves every year. Shooting an animal with a high-powered rifle, no matter the distance, is not a natural skill. Hunters must know the capabilities of their rifles, the intricacies of their scopes, the characteristics of their ammunition, the distance of their targets and their own competence for setting up for a fast shot at an animal. "Shooting is a perishable skill. If you haven't done it in awhile, you're going to get rusty," says Rick Basagoitia, area wildlife manager in the San Luis Valley. "There are people who believe they can go out, buy an expensive rifle and without any practice start shooting like the guys on the hunting shows on TV. Well, they can't." The importance of good shooting also goes beyond just being able to harvest an animal. Developing shooting skills must be viewed as an ethical consideration by hunters. "We don't want animals to suffer. Preferably, hunters will get the job done with one shot,"

Basagoitia said. Shooting lots of rounds is the only way to become proficient with your rifle, explained Brian Bechaver, a district wildlife manager in the San Luis Valley and a certified firearms instructor who has hunted all his life. But to become proficient, hunters must get out of their comfort zones at the shooting range. "Most people can shoot off a bench and when they know the range of the target," Bechaver said. "But a lot of things go out the window when you're in the field and you see an animal." A hunter must quickly estimate distance, take a shooting position that might be awkward and be forced to shoot uphill or downhill. Various environmental and physical factors also affect shooting ability—heat, cold, fatigue and the heart-pounding influence of adrenalin coursing through the body. Bechaver recommends forcing yourself to practice in uncertain conditions. Shoot from the prone position, shoot sitting down using your knee for a rest, use a pack as a support, estimate distances then check with a range finder, etc. "It's easy to hit a target at the range, but it's

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something else when you're standing in the snow on a cold day and you’re breathing hard and the wind's blowing," Bechaver said. Zeroing in As you prepare for this year's big game seasons, give your rifle a thorough check. Be sure the scope is attached to the barrel with the proper amount of torque. A loose scope that is not properly aligned with the barrel will cause you to miss the target. For the right amount of torque, check the manufacturer's specifications or take the rifle to a gunsmith. Likewise, make sure the stock is fastened tightly. A loose stock can alter how a bullet comes out of the barrel of a gun. Ballistics is a general term that refers to how a gun fires, the characteristics of the bullet in flight and what happens when the projectile hits the target. Volumes have been written about ballistics: how a bullet behaves according to its weight, the powder load, the caliber of the rifle, distance traveled and killing power. Hundreds of websites offer various explanations of the technical details. Read those if you have an interest in becoming a ballistics geek. Your time is better spent, however, practicSHOOTER continued on 11

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SHOOTER from page 10

ing with your rifle. There are two basic ballistics concepts that are helpful to understand: 1) As soon as the bullet leaves the barrel it begins to drop; 2) point-blank range is the distance at which a target can be hit without having to adjust the sights, scope or point of aim. The range depends on the characteristics of the firearm and the bullet. So before going to the shooting range, look up specifications for your rifle and the type of cartridge you're using. A 300 yard point-blank range is standard for most big game hunting rifles. The target you practice on should be the size of the vital organ area of the animal you are hunting: a circle of about 15 inches in diameter inches for an elk, and about 10 inches in diameter for a deer. The vital area is just behind and slightly below the front quarter of a big game animal. A shot placed in this area will tear through the heart and lungs and kill an animal quickly.

MEEKER

At the range, Basagoitia suggests that hunters practice from the prone position, either resting the rifle on shooting sticks or on a backpack. "I don't advocate shooting off benches. Benches are for benchrest shooting, not hunting. People should do all their practice in situations they are likely to use in the field," Basagoitia said. To get a feel for your rifle—or to refresh your muscle memory— start by shooting at the middle of the target at 100 yards. Because the scope is mounted over the barrel, when you look at the target through the scope the barrel will actually be pointed up slightly. Consequently, if the point-blank range of your rifle/cartridge combination is 300 yards, and you're shooting at a target 100 yards away, the bullet should hit about 3.5 inches high on the target—but still within the vital target zone. Take as many shots as needed to obtain a two-inch grouping with five bullets at that distance. At this

distance it's OK to use cheap ammo. Scopes have different types of adjustments, so be sure to know how yours works. Many scopes provide for adjustments of onequarter inch at 100 yards. So at 100 yards the shot should be 3.5 inches above the middle of the target if your scope is correctly set. But if your shot, for example, is two inches above that, you need to adjust the scope. If it adjusts in one-quarter inch increments, you need to adjust the scope by eight one-quarter inch turns—or clicks—in the down direction. Thus: 8 x ¼ = 2 inches. The same goes to make adjustments to raise the shot or to go to the right or the left. Next, set the target at 300 yards—or at the prescribed pointblank range—and use the bullets you'll use when hunting. Even though the rifle is capable of accuracy at that distance, 300 yards is a very long shot and will truly test your ability. You'll be feeling the

effects of recoil from previous shots, and you'll find that holding the rifle steady on a target at that distance is challenging. This situation provides a good simulation of conditions in the field. You should shoot until you can get a good pattern in the target with five shots. "You can get lucky

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SHOOTER from page 11

with three shots," Basagoitia said. "But you can't get lucky with five shots at that distance." At 300 yards or more the bullet pattern will probably be larger than what you shot at 100 yards. The critical factor, however, is landing all the shots in the vital area. Determining distance to a target is also an important skill to hone. Because of the potential for animals to be wounded, wildlife officers recommend against long shots. Bechaver won't take a shot if the animal is more than 300 yards away. "That's my maximum distance, but that's still a very long shot. I must be in the prone position and feel very comfortable and calm. Not many people can make a 300-yard shot," he said. Going beyond the maximum point-blank range requires adjusting your aim, something that Basagoitia doesn't recommend. "That takes even more practice," he said. "Realistically in Colorado, most shots will be well under 300 yards. It's best to spend your time practicing at distances that are practical, from 100 to 200 yards." When shooting at a distance of 100 yards or more, be aware that wind also becomes a significant factor. "Wind is a major factor and most hunters don't even think about it," Basagoitia said. "If the wind is strong enough to make the smaller branches on a tree move, then restrict shots to no more than 200 yards." Practice, Patience, Practice A key component of good shooting is trigger control. Place only the pad of your index finger on the trigger, squeeze slowly and continue to squeeze after bullet is fired. Continuing to squeeze provides "follow through" and contributes to a steady position. Don't pull the trigger quickly because that will cause the gun to move off the target. "It's a good idea to dry-fire your rifle, it's one of the best things you can do to practice holding your gun steady while squeezing the trigger," Basagoitia said. "As you squeeze the trigger, pay attention to the position of the scope cross-hairs and see if they move." After you feel good about hitting the targets from various distances, attempt more realistic shooting situations. Shoot sitting down, leaning against a pole or tree or resting on a rock. Walk quickly for 20-30 yards, then drop, calm down by taking some slow breaths and then try to hit the target. If possible, shoot uphill and downhill. Hunters should buy shooting sticks, a simple bi-pod that attaches to the barrel of a rifle. Without those, practice using your pack as a rest from the prone position. The more you shoot, the more confident you'll be in the field. "When you're hunting you don't want to think too much about what you have to do. By shooting a lot, you'll reach that point called unconscious competence. That's when you're able to do things automatically," Basagoitia said. And after you've taken lots of practice, you should be able to confidently answer the question, "Do I know how to shoot straight?"

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N O RTHWE ST C O LO RADO HU N TIN G G U IDE | 2016 F ALL E D ITIO N

Managing risks in the wilderness BY BOB AMICK SPECIAL TO THE NWCO HUNTING GUIDE

The objective here is to familiarize participants with risk management and safety considerations related to backcountry activities. In order of priority, we train people in wilderness survival, first aid, outdoor skills, safety management and accident prevention. It is important to shift that focus to emphasize risk management and accident prevention. The idea is that an injury that does not occur needs no treatment; an emergency that does not happen requires no response, and an illness that does not develop demands no remedy. Causes of Outdoor Accidents: Lack of Preparedness—Before a crew attempts a backcountry trek, it must be both physically and mentally prepared. Failure to prepare cannot only ruin a backcountry activity, but it can contribute to accidents, injury and even death. If, for example, some or all members of a backpacking crew are in poor physical condition, accidents are more likely to occur when exhaustion sets in. Poor morale can result from a failure to mentally prepare crew members for the rigors of a backcountry trek. Shakedown hikes before the final trek will help eliminate these problems. Exposure—Unexpected changes in the weather

combined with improper crew and individual equipment are a recipe for disaster. Keeping warm and dry are the prime considerations to prevent weather-related injuries. Inadequate individual or crew equipment, or improperly used equipment contributes to the chances of exposure-related injuries. See NOLS recommended clothing list: www.nols.edu/pdf/rockymountain/wsw_el.pdf

Being in a Hurry—To avoid this pitfall, plan each day’s trek to be reasonable in terms of distance and terrain to be traversed. Start out slowly and cover short distances until you know what your crew is capable of. Do not deviate far from your planned route. A side hike here and there is permissible, but stay with what you planned as closely as possible. If you fall behind schedule, don’t rush to make up time. Moving faster to make up for lost time only increases the possibility of accidents. Getting Too Tired—Accidents on the trail occur most often when the crew is tired. Don’t make your trek an endurance contest. Fatigue slows reactions and mars judgment, both of which are contributors to accidents. Extreme fatigue causes the body and mind to react as if it were on drugs, thus further impairing judgment and reaction time. Leader Judgment Errors—A backcountry leader is primarily there for the health and safety of the parRISKS continued on 14

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RISKS from page 13

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ticipants. When a dangerous situation presents itself, the leader must be able to recognize it and take appropriate action. Examples of situations that can lead to poor leader judgment: If one member of a crew becomes exhausted, it is time to stop. Other crew members may want to continue, and in an attempt to please them, the leader may authorize the trek to go on. Further, if the crew is behind schedule and crew members are becoming fatigued, the leader may want to push on to remain on schedule rather than stop for the night. If unexpected situations arise, such as bad weather or an encounter with a wild animal, it may be time to stop for the night. A leader must be able to recognize dangerous situations and act to prevent accidents from happening. Remember: “Semper Gumby” (Always be Flexible), which means safety takes precedence over schedules. Other Causes of Outdoor Accidents: Without elaboration, here are some other obvious causes of outdoor accidents: improper use of equipment or faulty equipment; inadequate preparation; horseplay; Swift water; Loose, falling objects (e.g., deadfall timber in windstorms, rockslides, avoid camping under/near trees); and inadequate food and water. Seven Preventive Virtues: The potential for accidents to happen can be greatly reduced if leaders pay proper attention to the following critical issues: Dehydration—Dehydration is a factor in about 90 percent of all backcountry incidents. When a person becomes dehydrated, it results in decreased dexterity, agility and poor judgment. Leaders must ensure that their crews drink enough water. Crew members should continuously drink water during backcountry activities. Preventing dehydration is a RISKS continued on 15

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RISKS from page 14

major factor in preventing the next item on the list. Solution—Use Camel-Bak® water bladders with drinking tubes and drink small amounts often. Thirst is a late sign of dehydration. Use sports drinks (e.g., Gatorade ® powder) added to water to help maintain electrolytes and carbohydrates). Proper hydration may be indicated by urine color and output: clear to light yellow urine output that is frequent and copious may indicate proper hydration. Infrequent, low volume dark amber colored urine may indicate dehydration. Headache may be a symptom as well. Heat Related Illness—If a heat-related illness is allowed to progress from heat exhaustion to heat stroke, the result can quickly be death. Heat exhaustion victims may become too drowsy to drink fluids and may require intravenous fluid administration by paramedics. It is important to assist victims to drink while they are still conscious and before they become drowsy or unconscious. Never give fluids to a semi-conscious or unconscious victim due to fatal aspiration danger. Cold Related Illness—Hypothermia is a major cause of death in outdoor activities, second only to drowning. It is not only a winter time occurrence. In fact most cases of hy-

MEEKER pothermia happen when temperature conditions are around 50 degrees. The best way to avoid hypothermia in any season is to ensure that all crew members keep dry. This means possession and use of proper rain gear, wearing synthetic clothes instead of cotton while on the trail, and getting the crew under shelter if weather conditions become severe enough. Nutrition—Nutrition on the trail is extremely important. Leaders should ensure that crew members are eating sufficient amounts of food. Trail menus should be heavy in carbohydrates. Instead of eating a heavy lunch each day, crew members should snack constantly on the trail. Break out the GORP at every break during the day. Exhaustion—Prevent exhaustion by taking frequent breaks to relax, drink fluids and snack. Ensure that your schedule is reasonable. It’s all right to challenge the crew, but don’t make it a race.

Sleep Deprivation—is cumulative and can result in impaired judgement, bad choices and a lack of awareness of risks (which can be harmful or even fatal) and appropriate prevention. Get adequate sleep and take naps especially at high altitude. Sleep deprivation may cause “Microsleep,” where the person dozes off unexpectedly, just for a few seconds and reawkens. When this happens while driving it often results in serious or fatal accidents due to overcorrection, collision and rollovers. Sleep deprivation and microsleep are believed to result in more fatal vehicular accidents than drunk driving annually. See BSA “Risk Zone” presentation on distracted www.scouting.org/ driving risks: filestore/HealthSafety/ pdf/632-006_WB.pdf

Buddy System—getting lost in backcountry and survival kit: Use the “buddy system” in the backcountry. Never go out alone. In case of illness or injury, a buddy can assist you and call for help. If you become lost or disoriented, stay put and follow survival guidelines until you are rescued. Always carry a survival kit with you in your pack or in your vehicle. See:

blog.nols.edu/2015/08/03/what-to-do-whenyoure-lost-in-the-woods/ and check: andrewskurka.com/2015/backpacking-first-aid-kit-e mergency-communication-checklist/.

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Colorado cracking down on bear population BY SEAN McMAHON NWCO HUNTING GUIDE

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not an all-out war, but the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife is serious about thinning out the number of bears and cutting down bear encounters in Northwest Colorado. Within Northwest Colorado, there are five wildlife management areasâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;headquartered in Meeker, Grand Junction, Steamboat Springs, Glenwood Springs and Hot Sulphur Springsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and every one of those areas is reporting an extreme abundance of bears, according to Bill deVergie, the area wildlife manager for the Meeker area. The area of concern in Northwest Colorado covers the entire northwest corner of the state from the Utah state line to the west, to the Wyoming state line to the north, to a line as far south as Independence Pass south of Aspen and as far east as Granby, Grand Lake and even parts of Rocky Mountain National Park and up to Eisenhower Tunnel on Interstate 70. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are mostly more fortunate than the Front Range because they are having several bear encounters in the cities there like Fort Collins and Boulder and Golden and even into Denver,â&#x20AC;? deVergie said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But we are also get-

STOCK PHOTO

ting reports now of bears in Steamboat Springs, Glenwood Springs, Aspen and even Grand Junction.â&#x20AC;? The problem began in 1991, when the state did away with the spring bear hunt in Colorado, deVergie said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have really good numbers now, but that wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the case back then,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It boils down to the reality that the bears came

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back faster than was expected, those numbers are still growing rapidly, and we are trying to bring their numbers back down again.â&#x20AC;? The problem, he said, is not that there isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough forage for the bears to survive in high numbers, it is that there may be too much forage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The forage is so good that the bears keep reproducing and reproducing, and the encounters, reports of property damage, killing of sheep and other game animals and reports of animals inside town and city limits keep increasing. Environmentalists and dropping numbers led to the cutback of the spring bear season in the early 1990s, he said, adding that once the end of the early bear season came about, everyone kind of forgot about the bears because it was no big deal and the spring bear tags werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t in huge demand anyway. Another big change, deVergie said, was the change in law that had allowed bears to be baited in to make it easier to harvest them. Bear baiting in Colorado was common practice before the changes, so when those changes took effect, hunters had to learn all BEARS continued on 17

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BEARS from page 16

over again how to hunt the bears. “They learned that they actually had to hunt the bears—go stalk them through some rough, tough terrain, and the bear hunt all of a sudden became much harder,” deVergie said. “A lot of people didn’t like that, so the number of bear hunters went down quite a bit. “That left the bears mostly without any predators, and the bear hunting situation just got to where fewer and fewer hunters wanted to go to the trouble,” he said. “Meanwhile, while very little was going on as far as street conversation or even within what was then the Colorado Divison of Game and Fish, the bears just kept on increasing.” Right now, deVergie said, “We just have too many bears; we have got to get that population down so the entire picture regarding big game in Colorado can be managed back to where it should be and where we want it to be.” He said the CPW has been increasing the number of licenses each year for at least the last 10 years and that he has been encouraging all hunters—residents and non-resident— to get a bear license each year when going after any other big game animal in the state. “I would say that between 10 to 15 percent of the elk and deer hunters are now picking up bear licenses in addition to their regular hunt-

MEEKER ing licenses, and that has really helped,” he said. “We have seen the biggest bear harvests in the last three years that we have ever seen. And while that is a really good thing, we can always try to increase that number of bear harvests for years before we would get back to the number of bears we would like to have.” When bear populations are strong and healthy, a sow will usually have twins, so that increases the population when it occurs year after year. deVergie said there has definitely been an increase in sheep killings and the number of bears reported in state towns, and that those are two of the key signs that numbers are still very strong. “We have really seen an increase in both,” deVergie said. “Not only are the sheep killings

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up but the numbers of bears in our towns are exploding. We have had several reports of bears in Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs and Steamboat Springs, and we all heard about the bear that got into the Aspen grocery story last year. That was a real eye opener. BEARS continued on 24

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BY COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE

Ethical hunters not only make a clean kill, they don't waste what they kill. So that means taking care of the meat. It's against the law to waste game meat. If you harvest an animal, it is your responsibility to remove and care for the meat. Start preparing before you go into the field. Get in shape and be ready to carry heavy loads over rough terrain. Be sure you know how to field dress an animal. Numerous books and websites are available to provide explanations. If you will be hunting with someone who is inexperienced, teach them the proper techniques. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has produced two videos that explain big game field dressing techniques. See "How to field dress a big game animal," on the website; search for Videos. Another video, "Down to the Bone", explains how to bone out the meat of a big game animal in the field. By boning out the meat there is much less weight for a hunter to pack out. You can order the video by calling 303-297-1192; or by going to the "Buy and Apply" section of the CPW website. Get your gear organized. Assemble all of the equipment you need for cleaning, haul-

ing and caring for your meat. A short list includes: high quality knife, sharpening stone, bone saw, tarp, game bags, frame pack, paper towels, rope and rubber gloves. Get your freezer ready, too. Be sure you have enough room to store the meat. Make a clean kill Shot placement can affect meat quality. Try for a quick kill with a shot that will produce minimal meat damage. The best target: the heart/lungs area just behind the front quarter. A shot to that area will drop an animal quickly. Avoid shooting an animal in the gut or hindquarters. Don't try for head shots. Also, be aware of where the animal might fall. Don't shoot an animal in an area where you will not be able to retrieve it. Make sure you are capable of retrieving all the meat before it spoils, before it attracts predators and before you become exhausted. If you can't make a clean shot, don't shoot! The animal is down; now what? When you bring down a big game animal with bullet or arrow, you have achieved one immediate goal, but you haven't fulfilled all of your responsibilities as a hunter. You still have to field dress, transport and butcher the meat properly. Animals must be field dressed

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GAME MEAT continued on 21

GAME MEAT from page 20

immediately. That means removing the guts, heart, lungs, liver, esophagus and other internal organs. If you choose to bone out the meat, you do not need to "gut" the animal. After removing all the entrails, roll the animal over to drain the body cavity, then use a clean rag to wipe off excess blood, bone chips, dirt, partially digested food particles and other foreign matter. Only leave the hide on long enough to keep the meat clean while dragging it on the ground or transporting it over dusty roads in the back of an open pickup. Next, cool the meat as quickly as possible. Skin the animal as soon as you reach camp. Time is critical, even in cool weather. Without air circulating around the carcass the meat can sour quickly. Bacterial growth begins at any temperature over 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Maggots can hatch within eight hours if the carcass is exposed to flies and other winged insects. Remove the head, trim as much fat as possible, place the meat in game bags and hang them in the shade. Keep the meat dry. Do not allow meat to hang more than two days in the woods. If the weather is warm, get the carcass into cold storage as soon as possible. Remember—aging does not improve the flavor or serve to tenderize game meat. Beef can be aged to become more tender and flavorful because the fat on a domestic cow protects the meat from rotting at 38 degrees. Deer and elk are 90-95 percent lean, and the leaner the meat the faster it deteriorates. When taking the animal home, keep it cold and out of sight. Do not strap an animal to the top of your car.

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GAME MEAT from page 22

Game meat can last for several years in a good freezer if it is well-wrapped. The best wrapping is a vacuum seal. If you don't have one, use freezer paper. It's better than plastic in staving off freezer burn. For more information, see: cpw.state.co.us.

Proper care of game meat in the field is essential for making sure you get to enjoy that juicy tenderloin or venison steak in the days and weeks to come.

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Rio Blanco County is more fortunate than most counties in Northwest Colorado,” he said. “We don’t get many reports from the Rangely area because there aren’t a lot of sheep in that area, but we are getting reports from north of Meeker, some from south of Meeker and the majority from north and east of Meeker, all the way to Baggs up on the Colorado line and in the Black Mountains. The area east of Highway 13 seems to be the worst, and that is true all the way up to Baggs.” deVergie issued a caution to those going hiking or fourwheeling or camping in the areas around Meeker and in the Flat Tops to the north and east in particular. “There are a lot of bears out there, and make certain you are doing your best to not attract them,” he said. “Make lots of noise, keep your edible items in solid containers that don’t let

food smells out and don’t throw food garbage out anywhere in the forests. “The bears are eating service berries, choke cherries and oak brush—known as acorns—which are probably the favorite food of all the big game animals in the area,” he said. “Be cautious of any major concentrations of any of these because you can bet that as long as there are any of these around, the bears and other wildlife will be there too. “The problem with that is that the bears are dangerous, territorial and quite temperamental,” deVergie said. “That means they can be deadly. And that is another reason we are urging hunters to pick up a bear license when they go hunting. It isn’t uncommon to run into a bear, and the hunters might find themselves where they have another trophy they weren’t really counting on.”

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MEEKER

Choosing your outfitter BY SPARKY PAPPAS, ROCKY PAPPAS AND TRAVIS FLAHERTY SPECIAL TO THE HUNTING GUIDE

So you want to go hunting with an outfitter and you’re not sure where to start. The first thing to do is to decide what kind of hunt you want. Archery or rifle? Deer or elk or antelope or bear or lion or? Do you want to hunt in warmer weather (early) or cold (late)? Horseback? Tent? Cabin? Cook? Take your own bedroll? A great thing about big-game hunting in Colorado is the variety of options you have. You can hunt on your own, from planning to executing, or you can go to a five-star resort with professional chefs and daily maid service. Or you can hunt somewhere in between the two.

The majority of hunters who hunt with an outfitter go with something in between. In Colorado, there are a few hundred outfitters and the services offered range from providing a hunter with a horse, to setting up a doit-yourself camp on public land, to guiding you on public land, to guiding you on private land, to providing full services (meals, lodging, guiding), and more. It’s a matter of personal preference and budget that dictate most people’s choice of an outfitter. If you know what you want, you can pretty well customize your hunt depending on what outfitter you choose. An outfitter may or may not be a member of various organizations such as Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation or Mule Deer Foundation. If these organiza-

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OUTFITTER continued on 26

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MEEKER

OUTFITTER from page 25

tions are meaningful to you, you should hunt with an outfitter who is a member. By law, a person offering hunting services (guiding) for big game must be registered with the State of Colorado Division of Regulatory Agencies. The exception to this is a landowner who has a hunting business that he runs exclusively on his own deeded land. You can go online

(www.colorado.gov/pacific/dora/O utfitters) and see if a person

claiming to be an outfitter is licensed and in good standing with the state. Every outfitter must also carry insurance and be bonded. A further membership an outfitter may pursue is with the Colorado Outfitters Association (ColoradoOutfittersAssociation.org). While it is a non-governmental entity, it requires that members not only have the requisite registration (license) with the state, the bond and the insurance, but also adhere to guide-

lines as to ethics. The organization reviews complaints by hunters, whether the state government is involved or not. There are safeguards to ensure your outfitter is the one for you. The most obvious and important one is to ask for references. Ask for contact information of previous hunters who were successful and also for hunters who weren’t successful. Every outfitter should have both and should be willing to share those contacts. Some other questions you may want the answers to are: • How long have you been an outfitter? • How many hunters will be in camp during my stay? • How many hunters per guide? • What is your average success rate (animals harvested) (Note: this is usually somewhat different for archery than for rifle, so be sure and specify what it is you want to know). • How long have your guides

worked for you (again, be specific about your case/situation). • If bow hunting—are your guides archery hunters? • What is your (approximate) percentage of repeat customers? • What will the hunt cost? The price of the hunt usually will not include the license, processing or any taxidermy. Ask about any hidden costs. The “correct” answer to any one of these questions depends upon your expectations, but know ahead of time what you’re hoping or expecting to hear. Remember, the outfitter is also a salesman. Make sure your outfitter provides you with a contract and a supply list. This is a minimum, and, again, is a legal requirement. The contract should spell out what you’re expected to do/provide and what the outfitter will do/provide. It should list your hunt date(s) and the cost. It should also define what hunt unit(s) the outfitter operates in. You have an obligation to sign the

contract for the outfitter. A typical supply list includes recommended clothes—what kind and how many. Shoes/boots, blaze orange—this is dictated by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife as being 500 square inches of solid fluorescent orange above the waist (vest or jacket) and a fluorescent orange hat or cap—are all typical supply list items. Your outfitter can advise you on what type of weapon is most suitable for your hunt and also what ammo (or arrows) are recommended. Other gear such as rangefinder, binoculars, shooting sticks, etc., will typically be on a supply list. In some cases, they’re considered optional; in other cases, they’re required. If you have hunted a fair amount, with or without an outfitter, you may have definite ideas of what you want, which can help

The ultimate Colorado hunting experience!

OUTFITTER continued on 27

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MEEKER

OUTFITTER from page 25

you sort through outfitters. However, if you’ve just hunted one time, don’t assume that anything will be the same the next time. Ask about various scenarios and explain yourself. Be honest with the outfitter about your abilities, experience, health, fitness, etc. That is the best way to get the best experience. Safety is a huge consideration for any hunt. Your outfitter should explain what is involved in getting the license/licenses you need. You may need to apply for a limited license, in which case you generally apply in early April and get notification in June. You may book a hunt that you can license over the counter when you arrive. You may have a guaranteed license if you are hunting on a Ranching For Wildlife hunt. In any case, your outfitter should explain what your situation will be, help you with the application process, and let you know the cost of the license and whether or not it is included in the cost of your hunt. A good outfitter will share as

much information as possible to help educate you and help you be successful in your hunt. This information is sometimes on a website, but may be in supplemental literature provided. It should answer your questions about terrain, elevation, hunting “process,” responsibilities as to meat, cape, antlers, etc. It’s a good idea to book your hunt well in advance. When you know you can commit the money and time to a hunt with an outfitter, commit to yourself to make it the best. You can maximize your hunt experience by being completely prepared physically, mentally, financially, etc. You should also be prepared to leave your job and home with the knowledge that you may not have access to Internet on a full-time basis, and even when you have access, it may not be at the speed you’re used to. Hunting is not only a great sport. It is conservation, it is communing with nature, it is a good way to put healthful meat in your freezer. Hunt with an outfitter that fits you.

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TROPHY GALLERY

SHELTON RANCH OUTFITTING

ARROW J OUTFITTERS

TIFFANY JEHORAK PHOTO

Want to immortalize your hunt in print? Send your trophy pics to ads@theheraldtimes.com for next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition of the Hunting Guide.

N O RTHWE ST C O LO RADO HU N TIN G G U IDE | 2016 F ALL E D ITIO N

CHRIS JURNEY OUTFITTING

TROPHY GALLERY

CHRIS JURNEY OUTFITTING ARROW J/DOUBLE H OUTFITTERS

Below, Meeker resident John Kapushion is pictured with a water buffalo taken during a hunt in Australia with Professionals of Africa, a Meeker-based business.

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TROPHY GALLERY

CHRIS JURNEY OUTFITTING

Want to immortalize your hunt in print? Send your trophy pics to ads@theheraldtimes.com for next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition of the Hunting Guide.

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N O RTHWE ST C O LO RADO HU N TIN G G U IDE | 2016 F ALL E D ITIO N

TROPHY GALLERY

SHELTON RANCH OUTFITTING

NINE MILE GUEST RANCH

TIFFANY JEHORAK PHOTO

ARROW J OUTFITTERS

NINE MILE GUEST RANCH

N O RTHWE ST C O LO RADO HU N TIN G G U IDE | 2016 F ALL E D ITIO N

Welcome to Northwest Colorado The Land of Big Game!

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H&H PROCESSING & OUTFITTING

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avoiding trouble in the outdoors BY ROBERT D. AMICK SPECIAL TO THE HUNTING GUIDE

Many outdoor recreationists plan and conduct outdoor weekends or longer treks into isolated backcountry areas where natural and weather-related hazards combined with other risks that may result in serious life-threatening injuries and illness. Unusual physical exertion and high altitude also pose risks for recreationists. The best solutions include preparedness in the form of Wilderness and Remote first aid (WaRFA) training and equipment, adequate preparation through physical conditioning, good health and safety practices, appropriate clothing and gear, avoiding sleep deprivation, survival training, water treatment, maintaining adequate hydration and nutrition, and obtaining reli-

able backcountry emergency com- vices in the backcountry. If an munications technology and GPS emergency arises, immediate contact with a 911 PSAP can rapidly location devices. We take for granted that in an summon first responders. A dangerously misguided ethic emergency we can call 911 and expect a rapid response from first among some recreationists exists responders. This is seldom true for “not bringing high technology devices into the when traveling backcountry.” into remote backthe country areas ...not bringing high However, lacking cell phone tech devices into the health and safety of the participants towers. backcountry is a far surpasses the An excellent misguided ethic... ethic. You never outdoor skills refwant to be in the erence is the Scout role of explaining Fieldbook: www.scoutstuff.org/media/conto relatives why their family memtent/docs/pdfs/BePrepared_Vol_6_ ber was injured or died on an outNo_2.pdf; www.rockymountainresing due to inability to summon cue.org; www.scouting.org/filefirst responders to the scene. store/pdf/680-022.pdf Communications devices perBackcountry Telecommu- mit notification of changes in itinnications Devices erary or delays due to weather or It is very important, and a mat- other factors that affect return ter of diligence on the part of trip times and permit them to contact leaders, to provide for alternative you. and reliable communications deOutings delayed with no expla-

nation may cause anxiety for family members. scoutingmagazine .org/2016/02/how-to-choose-thebest-backcountry-communicationdevice-for-your-next-adventure/

Note: Emergency Communications Devices may not be emphasized in the curriculum of typical Wilderness First Aid courses. Wilderness and Remote (WaRFA) First Aid training Wilderness and Remote First Aid (WaRFA) training is essential for all backcountry participants. Note that it is “first aid” and not “definitive care” as provided by physicians at a hospital trauma center. Hypovolemic shock, neurological head and spinal injuries, cardiac and respiratory emergencies and anaphylactic shock are among the severe and life-threatening trauma and medical emergencies that require very rapid TROUBLE continued on 34

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TROUBLE from page 33

evacuation to hospitals if the victim is to survive. This is seldom possible in isolated backcountry, where delays in summoning rescue for evacuations are common and may result in disability and death. www.redcross.org/take-a-

class/cpr-first-aid/wildernesssports#wilderness-remote-first-aid; www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_ CustomProductCatalog/m49440095

_WRFA_ERG_9781584806295.pdf; www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Heal thandSafety/Training/wilderness_fa .aspx; www.scoutcpr.org; www.nols. edu/wmi/

The “Golden Hour” in medical emergencies The survival of critically injured or ill victims depends directly on rapid care by first responders and (weather permitting) dispatching

an aeromedical helicopter to the scene for evacuation to a Level One trauma center within an hour of the incident. www.flightforlife-

colorado.org/flc/services/helicopters/

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) SCA is the leading cause of death nationally, killing more than 300,000 people of all ages annually. Only rapid application of CPR

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and use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) along with rapid evacuation of the victim may offer the best hope of survival. Only 7 percent of SCA victims surwww.nhlbi.nih.gov/health vive. /health-topics/topics/scda

Backcountry communications devices recommended Carrying more than one system as a redundant alternative is essential as a backup or if the group gets separated. Satellite phone (best choice) Satellite phones work nearly anywhere to immediately summon aid. Performance may be limited by dense forests or terrain obstructions and requires a view of open sky. Determine what public safety answering point (PSAP 911 communications center) is nearest to your trek area, and what their 10digit phone number is. Dialing 911 on a satellite phone may not function. • Designate one or more contact persons to call for information about your trek. • Train all participants on using communications devices (“sometimes the doctor needs a doctor”). • Carry extra batteries/solar chargers. • Satellite phones can be rented inexpensively for short-term use.

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GPS Carry a GPS receiver for exact latitude and longitude location in-

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TROUBLE from page 34

formation.

aboutGPS/

www8.garmin.com/

Satellite emergency notification device (personal locator beacons) (good choice) A satellite emergency notification device (s.e.n.d.) transmits distress signal via a satellite to a central rescue center. www.de-

lorme.com/; www.rockymountainrescue.org/about_PLBs.php; www.rockymountainrescue.org/ about_PLBs.php;

Two-Meter Amateur Radios (good choice) Two-meter amateur radios can access repeater networks in backcountry. No-code technician FCC licenses are available. Radios can coordinate with groups and reach support organizations for updates and meeting points, etc. Carry extra batteries and solar chargers. Ask a local “ham” (amateur radio) operator to train your group or see the American Radio Relay League website for ham radio licensing and training.

www.arrl.org/getting-your-technician-license

Cell phones and smart phones (fair choice) Cell phones rarely have coverage in backcountry areas. Do not rely on them alone for communications. (some PSAPs may not yet be able to receive 911 text messages; voice calls are recommended). Use a GPS for location info. Climbing to a high point may improve signal. Adverse weather lessens signal. Carry spare batteries, solar charger and extra communications devices. www.nena.org/ ?NG911_Project

Suggested equipment for backcountry treks: • AED (Automatic External Defibrillator). AED lightweight biphasic adult/pediatric high-capacity battery models suitable for rough handling, backpacking and wet environments with water-tight cases recommended are Heart Sine 350p or Phillips FRX. www.aedsu-

pulse).

www.nonin.com/FingerPulse-Oximeter

• Backcountry first aid kits.

www.wildmed.com/blog/building-awilderness-first-aid-kit/

Test equipment to verify operation. Provide the PSAP with your trip itinerary, topo map, home contact numbers, vehicle location and description and satelite phone number.

Robert D. Amick had an extensive professional career as director of a

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911 public safety communications center; emergency medical services training and experience as an emergency medical technician and instructor; American Red Cross Health and Safety instructor, including Emergency Medical Response, Wilderness and Remote First Aid (WaRFA), Community Disaster Education; and Emergency Management training at the Federal Emergency Management Agency National Emergency Training Center. He was a member of a mountain rescue organization and is still active in Scouting.

perstore.com/philips-heartstartfrx.html; www.sca-aware.org/

• Pulse Oximeter (measures blood oxygen levels and

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Trophy hide preparations for the big game hunter BY RYAN HUITT SPECIAL TO THE HUNTING GUIDE

It never ceases to amaze me every year when at least one hunter brings in an animal to be mounted, and the skin is full of fat and meat, turning green and the hair coming out by the handfuls. Guys will spend thousands of dollars on gear, countless hours studying maps and scouting areas and long days in pursuit of their game, only to ruin a hide by complete negligence or laziness. I’ve seen numerous people leave their animal sitting in their garage for nearly a week or keep it in the back of a pickup for several days. These all-too-common mistakes are easy to prevent and, the truth is, a quality mount starts with you, the hunter, taking prompt and

cool. Keep the gutting incision straight and centered, not going past the sternum on any animal to be shoulder mounted. With bears, it is OK to continue this incision up the center of the chest. The main goal here is to remove the cape or skin as soon as possible. Notice I did not say “as quickly as possible,” do not grab your knife and start hacking like Edward Scissorhands. Use a sharp knife and make straight, clean cuts. To remove a cape from an animal, whether it be an elk, deer, moose, etc., start at the base of the skull where it attaches to the neck, and make a long straight incision

PINYON TREE RYAN HUITT PHOTO

proper care of your trophy. An extra few minutes and a little extra effort can ensure that your hide will have the best chance of a quality tan and, therefore, a quality mount. First things first. As soon as the

animal has hit the ground and the photo session has ended, it is time to get to work. Get the animal gutted as soon as possible as this dumps a lot of heat from the carcass and allows for the meat and hide to begin to

TROPHY continued on 37

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TROPHY from page 36

down the spine going in between the shoulder blades and down the back. On the legs, start on the front legs at the knee joint and cut up the back of the legs. Almost all animals will have a natural seam where the inner and outer leg hair meet, follow that line up towards the armpit. Keep cutting, staying to the outside of the armpit, and carry your incision towards the butt of the animal. Once you have come in line with your spinal incision and are a good 6 to 8 inches behind the armpits, simply connect the cuts down the sides of the ribcage and across the

"CJHBJM 6SJTI .%

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brisket. You can now skin the cape off the animal, starting back and working your way towards the head. For rug or life-sized animals such as bear, follow the same leg seams I mentioned previously, starting at the pad and working your way up the back of each leg, eventually meeting in the middle or at the â&#x20AC;&#x153;gutting incision.â&#x20AC;? Work slowly, trying to keep all meat and fat on the carcass and off your cape. Remaining meat and fat left on the skin will trap moisture and heat, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria, which is

$ ,FOOFUI 4VÄŞPO .%

RYAN HUITT PHOTO

present as soon as your animal has expired, is what causes the hide to green and rot the hair follicles, allowing the hair to â&#x20AC;&#x153;slipâ&#x20AC;? or fall out. Once the cape has been skinned to the base of the skull, simply cut through the last vertebrate and remove the head with the cape attached. Now cape the face, or let someone with experience cape the face, and begin to cool the skin. Lay the

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hide down, skin side up, and allow to cool for 15 to 20 minutes in the shade. Make sure the flesh is cool to the touch and then proceed in folding up the hide skin on skin to prevent the outer layer from drying out, trapping moisture underneath and creating an impenetrable barrier for salt later TROPHY continued on 38

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Ç Ç Ç Í&#x2DC; Ć&#x152; Ä&#x201A; Ĺś Ĺ? Ä&#x17E; ĹŻ Ç&#x2021; Ĺ&#x161; Ĺ˝ Ć? Ć&#x2030; Ĺ? Ć&#x161; Ä&#x201A; ĹŻ Í&#x2DC; Ä? Ĺ˝ Ĺľ N O RTHWE ST C O LO RADO HU N TIN G G U IDE | 2016 F ALL E D ITIO N

TROPHY from page 36

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on. If packing the animal out, place the cape in a breathable game bag and keep it free from flies and dirt. If freezing, use a trash bag instead to prevent freezer burn. A hide that cannot be delivered to the taxidermist that same day should be frozen to prevent spoilage. Be sure to roll the hide up skin on skin with the head on the outside. If the head is tucked tightly inside, it takes longer to freeze, and longer to thaw. Properly frozen skins will last a very long time. Many people question whether they should try and salt a hide before bringing it in to the taxidermist. The answer is a simple “no.” Unless you have properly turned the eyes, ears, nose, lips, and paws or hooves, never salt a hide. Salt is used to draw moisture out of a skin, to lock hair into place, and prevent the growth of bacteria. And although salting is a necessary step, it is a final step, and, if done prematurely, it will hinder the remaining process left for the skin. Also, if a cape or hide is salted without being properly fleshed, it will harden any remaining meat, making it nearly impossible to remove and trapping moisture between the meat and skin, causing slippage. Just remember that heat is the enemy and the hotter it is outside, the faster a cape or hide will begin to spoil. Work in a timely manner but take the time to do a good job in skinning your animal. Having a few skinning nicks is OK compared to leaving large amounts of heat-trapping meat and fat.

A clean and well-fleshed skin will cool quickly and last much longer than a speedy yet terrible skinning job. You’ve spent a lot of hardearned time and money to achieve your trophy. Have respect for the sport and the animal you harvested and take proper care of it. Almost all bad hides I know of could have been prevented by following a few simple steps, and putting in a little time and effort. Good luck to all hunters this season and be safe.

Tips • Pack a small tarp or some Tyvek house wrap for working on a cape or meat in the field. I prefer the Tyvek because it is lightweight and doesn’t stick as bad as a plastic tarp. • Always keep a sharp knife or use scalpels such as Havalon knives to prevent awkward cuts and poor fleshing. • Use good quality game bags for hides and meat—preferably ones with a drawstring enclosure to keep flies and dirt off. • If backpack hunting, carry a small squirt bottle mixed with water and food grade citric acid. Spray this on the meat to form a crust that is impenetrable to flies. It can buy you some time in the field. * Carry a small pack of wet wipes with you. They are great for cleaning hands, but also good for getting blood off of horns and antlers. It’s always best to keep them clean from dried blood.

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NEW CASTLE

Garfield County has excellent prospects BY SEAN McMAHON NWCO HUNTING GUIDE STAFF

The existence of the mineral hot springs and being the gateway to Aspen have been the key ingredients to Glenwood Springs, but hunters seeking big game in the Glenwood Springs-area hunting units this coming season should have a pretty good time finding their wild game of choice. The Glenwood Springs office of Colorado Parks and Wildlife covers an area that includes a portion of the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, which is located well north of Interstate 70, as well as Vail Pass, Battle Mountain, Independence Pass, which is located south of Aspen, Eagle and Glenwood Springs. Overall, this should be a great year for those folks hunting all species in the area. There was good snow last season, the spring and summer rains have kept the terrain in water and the sun has help create great forage all around. The animals are reportedly well disbursed throughout the entire area and the herds are abundant and in good health. The Glenwood Springs area had much more precipitation this mid to late summer than the other Northwest Colorado areas. Storms coming in from Wyoming have kept the area fairly wet while the monsoons rains usually prevalent from the Southwest have not materialized as of late August. ELK HERDS THRIVING The elk hunting this year should be pretty darned good and the herds have had perfect conditions to be doing really well. The calves had a really good spring and summer in the Upper Roaring Fork River Valley, so that portion of the hunting should be good. There is reportedly a slight increase in the elk this year in the Little Grand Mesa and Red Table areas, and that could be a small bonus. But while it should be a good

year, the Little Grand Mesa area isn’t as good as it traditionally use to be. The Flat Tops to the north and west part of the area should be really good; it is looking like a great late summer and fall for all ungulates. The precipitation has certainly been down since July 1, but not enough to do serious damage to the season for the hunters. The feed has stayed mostly fresh up high with the summer rains in the area and conditions in this area should really be considered under a drought. Good antlers have been seen everywhere, but the weather from mid August to late September could better tell the tale. If it stays warm and the forage remains good high, hunter success will mean having to get away from the roads to put in a little work going high. If a hard cold hits early or if there is a lot of early snow, the animals may come down a bit to the lower elevations and high valleys. SMALL DEER DECREASE, BUT... It is difficult to tell what kind of a deer season it will be as the numbers were down last year, but a limited number of licenses could benefit those hunters able to obtain one. Fewer licenses means fewer hunters and that means more deer for those with the licenses. Depending on the weather once again, there is potential for a good dear season. There have been good antlers spotted in the field throughout the area and Area D* has potential for an outstanding year. Some of the deer areas may be spotty but it would be difficult to say that there are any “bad” areas in the region. The weather may again be a major factor like with the elk. It may be necessary to go high and look for the deer or, if winter starts fast and furious, the best deer may be found quite low. BEARS RUN RAMPANT Like almost all of the hunt areas

GARFIELD continued on 40

STOCK PHOTO

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N O RTHWE ST C O LO RADO HU N TIN G G U IDE | 2016 F ALL E D ITIO N

Silt/Rifle GARFIELD from page 39

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in Northwest Colorado, the Glenwood Springs area is overloaded with bears, which the CPW would like to see the hunters help to reduce. Bears are apparently everywhere—too many bears—and hunters are again this year encouraged to purchase a bear tag in addition to the other big game the hunters are pursuing. CPW Area Wildlife Manager Perry Will first said two years ago, “We are really looking to reduce the numbers of bears and the numbers of damage reports, and the hunters are the ones who can really help us out. Besides, there is truly a good chance those hunters can shoot their bear or bears.” Towns in his area have been inundated with bear reports the past couple of years and last year a bear was even reported in an Aspen grocery story. He said that almost all towns from Aspen, Carbondale, Marble, Basalt to those along the I-70 cor-

ridor to the east and west of Glenwood Springs have seen bears in the towns. Rumor has it that several big bears have been seen and that is is getting more and more common to see bears in the 500-pound range where 300 pounds used to be the norm. SHEEP SHOULD BEWARE For those fortunate to get one of the ram licenses that are available to hunters in the Glenwood Springs units, hunters should have a really good success rate. Few licenses are issued but conditions have been excellent leading into the season. The rams may be staying up on the ridges but they could easily drop down if there is a lot of snow or if it gets really cold in the higher altitudes. The Avalanche Herd in the Crystal River Valley and the areas around Redstone and Marble may provide great opportunities for the hunters.

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GOATS AND LIONS ABOUND The mountain lions and the Rocky Mountain goats are both in very good shape this year. The area up and around Independence Pass, south of Aspen, is likely the best place for hunters. Units 6, 11, 12, 13, 17 and 19 should present good opportunities for the goats. There are roughly 30 tags in the area, and the forage, the overall weather and the number of licenses should work in favor of the hunters,” Will has said the last couple years. “We also have good numbers of mountain lions, and, while an occasional hunter may run across a lion, it is almost impossible to hunt a lion without dogs,” he said. “The dogs can tree a mountain lion, where a human just couldn’t keep up in a foot pursuit. “We haven’t filled our quotas for lions in several years, but I have to believe it would be a good season coming up,” he said. “If someone really wanted to kill a mountain lion, this would be one of the best seasons to give it a try.” Will gave a few warnings to the goat and lion hunters. He said the hunters should be prepared for possible snow up high and that the weather can change quickly. He said that those hunters should be certain to have chains and food/water supplies if there are any problems. He also warned that there is a lot of private property in the Roaring Fork Valley and for quite a few miles up Independence Pass and along many of the drainages. He added that hunters must make sure they are on public land or obtain permission from a landowner prior to hunting on private property. Overall this could be great hunting season with the weather playing a key role in everyone’s success. Know you areas and drainages and be prepared for an early onset of winter and you could find out that being prepared was the best thing you did before the hunt.

N O RTHWE ST C O LO RADO HU N TIN G G U IDE | 2016 F ALL E D ITIO N

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N O RTHWE ST C O LO RADO HU N TIN G G U IDE | 2016 F ALL E D ITIO N

CRAIG/STEAMBOAT

Routt, Moffat counties should be strong BY SEAN McMAHON NWCO HUNTING GUIDE

For decades since the end of World War II and the arrival of 10th Mountain Division veterans, Steamboat Springs conjured up thoughts of little other than skiing and some farming. Not any more! Now it is one of, if not the best, hunting areas in Colorado, offering a wide variety of and an abundance of game for the hunter. This year’s hunting season could be one of the best ever. Deer are down in numbers a bit because of a toll on the fawns from so much snow early last winter, but this year’s occasional rains are keeping things green so conditions continue to be good and the important forage is thriving. Elk terrain looks great, the forage is plentiful, particularly up high, the calf survival rate was excellent and some good numbers and good animals are being seen.

The area includes Routt and Medicine Bow national forests, the Flat Tops, which hold the largest elk herd in the world, and up along the Colorado/Wyoming border north except where the fires are burning. There was great winter snow and great spring precipitation again this year, and with the sporadic rains during summer the forage is fairly strong for all the big game animals. The Flat Tops herd is doing great and the bull/cow ratios are doing very well, adding up to a highly successful hunt this year— but still depending on the weather from mid-August until the end of the season. One herd doing well is the Bear’s Ears herd, running Routt National Forest to the north of Craig and Steamboat. The good news and bad news is that there is easy access to the area. DEER OUTLOOK VERY

SOLID The outlook for deer is about the same as last year, and that is good news. Like many other parts of Northwest Colorado, an abundance of snow early in the winter last year took a toll on some of the fawns because they couldn’t dig down enough to access the forage. That won’t affect the hunting much this year because they would have only been yearlings, and when that lack of “recruit” fawns would be becoming adults, the dip in numbers will mostly be filled by the fawns of the last three years, when numbers were above normal. There should be a lot of three- to four-year-old bucks that look pretty good. The two winters before last saw the animals stay up high because there was good snow but not an abundance and it didn’t stay cold for long periods of time. If that happens again this year, hunters

may have to work for their big game. Heavy hunting pressure up high and a tough early winter could push the elk and deer down to lower altitudes in the valleys, where much of that land is privately owned. When hunters move off the national forests and high mountain lands they need to to confirm where they are hunting so as not to wander unknowingly onto private land. “We have some private lands where the landowners will let hunters onto the property and we have some private lands where the elk will remain year around,” CPW area wildlife manager Jim Haskins said. Routt and Jackson counties should offer good hunts as we (the CPW) has been conservative with deer licenses the past couple of COUNTIES continued on 46

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Mark Twain said it best. “Buy land, they’re not making it anymore.” If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a slice of Northwest Colorado’s hunting and fishing utopia, now is a great time to buy. Here’s some tips with special advice from real estate expert Lonnie Gustin of Hayden Outdoors. Gustin has been selling farm, ranch and recreational land in Northwest Colorado and the surrounding area for five years. What are some of the benefits of buying your own hunting property? Hunting properties make great investments. They don’t require massive infusions of cash and constant maintenance like other types of real estate. They sit, they appreciate, and you get the satisfaction of knowing you have your own slice of heaven waiting for you whenever you want to use it, “ensuring that you and your family will have a place to hunt without public pressure for years to come,” Gustin says. Land can be used as an income generator by leasing all or a portion of it out to other hunters. What things should buyers consider when searching for their ideal hunting grounds? “In Colorado we are very fortunate that the hunting is good in just about any area, especially in Northwest Colorado,” Gustin says. That said, the usual real estate adage applies—location, location, location. What questions should you ask when looking at hunting property? According to Gustin, there are several factors to consider once you’ve tracked down a few potential properties, including cover and feed conditions. Other considerations include: • The average size of the animals harvested in the unit • Whether the area is a limited draw or over the counter • If the property borders public land and whether access is limited • Existing fencing and the condition it’s in • Resident animals already on the land • The land’s location relative to migration paths • Available water sources and water quality How can you get the most bang for your buck (both the paper and antlered variety)? “Location plays the biggest part in the value,” Gustin says, but “the bigger the better isn’t necessarily always true; a ranch can always be improved to increase animal harvest.” Take all the above into consideration and you’ll reap the benefits for years to come. “Land will always be there and is always something you can put your hands on and see with your own eyes,” Gustin says. “It is a very satisfying feeling to harvest an animal on your own land and know that no one can take it away.”

N O RTHWE ST C O LO RADO HU N TIN G G U IDE | 2016 F ALL E D ITIO N

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CRAIG/STEAMBOAT COUNTIES from page 42

years, Haskins said last year. BEARS HIGH IN NUMBERS Like much of Northwest Colorado, the Steamboat Springs area has seen an increase in the number of bear licenses due to the abundance of black bears through almost all parts of Colorado and the CPW desire to lower the number of bears in all areas. Steamboat Springs has had reports of the bruins in and around Steamboat’s city limits, and the drive is on again this year for hunters of other big game species to grab a bear permit or two as well. “I would much rather see a hunter get the bear than to see the bear get into a situation where we have to put it down,” Haskins said. LOTS OF SHEEP SEEN The Zirkel Wilderness herd is healthy for Rocky Mountain big horn sheep. The weather has been very good, allowing for plenty of forage up high, and there are really no signs of any type of problems. The area only has a few ram and ewe tags, but if you are lucky enough to have been one of those hunters to get a permit in the area, chances are good for harvesting the sheep. Hunting for sheep is never easy but a wellprepared hunter stands a good chance at

their ram or ewe this year. The sheep can come down early, and, if they do, they will scatter all along the Continental Divide. However, there are some good animals around and they are very healthy. It is also a good bet that a lot of the sheep will be wintering in North Park, around Delaney Butte and mainly on the west side of North Park. ANTELOPE THRIVING The numbers of antelope, pronghorn or “goats” should be impressive this upcoming season. There is reportedly good numbers and good quality. For the past couple of years, Harkins has pointed to North Park (Unit 10) as being one of the top spots Other good spots he has pointed to included the Elk River and the Rabbit Ears Pass areas. He said these are not traditionally good areas but could be good this year. FEW LIONS AROUND The district does have mountain lions, “but we are not a big lion area like Meeker, Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs,” Haskins said. “We are finding lion footprints and we have had a few predation problems,

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which show us that they are here. “I would say the numbers we have are doing fine—are stable—but I can’t say we have seen any major increases or decreases in numbers,” he said. There is a limited number of lions around North Park and Unit 13 is one of the best areas year after year. Other decent mountain lion numbers can be found south of Highway 4, between Steamboat Springs and Hayden. “The key is knowing how lions travel, and dogs can follow and tree a lion on the run,” he said. GOOD OVERALL SEASON, BUT... It once again looks like a very good hunting season, but a caution is issued to hunters in the lower regions, where most land is private property, to obtain landowner permission prior to hunting on the private land. Hunters also need to make certain of what animal is being sighted in because without seeing the entire animal it can be difficult to determine whether an animal is a deer, elk or moose, adding that there are always citations given each year to hunters who have misidentified the animal they shot. And that can be quite a costly mistake.

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N O RTHWE ST C O LO RADO HU N TIN G G U IDE | 2016 F ALL E D ITIO N

C O L O R A D O

P A R K S

W I L D L I F E

Big Game Hunting Planner 2016 & 2017 BIG GAME SEASON DATES — finalized in January each year 2016

2017

Aug. 27–Sept. 25 Oct. 1–28 and Nov. 9–30 and Dec. 15–31 Sept. 10–25 Aug. 15–31 Sept. 1–20

Aug. 26–Sept. 24 Oct. 1–27 and Nov. 8–30 and Dec. 15–31 Sept. 9–24 Aug. 15–31 Sept. 1–20

Sept. 10–18 Oct. 8–16 Sept. 21–29

Sept. 9–17 Oct. 14–22 Sept. 21–29

Moose Separate limited elk Combined (deer/elk)

(1st season) (2nd season) (3rd season) Combined limited (deer/elk) (4th season) Plains deer (east of I-25, except Unit 140) Late plains deer (east of I-25, except Unit 140)

Oct. 1–14 Oct. 15–19 Oct. 22–30 Nov. 5–13 Nov. 16–20 Oct. 29–Nov. 8 Dec. 1–14

Oct. 1–14 Oct. 14–18 Oct. 21–29 Nov. 4–12 Nov. 15–19 Oct. 28–Nov. 7 Dec. 1–14

Rifle Pronghorn (by draw only)

Oct. 1–7

Oct. 7–13

Archery Deer/elk (west of I-25 and Unit 140) Plains deer (east of I-25, except Unit 140) Moose Pronghorn (bucks only) Pronghorn (either sex)

Muzzleloader (by draw only) Deer/elk/moose Plains deer (east of I-25, except Unit 140) Pronghorn

Rifle Deer/Elk/Moose

Black Bear Rifle limited (by draw) Archery (over-the-counter with caps) Muzzleloading (over-the-counter with caps) *Rifle (over-the-counter with caps)

Sept. 2–30 Sept. 2–30 Sept. 2–30 Sept. 2–30 Sept. 10–18 Sept. 9–17 *concurrent with deer/elk rifle seasons

*Note: To participate in the over-the-counter w/caps rifle bear season, a hunter must also hold a deer or elk license that overlaps with that rifle bear tag by at least one unit and one day of the season. These licenses can be purchased at license agents, by phone and online through Oct. 14th. Then, they are only available at CPW offices.

2016 Colorado Hunting and Fishing License Fees Habitat Stamps (non-refundable) Resident Nonresident Habitat Stamp (valid 4/1–3/31)

(Required for persons ages 18–64 buying or applying for a license)

Lifetime Habitat Stamp

300.25

License Fees* (Note: When applying for a license, an additional $3 non-refundable fee must be submitted with payment.) Elk, Cow Elk, Bull or Either Sex Deer Moose Pronghorn, Buck or Doe Bear Youth Elk, Deer & Pronghorn (12–17 yrs) Mountain Lion Turkey (spring) Turkey (fall) Youth Turkey (under 18 yrs) Small Game (valid 4/1–3/31) Small Game (1-day) Youth Small Game (under 18 yrs) Small Fishing & Game Combo (valid 4/1–3/31) Fishing (valid 4/1–3/31) Fishing (5-day) Fishing (1-day)

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

46 46 31 251 31 41 10.75 41 21 16 11 21 11 1.75 41 26 N/A $ 9

$ 466 $ 626 $ 376 $ 2,081 $ 376 $ 351 $ 100.75 $ 351 $ 101 $ 101 $ 76 $ 56 $ 11 $ 1.75 N/A $ 56 $ 21 $ 9

*Refund policy may apply. License Fees include a 25-cent search & rescue fee and a 75-cent Wildlife Education surcharge. *All non-resident big game licenses are a big game and annual fishing combination license.

201 Big Game Limited Draw License Application Deadline

April , 201 See the regulation brochure(s) for hunt codes, game management unit boundary descriptions, information on the draw process and more.

2016 Over-the-Counter Licenses On Sale—July 26, 2016 9:00 a.m.

2016 Leftover Limited Licenses On Sale— August 2, 2016 9:00 a.m. At License Agents and by Phone August 3, 2016 Online

For Hunter Education Classes (if born on or after 1/1/49) or Replacement Cards . . . . cpw.state.co.us Customer service staff available 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (303) 297-1192

COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 • (303) 297-1192 • cpw.state.co.us

N O RTHWE ST C O LO RADO HU N TIN G G U IDE | 2016 F ALL E D ITIO N

NORTHWEST COLORADO

— Advertiser Index — Advertiser

Page

Automotive & Off Road Cook Chevrolet/Subaru/Ford (Craig/Steamboat) McGuire Auto Parts (Meeker) NAPA Northwest Auto (Meeker) Professional Touch (Rangely)

46 12 6 10 34

Dining & Grocery Ma Famiglia Italian Restaurant (Meeker) 16 Meeker Café (Meeker) 22 Mexican House (Meeker) 22 Watt’s Ranch Market (Meeker) Inside Back Cover

Liquor, Spirits and Bars Chippers (Meeker) JW Snacks (Craig) Pinyon Tree Liquors (Rangely) Rangely Liquors (Rangely) Spirits of New Castle (New Castle)

10 46 36 33 39

Lodging & RV Spaces Blue Spruce Inn (Meeker) Silver Sage RV Park (Rangely) Trappers Lake Lodge (Meeker) White River Inn (Meeker)

23 34 12 27

Medical

Western Exposures Realty (Meeker)

Grand River Medical Center (Rifle) Front Cover The Memorial Hospital (Craig) 41 Pioneers Medical Center (Meeker) 13 Rangely District Hospital (Rangely) 37 White River Dental Hygiene (Meeker) 25

Retail Shopping

Outfitters & Taxidermy

Antler Taxidermy (Meeker) 19 13 Arrow J Outfitters (Meeker) Chris Jurney Outfitting (Craig) 43 40 Fritzlan Family Outfitters (Rifle) H&H Outfitting (Meeker) Inside Front Cover J Bar H Outfitters (Meeker) 21 M&M Ranch (Craig) 44 42 Mountain Man Taxidermy (Craig) Nine Mile Guest Ranch (Meeker) 26 Professionals of Africa (Meeker) 18 Rocky Mountain Tanners (Denver) 5 Sable Mountain Outfitters (Meeker) 23 Sombrero Ranches (Meeker) 5 Steamboat Lake Outfitters (Steamboat Springs) 42 Travis Kruckenberg Outfitters (Grand Junction) 5 Western Outdoor Adventures (Meeker) 15

Real Estate Backcountry Realty (Meeker) Brooks Realty (Meeker) Hayden Outdoors (Hayden) Raven Realty (Rangely)

27 24 45 37

Country Raised (Meeker) Mr. T’s Hardware (New Castle) Nichols Store (Rangely) Smoking River Studio Arts (Meeker) Tim’s Tools (Silt) Turquoise Gypsy Boutique (Meeker) Valley Hardware (Meeker) Wyatt’s Sports Center (Meeker)

Services & Organizations

Chevron (Rangely) CNCC (Rangely) ERBM Recreation Dist. (Meeker) Meeker Lodging Tax Meeker Sportsman’s Club (Meeker) Town of Rangely/ Rangely Chamber of Commerce Rangely Automotive Museum (Rangely) Urie Companies (Rangely) WRBM Recreation Dist. (Rangely) White River Electric Association (Meeker) White River Energy (Meeker) White River Museum (Meeker)

Wild Game Processing

12 17 39 34 11 40 10 27 11 32 38 24 4 21 1 3 34 35 14 23 20

H&H Processing (Meeker) Inside Front Cover Purkey Packing Plant (Meeker) 14

N O RTHWE ST C O LO RADO HU N TIN G G U IDE | 2016 F ALL E D ITIO N

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