Hunting Guide

S O U T H W E S T

C O L O R A D O

HUNTING & FISHING G

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REGIONAL INFORMATION FROM COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE FOR YOUR HUNTING AND FISHING ADVENTURES

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Pagosa FO Pagosa Springs

(970) 247-0855

(970) 264-2268

San Juan National Forest

Tres Rios FO Dolores

(970) 247-4874

(970) 882-7296

BLM Southwest Center

Gunnison FO Gunnison

(970) 240-5300

(970) 641-0471

Pagosa RD Pagosa Springs

*RD = Ranger District *FO = Field Office

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

A DV E RT I S I N G

Jamie Opalenik

Douglas Bennett

director of multimedia sales

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Carrie Cass EDITORIAL

Hunter Harrell special sections editor

DESIGN

Tad Smith manager of creative services

Gary Markstein Bridget Williams

Amy Baird Tana Bowen Kelly Bulkley Cole Davis Joe Nelson Chandler Sommerfeldt Shell Simonson Cecelia Wazny PRODUCTION

Ryan Brown

production manager

Ballantine Communications uses reasonable effort to include accurate and up-to-date information for its special magazine publications. However, all information comes from a variety of sources and may change at any time for any reason. To verify specific information, refer to the organization or business noted. To view the online version of this guide, visit: www.durangoherald.com

Table of Contents Letter from the Editor Long-term efforts saved Colorado wildlife 2020-2021 hunting seasons Know where you’re hunting Preference points: understanding the system How to obtain a fishing or hunting license Take your cellphone into the backcountry How to hunt safely in the southwest How to care for big game meat Hunters target hunger Season Outlook: San Juan Basin Season Outlook: Dolores, Dry Creek Season Outlook: Hermosa Choose the right fly for current conditions Fish identification

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ATTENTION ARCHERY HUNTERS OVER THE COUNTER ARCHERY ELK LICENSES ARE NOT VALID FOR UNITS 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 77, 78, 711, 741, 751, 771 ALL ARCHERY LICENSES IN THESE UNITS ARE NOW LIMITED

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT CPW.STATE.CO.US A U GUST 2 0 20

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Letter FROM THE EDITOR ne thing I’ve always loved about rural living is taking the long way home. I grew up in southern Illinois surrounded by miles of corn and soybean fields. Driving to town for takeout or groceries meant kickin’ up dust on gravel roads while scouting for coyote and deer on the scenic route.

When I became an adult searching for a place to settle, it was traditions such as country roads, grazing cattle, open skies and outdoor recreation that made Colorado feel like the perfect place to call home. I treasure traditions like fishing and hunting because I know the value of what these activities provide for both participants and their communities.

By purchasing licenses, hunters and anglers contribute to funding important conservation projects to protect wildlife and their habitats. This money supports keeping the spaces we enjoy open to the public for activities such as birdwatching, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and so much more. The economic impact is far greater than conservation, as Colorado is a dream destination for avid anglers and hunters east of the Mississippi River because it offers opportunities to sharpen skills and new challenges, such as unfamiliar terrain and different game.

Both local and out-of-state anglers and hunters help control wildlife populations, as well as minimize conflicts between humans

and animals. Not to mention, under Colorado law, all animals harvested here must also be processed and consumed. So, anglers and hunters contribute to stocking pantries for their families, friends and neighbors with local, organic meat.

So, each year when August rolls around, I’m delighted to celebrate fishing and hunting with this special section. This issue of the annual Southwest Colorado Hunting Guide is full of good reminders and fresh information from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Take a look at the history of CPW and how the organization manages wildlife habitats and populations. Review the scheduled hunting seasons, hunting game management units and the area outlooks for the upcoming season. Learn to navigate purchasing a license online or in-person during the pandemic and understand the preference points system.

As you browse this guide and plan your next fishing or hunting expedition in the Southwest, think about taking the long way home. In Colorado, it’s always a scenic route. n

Robert BonDurant

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Long-term efforts saved Colorado wildlife C O LO R A D O PA R K S A N D W I L D L I F E In Colorado 150 years ago, wildlife faced a dire future.

To provide food for miners and settlers streaming west during the gold rush and land rush of the mid- and late-1800s, market hunters slaughtered deer, elk, bear, buffalo, bighorns, pronghorn and any type of bird that could provide meat. Fish fared no better as nets and even dynamite were set in rivers and streams. Polluted water flowing from mining operations also devastated hundreds of miles of rivers and streams.

Colorado’s wildlife was decimated and many people thought some species were gone forever. Fortunately, farsighted conservationists and hunters decided that strong action was needed to assure survival of wildlife in Colorado.

In 1870, the Colorado Territorial legislature passed the first wildlife protection law: It banned the use of nets for taking fish.

In 1879, the first wildlife protection agency was established. With a law-enforcement agency in place, the legislature was able to set seasons and bag limits for most species. Some of the most farreaching laws included bans on hunting pronghorn and bighorn sheep. The bans remained in effect for more than 50 years.

The efforts paid off. Today, Colorado is renowned for its wildlife.

Hunters come from throughout the country to hunt geese, turkeys, deer, elk, pheasants, pronghorn, bears and mountain lions. Rivers and streams attract anglers from around the world. Birders travel to Colorado to watch the mating dance of sage grouse, the stopover of sandhill cranes in valleys throughout Colorado and to look for the hundreds of bird species that live on the eastern plains. Other wildlife watchers hope for a glimpse of big game animals, bats, the elusive lynx or the solitary moose.

Many of the early wildlife conservationists also were hunters, so much of the early effort to restore wildlife focused on game species. By the 1950s, Colorado’s deer and elk herds were healthy; hunting for pronghorn and bighorn sheep was reopened. Fishing improved as rivers and streams were cleaned up and as hatchery techniques improved.

Starting in the late 1960s, scientists and the public recognized that the health of wildlife provided an indication of the overall health of the environment. Biologists began to study various habitats to determine the importance of vegetation and landscapes to wildlife.

By the 1970s, the agency, formerly known as the Colorado Division of Wildlife, was no longer just a “hook and bullet” outfit.

The agency broadened its role to become the caretaker for all wildlife species in Colorado. Biologists were employed to learn about non-game species and the habitats that supported them.

They also started looking at endangered and threatened species A U GUST 2 0 20

For more information about hunting in Colorado, see www.cpw.state.co.us.

and how those animals could be restored or reintroduced.

One of the most important efforts brought the peregrine falcon back from the brink of extinction. Starting in 1978, the wildlife agency joined other agencies across the nation in an effort to save the speedy raptors. Because of DDT use, eggs were brittle. When a falcon sat down to incubate, the eggs would crack and the embryos would perish. With that knowledge, wildlife biologists found peregrine nesting sites and went to them when the mother was out hunting. “Dummy” eggs were placed in the nests and the real eggs were taken to a laboratory where they were hatched in captivity.

After the chicks were born, they were placed back with the mother.

This was no easy job. Peregrines build nests in cracks on sheer cliff walls. Researchers often rappelled hundreds of feet to get to the sites.

The project was successful, and today peregrine falcons live throughout Colorado and their numbers are growing. The effort is still hailed as one of the most important environmental victories in North America.

Since then, the agency has worked to help restore populations of river otters, Canada lynx, the black-footed ferret, the greater prairie chicken, native cutthroat trout and native desert fishes. Currently, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is engaged in a major effort to protect wildlife habitat throughout Colorado through purchase of land, habitat improvement efforts and with conservation easements.

Not only will those conservation efforts help game animals, they’ll also provide more elbow room for sage grouse, red fox, eagles and most other wildlife species in Colorado. n

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2020-2021 hunting seasons C O LO R A D O PA R K S A N D W I L D L I F E Big Game

S H E E P & G O AT S

DEER Archery Muzzleloader Second Rifle Third Rifle Fourth Rifle Plains Rifle

Sept. 2-30 Sept. 12-20 Oct. 24 - Nov. 1 Nov. 7-13 Nov. 18-22 Oct. 3 - Nov. 3

Sept. 2-30 Sept. 12-20 Oct. 10-14 Oct. 24 - Nov. 1 Nov. 7-13 Nov. 18-22

PRONGHORN Archery Muzzleloader Rifle

Aug. 15 - Sept. 20 Sept. 21-29 Oct. 3-11

MOOSE Archery Muzzleloader Rifle

M O U N TA I N L I O N Fall season April season

Nov. 23 - March 31 April 1-30

Small Game

ELK Archery Muzzleloader First Rifle Second Rifle Third Rifle Fourth Rifle

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Mountain Goat Sept. 8 - Oct. 31 Desert Bighorn Sheep Nov. 1-30

Sept. 12-30 Sept. 12-20 Oct. 1-14

(season dates continue into 2021)

Abert’s Squirrel Nov. 15 - Jan. 15 Beaver Oct. 1 - April 30 Bobcat Dec. 1 - Feb. 28 Common Snapping Turtle April 1 - Oct. 31 Cottontail Rabbit, Oct. 1 - Feb. 28 Snowshoe Hare, Jackrabbit Coyote Year-round Marmot Aug. 10 - Oct. 15 Prairie Dog June 15 - Feb. 28 Prairie Rattlesnake June 15 - Aug. 15 Fox and Pine Squirrel Oct. 1 - Feb. 28 Wyoming Ground Squirrel Year-round Badger, Fox, Mink, Muskrat, Nov. 1 - Feb. 28 Pine Marten, Opossum, Raccoon, Ring-Tailed Cat, Skunk, Weasel

Migratory & Game Birds Band-Tailed Pigeon Sept. 1-14 Chukar Partridge Sept. 1 - Nov. 30 Crow Nov. 1 - Feb. 28 Dove: Mourning, White-Winged Sept. 1 - Nov. 29 Dove: Eurasian Collared Year-round European Starling, House Sparrow Year-round Greater Prairie Chicken Oct. 1 - Jan. 3 Grouse: Dusky (Blue) Sept. 1 - Nov. 22 Grouse: Greater Sage Sept. 12-18 Grouse: Mountain Sharp-Tailed Sept. 1-20 Pheasant Nov. 14 - Jan. 3 Quail: Northern Bobwhite, Nov. 14 - Jan. 31 Scaled, Gambel’s Rail: Sora, Virginia Sept. 1 - Nov. 9 Sandhill Crane Oct. 3 - Nov. 29 White-Tailed Ptarmigan Sept. 12 - Oct. 14 Wilson’s Snipe Sept. 1 - Dec. 16 Duck, Coot and Teal Oct. 3-21, Nov. 7 - Jan. 31 Dark Goose Oct. 3-21, Nov. 21 - Feb. 14 Light Goose Oct. 31 - Feb. 14 Turkey Sept. 1 - Oct. 23, Dec. 15 - Jan. 15

CPW

BEAR Archery Muzzleloader Sept. Rifle First Rifle Second Rifle Third Rifle Fourth Rifle

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Sept. 2-30 Sept. 12-20 Sept. 2-30 Oct. 10-14 Oct. 24 - Nov. 1 Nov. 7-13 Nov. 18-22

SOUTHWEST CO LO R A DO H U N TI N G & FI S HI N G G U I D E

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Be sure to know where you’re hunting C O LO R A D O PA R K S A N D W I L D L I F E Harvesting a deer or elk in the wrong Game Management Unit is not only illegal, it can also be very expensive. Consider the experience of an Oklahoma couple hunting in southwest Colorado a few years ago.

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 them exactly where they’d been hunting.

“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 game management 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, showing only the location of a few major roads and 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.

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OURAY 65 COUNTY Ridgway Ouray Telluride

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SAN MIGUEL COUNTY DOLORES COUNTY

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Montrose Office

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SAN JUAN COUNTY

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NEW ME XICO A U GUST 2 0 20

Go to page 69 in the 2020 Colorado Big Game Brochure, find the GMU number and read the official location description.

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HINSDALE COUNTY

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Buy a high-quality topographic map that includes the GMU area and locate the boundaries; then mark the map.

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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 EL PASO not required to post or mark their property.

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Canon City

FREMONT COUNTY

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Moffat

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Pueblo Office

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PUEBLO COUNTY

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OTERO COUNTY HUERFANO COUNTY

COSTILLA COUNTY

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San Luis

La Veta

Culebra Peak

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Thatcher

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Aguilar

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LAS ANIMAS COUNTY

851

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CROWLEY COUNTY

Pueblo

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Del Norte 791 MINERAL COUNTY South Monte VistaMonte ALAMOSA Fork Office Vista COUNTY RIO GRANDE 80 COUNTY Alamosa La Jara

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CUSTER COUNTY

Hooper

CONEJOS COUNTY

59 591 Florence

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SAGUACHE COUNTY Saguache

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Dolores 751 77 MONTEZUMA 73 Mancos LA PLATA 75 COUNTY Cortez COUNTY Durango Pagosa Springs 78 Durango Office ARCHULETA Bayfield SO U THW E ST COUNTY 741

CO LO R A D O

Here’s how to make sure you are hunting in the right unit:

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Montrose

MONTROSE COUNTY

GMU descriptions can also be found on the Parks and Wildlife website www.cpw.state.co.us.

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“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 for CPW 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. n

Trinidad

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Preference points – understanding the system C O LO R A D O PA R K S A N D W I L D L I F E CPW

When applying for a limited license, a preference point is awarded when an individual is unsuccessful in drawing their firstchoice 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. n A preference point is awarded only for unsuccessful applications for a first-choice hunt code. n 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. n 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. n 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. n For bighorn sheep, moose and mountain goat, an applicant can accumulate a maximum of three points. Future applications are pooled with other three-point applicants. If you are unsuccessful n

Preference-point requirements can be found at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. Go to the Big Game hunting page at www.cpw.state.co.us.

CPW

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. n 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 to 35 percent may go to nonresidents. n 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.

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 the same for 2017, and these 40 apply, 20 will draw a license using their preference point and 20 will be awarded a second point. An applicant with no points could expect to draw a license in three years. n

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New policy requires permit purchase HOW TO OBTAIN A VALID FISHING OR HUNTING LICENSE A new policy requires anyone accessing a State Wildlife Area or State Trust Land leased by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to have a valid hunting or fishing license. Whether you’re there to hike, picnic or take photos, you will need a license to enjoy the land.

is experiencing a significant backlog, creating delays in both printing and mailing licenses and passes. Upon purchase, you receive a TAN (Temporary Authorization Number) that will be accepted as proof of privilege for most of CPW products.

PURCHASE AT A RETAIL LOCATION​

PURCHASE ONLINE

There are several local retail locations where a license can be obtained in person, including: n Goods For The Woods in Durango and Cortez. n Big 5 Sporting Goods in Durango n Walmart in Durango, Cortez and Pagosa Springs n Terry’s Ace Hardware - Pagosa Springs n Lewis Mercantile - Bayfield

Purchase a license online​at www.cpwshop.com. ​Customers who shop online may use Visa, MasterCard or Discover. Licenses are typically mailed the business day following the purchase.

In most cases, licenses purchased online will be mailed or you can pick them up at a license agent location or CPW office. Until you receive your license be sure to carry your TAN with you at all times (see above).

When you receive your license, review it for accuracy and sign it to validate it. If there​are any issues, please contact the call center at (303) 297-1192 or a CPW park or office. n

PURCHASE BY PHONE To get a license by phone, call ​toll-free to: (800) 244-5613​​ Note that due to coronavirus related restrictions, the CPW licensing vendor

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Take a cellphone into the backcountry; but know the limitations of technology M A R K R A C K AY These days, most of us are dependent, to some extent, on our cellphones. While service can be non-existent or, at best, sketchy in remote areas, emergency rescue experts suggest that hunters carry their phones with them in the field.

Cellphones have become the most important tool for finding people who are lost or injured in the backcountry. Cellphones have changed the face of search and rescue missions. Hours and days have been shaved off response times and because of the GPS in phones, locating lost and injured people has become easier. The quality, battery life and features of the new phones are constantly improving. Here are some tips on the use of cellphones in the backcountry.

Start your trip with the phone fully charged. You can always top off the charge in your vehicle on the way to your starting point.

Also, turn on the phone’s automatic location setting. This allows

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SOUTHWEST CO LO R A DO H U N TI N G & FI S HI N G G U I D E

Mark Rackay, an avid hunter, is director for the Montrose County Sheriff’s Posse. He can be contacted at info@mcspi.org.

emergency services to get a “ping” and calculate your position using GPS. Then, keep the phone turned off. When phones are on they are constantly searching for a signal which drains the battery.

Try to store the phone close to your body – keeping it warm also helps conserve battery power.

Turn your phone on at least once each day for about five minutes. When powered up the phone will search for, and hopefully find, the nearest tower. Even though there might not be enough signal to make a call, it can be enough to leave an electronic trail that can be used later in an emergency.

Cellphones, like radios, work off of a line of sight. This means that land features such as mountains, heavy tree cover and rock formations can block signals. If you are going to make an emergency call, find the highest and most open location search for a signal. Hold the phone in the air at arm’s length and rotate around until you find reception.

I was on an elk hunting trip some years ago where the only service I would find was in a spot about 50 feet from camp, next to a fence line. I would power up the phone and check in twice daily from that location.

If you do not have enough reception to make a call, or if reception is spotty, it’s possible you can send a text message. As soon as the phone locates a tower, the message will be sent. The emergency 911 people can receive a text. If they receive the text from you, they can usually answer. If you can’t text 911, your contact at home might be the next choice. Send them the emergency text about where you are and the problem that you have. The person can then contact 911 and get help coming.

Given that cellphone service is becoming available in more and more remote places, it’s a good idea to carry your cellphone with you in the backcountry. I remind everyone to carry an extra power source for his or her phone. These little portable battery packs will hold a charge for months and power up your phone when you need it. The pack is very small and compact, so taking it with you is no problem. I buy the 4000mAh size and it will charge your phone twice. You can buy one for around ten bucks and it is money well spent.

Conserve battery power by turning off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and other apps running in the background. Lower the brightness setting and turn off roaming. You won’t need any of that on your trip or in an emergency.

I usually keep the cellphone turned off when I want to escape the world and head outdoors. It can always be turned on when I need it. The cellphone has become quite a lifesaving device for outdoor people and I don’t leave home without it. n AUG UST 20 20

How to hunt safely in the southwest C O LO R A D O PA R K S A N D W I L D L I F E Hunting accidents have declined rapidly since the passage of two laws in 1970. One law requires hunter education training for all hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1949. The other requires hunters to wear at least 500 square inches of fluorescent orange clothing above the waist--including a head covering visible from all directions.

Colorado averages fewer than two hunting fatalities per year.

Since 2000, hunting has continued to post the best safety record of outdoor recreation forms, with a per-year average of only 1.3 fatalities and 7.8 total incidents involving injury from a firearm, arrow or other gear used in hunting. Most hunting incidents involve hunters; there are no records of non-participant injuries resulting from a hunting accident in Colorado.

“Hunting is safe and getting safer all the time in Colorado,” said Travis Long, hunter education coordinator for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Still, the agency sells nearly 500,000 hunting licenses every year, resulting in several million hunter recreation days. Over the course of all the hunting seasons – small game, upland game, waterfowl and archery, muzzleloader and rifle big game seasons – tens of thousands of individual hunters will take to the field carrying bows and arrows, shotguns and rifles. Consequently, safety must always be a primary concern.

Almost all hunting accidents could have been avoided if the hunter had exercised a little more care, Long said.

Before the hunting season starts, hunters should head to the shooting range for practice.

“Get out to a range and practice and be familiar with the guns you’ll be using,” Long said. “Practice makes for a much safer and enjoyable hunt. And it also increases your chances for a successful harvest.”

Most hunting incidents involving firearms occur around vehicles.

The reason: that’s where guns are usually loaded or unloaded and where hunters are standing close to each other. Exercise extra caution when loading and unloading a gun, and do it well away – 100 feet or more – from your vehicle.

Hunters are also reminded that it is illegal to place a loaded firearm in or on a vehicle. It’s also unnecessary. It is illegal to hunt from or shoot from a vehicle. Hunters must be at least 50 feet from the center line of a maintained road before shooting. The distance is further in some areas, so check local regulations in the Colorado big game brochure. On U.S. Forest Service or BLM roads you need to be just off the road.

It is highly recommended that firearms be unloaded when you’re crossing streams and fences, and while walking on unstable, steep or rough terrain. The gun’s safety isn’t always enough to prevent it from firing because it can be moved to the fire position by clothing, vegetation or a fall.

A U GUST 2 0 20

For information about mandatory hunter safety courses, go to www,cpw.state. co.us/learn/pages/ huntereducation.aspx.

“The safety is a mechanical device that can break or fail. It is not a substitute for proper gun handling and safety,” Long said.

As soon as the hunt is over, whether that means an animal has been harvested or you’re finished for the day, unload your gun.

Firearms should be unloaded well before getting to the vehicle or camp, and then double- or even triple-checked to be certain they are empty before placing them in a case or vehicle.

“At the end of a long day in the field when hunters are tired, it is more important than ever to be extra careful with firearms,” Long said.

The following are brief summaries of a few hunting incidents that have occurred in Colorado. Every hunting accident is different, but these examples provide useful information for all hunters. As you read these think about situations you might find yourself in.

In one fatality, a father and son were kneeling side by side ready to fire at an elk. The son also was holding the lead rope of a string of horses. When his father fired, the horses spooked, pulling the son’s rifle toward the victim. During the commotion the gun fired and the father was killed.

One accident shows the danger of walking on difficult terrain with a rifle. A hunter was walking with a guide on a steep hillside. He slipped; the rifle hit the ground and discharged. The bullet struck the guide in the head, killing him. If you are on difficult terrain or walking near someone, it’s best to unload your rifle.

In another incident, a bow hunter took off alone in pursuit of elk. At some point he fell on an arrow – which was not in a quiver – and cut the femoral artery in his leg. The hunter bled to death.

It’s recommended that arrows be kept in a quiver until the hunter is prepared to take a shot.

“This is a graphic reminder that most bow hunting incidents are the result of self-inflicted wounds,” Long said Non-fatal hunting incidents are more common; here are some examples: An elk hunter was running in an attempt to get ahead of some elk.

He stumbled, his .308 rifle fired and shot him in the leg. “Never run while carrying a loaded gun,” Long said.

Another big-game hunter was using his rifle as a walking stick. The rifle fired, shooting off the tip of his thumb. “Always carry a rifle with two hands, never put your hand over the muzzle and never use it as a support.” Long said.

Talk to your hunting partners, youngsters and new hunters about safety in the field. Firearm safety should be considered every time you go out hunting.

“Always remember that when hunting, one moment of carelessness with a firearm can mean a lifetime of consequences,” Long said. n

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ETHICAL HUNTING

How to care for big game meat

C O LO R A D O PA R K S A N D W I L D L I F E thical 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 web site; 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.

Get your gear organized. Assemble all of the equipment you need for cleaning, hauling 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 latex gloves.

Get your freezer ready, too. Be sure you have enough room to store the meat.

MAKE A CLEAN KILL

CPW

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.

12

SOUTHWEST CO LO R A DO H U N TI N G & FI S HI N G G U I D E

AUG UST 20 20

Hunters target hunger

CPW

Animals must be field dressed 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 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.

Some people age big-game meat but that can be tricky because the meat has little fat. Deer and elk are 90-95% lean, and the leaner the meat the faster it deteriorates.

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. Because there are many opinions about aging big-game meat, CPW recommends you do your own research on this topic.

When taking the animal home, keep it cold and out of sight. Do not strap an animal to the top of your car.

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. n A U GUST 2 0 20

Hunters are strong supporters in the fight against hunger state-wide.

In fact, last year, national nonprofit organization Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) provided more than 178,668 pounds of meat to families in need across the United States.

Locally, hunters who legally harvest an animal in Southwest Colorado may donate the meat to an individual or organization. Just follow these simple steps.

Decide how much you want to donate. Most locals store meat in their freezers to share with friends and family throughout the year, but visitors hunting in Colorado might feel it is more meat than they can transport. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, you can donate any amount of processed and packaged game meat anywhere. However, you can only donate up to 20 pounds of unprocessed meat, unless you deposit the meat at the recipient’s home or the recipient has an unfilled like license. (A like license is a license for exactly the same species, sex, season and method of take.)

Choose where to donate. Most organizations can’t accept donations unless the meat is processed by a facility that is certified by the USDA, while others will allow donations by any licensed facility. Calling ahead ensures the meat will not go to waste. If an area food bank or shelter can not take the donation, check with churches and nonprofit organizations. Group leaders may be able to connect you with an individual or family, which takes the guesswork out of finding a USDAcertified facility nearby.

Make a certificate. Donation certificates are required to remain with the meat until it is entirely consumed. The certificate does not require a special form; simply include the names, addresses and telephone numbers for both the donor and recipient. The certificate should also include the donor’s hunting license number, species, the amount of meat donated and the date of the kill, complete with the donor’s signature.

Hunters who pay for the processing may write off the expense if they receive a receipt. Additionally, some processors will offer small discounts to hunters that plan to donate a portion of the meat.

USDA-CERTIFIED GAME PROCESSING

For more information, see www.cpw.state.co.us.

Mountain Meat Packing in Fruita, Colorado (970) 858-9584 Mountain Valley Meat in Monte Vista, Colorado (541) 352-6322 n Salazar Natural Meats in Maassa, Colorado (347) 407-1622 n n

PLACES TO DONATE

Durango Food Bank (970) 375-2672 Durango Manna (970) 385-5095 n Mancos FoodShare (719) 440-1890 n Pagosa Springs Community United Methodist Church (970) 264-5508 n n

SO UT HWEST COLORADO H U NT I NG & F I S H I NG G UIDE

13

Grand Junction

San Juan Basin

411 62

60 61

G M U S 75 , 75 1 , 7 7, 7 7 1 , 78

64 63

Norwood

70

OURAY COUNTY

DEER HUNTING The population is growing in these units and the buck-to-doe ratio is high.

Deer hunting should be excellent and hunters will be able to find quality bucks. The areas with the best prospects on public lands: the HD Mountains; the drainages of the Piedra River, Florida River and Los Pinos River; and areas southeast of Pagosa Springs. A large percentage of the deer in these units initiate north-to-south migration in mid-October. After the first week of November deer are typically on winter range. Much of the winter range occupied by this herd is on private land or tribal property. estimated deer population: 22,924 3-year estimated sex ratio: 34 bucks per 100 does

711

UTA H

72

65

Ouray

SAN MIGUEL COUNTY

Public land and road access is good at mid- to high elevations in these units which lie between Durango and Wolf Creek Pass. Elevations range from about 6,500 feet to more than 12,000 feet. Weather can change quickly and be severe.

If the weather is warm, animals will be scattered widely in the vast alpine terrain. Hunters should concentrate their efforts away from roads. Two wilderness areas – the Weminuche on the north, and the South San Juan in the southeast corner – offer good backcountry hunting opportunities. If you’re hunting the backcountry during earlier seasons, get a harvested animal out and into a cooler quickly.

Temperatures in early seasons are often in the 70s and meat will start to spoil within a day. South of U.S. Highway 160 much of the land is privately owned or part of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. To access pockets of public land within the Southern Ute boundaries you must obtain a crossing permit ($25) from the tribe. Call (970) 563-0125 for information. Hunting is not allowed on tribal lands. Moose are present here – be sure of your target.

53

Montrose

MONTROSE COUNTY

DOLORES COUNTY

521

52

71

SAN JUAN COUNTY

55 54

Gunnison 551

67

66

68

76

HINSDALE COUNTY

74

681

SAGUACHE COUNTY

MINERAL COUNTY

79

682 82 791

Monte

ALAMOSA COUNTY

80 Vista 75 751 77 Cortez 73 Alamosa Pagosa Durango Springs 78 SO U T H W E ST 741 83 CO LO R A D O 81 771 MONTEZUMA COUNTY

RIO GRANDE COUNTY

LA PLATA COUNTY

ARCHULETA COUNTY

CONEJOS COUNTY

COSTILLA COUNTY

N E W M E X I CO

ELK HUNTING Population in these units is increasing slightly after years of license reductions. Archery licenses in these units are now limited. Hunters must be prepared to walk into remote and heavily-forested areas to find animals. Do not expect to see elk near roads or areas open to OHV use. During the early seasons stick to north facing slopes in the spruce/fir and aspen forests. Elk will move lower when snow accumulation is significant. In late seasons, stick to ponderosa pine forests and oak brush.

The wilderness area boundary north of Pagosa Springs often holds elk when snow pushes them down. Areas south of Pagosa Springs and east of Highway 84 can provide good hunting as snow begins to accumulate. Access is provided by the Mill Creek Road (Forest Service Road 302), Rio Blanco Road (Forest Service Road 657) and Buckles Lake Road (Forest Service Road 663). Hunters who don’t mind working in rough country can be successful in the hills on either side of the Piedra River north of Highway 160. The Missionary Ridge Road (Forest Service Road 682) and Beaver Meadows Road (Forest Service Road 135) provide access into good elk country in GMUs 75 and 751, and so does the Mosca Road (Forest Service Road 631) and Forest Service Road 634 in GMU 77. estimated elk population: 18,941 3-year estimated sex ratio: 13 bulls per 100 cows

2019 DEER HARVEST STATISTICS SAN JUAN BASIN

2019 ELK HARVEST STATISTICS SAN JUAN BASIN

GMU SEASON 75 Archery 75 Muzzleloader 75 Second Rifle 751 Archery 751 Muzzleloader 751 Third Rifle 77 Archery 77 Muzzleloader 77 Second Rifle 78 Archery 78 Muzzleloader 78 Second Rifle

GMU SEASON 75 Archery 75 Muzzleloader 75 First Rifle 751 Archery 751 Muzzleloader 751 Third Rifle 77 Archery 77 Muzzleloader 77 Second Rifle 78 Archery 78 Muzzleloader 78 Third Rifle

14

BUCKS 29 32 146 15 13 104 28 35 208 15 32 193

HARVEST 69 32 166 22 15 106 28 39 221 47 34 200

SOUTHWEST CO LO R A DO H U N TI N G & FI S HI N G G U I D E

HUNTERS 173 124 406 81 84 258 151 153 575 148 106 499

BULLS 23 9 30 47 9 25 41 16 72 112 33 110

HARVEST 33 11 36 57 12 28 47 23 76 142 35 116

HUNTERS 426 85 233 423 76 375 849 134 988 1320 149 697 AUG UST 20 20

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SO UT HWEST COLORADO H U NT I NG & F I S H I NG G UIDE

15

Grand Junction

Dolores, Dry Creek

411

GMUS 70, 7 1, 7 11, 72 , 73

62

60 61

Norwood

70

DEER HUNTING Deer populations are slightly below objective in the northern units (70, 71, 711) and at objective in the southern units (72, 73). The area has experienced a slight decline in buck populations. This year 50 buck tags were cut from Unit 70. Buck-to-doe ratios, however, are still healthy. A mild winter probably helped fawn survival this year.

In the early seasons deer are evenly distributed, mostly above 8,000 feet. Deer begin migrating to lower elevations, generally from east to west, in mid-October. Snow will cause them to move to lower elevations earlier.

Deer concentrate on winter ranges in Dry Creek Basin, Disappointment Valley and along the rim of the Dolores River canyon. GMU 70 in Dry Creek Basin is recommended in the third and fourth seasons. estimated deer population: 21,868 (includes all five GMUs) 3-year average sex ratio: 26 bucks per 100 does (GMUs 70, 71, 711) 3-years average sex ratio: 33 bucks per 100 does (GMUS 72 and 73)

OURAY COUNTY

711

UTA H

72

Gunnison 551

65

Ouray

SAN MIGUEL COUNTY DOLORES COUNTY

71

Cortez 73

MONTEZUMA COUNTY

SAN JUAN COUNTY

74 LA PLATA

67

66 76

HINSDALE COUNTY

MINERAL COUNTY

Pagosa 78 SpringsARCHULETA

771

681

SAGUACHE COUNTY

68

75 751 77

COUNTY Durango

SOUT H WEST 741 COLOR A D O NEW ME XICO

55 54

64 63

Montrose

MONTROSE COUNTY

This area covers a 2,800-square-mile landscape from the west side of the Uncompahgre Plateau to the Utah state line and south to New Mexico. Habitat throughout these GMUs is favorable for big game. With altitudes from 5,000 feet to more than 12,000 feet, the vegetation ranges from desert shrubs to alpine tundra. Weather can change quickly, so be prepared for all conditions. There is good vehicle access in these areas; consequently, hunting pressure can be heavy where public land access is easy. An exception is the Lizard Head Wilderness Area, GMU 71, which is accessible by foot and horseback only. Be aware of private land in the northern sections of GMUs 71 and 711, and in the southern section of GMU 70. The southern half of units 72 and 73 is tribal land. Hunting by non-tribal members is prohibited. Hunting is also prohibited at Mesa Verde National Park. Moose are present here –be sure of your target.

521 53

52

COUNTY

79

682 82 791

Monte

80 Vista

RIO GRANDE COUNTY

ALAMOSA COUNTY

Alamosa COSTILLA

CONEJOS COUNTY

81

COUNTY

83

ELK HUNTING Elk numbers are low and hunters will be challenged especially when the weather is warm and dry. The elk population has suffered during the last decade as calf recruitment rates are low. The issue is similar across most of southern Colorado. CPW is conducting a long-term research study in an attempt to determine the cause. The study started in 2018 and is expected to last five more years.

For the first time for this season, CPW limited the number of archery licenses in this area. Archery hunting had grown significantly and wildlife managers hope this will reduce hunting pressure early in the season and decrease the number of cow elk harvested during the month-long bow season. The increase in archery hunters and the use of calls has resulted in bulls becoming call-shy. Other strategies such as spot-and-stalk or sitting in a high-activity area will yield a better chance for success. Expect elk to be in small groups of four to five animals until snow starts to accumulate.

GMU 711 becomes better as the season progresses. Elk will move quickly into thick aspen, evergreens and rugged terrain with hunting pressure. estimated elk population: 16,885 3-year average sex ratio: 14 bulls per 100 cows

2019 DEER HARVEST STATISTICS DOLORES DRY CREEK

2019 ELK HARVEST STATISTICS DOLORES DRY CREEK

GMU SEASON 70 Archery 70 Muzzleloader 70 Second Rifle 71 Archery 71 Muzzleloader 71 Second Rifle 72 Archery 72 Muzzleloader 72 Third Rifle 73 Archery 73 Muzzleloader 73 Third Rifle

GMU SEASON 70 Archery 70 Muzzleloader 70 Second Rifle 71 Archery 71 Muzzleloader 71 Second Rifle 711 Archery 711 Muzzleloader 711 First Rifle 73 Archery 73 Muzzleloader 73 Second Rifle

16

BUCKS 32 23 217 19 6 27 22 28 161 11 10 73

HARVEST 32 23 225 19 6 27 22 28 161 11 10 73

SOUTHWEST CO LO R A DO H U N TI N G & FI S HI N G G U I D E

HUNTERS 126 83 535 74 51 150 56 56 267 52 37 154

BULLS 89 34 142 72 40 53 51 4 57 17 14 12

HARVEST 143 57 200 105 42 63 75 6 62 30 18 14

HUNTERS 886 197 884 1264 226 722 325 82 199 325 63 187 AUG UST 20 20

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SO UT HWEST COLORADO H U NT I NG & F I S H I NG G UIDE

17

Grand Junction

Hermosa G M U S 74 , 74 1

62

60 61

MONTROSE COUNTY

70

711

UTA H

72

CPW

18

BUCKS 17 34 17 21 20 9 11 8 84 108 25

HARVEST 17 34 17 21 20 9 11 11 93 129 31

SOUTHWEST CO LO R A DO H U N TI N G & FI S HI N G G U I D E

65

71

SAN JUAN COUNTY

74

76

HINSDALE COUNTY

MINERAL COUNTY

Pagosa 78 SpringsARCHULETA

771

681

SAGUACHE COUNTY

68

75 751 77

LA PLATA Cortez 73 Durango COUNTY

MONTEZUMA COUNTY

67

66

79

682 82 791

Monte

80 Vista

RIO GRANDE COUNTY

COUNTY

ALAMOSA COUNTY

Alamosa COSTILLA

CONEJOS COUNTY

81

COUNTY

83

ELK HUNTING

This population is holding steady and is within the objective population.

The buck-to-doe ratio is high, so it is possible to find quality bucks. In October, deer move from summer range at high elevations in the north to southern winter range.

In the early seasons deer hunting can be good near timberline. As deer begin to move to winter range they can be more difficult to find. Look for timbered areas with a good mix of open meadows or undergrowth. Deer will head to winter range, usually 8,500 feet and below, during the third rifle season in a typical year. The lower portions of Junction Creek and areas further south can provide good deer hunting in the later seasons. estimated deer population: 4,517 3-year average sex ratio: 32 bucks per 100 does

GMU SEASON 74 Archery 74 Muzzleloader 74 Early 74 Second Rifle 74 Third Rifle 74 Fourth Rifle 741 Archery 741 Muzzleloader 741 Second Rifle 741 Third Rifle 741 Fourth Rifle

Gunnison 551

Ouray

SOUT H WE ST 741 COLOR A D O NEW ME XICO

DEER HUNTING

2019 DEER HARVEST STATISTICS HERMOSA

OURAY COUNTY

55 54

64 63

SAN MIGUEL COUNTY DOLORES COUNTY

53

Montrose

Norwood A forest fire in 2018 burned the area in a mosaic pattern favorable to big game. In the burn area, fresh vegetation continues to grow and could be a draw for deer and elk. But be careful around dead trees. Elevations range from about 6,000 feet near the New Mexico border to well over 12,000 feet near Silverton. An abundance of vegetation provides good summer rage, but winter range on the south is declining because of development.

Public land is abundant in GMU 74 with much of it quite remote.

Some land in GMU 741 is private or part of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. Only members of the tribe can hunt on the reservation. No hunting is allowed around Nighthorse Reservoir which is owned by the Bureau of Reclamation. Hunting is allowed on the 3,000 acres owned by CPW in the adjacent Bodo State Wildlife Area. Moose are present here – be sure of your target.

521

411 52

The elk herd is within the population objective and holding steady at the low end of the range. Archery licenses are now limited in these units. Most elk in GMU 74 are at higher elevation areas until snow accumulation - a foot or more - pushes them down. Hunters willing to go into rugged terrain could be rewarded.

Consider hunting in the burn area above the Hermosa Creek drainage, near Engineer Mountain, west of the Purgatory ski resort and up Junction Creek northwest of Durango. Finding bulls is tough. They have survived by knowing how to avoid hunters.

Concentrate on rugged terrain away from other hunters. Weather often dictates the success rate in this area. estimated elk population: 4,775 3-year estimated sex ratio: 28 bulls per 100 cows

2019 ELK HARVEST STATISTICS HERMOSA HUNTERS 110 100 35 113 49 15 54 30 198 247 66

GMU SEASON 74 Archery 74 Muzzleloader 74 First Rifle 74 Second Rifle 74 Third Rifle 74 Fourth Rifle 741 Archery 741 Muzzleloader 741 First Rifle 741 Second Rifle 741 Third Rifle

BULLS 81 26 57 42 34 5 17 0 10 41 12

HARVEST 102 32 59 48 37 7 27 0 10 43 12

HUNTERS 1007 67 271 479 237 39 92 14 39 141 68

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SO UT HWEST COLORADO H U NT I NG & F I S H I NG G UIDE

19

How to choose the right fly for current conditions CONNIE SUT TON The world of a mountain trout is in constant flux. A sudden storm or release from a reservoir can quickly change crystal waters into something resembling chocolate milk, while hot summer days give clear lakes a likeness to pea soup as algae blooms in the heat.

To the fly fisher, the challenge lies not only in matching the hatch but determining what patterns will be visible to the fish through constantly changing water clarity. When in doubt, the solution to fly selection reduces itself to just a few simple decisions.

TYPE OF FLY The first step is to observe your waters. Before selecting a fly, you need to gain a rough idea of the environment and assess how active or inactive trout might be. Start your observation by looking for trout. If you see fish cruising along the bottom or rising to the surface, it will indicate whether you should choose a wet or dry fly set up. Wet flies will resemble nymphs and larvae. They’ll sit below the water’s surface to entice fish feeding at depth. Dry flies will resemble common insects. They set on the water’s surface to attract rising fish. Now that you know the fly type to try, the critical decision looms: Which particular fly to try?

SIZE MATTERS In the absence of visible trout, look around for insects. If a hatch is occurring, collect a specimen. Observe its size, form, and color, and match it as closely as possible. In this case, size does matter!

Don’t choose a larger size, use an exact match if you have it, or a slightly smaller size if not. If color matching, match the color on the belly of the insect, not it’s back. If conditions predict success with a dry fly, but there’s no visible hatch to match, notice if any insect is dominant even if it’s not on the water. Choose a dry fly close to it.

If conditions look likely for a nymph, or wet fly, select a few rocks off the river bottom and examine what’s clinging to them. Match the dominant species as nearly as you can.

For more fishing information, download the 2020 fishing brochure online at www.cpw.state.co.us/ thingstodo/pages/ fishing.aspx.

MAKE ADJUSTMENTS If your chosen fly has failed to entice a fish, stop and check conditions again. If your original observations and interpretations still seem right, try a different pattern in the same category. If you’re using a bright green fly, switch to a drab one. Exchange a small nymph for a larger one.

Only make one or two changes within a fly type before you switch types. If dry flies aren’t working switch to a wet, or nymph and vice versa. Keep in mind that conditions change during the day. If your success rate drops reassess the conditions, and change as needed. n

Practice safe catch and release If you practice catch and release while fishing, follow these steps to ensure the fish returns to the water with minimal damage. Any fish you plan to release must be returned to the water immediately. n TIME IS ESSENTIAL. Quickly play and release fish. A fish played for too long will be too exhausted to recover. n KEEP FISH IN THE WATER as much as possible. n REMOVE THE HOOK AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. Single barbless hooks can often be removed while the fish is still in the water.

HOW TO SAFELY REMOVE HOOKS

Use a pair of forceps, longnosed pliers or a purposely made hook-out to quickly and efficiently remove the hook. If the fish is hooked deep in the throat or stomach, cut the line as close to the hook

as possible and leave the hook in the fish — it could do more damage trying to remove a deeply set hook than leaving it where it is. n GENTLE HANDLING IS ESSENTIAL. Avoid squeezing or putting your fingers in the gills or eye sockets. It’s best to hold a fish gently by its belly or by the area in front of the tail. n TO REVIVE AN UNCONSCIOUS FISH hold it upright in the water. Move the fish forward and backward so that water runs through the gills.

This may take a few minutes. When it begins to struggle, release it. n WHEN PHOTOGRAPHING A FISH, hold it horizontally and do not squeeze the fish. Do not put your hands in its gills or hold it vertical by its gills.

COLOR COUNTS Still not sure which fly to use? Let’s talk about color and clarity.

In clear water with high clarity, a fish can see an approaching fly from twenty feet away. In muddy or stained water with low clarity, flies may only be visible from a few inches. When your waters are clouded by run-off dirt or riverbed sand, look to darker bodied flies with bits of flash to help your patterns stand out to the trout. Along with water clarity, note the color. Water can vary in color from green to red depending on the presence of algae and minerals. Match the color of the water with the color of your flies.

In the reddish-brown waters of a beaver pond, red and orange flies will stand out the sharpest. In green, algae stained waters, it will be the chartreuse flies that will pop out to the eye of the trout.

20

SOUTHWEST CO LO R A DO H U N TI N G & FI S HI N G G U I D E

AUG UST 20 20

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SO UT HWEST COLORADO H U NT I NG & F I S H I NG G UIDE

21

Fish Identification Chart C O LO R A D O PA R K S A N D W I L D L I F E ARCTIC CHAR Long, slender with small, pointed head; light spots on body; leading edge of lower fins are milk white; fine scales with smooth, slippery skin SPLAKE Cross between a brook trout and a lake trout; tri-colored pelvic fins; slightly forked tails GRAYLING Large sail-like dorsal fin; silver body; small mouths and body MOUNTAIN WHITEFISH Mouth is smaller than a trout’s and does not extend to below the center of the eye, as it does on a trout KOKANEE SALMON At the end of their third summer, females develop a red-gray-white pattern; males develop hook jaw and turn brick red

SUNFISH & CRAPPIE GREEN SUNFISH Olivecolored body with short, rounded pectoral fins with yellow trim REDEAR SUNFISH Similar to bluegill, but with dark colors on top and lighter yellow-green on the belly; males have cherry-red opercle (ear flap), females have orange BLUEGILL Opercle (ear flap) is dark to its edge and a dark blotch at the back of dorsal fin rays; small mouth BLACK CRAPPIE Black splotches on a silver body; dorsal spines and rays get longer as they approach the tail WHITE CRAPPIE Vertical bars on body; silver color with green or brown shades along back; dark bars along sides with a white belly

TROUT FAMILY

OTHER SPORT FISH

RAINBOW TROUT Black spots on a light body, red stripe along sides

CHANNEL CATFISH Barbels (whiskers); forked tail; sporadic black spotting

BROWN TROUT Spotting pattern is made up of black spots; red-orange spots inside light blue circles BROOK TROUT Pectoral, pelvic and anal fins often orange, edged with black and white; body is dark with white and red spots inside blue circles CUTTHROAT (NATIVE) TROUT Crimson slash on either side of the throat beneath the lower jaw; heavier spotting towards the tail LAKE TROUT (MACKINAW) Has a white, irregular spot pattern on dark body; veriform markings over back and head; unlike other trout, they have a deeply indented tail fin TIGER TROUT Cross between a brown trout and a brook trout; pronounced stripes on body, resembling a tiger

WALLEYE Two separate dorsal fins; large, well-developed canine teeth; large eyes with milky corneas; whitetipped tail SAUGER Spotted dorsal fin; no white tip on tail; darker color SAUGEYE Walleye-sauger hybrid with black mottling marks on body; black color between dorsal fins YELLOW PERCH Two separate dorsal fins; large vertical dark stripes on yellow sides

PIKE NORTHERN PIKE Horizontal rows of light-colored round/oval spots, on dark background TIGER MUSKIE Northern pike and muskie hybrid; irregular, darkcolored vertical markings on a light background; long snout

BASS SMALLMOUTH BASS Upper jaw does not extend beyond eye; fish usually has vertical stripes along sides LARGEMOUTH BASS Upper jaw extends beyond eye; often has horizontal stripe extending the length of body WIPER Hybrid between white bass and striped bass

MUST BE RELEASED BONYTAIL CHUB Slight hump and a long, narrow tail HUMPBACK CHUB Green to silver and white with an abrupt hump behind the head ROUNDTAIL CHUB Silver to olive with fine scales; adult males often with red to orange pig-ment on cheeks, fins, belly FLANNELMOUTH SUCKER Yellow to bronze backs with lightercolored belly; large fleshy lips and large sickle-shaped dorsal fin BLUEHEAD SUCKER Blue to gray head; olive to gray back with lighter belly; pebble-patterned scales near tail RAZORBACK SUCKER Bronze to yellow fish with a sharp-edged keel behind the head COLORADO PIKEMINNOW Adults may be green-gray to bronze on backs and silver to white along sides and bottoms SOURCE: Colorado Parks and Wildlife; Illustrations by Joseph R. Tomelleri

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