2014 Colorado Hunter

2014 EDITION | A COMPLETE HUNTING GUIDE FOR WESTERN COLORADO | FREE

ARCHERY AND RIFLE SKILLS WHAT’S NEW FOR 2014

Hunting Tales From Across The Region Herd Updates

PLUS: Everything you need to know: Business Directory, Maps, Fees, Dates and More!

WESTERN COLORADO: A SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE

2 | visit www.cohunter.com for more

Get Ready for the Hunt!

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Hunters— Keep St. Mary’s in your sights Emergency & Trauma Services With a strong team of emergency medicine professionals and advanced equipment and technology, St. Mary’s Hospital Emergency Department is ready 24/7 for patients with minor illness and accidents to major trauma and cardiac arrest.

Level II Trauma Center* Designated a Level II Trauma Center, St. Mary’s provides the highest level of trauma care between Denver and Salt Lake City. The survival of accident victims depends on the strength of an area’s trauma system. Our trauma system is the combined efforts of local law enforcement, emergency medical services, St. Mary’s CareFlight air transport, emergency department personnel, surgeons, surgical personnel, and intensive care specialists. *Trauma centers are designated Level, I, II, III, or IV depending on the level and types of resources available and the number of trauma cases handled each year. Level I trauma centers must include research and education programs.

CareFlight Medical Transport Services St. Mary’s CareFlight is a team of critical care trained professionals using air transport to deliver patients to the appropriate destination as safely as possible.

The service is available 24 hours a day, serving the western and Midwestern states and southwestern Canada.

Crews provide advanced interventions and medication therapies under the direction of emergency physicians, trauma surgeons, neurosurgeons, cardiologists, and other specialty physicians. An integral part of the team, communications center personnel work with a state-of-the-art telecommunications system.

Stroke Care

970-298-CARE • 800-458-3888 2635 N. 7th Street, Grand Junction, CO Visit us online at www.stmarygj.org An Affiliate of the SCL Health System

St. Mary’s is certified by the Joint Commission, the largest healthcare accrediting organization in the U.S., as a Primary Stroke Center, meeting the standards of the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association for caring for stroke patients. With a stroke-trained neurologist on staff and a telemedicine relationship with the stroke center at Swedish Medical Center in Denver, a stroke expert is always available.

Heart and Vascular Services St. Mary’s offers the only comprehensive heart and vascular program in western Colorado. Experienced cardiologists, three cardiovascular surgeons, and cardiac-trained staff provide the full range of care including cardiodiagnostics, electrophysiology studies, catheterizations, angioplasty, stent placement, open heart and vascular surgery, coronary intensive care, a cardiac rehabilitation program, and minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

We’re here if the unthinkable happens.

We’re here for life.

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2607 E US 40 • Craig, CO 81625 970-826-0060 • www.craigpowersports.com 8:30am to 5:30pm Tuesday – Friday & 8:30am to 3:00pm Saturday 6 | visit www.cohunter.com for more

Your Local Grocery Store Is Also Your Hunting Headquarters!

• Hunting Licenses • Ice and Dry Ice • Food, Beer, Soda, and Candy • Batteries, Charcoal, and Hand Warmers • Fishing Supplies • Miscellaneous Camping Supplies • Fuel Center at Select Locations* • Full Service Pharmacy for all your health care needs

Your

Locations:

Avon 0072 Beaver Creek Pl 970-949-5409

Breckenridge 400 North Park Ave 970-453-0818

Craig 505 W. Victory Way 970-824-6515

Delta 122 Gunnison River Drive 970-874-9710*

Dillon 300 Dillon Ridge Road 970-468-2363*

Eagle 0103 Market Street 970-328-1302

Fruita 135 S. Plum 970-858-9506

Glenwood Springs 1410 S Grand Ave. 970-945-8207 (No Pharmacy)

Granby 1001 Thompson Road 970-887-7140*

Grand Junction 2770 Hwy 50 South 970-245-1411* 569 32 Road 970-434-9603* 200 Rood Ave 970-241-2278 630 24 Road 970-244-8100*

Montrose 128 S Townsend 970-249-3405* 16400 S Townsend 970-240-3236*

Rifle 1320 Railroad Ave 970-625-3080

Steamboat Springs 1825 Central Park Plz. 970-879-3290

Vail 2109 N. Frontage Road West 970-476-1017 2014 | colorado hunter

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Eagle Springs Meats 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday 0r By Appointment Call Mark Montgomery 970.618.4640 (Formally of Out West Meats)

BASIC FEES FOR WILD GAME: Elk..................................... $275.00 Deer................................... $175.00 Antelope............................. $150.00 Bear................................... $250.00 Mt. Lion.............................. $200.00

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Mark Montgomery 970.618.4640 1733 Railroad Avenue / Rifle, Colorado (Next to the Dollar Store) • 970.625.5249 79655

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2014 | colorado hunter

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Publishers/General Managers Suzanne Schlicht (Steamboat Pilot & Today) Renee Campbell (Craig Daily Press) Jay Seaton (The Daily Sentinel, Grand Junction) editor Eugene Buchanan Writers Andy Bockelman, Dave Buchanan, Dan Olsen, Joel Reichenberger, Noelle Leavitt Riley, Nate Waggenspack Photographers Lauren Blair, Andy Bockelman, Dave Buchanan, John DePalma, Dave Dietrich, Jeff Draper, Dean Humphrey, Joel Reichenberger, John F. Russell, Bill Van Ness

Creative services supervisor Lindsay Porter Circulation Managers Steve Balgenorth/Amy Fontenot Advertising sales Craig region: Sheli Steele, Lauren Murray, Emily Padilla Grand Junction region: Grand Junction Media — Doug Freed, Lori Henricksen, Dennis Mitchell Steamboat Springs region: Jenni DeFouw Advertising Design and Production Craig region: Laura Sigmund, Kelsey Day Steamboat Springs region: Mack Maschmeier, Chris McGaw Grand Junction region: Grand Junction Media

Voted Best Gift Shop in 2014

Colorado Hunter is published once per year by the Steamboat Pilot & Today and distributed free throughout western Colorado.

For advertising information, call 970-875-1785 (Craig region); 970-871-4215 (Steamboat Springs region); 970-256-4289 (Grand Junction region).

To get a copy mailed to your home, call Steve Balgenorth at 970-871-4232 or Amy Fontenot at 970-875-1785.

On the cover: John DePalma captures an archery hunter preparing to head out for a bull in Western Colorado. View more of his work at www.johndepalmaphotography.com.

In the Centennial Mall (west entrance)

1111 W. Victory Way Craig, Colorado

25% Gifts & Souvenirs

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off regularly

priced items

InsideFeatures 14

Welcome Message

76

Hunting Tales

15

Letter from Colorado Parks & Wildlife

82

Reader Photos

16

Short Shots What’s new for 2014, local taxidermists, the ban on

94

Game Management Unit Information

drones, philanthropic hunts, shed antlers, a new raffle in Wyoming, the fuss with elk fences, fees and seasons and more

104

Hunting Directory

32

Angling in Western Colorado

35

Hot Spots Grand Junction, Meeker, Craig, Steamboat Springs,

Kremmling, Granby and more

42

The Herd Word Herd numbers for 2014 (elk, bear, moose and more), the deer decline, a roundup of 2013 and more

52

Skill Sets Safety tips, survival hints, how to hunt (deer, pronghorn and elk), avoiding violations, saving your meat, game calls, archery pointers and more

73

Outfitters

2014 | colorado Hunter

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WelCOMeHunters W

elcome to the 2014 edition of Colorado Hunter, the premier guide to big-game hunting in Western Colorado.

You couldn’t have picked a better place to plan your trip. The region off ers some of the best deer and elk hunting in the world, whether you’re pulling back a bow, packing your muzzle or sighting in your scope.

Whatever your big game fancy, whether it’s elk atop Grand Mesa or moose near Walden, we hope you make the region your hunting destination for years to come.

While the area off ers countless, year-round

recreational opportunities — as well as outstanding scenery, friendly locals and Old West charm — for hunters the action kicks off every autumn when game migrates from the high country to its winter range.

That’s when thousands of hunters migrate here also, fl ocking to the hunting hotbeds of Grand Junction, Meeker, Rangely, Craig, Hayden, Steamboat Springs, Walden, Kremmling, Granby, Yampa and more to hunt some of the largest elk herds in the nation. Whether you fi ll your tag or not, the real reward comes in the experience of hunting in one of the most beautiful

locations in Colorado.

This magazine is designed to make the hunt easier for everyone from novices hearing their fi rst bugle to seasoned veterans looking for a record trophy. Inside you’ll fi nd tips on what to bring and where to go, information on herd updates, tales from local hunts and a directory listing everything you need for your stay, from outfi tters and guides to meat processors and more.

We hope you have a great hunt this year and tip our collective hats to you for visiting western Colorado.

From left: Renee Campbell, general manager, Craig Daily Press; Suzanne Schlicht, publisher Steamboat Pilot & Today; Jay Seaton, publisher, Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.

If you’re STALKING then you’re WALKING And when you’re on an OHV

Always Stay The Trail.

Hunting with an OHV increases your responsibilities in the backcountry. Know the rules and regulations before you go off-highway and always Keep Your Wheels Where They Belong®.

More information at STAYTHETRAIL.ORG 14 | visit www.cohunter.com for more

WIldlIFeuPdate

a letter FroM colorado ParKs and wildliFe

By Bill de Vergie, CPW area wildlife manager, Meeker

T

he 2014 hunting seasons should provide good opportunities for sportsmen across Colorado. Although dependent upon constantly variable weather conditions, these seasons should be a fun challenge for all hunters.

The elk population in Northwest Colorado has been stable for the past several years and license allocations have not changed noticeably. With over-the-counter bull licenses available during the second and third rifl e seasons, there is always an opportunity for a sportsman to hunt elk in Colorado. Overall, elk numbers look good, as this past winter did not signifi cantly aff ect their population. The numbers of bull elk have been slightly higher the past few years, so there are reasonably good opportunities for a hunter to see a bull. Deer populations in Northwest Colorado have been lower than desired for several years because of past winter conditions, loss of habitat, predation, development and other issues. With this decrease, licenses allocated also have decreased; however, with some extra eff ort in scouting and a little good luck, there are still plenty of nice bucks, and hunters who successfully drew a deer license for most GMUs should have good opportunities.

PhoTo CouRTeSY oF bIll De VeRGIe Colorado Parks & Wildlife manager bill de Vergie stands near a moose sign in snowy northwest Colorado.

Antelope herds also are doing well, and hunters who have drawn a license should fi nd plenty of opportunities and be successful. Northwest Colorado has some of the highest antelope numbers in the state.

Bear seasons also should be good. Our bear populations have been growing, and there are more license opportunities now than ever before. Just keep in mind that hunting bears takes plenty of patience and some luck.

Hunting success depends upon many variables, including putting some time into researching an area, using current maps, computers or other methods. Early, on-theground scouting trips can be benefi cial, even though the animals may not be in that particular area at the time. Becoming familiar with the road, private land boundaries, terrain and habitat type before the hunt also can help immensely. Understanding the general movement or migration patterns of the animals can increase the odds of success. Weather always plays a role in tracking, locating and moving animals from higher elevation ranges into lower winter ranges. So keep an eye on the forecast.

There is also a signifi cant amount of public land in Northwest Colorado, allowing sportsmen plenty of hunting opportunities. With a good set of maps such as those at www.bit.ly/cohuntingatlas, a GPS unit or even Google Earth, sportsmen can fi nd a variety of hunting areas that will fi t their needs. Remember that it’s the sportsman’s responsibility to know in which land — private or public — that they are hunting. Other sources of maps includes www.huntdata.com or www.coloradohuntingmaps.com.

Sportsmen always should be safe and law abiding. During the rifl e seasons, wearing a daylight fl uorescent orange garment is critical. In Colorado, you are required to wear 500 square inches of visible fl uorescent orange garments, including any head covering, that is visible in 360 degrees. Placing a camoufl age backpack over an orange vest or coat can minimize the visible orange and thus reduces your visibility. Visibility equals safety in the woods. In addition, being 100 percent sure of your target before you shoot is critical and can help you avoid serious accidents such as shooting the wrong animal. Always know the laws associated with hunting, including Hunter Education requirements, tagging procedures for a harvested animal and the proper methods of take. A variety of regulation brochures can be found at www.bit.ly/yourbrochurescpw.

If you see a wildlife violation occur, call your nearest Colorado Parks and Wildlife offi ce, or if you wish to remain anonymous, call Operation Game Thief, a tip line for wildlife violations, at 1-877-265-6648.

You can fi nd harvest stats, population objectives and general information in our NW Region Hunt Guide. Pick one up at a local CPW offi ce, or download a PDF copy from our website at www.bit.ly/cpwhuntguides. Keep in mind that every GMU is managed by a professional and friendly district wildlife manager. They are the experts and a great source of information. Feel free to ask them questions about the area you are hunting, regulations or anything else that can help make your hunt more enjoyable.

You can always call or come by a local CPW offi ce anytime to ask a question, pick up a brochure or even purchase an over-the-counter bull elk license or a fi shing license.

For the offi ce nearest you, visit www.bit.ly/contactcpw. Finally, remember to have fun during your hunt. Enjoying the outdoors can be a great experience for an individual or a group, and spending time with friends and family can provide memories that will last a lifetime. Northwest Colorado provides some of the most spectacular views and scenery anywhere in the country, and we wish you luck and hope you have a great hunt this year.

2014 | colorado hunter

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sHORTsHots wHat’s new in 2014 Non-residents get bonus annual fishing license

counter with caps, limited in number. Applications All non-residents who purchase a big game license submitted for hunters who don’t already have a 2014 in Colorado now will receive a combination big game Habitat Stamp will be disqualifi ed. license/fi shing license, good until March 31, 2015.

Disqualification Drone use illegal Customers no longer will be contacted if there are The use of unmanned, remote control aircraft to look errors on applications, including those without correct for wildlife or aid in hunting is now illegal. fees, no hunter education checked, incorrect hunt codes or those lacking a 2014 Habitat Stamp.

New auction/raffle dates The new closing date for the mule deer season elk auction and raffl e licenses is the end of November, or the List A/B/C Changes in Gunnison, San Luis Valley — end of the last antlered or either-sex season in a unit, Licenses for elk hunts in the San Luis Valley are changing whichever comes later. from List C to List B. Also, in GMU 54 in the Gunnison Ammunition restrictions Basin, List C licenses are now List B to help maintain In state lands and state wildlife areas, a regulation the elk population at current numbers. Hunters may prohibits the possession of the following ammunition and/ purchase only two List B tags per year. or fi rearms: tracer rounds, armor piercing rounds, military Deer hardened round with explosive or radioactive substances, Over-the-counter tags now available — To help .50-caliber BMG rounds or fully automatic fi rearms. manage the spread of whitetail deer, this year marks Preference point fee increase the fi rst availability of over-the-counter, white-tail-only Hunters will pay $40 for preference point fees if deer tags for south-central GMUs west of Interstate 25. they did not purchase a license the previous year and Youth hunts added — Youth-only muzzleloader and otherwise are not exempt. Resident deer and pronghorn rifl e hunts for antlerless deer have been added to GMUs point fees have been raised to $30.

43, 47 and 471. Habitat stamp required before draw — If Forest service closures you haven’t already purchased a 2014 Habitat Stamp and There will be closures in GMU 19 west of Fort Collins are between ages 18 and 64 when you buy or apply for in the Canyon Lakes Ranger District, as well as in areas a license, you must buy a Habitat Stamp or submit the where roads and trails were damaged by the 2013 fl ood payment with your big-game application. in GMUs 8, 19, 20 and portions of 29, 38 and 191. Info: Moose www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r2/huntnfs-co.

Successful moose populations mean numerous new Landowner elk pilot program hunts are available across the state. In the northwest, The landowner elk pilot program has been cow hunts are available in GMUs 15 and 27, and bull discontinued. licenses are also available for the fi rst time in 15 and 27. For the fi rst time, either-sex licenses are available Bear A new private-land-only rifl e hunt in GMUs 48, 49, for GMUs 1 and 201 near the Utah border (hunters who 56, 57, 481 and 561 is available. Licenses are over-the- already have harvested a bull may not apply).

HUNTiNG seAsONs

Muzzleloading ■ Deer/Elk/Moose — Sept. 13 to 21 ■ Black Bear (over-the-counter with caps) — Sept. 13 to 21 ■ Pronghorn — Oct. 21 to 29

Archery ■ Deer/Elk — Aug. 30 to Sept. 28 ■ Pronghorn; bucks only — Aug. 15 to 31 ■ Pronghorn; either sex —Sept. 1 to 20 Rifle ■ Black Bear (over-the-counter with caps) — Sept. 2 to 28 ■ Black Bear; limited (by draw) — Sept. 2 to 30 ■ Moose — Sept. 6 to 28 ■ Moose — Oct. 1 to 14 16 | visit www.cohunter.com for more

Fees ($10 2014 Habitat Stamp required) Subtract $3 for over-the-counter Deer — Draw (limited) ■ Resident — $34 ■ Youth resident — $13.75 ■ Non-resident (with fi shing) — $364 ■ Youth non-resident (with fi shing) — $103.75

elk — Draw (limited) ■ Resident — $49 ■ Youth resident — $13.75 ■ Non-resident bull/either sex (with fi shing) — $601 ■ Non-resident cow (with fi shing) — $451 ■ Non-resident either sex — $589 ■ Youth non-resident (with fi shing) — $100.75 Pronghorn —Draw (limited) ■ Resident — $34 ■ Youth resident — $13.75 ■ Non-resident — $364 ■ Youth non-resident — $103.75

Bear — Draw (limited) ■ Resident — $44 ■ Non-resident — $354 Moose — Draw (limited) ■ Resident — $254 ■ Non-resident — $2,009

*Non-resident fi shing licenses are good through March 31, 2015. Prices include a $0.25 searchand-rescue fee, a $0.75 surcharge for the Wildlife Management Education Fund and a $3 application fee for limited licenses applied for in the draw.

Pronghorn; draw — Oct. 4 to 10 Limited Elk; fi rst season — Oct. 11 to 1 ■ Deer/Elk; second season — Oct. 18 to 26 ■ Deer/Elk; third season — Nov. 1 to 9 ■ Deer/Elk; fourth season — Nov. 12 to 16 ■ Black Bear (over-the-counter with caps) — concurrent with deer/elk rifl e seasons ■ ■

wYoMinG initiates raFFle

T

hirteen lucky hunters are counting their lucky stars for Wyoming’s new

sheep at least eight must be available.

All money goes toward conservation eff orts, Pauley adds, with hunters able to

lottery. In May, they won the right to bypass the conventional preference purchase as many tickets as they choose. And winning doesn’t negate previously accrued preference points, with the fi ve-year waiting periods for moose and sheep, point system and hunt coveted big game in Wyoming.

For the fi rst time, the state raffl ed off 13 big game hunting tags to give hunters a and once-in-a-lifetime restrictions on bison and mountain goats, waived.

shot at harvesting trophies without waiting years or breaking the bank.

Like Northwest Colorado, Wyoming is known for its big game and hunting PhoTo CouRTeSY oF ColoRADo PARKS AnD WIlDlIFe

demand. It’s also historically used a limited draw and preference points to determine allocation — meaning a wait of nearly two decades and/or buying expensive auction tags to hunt prime locations (last year, a bighorn sheep tag sold for $80,000).

So this year, Wyoming Game and Fish off ered the Super Tag and Super Tag Trifecta license raffl es to open those species up. “Our preference point system helps address the opportunity to hunt big game, but it can still take up to 18 years,” Wyoming Game and Fish’s Glenn Pauley says. “This raffl e provides that to a broader audience.”

The Super Tag raffl e selected 10 winners, one for each of Wyoming’s 10 premier big game species: antelope, bighorn sheep, bison, black bear, deer, elk, gray wolf, mountain goat, mountain lion and Shiras moose. The Super Tag Trifecta awarded

one hunter the chance to select three tags of his or her choice. The areas for the bighorn sheep is one of 10 species included in Wyoming’s new Super Tag hunting license Raffle, giving moose tag winner are limited to units with at least 10 tags available; for bighorn hunters a chance to hunt premier big game species without a decade-long wait.

www.coloradoelkoutfitter.com

Unit 17 Rand, Colorado Rifle & Archery Elk & Moose Hunts

Doug Spencer 1105 Westridge Drive Loveland, CO 80537 970-481-4354

Colorado Elk Outfitter, LLC is proud to provide Colorado elk hunts for all levels of physical fitness. Specializing in the elderly and or less fit hunters who for various reasons cannot handle the rigorous physical stress of hunting at high altitudes.

Archery Is Our Passion

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sHORTsHots

By Nate Waggenspack

Kremmling We Kremmling Merchants Allington Inn

215 W. Central Avenue 970-724-9800 | 1-800-981-4091 www.allingtoninn.com Comfortable lodging at an affordable price. Deluxe continental breakfast and highspeed wireless. Indoor pool, hot tub and fitness center.

Alpine Motor Sports

115 W. Central Ave. 970-724-9655 www.alpinemotorsportsinc.com ATV & Snowmobile Sales, Service and Accessories.

Kremmling Area Chamber of Commerce 203 Park Avenue | 970-724-3472 www.kremmlingchamber.com

Stop in and see us or visit our website for maps and information on where to eat play and stay while in the Kremmling area.

18 | visit www.cohunter.com for more

Kremmling Mercantile

The Moose Café

At the west end of town. Just past the Moose Café. One-stopshopping for Hunting & Fishing Licenses, liquor, groceries, gifts, pharmacy, bakery, deli, gas, diesel and car wash. (See ad on page 130)

Home style cooking in a family atmosphere. Open 7 days a week from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m.

(See ad on page 130)

101 Martin Way | 970-724-8979

Located at the West end of town across from the Mercantile 970-724-9987

Muddy Creek Cabins

Tri-River Ace Hardware

Picturesque fully furnished log cabins.

Hunting & Fishing Licenses, Propane, Hay, Shoes & Apparel, CARQUEST Auto Parts, Sporting Goods & More!

Red Mountain RV Park

Wolford Campground

1-877-375-9593 redmtnrvpark.com

1-866-472-4943 wolfordcampground.com

Propane, showers, WiFi, laundry, dump station & playground.

Colorado’s Newest Reservoir.

Camping, fishing, boating, water sports & picnic areas. Marina boat rentals available.

Located at the base of the Kremmling Cliffs | 970-724-9559 MuddyCreekCabins.com

720 Tyler Avenue | 970-724-9325

elcomes Hunters

Miles:

To Denver (via Hwy 9 to I-70) To Denver (via Hwy 40) To Silverthorne To Steamboat Springs To Winter Park To Grand Lake

100 miles 115 miles 37miles 53miles 48 miles 42 miles

2014 | colorado hunter

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sHORTsHots

tHe drone deBate

colorado First state to Ban drones For HuntinG

By Matt Meyer

E

arly in the morning, a buck grazes on a grassy hillside, dew gathering on his antlers. It’s a scene so picturesque, you almost can hear soft music swelling behind it. Then, the soft buzzing noise of fans.

A small drone, mounted with a GoPro camera, zips high above the hillside. Moments later, a short whine of truck brakes sounds in the distance, and a hunter dutifully dawdles into view. He takes a shot from 100 yards, tags and guts and is done in less than an hour.

This scene had become more and more common as, before this year, hunters increasingly turned to aff ordable drones to aid their hunting eff orts. But in January, Colorado moved to ban drone-aided hunting.

The Centennial State was the fi rst in the nation to ban the fl ying cameras, citing a desire of fair-chase hunting, especially on public lands.

“We took the action to eliminate hunting behavior that could be deemed unsporting or unethical,” says Mike Porras, Colorado Parks and Wildlife public information offi cer. “The three things we always look

into is the safety of the hunter, the preservation of wildlife and the tenants of fair chase. There’s the potential for drones to violate all three.”

Most hunting regulation is reactionary. Everything is legal until it isn’t. Porras cites an incident of a hunter killing a bear in its den as an unethical situation to which the state had to react. It was the same with drones, where the technology quickly revealed the need for regulation. Months after Colorado banned the devices, a few states followed suit. Alaska, Montana, Idaho and Wisconsin have banned the use of drones and other “small aircraft” while hunting. Hunting groups in Wyoming, New Mexico and Vermont also have pushed to prohibit the use of drones. It’s a movement that is spreading quickly.

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers is an advocacy group for the responsible use of public lands. Its offi cial stance on drone hunting reads: “Backcountry Hunters and Anglers believes this technology represents a widespread opportunity for abuse, and if not regulated early poses a signifi cant threat to fair chase hunting and fair distribution of hunting opportunity.”

PhoTo bY DeAn huMPhReY Deputy Danny norris of Mesa County, launches a Falcon drone.

There also are questions about whether the Federal Aviation Administration will institute a ban on private drone use, regardless of application. Currently, the FAA does not classify personal drones operated lower than 500 feet as “aircraft,” and as such, there’s no widespread ban or heavy regulation on their use. There also are concerns, as drone technology improves, that hunters will attempt to mount small fi rearms on a drone.

“Technology is advancing at a rate where hunters could take a number of unfair advantages that cross that line of fair chance,” he says.

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sHORTsHots PhoTo CouRTeSY oF The SMIlAnICh FAMIlY hunter Smilanich and his black labrador pose with ducks Smilanich shot on a hunting trip with his family.

Bird oPtions aBound

By Dan Olsen Elk, deer, moose, bear, antelope and mountain lion aren’t the only game in town. Often overshadowed by the big game hunts that dominate western Colorado are the autumn hunts that involve birds, shotguns and often on-water locations. Grouse, ducks, geese and even turkeys can all be found in this corner of Colorado, from Grand Junction to the Green River.

Eric Hamilton has lived in Craig for all of his 46 years and if there’s a hunt he looks forward to each fall, it’s blue grouse season. “We bird hunt quite a bit,” he says, touting blue grouse and sharptail as favorites.

“It’s a lot of fun.”

Hamilton is a big-game outfi tter, but even during his archery hunts he keeps a lookout for birds. “We’ll hunt them in some spots where we know they’re feeding,” he says. “We look for them while archery hunting, and we’ll cook them up right there and have them for lunch.”

Sage grouse season runs from Sept. 14 to 20 in GMUs north and west of Craig. Sharp-tailed grouse can be taken Sept. 1 to 15 in GMU 4 north of Craig, and dusky (blue) grouse from Sept. 1 through Nov. 17.

MiGRATORY BiRDs Waterfowl hunting in the Pacifi c Flyway (west of the Continental Divide) can be challenging just for the struggle of fi nding access to waterways, but the eff orts often are rewarded as hunters often return from the Yampa River or Elkhead Reservoir with their limits.

Ducks and geese gather at the very north end of Elkhead Reservoir, making a boat nearly mandatory for access as that area is surrounded by private land.

The Yampa River also presents access diffi culties, as most bottomland was homesteaded more than 100 years ago and is private. Some areas such as Duff y Mountain have public BLM land that accesses the river and may be hunted.

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In Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, waterfowl may be hunted only at Butch Cassidy Lake, Hog Lake and the Green River corridor. The use of dogs for hunting and small game retrieving is encouraged.

A great deal of waterfowl hunting in northwest Colorado is done on private ponds or watering holes.

Roger Simones runs a cement plant in Craig, and the water ponds there make for good hunting in the fall.

“Ducks are getting better and better,” he says. “Last year was phenomenal, with every kind of duck, from mallards to even wood ducks.”

2014 | colorado hunter

| 21

sHORTsHots

PhoTo CouRTeSY oF GRAnD JunCTIon SenTInAl There are about 100 miles of speed-restricted wildlife zones along Colorado highways, mostly on the Western Slope. Wildlife collisions in these areas have decreased by about 9 percent in the two years of study, according to two years of study released by the Colorado Department of Transportation.

BiG GaMe crossinGs

By Dave Buchanan

O

ne day last July, motorists along Colorado Highway 13 north of Rio Blanco saw what’s become a familiar sight: a herd of cow elk, fresh from calving grounds in the Piceance Basin, crossing the highway on its way to summer range to the east. This time, however, it was diff erent.

Two cows had made it across the fence lining the west side of the newly rebuilt section of highway but had left behind their two, 1-month-old calves, who were too small to jump the tight-strung fence.

“Every year, cows with their young calves move down from the calving grounds and hit that woven wire fence, but the calves can’t get across,” says Bill deVergie, Meeker area wildlife manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. It wasn’t long before both cows, who refused to leave their calves, were killed by traffi c.

“The two calves were still nursing, and there wasn’t another cow to pick them up,” he says. “So I guess they died, too.”

That particular trouble spot is just north of Rio Blanco, where the Colorado Department of Transportation is improving Colo. 13 from the Wyoming line south. A 2.6-mile stretch of road starting about 20 miles north of Rifl e now is being worked on, and part of the work involves replacing aged fence.

Fences, either woven wire with two overtopping strands of barbed wire or a regular four-strand barbed, are replaced at the request of the adjacent landowner, deVergie says. CDOT often builds escape ramps along similar trouble spots, such as the stretch of Colo. 13 near Ridgway State Park. But so far, no ramps have been built along the newest section of Colo. 13.

In this case, the rancher wanted woven wire because of his sheep and cooperated with CPW by leaving his gate open to allow elk passage. “But the property below his doesn’t open his gates, so we run into these places where the elk don’t cross,” deVergie says. “If we could make a deal with that landowner, we could alleviate 80 percent of our problems.”

Rob Raley, of Meeker, regularly drives Colo. 13. “Every day, I see those elk, and part of the cows are leaving and the calves are staying,” he says. “This morning there was a yearling (cow) and calf running back and forth. It’s a mess.”

The problem has developed in the four years since roadwork began, probably because the new fences block animals more than the older, less-maintained fences.

The new fences are tight and don’t have the give of the old ones.

“You’ll see a cow (elk) walk up to the new fence, hit it with its head or rub against it to see if it has any give, and then take two or three steps back and jump over,” 22 | visit www.cohunter.com for more

deVergie says. “A month-old calf can’t do that.”

Elk need the cooperation of CPW, CDOT and landowners, says Raley, who formerly raised elk on a ranch near Yampa. Leaving gates open on only one side of the road confuses them, he says. “Once they go through the gate and hit the other fence, they don’t know which way to go,” he says, adding that it leaves them without an escape route, trapped between the fence and traffi c.

Once the elk move through to their summer range, the problem passes. And in the fall, the calves are big enough to jump. The goal, says DeVergie, is to fi gure out how to prevent similar problems from occurring elsewhere.

“We’re communicating a lot better with CDOT now,” he says. “But we’re having the same problem every year since they built that fence. My fi rst concern is the safety for people. If we can save an elk or two, that’s even better.”

FeNCe FACTs Researchers at Utah State University recently completed a study of wildlife mortality along more than 600 miles of fences in the rangelands of northeastern Utah and Northwest Colorado. By repeatedly driving and walking fence lines throughout two seasons, they tallied the number of mule deer, pronghorn and elk carcasses they found caught in and lying next to fences, as well as the fence types caused the most problems. Among their fi ndings: ■ On average, one ungulate per year was found tangled for every 2.5 miles of fence.

■ Most animals (69 percent of juveniles and 77 percent of adults) died by getting caught in the top two wires while trying to jump.

■ Juveniles are eight times more likely to die in fences than adults.

■ Mortalities peaked during August, when fawns are weaned.

■ Woven-wire fence topped with a single strand of barbed wire was the most lethal fence type; ungulates’ legs are easily snared and tangled between the barbed wire and rigid woven wire.

■ 70 percent of all mortalities were on fences taller than 40 inches.

■ On average, one ungulate was found dead next to, but not in, fences every 1.2 miles of fence; most were found next to woven-wire fence.

■ 90 percent of carcasses found near fences were fawns — separated from their mothers and unable to cross.

— Colorado Parks and Wildlife

PHilantHroPic HuntinG T

wo groups in Craig are ensuring that hunters with disabilities have a chance to target trophies, too.

Partnering with nonprofi t Outdoor Buddies for the sixth year, Trapper Mining last fall brought mobility-impaired sportsmen on hunting trips near Craig, with three outdoorsmen returning from GMU 13 with cows in tow.

Outdoor Buddies began in 1984 as a therapeutic program for hospital patients with spinal cord injuries. It’s now expanded to assist other people with disabilities, with members in 39 states. It guided 130 one-on-one hunts in 2013.

While executive director Dwaine Robey has taken people bull hunting, last year he decided to go for cows. “With the switch, fi lling tags was no problem,” he says, crediting Trapper Mine employees Rob Sovine, Shawn and Cutter Polly, Jim and Jesse Hill and Tony Gilroy. The group assisted Jack Fischer, of Colorado Springs, a 90-year-old, wheelchair-bound World War II veteran; Butch Martin, of Fishers, Indiana, bound to a wheelchair as a result of an industrial accident; and Westminster’s Ernest Teter Jr., who is legally blind.

Robey has taken Fischer on hunts for six years and says they’re a highlight every year. “He basically lives to get in the outdoors even though he’s wheelchair bound, and this is a great way for him to do it," Robey says.

sHORTsHots

By Nate Waggenspack

sAFARi CLUB iNTeRNATiONAL HONOReD FOR veTeRAN WORK Veterans have a great helping hand for hunting in Craig. This spring, after six years of dedication to veterans, the Yampa Valley Chapter of Safari Club International was recognized for “Oustanding Chapter Leadership in support of veterans.”

The local chapter has worked with the Grand Junction Veterans Aff airs Medical Center for several years to host disabled veterans on antelope hunts. “We bring wounded veterans up and take them on an antelope hunt,” Vice President Craig Rummel says. “We take care of the guiding and meat processing. The key is getting them back into the outdoors.”

The eff orts don’t go unnoticed. “They get vets back out into the fi eld, which is excellent work,” says Wayne Clark, of Denver’s SCI chapter. Adds hunting coordinator Matt Lucas: “You get them outdoors and into a positive environment.”

— Nate Waggenspack

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SOuTH ROuTT Hayden

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South Routt Facts ★ The population of the Oak Creek area in the early to mid-1900s was larger than it is today, with about 2,000 to 3,000 people in South Routt. ★ Since at least 1913, Oak Creek has attracted throngs of people, residents and visitors, for the annual Labor Day festivities along the streets of the town. What began as a literal celebration of the holiday brought organizers from each of the local mine unions to speak in the town center. ★ Since the 1920s there have been seven different newspapers in South Routt. ★ The Flat Tops Wilderness is the second largest wilderness area in Colorado.

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★ The Boor-Redmond Ranch near Yampa played a significant role in the development of farming and ranching in Routt County. It is an intact agricultural complex in continuous use since circa 1890 whose buildings have been adapted to 8 meet changing ranch needs. The Redmond Ranch, more than any other ranch in 19 the community, tells the story of agriculture in southern Routt County. ★ Flat Tops Wilderness Area Facts: ∙ Size:235,035 acres ∙ Elevation: 7,600 to 12,994 feet ∙ Miles of trails: 160 ∙ Year designated: 1975 ∙ Hunting areas: 24, 25, 12, 26, 33, 34

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2014 | colorado hunter

| 25

By Nate Waggenspack

I

f you want your trophy mounted, Craig has a great calling card For the second straight year, Craig hosted the Colorado State Taxidermy Championships at the Moff at County Fairgrounds Pavilion, with several local shops taking top honors.

Mark Zimmerman, of Bullseye Taxidermy, took three fi rst-place fi nishes in the Masters division, while Scott Moore, of Mountain Man Taxidermy, had three second-place fi nishes in the Professional division.

While the categories in the show cover animals of all sizes, including fi sh and birds, it was no big surprise that Zimmerman and Moore made their mark with shoulder mounts of Moff at County elk. “We defi nitely get a lot of practice on them,” Moore says.

Zimmerman’s fi rst-place fi nishes came in the Masters division gamehead categories for elk, antelope and mule deer. Moore also had an elk and mule deer place, and a second pedestal elk earned him another second. “I’m happy with how I did,” Moore says. “I learned a lot, which is always the main thing.”

With beautiful taxidermy work on display, including a life-size brown bear and springbok (an African antelope gazelle), along with such Colorado mounts as bobcats and mountain lions, the show off ered a glimpse at some of the best taxidermy work being done today, with many of its stars hailing from Moff at County.

“With four local taxidermists, as well as great ones nearby in Steamboat, Montrose and other areas, Craig is about as good a location for the show as you can get,” Moore says.

26 | visit www.cohunter.com for more

PhoTo bY nATe WAGGenSPACK

sHORTsHots

taXiderMists toP in class

This life-sized brown bear from taxidermist Josh Gustad won first place in the Masters division for lifesize in the Colorado State Taxidermy Championships in Craig.

2014 | colorado hunter

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tHe Value oF VelVet sHORTsHots

By Dave Buchanan

S

hed antlers are big business.

Discarded by elk and deer in the winter and early spring and then regrown, antlers are popular treasure hunt spoils for those willing to search them out.

It’s become so popular that kennels even train dogs to fi nd them.

For good reason. Top-grade antlers sell for as much as $10 per pound, worthwhile if a shed clocks in at 15 pounds. Still, the demand for dry sheds remains small.

“Most of the dry, hard antlers are going for dog treats,” says Dave Whittlesey, of High Wire Ranch on Redlands Mesa.

Whittlesey and his wife, Sue, pioneers of Colorado’s once-lively domestic elk trade, raise commercial elk and buff alo, supplying high-quality meat along with antler products for nutrition and bone and joint health.

As deer and elk antlers grow, they’re covered with a soft fuzz, or “velvet,” which provides nutrients to the growing antler. This velvet skin eventually is discarded when the antler matures.

Whittlesey says elk antlers are harvested while still in velvet, after about 75 days of growth. The frozen antlers are shipped to a certifi ed lab in Wisconsin that produces the capsulated “Elk Velvet Antler” the ranch sells.

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Operation Game Thief

Operation Game Thief is a Colorado Parks and Wildlife sponsored wildlife crime stoppers program which pays rewards to citizens who turn in poachers.

You can call us toll-free at 1-877-265-6648 or 1-877-COLO OGT. Verizon cell phone users can dial #OGT, or contact us via e-mail at game.thief@state.co.us. Callers do not have to reveal their names or testify in court.

A REWARD OF $500 is offered for information on cases involving big game or endangered species: a $100 REWARD is offered for information on other wildlife violations. A citizens committee administers the reward fund, which is maintained by private contributions. The Board may approve REWARDS OF UP TO $1,000 for flagrant cases.

Rewards are paid for information which leads to an arrest or a citation being issued.

“In North America, the main use is as a diet supplement,” he says. “It has glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen and other minerals. We primarily sell it for sore joints and infl ammation. Most of our customers are older people with arthritis.”

Don Schaufl er, of Antlers Unlimited in Ennis, Montana, the self-described world’s largest dealer of antlers, reported last year selling more than 100 tons of antlers properties. “They make a tea with it,” Dave says. “The biggest use in Asia is for a

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He adds that Korea and China have banned the import of antler velvet from the U.S. because of concern about chronic wasting disease. But antler velvet remains a big business in New Zealand, where about 1.1 million deer are raised commercially.

National Geographic recently reported that antler velvet also now is being used by athletes to speed the healing of cartilage and tendon injuries and boost strength and

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dogs with arthritis and joint pain. But there remains enough controversy regarding powdered antler velvet that it has yet to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and currently is banned by the National Football League.

Helpful tips for your Trophy • Don’t short cape your animal • Call for information on “where” to cap • Don’t drag your animal • Keep your hide clean • Do not salt your hide unless it has been properly fleshed • If you are not sure, call or bring you animal to B&L Taxidermy

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2014 | colorado hunter

| 29

By Allen Gemaehlich

lists of wetland-dependent species, project reports on wetland projects in Colorado, he Colorado Waterfowl Stamp Program continues to generate revenue to fund and a description of how the Waterfowl Stamp Program fi ts in Colorado’s overall wetlands-conservation eff ort. Collector Waterfowl Stamps (which do not aff ord wetland projects throughout the state. hunting privileges) are available at the Colorado Wildlife Heritage Foundation, as More than $6.7 million has been raised for 19,500 acres with the Waterfowl well as previous years’ stamps.

Stamp fund, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

A variety of sources have funded the project, including Colorado Wildlife Heritage Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, Partners for Fish Wildlife, Great Outdoors Colorado, CPW, hunters and non-hunters.

The project is designed to improve the habitat for ducks, geese and more than 500 other species of shorebirds, songbirds, amphibians and reptiles. Stamps are $5 for hunting waterfowl and can be purchased by people ages 16 and older. The proceeds are strictly for the use of wetlands-conservation projects.

The Colorado Waterfowl Stamp was authorized in 1989 by the passage of Senate Bill 102, sponsored by former state Sen. Tillman Bishop, of Grand Junction. The bill authorized the production of a stamp from original artwork with the Colorado Division of Wildlife to solicit and market the artwork.

The fi rst stamp, a pair of Canada geese over the South Platte River, was produced in 1990. Initially, Ducks Unlimited managed the artwork production, but more recently, the Colorado Wildlife Heritage Foundation has assumed this role.

Colorado requires all waterfowl hunters to buy a Colorado hunting license (either a small game or a combination license) with a Colorado duck stamp verifi cation, in addition to the federal duck stamp. An actual stamp can be requested at the time The 2014 Colorado Waterfowl Stamp Art Contest winner "Sunset Marsh" depicts two Canada geese the hunting license is purchased and will be mailed to the purchaser. during sunset. The artist, Richard Clifton, was a self-taught painter who has gone on to paint 38 Duck Visit the Wetlands Program page online to fi nd information on types of wetlands, Stamps from various states, including the 2007-08 Federal Duck Stamp.

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2014 | colorado Hunter

| 31

Angling in western colorado Photo by John. F. Russell Gabe Dreuhl, of Austin, Texas, takes on the blue waters of the Yampa River in Steamboat Springs looking to land a trout.

By Eugene Buchanan

W

hen you’re not casting your eyes toward ridges or grassy parks for big game, there’s plenty of other casting you can do in Western Colorado, as well. Rifle or rod, world-class options abound for both pastimes.

Whether you’ve filled your tag or simply want a break from hitting the trail, western Colorado offers hot spots for trout as well as trophies.

From the boundless lakes atop Grand Mesa and the Colorado and Gunnison rivers near Grand Junction, to the White River and lakes of the Flat Tops Wilderness Area near Meeker, to the Yampa and Elk rivers near Craig and Steamboat Springs, to the upper Colorado and Williams Fork outside Kremmling, the region has enough world-class angling options to keep you casting for years. And wetting a line can be the perfect tonic to complement time chasing deer and elk.

“It’s the perfect companion activity to hunting,” maintains Brett Lee, a veteran hunter, fly-fisherman and co-owner of Straightline Sports in Steamboat Springs. “The whole Northwest Colorado region offers some of the best fishing in the country, from high Alpine lakes to cool, clear rivers.”

The heart of hunting season is also when fishing is at its best, with aquatic and insect life teeming. The trout sense the onset of winter, meaning flies and lures don’t go unnoticed. “Fall is one of the best times to fish here,” Lee adds. “Fish know winter’s coming and start feeding.”

Following is a primer on where to cast your rod.

“The whole Northwest Colorado region offers some of the best fishing in the country.”

— Brett Lee, co-owner of Straightline Sports in Steamboat Springs

Prime public areas include the Stagecoach tailwaters just below Stagecoach Lake; the Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area 3 miles south of Steamboat Springs on Routt County Road 14; and the 6-mile town stretch, which carries as many as 2,000 trout per mile. For flies, try elk hair caddis, bright green caddis emergers or weighted streamers.

The Elk River offers public access upstream of Hinman Park Bridge along Seedhouse Road, or at the Christina Wildlife Area along its lower portion on C.R. 129 northwest of town.

In Jackson County, try the blue ribbon trout waters of the North Platt River, or the countless meandering streams near Walden. Farther south in Grand County near Kremmling, the upper Colorado lures anglers the world over, as does the hidden treasure Williams Fork.

Those hunting near Craig can fish for smallmouth bass and northern pike in Elkhead Reservoir and the Yampa (try white/chartreuse streamers and lures for “smallies”), and also troll these spots for trout. Another world-class option: Head west to the Green Rivers River in Browns Park, offering blue-ribbon trout fishing on three great sections of Coursing from the Flat Tops Wilderness Area west to its confluence with the Green water (A, B and C). The area is known for its large brown trout and clear, cold water River, the Yampa River offers more than 100 miles of prime fishing, especially during released from the Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

The White River, which flows through Meeker and Rangely, drains the Flat Tops and the cooler hunting months of autumn.

32 | visit www.cohunter.com for more

GeT A GUiDe As with hunting, hiring a trusted, local guide is well worth it. Not only can they provide access to trophy-fi lled private waters, but they’ll help your technique and fl y selection. Also, don’t hesitate to ask local fl y shop experts for advice. A sampling of guided options include: Steamboat Springs: Straightline Sports (970-879-7568), Bucking Rainbow Outfi tters (970-879-8747), Steamboat Flyfi sher (970-879-6552).

Walden: North Park Anglers (970-723-4215). Rifl e: High Flies Angler (970-274-2669).

Grand Junction: Western Anglers (970-244-8658).

teems with trout in the fall. Head upstream from Meeker on Moff at County Road 8 toward Buford, where you can branch up the south or north fork, or try the Meeker town stretch, the section between Meeker and Rangely, or the Rangely reach.

Near Grand Junction, hit the blue-ribbon Gunnison River Gorge below Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which attracts anglers all season. Wade fi sh near the takeout at Gunnison Forks at the confl uence of the river’s north fork, or book a fl oat trip through the gorge.

LAKes AND ReseRvOiRs For lake fi shing, hit any number of reservoirs near Craig and Steamboat (Stagecoach Lake, Steamboat Lake and Elkhead Reservoir). Recent expansions have increased the sizes of Stagecoach and Elkhead. “Colorado Parks and Wildlife has been stocking them with bigger fi sh than normal to give them a chance to survive the northern pike,” Straightline’s Lee says.

October is when the fi sh charge out of the depths to feed before winter sets in. Cooler temperatures also bring rainbows back into shallower water. Go early and get your fl y down 10 to 11 feet. Boat rentals are available at the marinas of Stagecoach and Steamboat Lake. For fl y patterns, try woolly buggers in olive, black and brown to imitate minnows.

As water temperatures drop, slow your reeling motion, Lee adds. “Autumn’s cold water dictates a slower retrieve,” says Lee, touting crayfi sh patterns as a good bet.

Countless smaller lakes also exist for dipping a line. On the other side of the Park Range from Steamboat, in Jackson County, lie Delaney Buttes lakes, which off er free camping, as well as Big Creek Lake and Lake John. In the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, Trapper’s Lake — where you can rent canoes, rowboats and rustic accommodations — as well as Chapman, Sheriff and Stillwater reservoirs and the smaller Rainbow and Mosquito lakes also off er great fi shing options.

North of Steamboat, Hahn’s Peak and Pearl lakes, as well as the Alpine lakes of the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area, serve up prime angling, as do the more than 200 stocked lakes atop 10,000-foot-high Grand Mesa near Grand Junction (favorites include the Gold Medal waters of Mesa Lakes, as well as Cottonwood Lakes and Vega Reservoir).

Several fi shing lodges on Grand Mesa stay open through the fall.

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2014 | colorado hunter

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HOTsPots craiG: elK HuntinG caPital I

By Darian Warden

hats, T-shirts and more. Ponikvar adds that a hunting show fi lmmaker even saw a f you didn’t know it before, you do now: Craig is now the offi cial Elk Hunting Capital hat adorned with the phrase at a Georgia golf course and fi lmed an elk hunt in Craig because of it. “I’ve been taking T-shirts and hats with me whenever I hunt out of state,” of the World.

While the town has ranked as high as 20th in Outdoor Life magazine’s “Best Towns he says. “Everyone loves them. It’s starting to get around the world.” for Sportsmen” list throughout the years, it now has the elk capital tagline notched into its rifl e butt, as well. After fi ve years building the brand, local businessman John Ponikvar trademarked the phrase last year, much to the delight of tourism offi cials.

“It’s fantastic,” says Christina Oxley, of the Craig Chamber of Commerce, adding that the trademarked phrase already has resulted in positive feedback from visitors.

“It gives us great visibility and searchability online. Every time somebody inputs elk hunting, that brand draws people.”

Ponikvar says he trademarked the phrase to give the community some identifi cation.

“We were simply trying to brand Craig,” he says. “Hopefully, it’s a source of pride for Craig and Moff at County.”

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| 35

HOTsPots

western colorado: a HuntinG snaPsHot

By Eugene Buchanan

I

f you’ve picked western Colorado as your hunting grounds this season, you couldn’t have chosen a better spot to set your sights.

The Pacifi c-most portion of the Centennial State harbors the two key ingredients all hunters look for: some of the largest elk herds in the country, and extensive public lands. This equates to one of the best chances of fi lling your tag of anywhere in the country.

“The scale of the elk herds in western Colorado is unprecedented compared to the rest of the country,” says Brad Petch, Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s senior biologist for Northwest Colorado. “There are very few places in the West where you can pick up a license at the counter and have a decent shot at getting a four-point bull.”

Petch estimates that there are about 280,000 elk in Colorado, the most of any state, with more than 15 percent of those harvested every year. Other big game populations are also strong, including mule deer, moose, pronghorn, bear and mountain lion.

From Grand Junction, head out onto Grand Mesa (Units 41, 42, 411, 421, 52 and 521 for over-the-counter elk) and the Uncompahgre Plateau (Units 61 and 62 for elk), as well as the Gunnison Basin (Units 76 and 77 limited elk). Afterward, tour through Grand Mesa or Colorado National Monument.

Farther northwest, Dinosaur National Monument off ers a glimpse of the region’s prehistoric past amidst world-class pronghorn options. The region also contains 36 | visit www.cohunter.com for more

Browns Park on the Green River, featuring premier trout fi shing below Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

Just off U.S. Highway 40, Rangely is another sportsmen’s hotspot whose hilly landscapes are populated with deer, pronghorn, elk and small game. Craig, the seat of Moff at County, continues to be ranked as one of the top hunting destinations in the country for its vast public lands, private ranches and herds.

From Craig, Colorado Highway 13 heads north toward Wyoming and south to hunter-friendly towns such as Meeker. Everywhere you go is prime hunting habitat.

East of Craig on U.S. 40 is Hayden, also rich in ranching and hunting heritage, and another 30 minutes east is Steamboat Springs, the seat of Routt County. Known for its internationally renowned ski area, Steamboat also is home to fi fth-generation ranches and some of the best trout fi shing and elk, deer and moose hunting in the state.

South of Steamboat on Colo. 131 lie Oak Creek, Phippsburg and Yampa, the “Gateway to the Flat Tops” and the wilderness area’s prime hunting habitat.

Across the Continental Divide, North Park also is known for its moose and fi shing.

Located an hour drive on Colo. 14 from both Steamboat and Laramie, Wyoming, Walden is the region’s largest city and surrounded by extensive public lands. Farther south are the hunting hotbeds of Kremmling, Hot Sulphur Springs and Granby, which also carry vast herds of elk and deer.

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MeeKer: sMall town, BiG access

By Andy Bockelman

T

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he only thing meek about Meeker when it comes to hunting is that it’s quietly off the radar. But once people get a taste of what it off ers in small-town friendliness and access to big game, they come back again and again.

“We get a lot of repeat customers,” says Stan Wyatt, owner of Wyatt’s Sports Center, now entering its 20th year as a hunting supply company. “Most of our business is nonresidents. We see so many people year after year that it’s hard to remember them all.”

Wyatt estimates he’s had a customer from every state in the country and beyond.

“We’ve had them from Alaska, Hawaii and Canada, and even England,” he says.

“People always say how beautiful it is around here, what a great little town it is and how friendly the people are. It has a great reputation.”

This reputation — as well as the bountiful fi lling of hunting tags — is what has led to so much repeat business, both for local guides and outfi tters as well as area lodges and hotels. “It’s usually the same groups coming back year after year, and it’s always nice to see them,” says Blue Spruce Hotel manager Beckey Dowker, who also hunts every fall. “It’s like family coming back every year. Most people like that we’re just a quiet little mountain town.”

Further illustrating Meeker’s charm is the fact that many of its well-traveled residents are more than happy to call it home. Just ask Bill Wille, the owner of Antlers Taxidermy who has hunted around the globe. Wille fi rst came to town decades ago for the hunting and has operated his service out of Meeker for the past 35 years. “The hunting is why I came out here, and that’s what I still love about it,” says Wille, whose workshop is a veritable menagerie with more than 200 mounts of large cats, bears, rodents, fowl and other animals from all over the world— including a rare ibex from Turkey.

Despite his world travels, Meeker always will remain close to Wille’s heart. And it’s those same reasons that keep visiting hunters coming back for more year after year.

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GMu 2: troPHY territorY W

hile most every hunter hopes to bag a trophy, the chance to actually get a monster bull begins with research, preparation and patience. It also helps if you’re hunting Game Management Unit 2.

Western Colorado boasts some of the fi nest bulls in the country in the far reaches of this area of Moff at County, with more than 200 located near the border with Utah and Wyoming. The opportunity to hunt in designated “trophy” area is determined by a draw and point system that allows hunters to accumulate points each hunting season.

These preference points are species specifi c; hunters wanting to harvest a trophy bull elk will accrue points for many years in the elk category before drawing a license. Currently, it takes 18 points for a Colorado resident to draw a license in Unit 2. A non-resident will wait 22 years for the opportunity, but points alone don’t guarantee a license through the draw.

The 2014 quota for Unit 2 is 33 hunters, out of its 1,293 applicants. Twenty-four licenses went to Colorado residents, fi ve went to non-residents and four

to unit landowners.

Tony Erickson hunted Unit 2 two years ago and has no problem with the long wait. “The hunt was well worth the wait,” he says. “We saw big bulls every day.

I mean 340-point (Boone & Crockett) bulls every day in shooting range, less than 300 yards.”

Hunters don’t need to hunt each year to gather preference points. However, non-hunter preference points — which were once a minimal $3 fee — jumped to $40 in 2014 for those who didn’t hunt last year. Mike Swaro, with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, says the fee increase is in part to encourage more hunters to participate in yearly hunts.

“They need to have at least an annual fi shing license to avoid that charge,” he says. “It raises additional fees for wildlife management.”

Another way to draw a trophy unit hunt is found in the Hybrid Drawing. A hunter with at least fi ve preference points entering the draw with a correct hunt code automatically will be entered into the Hybrid Draw for a chance to be randomly selected for 20 percent of the licenses issued.

Throughout the years, the number of preference points required has climbed steadily as more hunters

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For Erickson, his 21-year wait resulted in the hunt of a lifetime. “We called him into range and got him about a half-hour after daylight,” he says. “There were four bulls in the herd, and this was the biggest. What can I say? He was in the meat plant by noon.”

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HOTsPots

Grand HuntinG

By Eugene Buchanan

and Grouse mountains. Big bulls also can be found south of the boundary for Rocky hanks to vast tracts of public land and sizable animal herds, Grand County, Mountain National Park in the Meadow Creek area, Sidener adds. “That area is which encompasses Kremmling, Hot Sulphur Springs, Granby and Grand Lake, pretty underutilized because it’s hard to get to,” he says. “While there’s no hunting in the park, elk don’t necessarily understand that boundary.” is grand for hunting.

“The hunting opportunities there are excellent, especially for mule deer,” maintains Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Mike Porras. “It has its own unique opportunities and tons of hunting acreage.”

The Middle Park deer herd is modeled at more than 15,350, with a target objective of 11,500, making deer a primary target. “Historically, this region has always been known for its deer hunting,” says Lyle Sidener, CPW Grand County area wildlife manager. “Low-lying central sagebrush gets deer through winter. There’s also a long history of deer research here, from habitat use to nutrition. Deer here have probably been studied more than they have anywhere else.”

Adding to the region’s hunting opportunities is its vast acreage, comprising Units 15, 18, 27, 28, 37, 181 and 371, the majority of it open to the public. “There’s a high percentage of public land here to hunt,” Sidener adds. “That’s largely what makes it such a prime hunting destination.”

Every fall, hundreds of out-of-town hunters fl ock to the area, joining a strong population of local hunters. The region also harbors a robust outfi tter business, with several of the state’s busiest guides and outfi tting services calling the area home.

Driving this demand are the area’s elk and moose, Sidener says. Moose have migrated from North Park to Middle Park, and elk herds also are blossoming. The region’s three elk herds — Gore Pass, Troublesome Creek and Williams Fork — total nearly 15,000.

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tHeHeRdword deer down, elK uP desPite BiG snows, BiG GaMe Fare well tHrouGH winter

By Eugene Buchanan

T

hanks in part to a spring warm spell melting this winter’s copious snow, most of the 17,000 or so elk that winter north of U.S. Highway 40 between Steamboat Springs and Craig ended the winter in good condition, including last year’s

calves.

“The elk came out well despite the amount of snow we had,” says Colorado Parks and Wildlife Area Wildlife Manager Jim Haskins. “They got through the winter in good

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shape.”

In general, adds Brad Petch, CPW’s northwest senior wildlife biologist, game wildlife in Northwest Colorado fared well last winter. “Although we experienced heavy snows in the high country, particularly late in the year, winter mortality remained within expected limits,” he says. “Exceptions include areas south of I-70 in the Gypsum, Eagle and Vail areas, which received heavy February snows.” He adds that while additional mortality, particularly of fawn deer, occurred in these areas, the snows coming in February instead of December meams they cleared relatively quickly.

“Animals appeared to go into the winter in good condition and calf-to-cow and fawn-to-doe ratios indicate a productive year in most elk and deer units,” Petch says.

“Soil moisture and forage conditions were good in the early spring, although ranges in the far northwest received less precipitation than the rest of the region.” He adds that a lack of moisture in June dried out forage quickly during early summer.

eLK Most elk herds, Petch says, especially those in the Yampa and White river drainages, have been reduced to reach their long-term management objectives. Parks and Wildlife terrestrial biologist Jeff Yost says the number of elk in the region is down to about half of what it was eight years ago, but by design. Current numbers, he says, are right on CPW’s population target as part of their eff orts to cull herds to reduce crowding in key habitat areas.

Region-wide, licenses for 2014 are about the same those available in 2013, says Petch. The number of bull tags (including those for unlimited second and third season over-the-counter hunts) available exceeds 28,000 across the region, with cow licenses at just under 51,500.

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MULe DeeR Mule deer, Petch adds, are another story, with offi cials remaining concerned about the downward trend in population size on the West Slope. As part of its West Slope Mule Deer Initiative, CPW is hosting public outreach meetings to address the issue. But some parts of the region are faring well. “While concern remains for a number of mule deer populations that are below objective, including the White River herd, several herds in northwestern Colorado are performing quite well,” Petch says, adding that deer in Middle Park, the upper Colorado and Craig (the Bears Ears herd specifi cally) are near long-term objectives. “In these units and many others, buck ratios remain quite high, even when the total number of deer is less than desired.” More than 26,000 buck and 6,800 doe licenses were issued in the region in 2014.

MOOse While on a much smaller scale, moose, he says, are doing well. “Populations in most of the northwest herds continue to increase,” he says, adding that 88 bull and 112 cow licenses were issued in 2014, up by 19 from 2013. In addition, moose hunting in GMUs 15 and 27 and in Browns Park has been opened for the fi rst time this year.

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PRONGHORN Except for Middle Park, where objectives are about 50 animals higher, pronghorn populations remain somewhat below objective in most herd units in the northwest, says Petch. “Pronghorn are among the most sensitive of the big game animals to weather conditions, characterized by poor reproduction during both drought years and hard winters,” he says. “Populations declined substantially during the extended drought from 2001 through 2007 and are still rebuilding, particularly in lower elevation ranges in western Moff at County.” These declines, he adds, have resulted in reduced buck and doe license availability. This year, 1,780 buck and 1,100 doe pronghorn licenses were available, a slight decrease from 2013. But he adds that hunting should remain strong. “Pronghorn hunters successful in drawing a 2014 license should be able to fi nd abundant antelope in most units,” he says.

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tHeHeRdword

2013 HuntinG round-uP

By Nate Waggenspack

W

hile quickly changing weather characterized much of last year’s hunting season, Mother Nature didn’t dampen results. Numbers show an increase in big game harvesting, with Colorado Parks and Wildlife reporting elk and mule deer success rates climbing slightly over 2012.

“I wouldn’t characterize it as a big year, but it was a little better than the year before,” says Bill de Vergie, Parks and Wildlife area wildlife manager for Area 6, which includes Moff at, Rio Blanco and parts of Routt and Grand counties. “A lot of it

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had to do with the drastic changes in the weather.”

Northwest Colorado saw wet months in September and October, including signifi cant snowfall followed by prolonged warm weather, which kept many elk from migrating earlier in the season. In Moff at County, a lot of the success happens when elk herds migrate west of Colorado Highway 13 out into the open. But that time never came in the third and fourth rifl e seasons, de Vergie says.

“Normally, we’ll get a good snowstorm followed by cold,” he says. “This time we had the snow, but then it got warm again.”

A later migration did spell opportunity for hunters in the high country and farther east. Rick Myers, of Buck Mountain Outfi tters, which hunts northwest of Steamboat in GMU 214, says elk were abundant every season. “We’re east of Hayden, and a lot of those elk stayed in the trees which still had leaves,” says Myers, calling it an excellent year. “The snow came and went fast. We’ve saw big herds of up to 300 that weren’t in a hurry to go anywhere.”

Pinnacle Peak Adventures hunts private land in GMU 4 northeast of Craig, and manager Bill Green says they had good opportunities as well. “We had more elk than normal,” he says. “Those early snows got them moving, and then late moisture gave them plenty of feed.”

Mule deer hunters also had a high rate of success, continuing a trend from the last couple of years, with few hunters receiving licenses as part of Parks and Wildlife eff orts to grow the herd populations. In 2012, every GMU in the Green River and Yampa regions had a higher success rate than the fi ve-year average.

“We’re so limited on our mule deer licenses that the folks that had them had no problem with success,” says de Vergie. “The deer hunting was actually pretty good.”

Bear licenses on tHe rise I

f you want hunters to kill more bears, you have to issue more hunting licenses. That’s the take-home from Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s decision to increase this year’s total bear harvest, which it hopes to up by nearly 100.

Parks and Wildlife wants to reduce the number of bears roaming the wild, in part because too many are roaming in places not so wild. This explains why the number of bear licenses in the Northwest Region have shot up in recent years, and why they are again for 2014.

After a few bad years of bears making their way into Colorado mountain towns in search of food, CPW went from gradually increasing the number of bear-hunting licenses to upping them by nearly 2,000 licenses in 2012 and 3,500 more in 2013.

That took the number from 4,715 in 2009 to 11,705 in 2013. This year CPW estimates it will issue 12,750 bear licenses in the Northwest Region, all in hopes it will lead to harvesting about 330 more bears this fall than it did in 2009, when 276 were harvested.

Bear harvest rates are extremely low compared to other big-game animals, says Brad Petch, senior

tHeHeRdword

By Tim Harty

wildlife biologist for the Northwest Region. “In Colorado our highest success rates for public hunts are in the 8-9 percent range,” he says, adding that this usually occurs during September’s rifl e season. “Many units have success rates in the 3-4 percent range, while the later seasons, after bears have begun to den, average closer to 1 percent.”

The best bear-harvest rate in the past six years in the Northwest Region was 6.8 percent in 2008, when 323 bears were harvested in public hunts out of 4,737 licenses issued. Last year saw the worst harvest rate at 3.8 percent.

With CPW’s latest license increase, it’s estimating a harvest rate of about 4.7 percent, or 600 bears, in the Northwest Region this year. Petch hopes that hunters doing their job will help reduce the number of times CPW gets called to do one of its jobs: removing bears from urban areas and sometimes euthanizing them.

“We much prefer bears to be harvested by sportsmen during the hunting season than to have the bears killed by CPW or other agencies in control actions,” Petch says. “We’ve increased licenses in part to maximize the proportion of total bear mortality taken by hunters.”

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tHeHeRdword

liMited licenses

By Dave Buchanan

I

n the 61 years since cow elk licenses fi rst were limited in Colorado, hunters have become familiar with the concept of applying for, and not always getting, a license of their choice. Even in areas where over-the-counter archery tags are available and liberally used, most of the elk are harvested on limited licenses.

That’s the word from Colorado Parks and Wildlife state big game manager Andy Holland. “Two-thirds of our elk hunters use limited licenses,” he says. “Even though we have liberal over-the-counter bowhunting in some areas we also have a lot of limited licenses for elk. That’s where the harvest comes from.”

Limiting licenses has several functions, among them focusing pressure where herds are over population objectives and lessening harvest where herds need to rebuild. Over the past decade or so, CPW has been liberal with elk licenses as it’s moved to reduce elk herds in most areas. Those years of abundant licenses — particularly with cow elk, where in some areas hunters could get multiple licenses — are over as elk herds move closer to desired levels, says Holland. This year, he adds, the numbers of licenses is down even more.

“Elk licenses dipped this year by about 3,300 to around 138,200 statewide,” Holland says. “That continues our recent trend to reduce cow elk harvest.”

Harvesting cow elk is the quickest way to reduce elk numbers and the forecast elk population post-hunt 2015 is around 255,000 statewide, he says, well within the 222,000 to 270,000 range desired by wildlife managers. With an estimated 246,000 elk pre-hunt, ample cow licenses are available for this hunting season.

“Even with numerous over-the-counter bull licenses in many of these herds, our cow harvest is nearly equal to the bull harvest,” Holland says. “While we’re backing

46 | visit www.cohunter.com for more

off we still have very lively cow license allocations in most of these herds.”

The reason, he adds, is that “there still are plenty of elk herds that are above objectives.”

Most of the license cuts this year came in antlerless (cow/calf) tags and most of those, about 2,800 licenses, were cut from the Southwest Region. “Over the last couple of years we’ve done everything we can to achieve population objectives,” he says. “Now that we’re at or near our objectives, we’re starting to pull back on the antlerless licenses.”

He adds that the trend likely will continue “over the next few years.” But even with fewer licenses available, there is opportunity for all hunters, Holland says. “The predicted harvest this year is 43,000 elk, which is similar to the last three years,” he says, adding that on average this equates to 22,000 bulls and 21,000 cows. “Even though we continue to reduce the harvest objectives in some areas, we really have a unique and amazing elk hunting (opportunity) in the state for just about anyone who wants it,” he says.

HeRDs DeTeRMiNe TAG AvAiLABiLiTY With elk and mule deer tags less available due to decreased population sizes, it’s unlikely for license availability in Northwest Colorado to increase in the near future, Petch says. “For elk in the Bears Ears and White River herds, population goals were set in the past fi ve years, and will stay at their current numbers for a while,” he says, adding that herd objectives are determined every 10 years by CPW. “We’ve ratcheted back the cow licenses especially the past two years.” For mule deer, Petch says the Bears Ears herd goal of 37,800 is “overdue for being looked at,” so the objective number could come down. But tags would still be harder to come by until the herd recovers.

tHeHeRdword

deer Fortunes

deeP snows coMe late, saVe Herds

By Dave Buchanan In late June, the long-staying snowpack in the Upper Gunnison Basin was measured at 109 percent of long-term average. In most years, that would bode ill for the region’s mule deer, which are susceptible to cold and deep snow.

But while herds across the state still are trying to rebound from the horrifi c winter of 2007/08, when Colorado Parks and Wildlife mounted a wide-scale emergency winter feeding program, last year was relatively snow-free until late. Mule deer can survive bitter cold if they have access to food.

“Last winter in the Gunnison Basin was above average in terms of snowfall,” says Brandon Diamond, area wildlife biologist for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “Deer and elk were concentrated on lower winter ranges and along U.S. Highway 50.”

But because the snow arrived later, wildlife was able to save calories and conserve their energy during the fi rst part of winter. Additionally, the entire Gunnison Basin “had a relatively wet summer and fall, so big game went into winter in very good body condition,” Diamond says.

Late-arriving snows also enable wildlife to stay spread out and not concentrate in certain feeding areas, preventing the over-browsing that occurs in deep-snow winters.

In the high country around Aspen, wildlife biologists similarly reported seeing deer on south-facing slopes as high as 10,400 feet in early January, surprisingly high and indicative of the general shortage of snow.

According to Perry Will, CPW’s Glenwood Springs area wildlife manager, the lack of snow enables elk and deer to save energy, an important factor when pregnant females are carrying.

“These open winters are good for elk and deer,” Will says. “It’s like a godsend.”

What this means for this fall, says Diamond, is that although survival rates this winter were down from the two previous mild winters, they still are high enough to keep building herds.

“It was enough to keep us on an increasing trajectory,” he says. “Our summer ranges look fantastic at this point so animals (this fall) should be doing quite well.”

2014 | colorado hunter

| 47

tHeHeRdword

wHY Hunt does?

By Dave Buchanan

I

n what can only be seen as a search for answers, Colorado Parks and Wildlife earlier this year hosted a series of statewide meetings focused on the agency’s proposed Colorado West Slope Mule Deer Strategy.

The plan is looking for a suitable response to what has proven to be a West-wide decline in mule deer herds, a puzzling drop-off lacking any one clear reason.

Drought, habitat loss, competition from other wildlife and domestic livestock, energy and other development — all of these factors are playing a role in the decline of what certainly is one of the West’s most-fabled animals.

One of the key topics has been doe management, with hunters questioning why Parks and Wildlife still issues hunting licenses for does when herds are below desired levels.

“It’s counter-intuitive to many people to harvest does when deer numbers are down,” says Dean Riggs, CPW’s Northwest Region assistant manager. “But we use doe harvest, and all female harvest, to help improve our overall herd conditions.

Our research has shown that managing only to increase the buck-to-doe ratio may not have the desired eff ect on fawn-to-doe ratios.”

It’s the competition principle, particularly when other factors, primarily weather and lack of quality habitat, create situations where adult deer, particularly older does no longer producing young, out-compete fawns for winter feed. Does that haven’t raised young are more able to survive hard winters than are does that have

been expending energy by feeding young all summer.

Culling the older does, even in smaller deer herds, opens forage for fawns and does still capable of bearing young.

Research also shows that adult does, 2 years or older, have a higher survival rate than bucks.

Riggs also says doe harvest is useful when introducing youths or novice hunters to deer hunting.

“When we go to a landowner and ask for access for our special youth or women hunts, we rarely get turned down,” he says. “That opens doors for us to create more hunters.”

Research in the Piceance Basin indicates that when adult harvest rates are increased, overall deer density is reduced and fawn survival increased. “Research says that no doe harvest may not increase our deer herds,” Riggs says.

Parks and Wildlife state big-game manager Andy Holland says in certain areas, doe harvest is no more than 1 to 2 percent of total harvest. “We issue very few doe licenses, but there still are some hunters who prefer to shoot a doe,” he says. “In areas where deer numbers are depressed, total doe licenses may be fewer than 10.”

Holland adds that deer in western Colorado have experienced the greatest declines despite some of those herds seeing the greatest reduction in doe licenses.

“This indicates that hunting pressure and harvest is is not the primary factor in declining deer numbers,” he says.

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By Dave Buchanan

W

ildlife managers, including biologists and researchers, in recent years have adopted an “adaptive management” strategy when dealing with long- and short-term management practices.

In part, this means those managers are able to change strategies quickly when situations arise that may demand a switch in focus.

One example: the research being done on mule deer. Hunters and wildlife managers agree there are many negatives about the declining mule deer populations across the West. It means fewer hunting opportunities and the subsequent loss of a tradition that has become a key economic driver for many Western towns.

Mule deer declines aren’t new. In 1999, outdoor writer Bob Saile noted in Field and Stream magazine that mule deer harvests across the West had declined for several years. He listed several possible causes for the decline — severe winters (especially 1992-93), prolonged drought, loss of forage and habitat — the same reasons being promoted today. That the possible causes of the drop-off haven’t changed in 15 years is indicative in part of how sensitive mule deer are to environmental factors.

It’s also indicative of the head-scratching nature of answering diffi cult, multipronged wildlife issues. The still unexplained decline has many game managers

searching for answers. Competition? Predation? Development? Environment?

All of these avenues and others are being considered using adaptive management procedures. However, the latter, says Colorado big-game manager Andy Holland, might be the best news of all, and that concern about mule deer might prove to be their savior.

“One of the silver linings of deer decline is the focus on mule deer in western Colorado,” he says. “We’re all concerned about the decline and at the same time the same time we’re all committed to addressing it and improving our management of deer.”

One of the more-surprising results of the West-wide focus on mulies is how much other states are looking to Colorado’s years of deer research for answers to their own problems.

This state has a lengthy history of mule deer research dating back to the 1940s, whose data is readily available online.

“Other state managers can’t believe how high our buck-to-doe ratios are,” Holland says. “All four regions are at or above sex ratios and objectives. If we get another mild winter and high fawn recruitment, we’ll probably be able to continue increasing buck license numbers. It’s because of limited licenses and our adaptive herd management that we are the premier place to hunt deer.”

2014 | colorado hunter

| 49

tHeHeRdword

Dean Riggs, northwest Region assistant manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, takes discussion during a recent mule deer strategy meeting in Grand Junction.

By Eugene Buchanan

lk and deer aren’t the only trophy big game on hunter’s wish lists for Northwest Colorado. The area is also a hotbed for moose, the largest deer in the world.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife reintroduced moose to the North Park region in 1978. In 2005, it introduced moose on Grand Mesa, and in 2008 it transferred another group of moose to the Flat Tops Wilderness Area near Meeker. Since these reintroductions, moose have thrived through Northwest Colorado, spelling a good chance of success for properly prepared hunters.

The giant herbivores, which can reach 6 feet at their shoulders and top 1,000 pounds, love the habitat of western Colorado so much that their numbers continue to grow. The North Park population is estimated at more than 500, with the Middle Park herd topping 300 and the Grand Mesa population hovering around 250.

If you were lucky enough to pull a license this year — the chance of getting one out of nearly 11,000 annual applicants is about 2 percent — don’t rush into trying to fi ll your tag. Experts recommend being more patient on your hunt than for any other big game.

Moose are relatively solitary and can be diffi cult to fi nd. Stick to forested areas, particularly those near marshes and swamps. Any area thick with willows, their primary source of food, is also prime habitat. Moose also eat pine needles and deciduous tree leaves as well as aquatic plants and aspen trees. Your best chance to see one is early in the morning or late afternoon. Be aware that they also can be extremely aggressive, especially when startled, and are known to defend their home territory.

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shape and habits. A mature bull moose weighs 1,200 pounds — twice that of the average bull elk. Moose are dark brown and appear almost black. Elk are light brown or golden, with a pale yellow rump.

Moose also have large, bulbous noses and a “bell,” or large flap of skin, hanging under their throat (an elk’s snout is narrower with no “bell”). Bull moose also have broad, flat antlers, unlike the pointed antlers of an elk (Warning: The antlers on some young bull moose haven’t flattened out yet). Other telltale features include white/gray inner legs and an overhanging snout.

Moose also act differently than elk. Typically, moose will not flee like elk at the sight of a hunter. Your best bet: Always identify your target before shooting.

ELK

THEHERDWORD

Each year, multiple moose are killed by hunters who thought they were shooting cow elk. Know the difference. Illegally shooting a moose carries a fine starting at $1,350.

“If you’re not 100 percent certain about the target, do not pull that trigger,” says Parks and Wildlife Northwest Regional Manager Ron Velarde. “It’s a serious concern that some hunters are either unable to properly identify their target, or are simply too impatient to take a responsible shot.”

Wildlife managers say that accidents usually involve a combination of poor judgment, low-light conditions,

a long-distance view of the animal and not using a good pair of binoculars or a spotting scope.

“A serious hunter understands the importance of good optics,” says Dean Riggs, assistant regional manager in the Northwest Region. “In many incidents, binoculars or a spotting scope could have helped the hunter identify their target.”

Unlike their moose cousins farther north, the Shiras moose found in Colorado can be found in a wide range of habitats. While the animals favor streamside and pond-side willows, you also might run into moose in lodgepole pine, oak brush, aspen, spruce, fir and even sagebrush flats, the same habitat preferred by elk.

But they’re vastly different in size, color, antler

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2014 | colorado Hunter

| 51

SKILLSETS G

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

o home with a trophy, not a ticket. That’s the message from game wardens, who are ■ Improperly attached carcass tag: The carcass tag must be attached to the animal. reminding hunters that violations can result in fines and the loss of hunting privileges. The best way is to cut a hole in the hide and attach with a tie. It is OK to wait until you “Hunters must know their responsibilities,” wildlife manager Rick Basagoitia says. get back to camp or to your vehicle to attach the carcass tag.

“Wildlife laws are written for both safety and to protect a valuable resource.”

■ No evidence of sex: Be sure to leave evidence of sex naturally attached to the carcass.

Common violations include: Evidence includes the head, the ovum or the scrotum.

■ Not wearing fluorescent orange: You must wear at least 500 inches of daylight fluorescent orange, plus a head covering of the same color. Camouflage orange or ■ Wasting game meat: Big game meat can begin to spoil at 38 degrees. To keep the mesh orange do not qualify. carcass cool, remove the hide as soon as possible after the kill to allow air to circulate ■ Carrying loaded firearms in or on vehicles: Rifles must not have ammunition in the around the meat. Reduce the mass of the carcass by quartering and/or boning the chamber while in or on any motor vehicles. For those riding ATVs, weapons (rifles and meat. Place the meat in a cooler quickly (don’t hang outside for more than 36 hours). bows) must also be in a closed case and fully unloaded (chamber and magazine). Most ■ Shooting a spike-antlered elk: Hunters who hold a cow elk tag sometimes shoot accidents involving firearms occur in or near vehicles. spike bulls. Be sure of your target; it often can be difficult to see spike antlers. If you’re ■ Shooting from a road: Before firing a shot, you must be at least 50 feet off a not absolutely sure, don’t shoot. designated state or county road, and just off Forest Service or BLM roads.

■ Illegal tagging: You can only place a tag on an animal that you shot (no trading tags ■

License not voided: After you kill an animal, you must void the license immediately. with other license holders).

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SKILLSETS

HUNTING 101 BIG GAME TIPS FOR ELK, DEER AND PRONGHORN HOW TO HUNT ELK

proximity, locate the most difficult terrain in between.

Line your shot carefully. Elk are difficult to knock down. Deliver your shot in Filling your elk tag and putting meat in your freezer isn’t a given. On any given the critical area of the lungs and heart just behind and below the front quarters. year, hunter success rates for elk in Colorado clock in near 20 percent. Following are Never try for a head shot. a few tips to better your chances: Spread out. In warm weather, elk stay spread out over vast areas at high HOW TO HUNT MULE DEER elevations at and above timberline. When snow falls, elk will usually start to move, While mule deer success ratios are higher than they are for elk — most years bunch up and look for food sources at lower elevations or on slopes offering exposed vegetation. However, the snowfall must be significant; usually more than a foot of see success rates as high as 45 percent for mule deer — deer hunting can still be challenging. Follow these tips to improve your chances of filling your tag. snow must be on the ground to get elk moving.

Hunt varied terrain. Mule deer don’t spend much time in heavy timber, Embrace the hike. While ATVs are great for getting you off the beaten path and deep in the woods, experts recommend going beyond where they can take you. preferring aspen and forest edges, low shrubs and varied vegetation. In warm Hunt slowly and quietly far from any road. Elk are smart, move quickly at any hint weather, look for deer along ridgelines.

Hunt at dawn and dusk. Mule deer are most active at night and can often be of danger and hide in rugged terrain. They also typically gather in groups of 10 or found in meadow areas during low-light hours. During the day, they bed down in more. If one is spooked, they all move, and they can run easily for a mile or more.

Scope transition areas. Experts suggest watching transition areas at first light protective cover.

Scout out edges. During low-light hours, hunt in meadows at the edge of thick and at dusk. Elk are most active during the night and graze in transition areas — i.e. meadows next to heavy timber, and where different types of vegetation meet near cover. Deer move during the middle of the day toward the areas where they feed in ridgelines. Find where animals graze at night and you might find them in adjacent the evening.

Stalk slowly. Spend time scanning slowly with binoculars. areas during the day.

Monitor wind direction. If the wind is blowing in the direction you’re moving, Don’t neglect dark timber. In particular, check out cool north-facing slopes a deer will likely pick up your scent. Also, avoid hunting near moving water during and hard-to-reach areas during the day.

Move quietly for short distances. Move quickly and quietly. Then scan the the day.

Play off their curiosity. When mule deer are spooked, they’ll often run a short woods for 10 minutes or more before moving again. Even in dense forest, use distance then turn to see if they are being pursued. This may offer the chance for a shot. binoculars to discern subtle movement or unusual colors. continued on page 54 Move far above or below roads. In areas where two roads are in close 2014 | colorado Hunter

| 53

continued from page 53 Go to snow. Light snow will get deer moving quickly out of high-altitude areas

SKILLSETS

to their winter range areas.

Aim for the vitals. It’s a small target — about the size of a dinner plate just behind the front quarter — but it represents your best chance for success.

HOW TO HUNT PRONGHORNS Pronghorn hunters enjoy the highest success rate of all big game hunters, with success rates often as high as 60 percent. Still, even with Colorado’s population of 80,000 pronghorns (many of which are in the northwest part of the state), filling your tag isn’t a sure thing. While they’re easier to locate than deer or elk, pronghorn hunting requires a different set of strategies.

Ask for private land permission early. Never wait until opening day. If properly asked in advance, many landowners are willing to allow access and might even offer directions to the best locations and information about watering holes and road access.

Keep hidden. Pronghorn have the vision of looking through 8X binoculars.

They can also burst into a sprint of over 60 mph to stay out of range of even expert marksmen.

Be patient. A stalk may include crawling on your belly for an hour only to have the animals spook and quickly move. Only one out of five stalks gets you close enough for a shot. Be prepared to crawl the final few hundred yards — even if it’s through yucca, sagebrush, cactus and cow pies (some hunters sew leather patches

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on their knees and elbows for added protection).

See them first. This gives you a huge advantage. Avoid ridge tops and hills, and move through draws and along the back sides of ridges to avoid detection.

Consider wind direction. It’s easy to send a foreign odor in their direction.

Winds change direction less frequently on wide-open prairies.

Catch your breath before firing. Crawling can be exhausting. Steady yourself before the shot.

Try an ambush. Waterholes and fence lines are good places to wait (they tend to go under fences rather than over). Pronghorns alternate between feeding grounds and watering holes during the day. But they move unpredictably.

Practice flagging. Pronghorns react with curiosity to shiny things and other objects. Flagging piques their curiosity and gets them to come to you. After you spot an animal, walk back and forth in an adjacent downwind draw while hoisting a white handkerchief on a stick (or sit with a flag flapping above you). They might approach you.

Nail your shot. Shot selection is important. Pronghorn present a small target; the vital area is the size of a small plate. Shots also tend to be longer, especially on windy days when the animals are more alert. Know the capabilities of your rifle and scope. Also, don’t shoot a pronghorn that is running.

Blind early. If you use a blind (best around water holes or fence crossings), set it up a week before hunting to let the animals get used to it.

Decoy in bow season only. Decoys cut in the shape of a pronghorn often attract bucks chasing challengers (bow hunters often hide behind them). But they also attract other hunters, so don’t use them during rifle season.

BEAT THE ODDS

By Bill Van Ness

Have a pack with plenty of food, water, knives, game bags and the knowledge

The average success rate of public land deer and elk hunters averages between 14 and 20 percent in Colorado. At first glance, that’s not very good, but many of the same hunters fill their tags every year with a just few key tactics that help them make their own luck. Here are five ways to tip the odds in your favor.

how to safely handle the situation. Having the proper gear to process and start to get the meat out of the woods is just as important as the bow, rifle or binoculars.

1

Know the area you’re hunting and have a plan Get to know the lay of the land you’re hunting. Find animals during the time of year you’ll be hunting and get a plan for future hunts.

Elk and deer usually summer in the same areas up high, and then as their breeding seasons come, they head to the same areas they’ve spent the rut before. I’ve seen bulls move into the same drainage year after year almost on the same day every September, with trail camera photos to prove it.

Knowing where the animals bed and feed and how they get to these areas will give you a hand up. All this comes with spending time in your hunting area.

2

Be aggressive but smart Sneaking up on a drainage full of bulls bugling is exciting because it’s game time. But before you dive in, check that wind. Get the wind correct, and you almost can run up to the edge of them. Get it wrong, and you’ll hear crickets not long after they’ve whiffed you.

Almost every morning, western Colorado has consistent wind until the thermals pick up at about 10 a.m. Use it to your benefit and plan for it accordingly. You can bust an elk with it seeing or hearing you, and it probably won’t go far. But if they smell you, they’ll be long gone.

3 4

Be familiar with your equipment Practice, practice, practice. Being able to take that steep downhill shot with confidence only comes with time at the range. Just know your limitations and be considerate of the animal. I stir my hunting soul by shooting at the range all summer long. There’s no better feeling than making a 12-ring shot on an animal you’ve spent a ton of time and effort pursuing. Put the range time in, and that will be the norm.

Have a good fitness base to go the extra mile Being in good physical shape to get a little farther into the backcountry will lead to more animals seen and more success.

Deer and elk don’t like people; you won’t find them near trailheads or neighborhoods. Be in shape, get deeper into the timber and watch what happens. When you see that giant buck or hear those bulls one ridge over, it’s nice to just go without thinking. Also, have a plan when you get an animal down. An elk on the ground 3 miles back is a challenge when you’re alone.

5

Don’t stop believing It was the great Jim Valvano who said, “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.” It rings true in hunting along with just about every other facet of life. I like to have at least three areas lined up that can produce action. If Area A is dead, I’ll move to B, then C. Usually, a three-day rotation gives areas time to calm down and get scent free. It also keeps your mind fresh and attitude positive, keeping your head in the game. Every time you step in the woods, believe you’ll be successful that day.

Regardless of whether you punch your tag this fall or not, we always leave the mountains stronger than when we entered and hopefully with appreciation for the animal we were after and a deeper respect for the country they live in. Best of luck.

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SKILLSETS

5 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL HUNTING

SKILLSETS

8 ARCHERY TIPS

By Luci Franklin

L

ongtime Steamboat Springs archer Paul Franklin has stories about hunts that could hold court around any campfire: tales of rolling four-wheelers, breaking through ice, even the typical getting lost. Following are a few tricks of the trade he’s learned from decades of hunting western Colorado:

1 2 3

Make your own wind indicator: You’ll use a wind indicator every five minutes, but forget buying a new one every hunt. Make your own out of something as simple as a small shampoo bottle filled with baking soda.

It’s odorless and still works when wet. Flour smells and gets heavy in the morning dew. Bring extra to refill.

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Heed the heat: In the mornings, the ground is heating up, so even if there’s no wind, your scent is going uphill. In the evenings it’s heading downhill.

Get dirty: Your face and hands are shiny, but forget the store-bought paint and just rub mud or dirt on them. This is especially important for your hands. They move around a lot; any glint of unnatural shine will catch an animal’s eye.

4 5 6 7 8

Go natural: You showered with scent-free soap and are ready to rub on artificial elk urine. Don’t. The area you’ve scouted is where the elk are, or you wouldn’t be hunting there. Find some fresh droppings or urine-soaked dirt and rub it on your boots.

Snow job: After gutting your kill, clean up the natural way. Use the snow.

And don’t wipe your bloody hands on your hunting clothes. The smell does not come out easily.

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Noiseless apparel: Animals are super sensitive to unnatural sounds. Wear quiet clothes like wool, flannel or fleece. Break twigs and crackle leaves, just don’t rub your pants together when you walk.

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Multiple calls: Bring more than one cow call. Bulls are looking for herds of girls, not just a stray lady. Bring a Hoochie Mama, a Sceery and recalls. They may be harder to master, but they’re worth it. Keep a call in your mouth, around your neck and in your pocket. Sound like a bunch of cows, not just one.

Forget the phone: Turn off your phone, period. Get away from your spouse, kids, job, society. Elk don’t pay taxes; if you’re not all in, you might as well stay home. When you’re pulling back that arrow for the perfect shot on the last day of the season, the last thing you want to hear is “Please say a command” coming from your pocket.

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T

HUNTING SAFETY 101

he good news: hunting accidents are on the decline. The bad: there are still too many.

“Hunting is safe and getting safer,” says Colorado Parks and Wildlife hunter education coordinator Mark Cousins. “But one moment of carelessness can mean a lifetime of consequences.”

The state sells more than 560,000 hunting licenses every year, resulting in several million hunter recreation days. Since the passage of two laws in 1970 — one requiring hunter education training and another requiring wearing at least 500 square inches of fluorescent orange clothing — hunting accidents have dropped. But even one accident is one too many.

Almost all hunting accidents can be avoided by exercising care, Cousins adds. Safety measures include familiarizing yourself with your gun or bow at a range beforehand; exercising caution when loading and unloading, well away from your vehicle (it’s illegal to place a loaded firearm in or on a vehicle, and to hunt from one); and unloading when you’re crossing streams and fences and hiking in rough terrain. “The gun’s safety isn’t always enough to prevent it from firing,” he says.

After the hunt, unload your gun well before getting to the vehicle or camp, and triple-check it before placing it in a case or vehicle. "At the end of a long day, it’s more important than ever to be extra careful with firearms," Cousins says.

Basic safety rules: ■ Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.

■ Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times.

■ Be sure of your target — what is in front of it and what is beyond it.

■ If you’re in doubt about the target, don’t shoot.

■ Keep the safety on and your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.

■ Never place your hand over the muzzle of a gun.

■ Load and unload your gun at least 100 yards from your vehicle.

■ Don’t hurry while loading or unloading.

■ Talk about safety issues with youngsters and less inexperienced hunters.

■ Stop to rest when you are out of breath.

■ Wear daylight fluorescent clothing when and where required.

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2014 | colorado Hunter | 59

SKILLSETS

SAVING YOUR MEAT E

By Dave Buchanan

arly season big-game hunters, whether toting a bow, muzzleloader or rifle, are bound to run into warm weather, requiring special care in preserving your meat.

“The most important thing is to get the animal cooled off as soon as possible,” says Grand Junction taxidermist Darren Powell.” All too often, he says, he sees early season animals whose hide and meat are spoiled from hunters delaying too long in getting the hide off.

“The hides hold a lot of heat,” he adds. “Even a few hours in warm weather means all the difference. It might look OK, but it doesn’t take much for the meat to spoil.”

Tips he recommends include getting the hide off and hanging the animal in the shade; deboning it and separating the large muscle sections; and not hauling it around on your ATV or in the back of your pickup.

Matt Anderegg, owner of Grand Junction’s Old World Meat, cautions that without snow or freezing temperatures for cooling, hunters should put the meat where heat will dissipate rapidly.

“Get it skinned and hang it in the shade or spread it out so the heat disperses,” he says. “Even if it’s in bags, if you stack the meat, the heat won’t disperse.” The hind quarters, he adds, are usually the first to go. “Because they’re so massive with so much meat and bones, it’s hard to get them chilled down,” he says.

The key, both experts say, is skinning your animal quickly, no matter what season you hunt.

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ARCHERY IN SCHOOLS SKILLSETS

By Eden Laase

Q

uick: What sport causes more injuries to kids every year — pingpong or archery? Hint: It isn’t archery. A school program in Grand Junction is helping ensure it stays that way.

The Colorado Archery in Schools Program follows strict guidelines outlined by its parent national program to bring archery to schools safely.

“It’s very regimented and safe,” says Kathleen Tadvick, education coordinator for Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Northwest Region. “It’s run through whistle commands that the students learn.”

The program, in place in Grand Junction since 2010, has faced challenges, but Tadvick says it still is growing.

When the program first began, many physical education teachers were trained as instructors. While some of those positions have since been cut for budget reasons, summer camps run by Grand Junction Parks and Recreation have resurrected the program. In Mesa County School District 51, for instance, 19 teachers are trained instructors for archery, comprising area elementary, middle and high schools, Tadvick says. She adds that several church groups participate, too.

Tadvick says the program is designed for students from fourth grade through high school, but middle school students have shown the most interest. While the program has seen success in Grand Junction, Tadvick hopes that it will expand to other regions as well. “It’s just another way that we can get a new sport into the school system that might benefit everyone later for hunting,” she says. “It helps students learn at a young age how to safely participate in archery.”

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2014 | colorado Hunter

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SKILLSETS

THE CALL OF THE WILD GAME CALLS FOR HUNTING

By Christina Oxley

D

eep in the woods, a bull elk calls. While the sound will draw a cow elk, it also will bring other bulls in defending their territory from the challenge.

That’s exactly why many hunters, especially during bow and black powder seasons, use calls to mimic the bugle of a bull — it brings prey to them instead of them tracking.

Using a game call is considered by some to be “active” hunting, used instead of sitting motionless in a blind.

Success is judged by reproducing a call realistic enough to fool an animal into the sights of a gun or bow.

The art of calling animals used to be only for the practiced, but new devices let even a novice mimic the bugle of a bull elk, the quack of a duck or the call of a moose.

According to Dave Hutton, owner of Craig Sports, there’s a call for any animal that makes noise and some for those that don’t. “Game calls are popular for elk, more so than deer, but hunters do use deer calls to stop (the deer) so they can get a better shot,” he says. “Our main calls are for elk and deer, but if they make noise and they’ll come to a call, there’s a call for it.”

Elk calls aim to attract when the elk are in rut.

“Depending on the time of year and call you’re using, they’re very effective,” Hutton says.

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Becca Nielsen, co-owner of Rocky Mountain Bowstrings in Meeker, says game calls are essential in elk hunting, where spot-and-stalk type hunting is virtually impossible. Call types range from beginner to advanced, from a taped recording to squeezables and those hunters blow. (Note: Electronic callers are illegal in Colorado.)

Advanced calls — reeds or diaphragms — often require hours of practice. Nielsen says they’re more effective because they’re more realistic. “If elk have been messed with at all, you have to be authentic,” she says.

There are many styles and brands of mouth calls to choose from — open reed, closed reed, semi-enclosed reed, plastic reed, metal reed, variable reed and interchangeable reed. The advantages of mouth calls include price and convenience.

They’re generally affordable, ranging from $2 to $15, and are transported easily in pockets. They’re also easy to handle, lightweight and easily stored.

Disadvantages of mouth calls vary from one type of call to the next. Some are easy to break, hard to clean or get out of tune easily. In windy situations, it also can be difficult to blow a mouth call with adequate calling volume.

No matter what kind you use, practice makes perfect, from learning what the call should sound like, how much to call and where and when to do it. There’s nothing worse than blowing your chance at blowing your bugle.

2014 | colorado Hunter

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SKILLSETS

SURVIVAL SKILLS

By Joel Reichenberger

I

nherent risks come with hunting. You’re often far from help, in unfamiliar terrain and alone. Basic survival skills and equipment are essential.

Routt County Search and Rescue team member Darrel Levingston has seen all the mistakes, from not monitoring the weather to getting lost. His advice: Utilize modern technology. Cellphones and GPSs help your orientation and rescuers. But don’t rely on them. “Technology has changed search and rescue, but electronics have limitations,” he says. “Always take a map and compass.”

Add other survival gear as well. “Also bring a basic survival kit — even if it’s just a first-aid kit, matches, water and flashlight,” advises Brett Mason, of Routt County’s Longshot Ranch. It should also include an emergency poncho and blanket, whistle, extra knife, firestarter and signal mirror.

Staying hydrated is also important. “You can go a night or two without food, but not without water,” he says.

Next comes preparing for weather. Scott Brennise, of Craig’s Superior Guide Service, recommends bringing layers of dry clothing. “The weather can go from 60 to zero quickly,” he says, adding that you need clothing for all four seasons. “Bring Gore-Tex tops and bottoms, a good jacket and two sets of boots.” Kevin Rider, owner of Rifle’s Timberline Sporting Goods, advises bringing rain gear in the earlier hunting months, and winter layers in the later seasons.

Also tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return. “Western Colorado is a big place to look for someone,” Levingston says. “Communicating your whereabouts can cut down search time tremendously.”

TEN ESSENTIALS TOOLS FOR SURVIVAL ■ Topo map, magnetic compass and other navigational aids such as cellphones, GPSs or Personal Locator Beacons. “Keep your batteries in a pocket next to your body and keep the cellphone off until you need it,” Levingston says.

■ Waterproof matches in a waterproof container, candle/firestarter. Levingston brings a film can with Vaseline-saturated cotton balls and weatherproofs his matches by dipping the tips in molten wax or hand sanitizer gel.

■ Extra clothing, including gloves, hat, jacket and rain gear.

■ Space blanket or heavy-duty trash bags.

■ Whistle. “On some rescues, the missing person said he could hear us yelling,” Levingston says, advising a pea-less whistle that won’t freeze up. “A whistle can alert rescuers.”

■ Flashlight (with extra batteries and bulb). Hint: Flip over a battery to avoid draining it by accident.

■ Extra food and water ■ Pocketknife ■ Sunglasses ■ First-aid kit

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HINTS FOR THE HIGH COUNTRY SKILLSETS

Steamboat Springs physician Dr. Dan Smilkstein offers the following advice for flatlanders heading to the high country: ■ Be aware of your elevation. Some people develop altitude sickness as low as 4,000 feet, while 8,000 feet affects most others.

■ Watch for disrupted and irregular sleep; loss of appetite; mild nausea; low energy; drowsiness; and mild headaches. If you experience any of these, don’t go any higher; within 24 to 48 hours your body should adjust. If the symptoms get worse, descend.

■ Drink plenty of fluids and eat a carbohydrate-rich diet. Avoid alcohol. Keep a steady flow of calories and energy.

■ Don’t sleep 1,000 feet higher than you did the night before. Spend two to three days in the valley before heading up to high camp.

■ Don’t push yourself the first 24 hours. A high level of exertion while acclimating can aggravate health problems.

■ Tylenol and Ibuprofen (and hydration) are fine to treat headaches. Be careful with sleep medications (Smilkstein recommends Diamox for sleep quality and ventilation). Before heading to altitude, speak with your doctor about potential medications and any underlying pulmonary and cardiac conditions.

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SKILLSETS

CAPTURING MEMORIES PHOTOGRAPHING YOUR TROPHY WITH A CAMERA PHONE

By Dave Buchanan

Y

Learn how the camera functions before you need it. Does it have zoom or wideangle capabilities? How about a fill flash for those too-often backlit situations? And where does it focus? Most phone cameras allow you to point it at the subject, lightly touch the button and then move the camera to compose the shot you want.

A drawback to auto-focus cameras is it’s too easy to overlook nearer distractions (a branch, antler point, rifle barrel, anything that captures the camera’s electronic eye) between you and the subject. More than one great shot has been spoiled when the focus is off a foot.

Some phone cameras offer a “Rule of Thirds” grid, which can help you compose and balance your photos. (Hint: Don’t take every shot with the subject dead center.)

ou’ve just taken the shot of a lifetime and your trophy is on the ground. Now, you’re faced with the second most important shot of your life. This time, it’s with your camera.

The saying, “Without a photo, it didn’t happen,” is never more important than recording that all-important trophy. Um, you are carrying a camera, aren’t you?

With the hunting season upon us, it’s probably time to pay a bit more attention to your photography.

The good news: With today’s cellphones, most of us don’t need to lug an extra camera around. With advances in phone software and apps, there’s no reason why every hunter can’t take a memorable photo that will rekindle memories for years.

The Internet offers an abundance of hunting-centric photography lessons. Here A few more hints: ■ Keep your camera accessible — that once-in-a-trip shot may turn up at any are a few more pointers for capturing that special hunt. time.

Many cellphone cameras take better and higher-resolution images than ■ Take more photos than you think you’ll ever need. The ones you don’t like can inexpensive digital cameras, and free or inexpensive apps let you to edit and easily be erased. improve the final picture. Plus, a cellphone fits in your shirt pocket or cargo pants.

While you won’t make professional-quality images with a phone camera, just ■ Slow down and take the time to look around — the best photo may not be in front of you. having it handy meets the No. 1 criterion, which is making sure your camera is there ■ Be respectful of the animal — clean off the blood and replace the tongue. when you need it.

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2014 | colorado Hunter

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12 TIPS PREFERENCE POINTS 101 Scott Moore - Award Winning Taxidermy

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One preference point is awarded to hunters who apply properly and are unsuccessful in drawing a license for a first-choice hunt code for big-game species. You may apply for a preference point as your first-choice hunt code.

Hunters who make an application error, including on first-choice hunt codes, do not get a point.

Youths can apply for a point if they turn 12 by Dec. 31 of the application year.

If you are issued a first-choice license, all accumulated preference points for that species become void and return to zero.

If unsuccessful for a first choice, your accumulated points will be listed on your refund, leftover-drawing application or other-choice license.

Points accumulate until you draw a first-choice license. If you fail to apply for or have not purchased a license during a 10-year period, all accumulated points for that species are purged from your record and become void.

Priority goes to those with the most points, except when the license quota or nonresident cap would be exceeded.

Group application priority is based on the member with the fewest points.

Second-, third-, fourth-choice, over-the-counter and leftover hunts don’t use or generate points.

Hunters will be automatically assessed $40 per species ($30 for resident deer and pronghorn) for a preference point unless they have purchased one of the following: an annual fishing, small-game, resident combination small-game and fishing, furbearer or a big-game license in the previous year; or a current limited license in the draw for the same species for which they seek a point. The point fee is waived for youths, lifetime license holders, free senior annual fishing license holders and residents who are in the military on active duty outside Colorado.

10

Weighted preference increases your probability of drawing a moose license.

It is calculated by converting your application number into a different application number, then dividing that new number by the amount of weighted points you have, plus one. Applications are sorted by this new number from lowest to highest; low numbers for each hunt code are awarded licenses.

You can have a maximum of three points for moose. If you have three and you fail to draw a first-choice license, you receive weighted preference for moose.

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Preference points are not transferable. Points are awarded for specific species, not by hunt codes or method of take.

Active duty U.S. military stationed in Colorado or who claim Colorado as their home and are deployed outside the U.S. are eligible, when they return home, to apply for preference points for any limited license drawings they missed while deployed.

2014 | colorado Hunter

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Obey traffic laws and respect private property surrounding county roads.

Detailed OHV maps, mileage, and staging information are available from the Moffat County Tourism Association and the BLM. Only direct crossing of highways is permitted for OHVs. All county roads open to OHV traffic except CR 14 through Dinosaur National Monument — Yampa Bench Road.

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OUTFITTERS STEAMBOAT LAKE OUTFITTERS T

By Luci Franklin

here’s much more to hunting than just the kill. The release of the arrow or pull of the trigger may be the best part, but that neglects the hard work that got you there. Steamboat Lake Outfitters, established in 1986, works that moment and all those that lead up to it.

Owners Russ Lambert, Jamie Cesana and Mike Deill began working at the outfitter in 2008 and became owners in April 2013. Cesana started hunting in 1998, a year after she moved to Steamboat. Lambert, 45, who moved here from Maine in 1994, and Deill, 42, who hails from Grand Junction, have been roaming the woods and chasing big game ever since they were kids.

Lambert and lead guide Jimmy Horne know all about the pre-game work. Their base camp just outside of Clark, where clients stay in cabins or wall tents, provides the gateway to horse- and mule-led hunting trips that take hunters deep into Routt PHOTO COURTESY OF STEAMBOAT LAKE OUTIFTTERS National Forest and the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area in 12 different GMUs. continued on page 74 Guides with Steamboat Lake Outfitters lead hunts in 12 different GMUs.

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2014 | colorado Hunter

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continued from page 73 With up to 10 experienced guides and the option of either a drop camp or guided hunt, they not only help hunters get a kill, but teach them all aspects of the sport. They know all the signs for the right moment, from weather and time of day to the effect thermals have on wind patterns. This comes into play whether clients are hoisting rifles or bows.

“What sets us apart,” Lambert says, “is our top-notch archery program. We’re not here to chase the animals. They’re coming to us, unaware and unafraid.”

Lambert says that his team is respectful of the animals, making sure not to disturb their bedding and other safe places. “We’re careful at managing our areas,” he says.

“We always keep the animals under low pressure so they don’t feel the need to go somewhere else.”

Guides also have to keep in mind other hunters when they’re on public land. “We don’t want to overhunt an area,” Lambert says.

Potential clients meet face-to-face with Lambert or Horne at sport shows or fill out a questionnaire online. They quiz and size up the hunters to make sure they’re the right match for their program. “We’re selling hunts, not elk,” Lambert says. “It’s not just about the kill; it’s the whole package. We don’t want to be tracking injured animals.”

The guides also prioritize teaching clients the skills needed to hunt on their own, including understanding the ruggedness of Colorado country. He tells clients to practice and “get woods tough.”

The SLO program requires plenty of hiking and tracking, and while some hunts are easier than others, it’s up to Lambert and Horne to decide who can handle which hunts.

“Just through a conversation, I can tell if a hunter can handle our program,” Lambert says. “We want to find the right people who will appreciate the true experience.”

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HIGH DESERT OUTFITTING

By Dan Olson

H

unters planning to try their luck in the upcoming seasons often face the choice of going it alone, or using the services of a guide and outfitter. While many prefer pitching their tent and cooking the meals, a number of hunters choose an outfitter to do the daily chores, allowing them more time out in the field.

“Those are the hunters we specialize in,” says Randy Sloan, of High Desert Ranch and Outfitting. “My wife does the cooking. We do everything for them.”

Sloan and his wife, Marti, spend winters attending sporting shows marketing their product: guided big game hunts in Northwest Colorado. To be an outfitter in Colorado, Sloan needs to be licensed each year by the state of Colorado, as well as permitted by the Bureau of Land Management to hunt federal lands, and by the U.S. Forest Service to hunt the national forest.

“Permits are tougher to get in the forest,” Sloan says. “I think there’s only a couple given out for Black Mountain.”

The annual fee paid by outfitters is determined by the number of hunters each guide hosted the previous year.

Sloan, like many outfitters, also has agreements with private landowners to hunt

on their ranches, away from the crowds found on public land.

“It’s a huge difference on private land,” Sloan says. “Last year we had a 90 percent success rate for deer and elk. I’ll bet we were close to 100 percent on antelope.”

With cabins in three different locations, Sloan normally sends a guide with each pair of hunters. The guides stay at the camp to ensure early starts, and to be available to field-dress harvested animals and to pack the animal out of the woods and back to the meat processing plant.

Local history is included free of charge in the stories told around the campfire at night, when Sloan recalls hearing from his grandfather about Native Americans camping just across the river from them at his family’s homestead in Sunbeam.

A year-round cattle rancher, Sloan spent five years as a guide for other outfitters before starting his own business a decade ago. High Desert Ranch and Outfitting boasts a 75 percent returning hunter rate that Sloan says shows the value of an outfitter.

“For most of my hunters, this is their one big vacation of the year,” he says. “Why not let an outfitter take care of it for you?”

Info: www.highdesertoutfitting.com, 970-629-1760.

2014 | colorado Hunter

| 75

OUTFITTERS

High Success: Randy Sloan of High Desert Outfitting enjoys a 90 percent client success rate for deer and elk hunts.

HUNTINGTALES BOONE & CROCKETT MULIE A

By Dave Buchanan

fter 36 years hunting mule deer in western Colorado, Jeff Draper, of Grand Junction, finally got his hunt of a lifetime.

Draper, co-owner of Glass Pros in Grand Junction, won one of two raffles for a special 2013 Colorado mule deer license and wound up harvesting a buck that preliminarily was scored at 226 points, well up in the Boone & Crockett Club mule deer standings.

“I’ve always loved hunting mule deer,” says Draper, who won his license in March 2013 at a Safari Club International annual banquet in Colorado Springs. “I’ve hunted them since I was a little kid. I’m 50 years old now and can’t remember when we started because back then, we could hunt at 14.”

Most hunting licenses are allocated through a computer drawing each spring, but a small number of special licenses, often referred to as “Governor’s tags,” are available only through either a raffle or auction hosted by wildlife conservation groups.

Owners of the tags are allowed to hunt from the opening day of the first season (in this case, deer archery season in August) through Dec. 31, but Draper, an avid bow

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The Embroidery Shoppe, LLC Jeff Draper, of Grand Junction, poses with his once-in-a-lifetime buck he killed in December 2013. The buck was green scored at 226 points, but Draper said the score isn’t as important as the opportunity.

hunter, opted to use his regular deer archery tag and waited until later in the year for his Governor’s tag hunt.

That extended season is one reason so many hunters want a Governor’s tag and will pay dearly for them. Regulations control the price of raffle tickets ($25 each, five for $100), but only demand limits the auction prices.

“I had about $200 invested this year,” says Draper, adding that he usually buys raffle tickets from Safari Club International and the Colorado Mule Deer Association.

He says last year’s SCI deer license auction drew $125,000 for the one license. “I’ve bought tickets for years, and I’ve always looked at it as a donation to SCI,” he adds.

“This time, I just got lucky.”

Draper says he spends many hours scouting, both during the summer for his general hunting and during the archery season. Even though Draper knew he had a special buck, he waited, knowing there’s always the chance something even bigger might show up. “I normally do mostly archery hunting, but I decided that this buck wouldn’t present an opportunity with a bow,” Draper says. “Once the archery season was over, I went really haRoad From the first of September to the end of December, I hunted for roughly 50 days.”

He says he savored every minute. “I knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I wanted to enjoy it,” he says. “And you never know, you might find something bigger.”

With about two weeks remaining in 2013, he decided the time was right. He had spotted the big buck a few weeks earlier and had kept an eye on it as the year drew to a close.

“A friend and I had been watching the buck, so I pretty much knew where he was,” says Draper, who wisely declined to say exactly where that buck was. “When I actually went to kill it, it was a matter of an hour and a half, and I was done.”

It’s unlikely that green score of 226 points will stand up to time, but that’s the least of Draper’s concerns. “This is a big deal to me because mule deer are my passion,” says Draper, who killed a state-record deer still in velvet antlers in 2004. “I’ve killed some other really big deer with a bow. This year I shot it with a rifle. I was being picky, and I didn’t want to fail.”

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| 77

HUNTINGTALES

MOFFAT MUZZLELOADER

By Nate Waggenspack

H

He also scouted several locations, which, like studying for the wrong test, proved

appy graduation to me. That’s what Moffat County high school graduate moot; just a week before the season began, he received permission to hunt on Larry Trent Parrott, 18, was saying last season, as he received an extra special Solace’s ranch. graduation present in the form of drawing a coveted muzzleloader bull tag

for Game Management Unit 2.

“He doesn’t usually let people hunt on his property, but he said I could because I was 18, and it was my first elk,” Parrott says. “He just asked for some help in return.”

The muzzleloader hybrid tag for GMU 2 typically requires hunters to put in for

Parrott stacked firewood for Solace in exchange for hunting, then put the tag to 15 to 20 years before they’ve accrued enough points to draw it. But Parrott, in his use. After seeing tons of elk during the first two days of his hunt, he called one in fifth year putting in for the tag and first year of being eligible for the GMU 2 lottery, Sept. 16, the third morning, and took his shot. had luck shining on him. “I found out I drew the tag on graduation day, which was the most exciting part of the day,” he says. “I was more excited about the tag than graduation.”

Parrot quickly made the most of it by bringing back a six-by-six bull.

Several members of Parrott’s family have been putting in for the same license for more than 10 years and couldn’t believe the youngest family member’s luck.

“He wasn’t the biggest one I saw, but he posed a shot so I took it,” Parrott says, adding that the elk made it about 100 yards before dropping.

The bull wasn’t a giant like some of the trophies for which GMU 2 is known, but its rack already is taking up half of a wall in the Parrott household. “It was bigger than anything I’ve ever got,” father Dave says. “I’m proud of him, and he did it on

“I was just as excited for him to get it as I would’ve been if it had been me,” says his own.”

Best of all, Parrott qualified as a youth when he drew the tag, meaning it cost just Parrott’s father, Dave.

After drawing the tag, Parrott had about three months to prepare. He had shot $10. “That’s the best $10 I’ll ever spend in my life,” he says. “That was the most fun a muzzleloader only once before, so he put his school ethic to work by practicing. hunt I’ve ever had, and it was my first elk.”

78 | VISIT WWW.COHunter.COM FOR MORE

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVE PARROTT Trent Parrott poses with the bull elk he harvested in Game Management Unit 2 in northwest Moffat County during last year’s muzzleloader season.

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GMULIMITS Meeker

Craig

201

5 3

441

301

14

6

16 17

211 12

231

21

25

meat

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36

44

31

42

444 43

421

45

37

47 471

41

40

28 35

34

32 30

18

1 37

Custom Quality

33

27

26

24

23

22

15

181

11

171

13 1

13 10

Steamboat Springs

161

4

214

2

1

Glenwood Springs Grand Junction

ELK LICENSES & POINT RESTRICTIONS ■ LIMITED UNITS — DRAW ONLY You may not hunt in these areas with an over-the-counter license.

■ ARCHERY RESTRICTION Rifle hunters may hunt in these areas with an over-the-counter license; however, archery over-the-counter license holders may only hunt on private land in these units.

■ UNLIMITED UNITS Hunters with an unlimited bull elk license (archery or rifle) may hunt in these units.

Hunters still must have permission to hunt private land.

1430 North Yampa Ave., Craig s r

r

TM

970-824-4668

■ ANTLER POINT RESTRICTIONS DEER All buck (antlered deer harvested in Northwest Colorado mush have at least one 5” spike).

ELK

A legal bull has either: four points on one side or a brow time at least 5” long.

Legal bulls in Units 1, 2, 10, 40, 201 must have at least a 5” spike on one side. Legal bulls in other units must have at least one brow time that is at least 5”.

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2 16 25

For more information on our amazing community visit the Chamber office at 209 E. Main St. 970-675-5290 www.rangelychamber.com

13

5

24 26 23 6 12 1 22 3 9 19 14

True Value 6Rangely 105 W. Main St 970-675-2454

7Sweetbriar 713 E. Main St 970-675-5353

8

& Go 1Kum 317 E. Main St 970-675-2858

Rangely Liquor Store 719 E. Main St 970-675-8596

9

N’ Jug 2Loaf 783 Hwy 64 970-675-5890

Rangely Auto Parts 214 E. Main Street 970-675-5051

10

Shop

Laura’s Corner 637 E. Main Street 970-675-2800

3

Rangely Conoco 102 E. Main St 970-675-2090

Outfitters 11Rimrock County Road 140

4

Nichols Store 825 E. Main St 970-675-8852

Stay

Tree Liquors 5Pinyon 321 E. Main St 970-675-2828

970-675-2619

Inn Motel 12Adora 206 E. Main St. 970-675-8461

10

11

7 8

4

15

21

20

18

Mountain 13Blue Inn & Suites 37 Park St.

RV Park 20Sunrise 845 E. Main St

Host Inn 14Budget 117 S. Grand Ave 970-675-8461

Eat

970-675-2670

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Lodge 15Moosehead 856 E. Main St. 970-675-2257

16

Bell House Bed & Breakfast 1347 E. Main St 970-629-5317

‘N’ Bull RV Park 17Buck & Campground 2811 E. Main St 970-675-8335

17

21

Giovanni’s Italian Grill 855 E. Main St. 970-675-2670

Lion 22Jade 321 E. Main St. 970-675-5888

23Subway 203 W. Main St. 970-675-5038

24

West End Drive In 322 W. Main St. 970-675-2041

Camper Park White River Market 18Rangely 940 E. Rangely Ave 25 609 W. Hwy 64 970-675-8211 970-675-2531 Silver Sage RV & 19Mobile Home Park 26El302Agave W. Main St 314 E. Main St 970-675-2259

970-675-8870

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2014 | colorado Hunter

| 81

PHOTO COURTESY OF MANDY SANDERS

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS REDMON

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PHOTO COURTESY OF DONNIE KROESE IV AND HIS DAD DONNIE KROESE III

Voted Moffat County’s Best Taxidermist 2011, 2012, 2013

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2014 | colorado Hunter

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READERPHOTOS PHOTO COURTESY OF JERRY SWARO

Only drive shaft shOp in nOrthwest COlOradO Serving northweSt Colorado for 50 YearS!

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PHOTO COURTESY OF KATHY BAILEY

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We’ve been scouting and guiding area 2 and 201 for over 20 years. This is our home.

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Colorado Outfitters License #1542

READERPHOTOS PHOTO COURTESY OF DON AND MARLENE JENKINS

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trophy hunts at a reasonable price!

Northwestern CO Units 3,12, 301, 211.

Majestic Trophy Outfitters www.majestictrophy.net 3815 Exmoor Rd. Craig, CO 81625 | 970-620-0998

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License Sales Corner of Highway 13 & 8th St. Meeker, Co 81641 (970) 878-4428 90 | VISIT WWW.COHunter.COM FOR MORE

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Hotel also Features:

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Clarion Inn & Suites • 300 S. Colorado Hwy. 13 • Craig, 81625 2014 | CO colorado Hunter | 91

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92 | VISIT WWW.COHunter.COM FOR MORE

READERPHOTOS

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAREK MARSHALL

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PSalm 23 2014 | colorado Hunter

| 93

GMUINFORMATION GREEN RIVER GMU: 1, 2, 10, 201 CWD has been detected in GMU 10 Local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office Meeker 970-878-6090 Dinosaur National Monument is closed to all hunting In this area, 9,700-foot Diamond Mountain is the highest point, dropping to 5,100 feet in elevation at the White River. Sage and sage-grassland dominate, with the typical vegetation groups as the elevation increases. Weather is generally mild through the later seasons, though the higher elevations can have significant snow accumulation. Public land accounts for more than 85 percent of GMU 201. GMU 2 is a checkerboard of public and private land, and GMU 10 is mostly BLM land with a lot of scattered private land. Consult a map and be aware of where you are. GMU 1 has poor access into the rough, rocky terrain and into the wilderness area. You must draw a license to hunt the Green River units, and it takes many years of preference points.

Hence, the hunting pressure is light. An agreement with a private landowner and the State Land Board opens several thousand acres in GMU 201 for public hunting.

DEER — Deer are scattered throughout GMUs 2, 10 and 201. If there is winter range migration, it is usually during third season. Deer in GMU 1 tend to stay at the south and north ends of Brown’s Park Refuge. The average good buck in GMUs 2 and 201 measures 24 inches to 26 inches. There are trophy bucks in GMU 10; however, they tend to have tall versus wide

antlers. Hunt the bush-covered areas, high elevations early in the season, lower elevations later.

ELK — 300+ size bulls are common. The elk tend to stay put over the seasons. Movement is weather dependent. Overall, elk are scattered in GMUs 2, 10, 201 and the northern portion of GMU 1.

We recommend Blue Mountain and Moosehead Mountain in GMU 10, but be prepared for rough terrain. When hunting GMUs 2 or 201 — hold out for a good bull — the average size is around 305. In GMU 2, try the southwest corner. In GMU 1, try Hoy Draw and Chokecherry Draw.

LOWER YAMPA GMU: 3, 11, 211, 301 CWD has been detected in these units Local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office Meeker 970-878-6090 The Lower Yampa units are south of Wyoming, bordered by the White River and the Little Snake River. The lower elevations of 6,000 feet consist of sage and sage steppe. Pinyon and juniper cover the upper elevations up to 8,500 feet. Expect zero to light snow cover in first and second seasons. The later seasons may bring moderate snow and a potential for near zero temperatures. If the weather is mild, deer and elk will not be present in high numbers until the later seasons. Overall access is easy, and 4WD is not necessary in most areas. Hunting pressure is heavy. Outside of GMU 301, 70 percent of the Lower Yampa is public land.

DEER — The buck-doe ratio is increasing. The mid-range elevations with mountain shrub

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3

4

441

214

441

13

211

14

12 16

30

17

1 13

22

3124

23

22

30

32 30

42

40

41

Grand Junction

35

36

44

35

36

44 444 43

Green River

444

28

471

Lower Yampa Glenwood Springs 37

45

Upper Yampa

45

Mid

Roa

North Park

Eagle River Valley

W

Middle Park

G

37471

Bookcliffs/ 45 Yampa Piceance Lower Glenwood Springs

47 Upper Yampa 471

North Park

Grand Mesa

Roaring Fork

Eagle River Valley

White River Glade Park

Middle Park

Upper Yampa

Grand MesaRiver Eagle

Roaring Fork

Valley

White River

Bookcliffs/ Piceance

Middle Park

Glade Park

Grand Mesa

Roaring Fork

Upper Yampa

Reach Your Limit

PrivAte Hunting And FiSHing retreAt This is a one-of-akind, private, hunting and fishing retreat with abundant deer and elk opportunities. Numerous trophy animals have been harvested from the property for years, with resident herds existing. Further, enjoy one mile of secluded Yampa River frontage, 113 deeded acres with cottonwood forest, and approximately 40 acres of hay or wheatmeadow.

Property offers hunting access to thousands of acres of surrounding public lands. This special property is located just thirty miles West of Steamboat Springs, twenty miles East of Craig and very near theYampa Valley Regional Airport. MLS #136092 $1,130,000

rAre Find 135 acres with Gorgeous home and 50+ acres of highly productive, irrigated hay meadows averaging 150 ton per year. The ranch sits on the south side of the Yampa River with 0.5+ mile of river frontage. It is set up for horses and cattle with fully fenced pastures, a barn, lean-to and round pen. Ample water rights exist to feed the meadows, homes and livestock. Enjoy fishing, hunting, horseback riding, gardening and relaxing on this truly sustainable offering.

MLS #137172 $1,695,000

Vonnie Frentress Broker /Owner

vonnie@mybrokers.com 970.846.4372

G

37

Piceance

Lower Yampa

B P

Grand Mesa

Bookcliffs/ Glenwood Springs

North Park

N

Upper Yampa

Lower Yampa

Green River

G

Eag Val

North Park

Bookcliffs/ Piceance Lower Yampa Glenwood Springs

47

43 Green River

421

Grand Junction

421

18

47

Green River 28

Grand Junction

41

40

31

25 41

44

43

421

34

42

34

26

471

36

Grand 18 Junction 444 2742

171

1 37

33

33

26

25

15

28 Green River

1 37

21

27

15 40

231

1

12 32

24

23

18

21121

11

632

31 231

13 10

35

45

47

43

421

1 18

301

1

13 11

Springs

26

24 6

23 16

Steamboat4125 4033 17 34171 Springs

161

4 10

14

44

Grand18444 Junction

27 15 42 231 Steamboat

1 37

3

22

31

GMUINFORMATION

21 301

5 2

30 161

214

Meeker 2

201 1

12

5

32

1 18

201 1

211

11

34

1

10

13

Meeker

Big gAme Hunting Rare Opportunity to own a private fifth generation ranch in the middle of Northwest Colorado’s prime antelope,mule deer and elk hunting. The Bears Ears to Maybell migration track runs directly through this 1,017 acre gem. The ranch has 250+ acres of dry land grass/alfalfa mix hay ground and four individual pastures with great fences and nine tank-style guzzlers for cattle or big game. Enjoy a modern hunting lodge-style cabin and extra bunkhouse that accommodates ten guests. Three natural springfed watering holes and four heated camouflage blinds complete your fall hunting experience.MLS #137869 $1,500,000 680 Secluded AcreS Located 20 scenic miles from Steamboat, almost completely on paved roads, this secluded 680 acres has panoramic views of the snow-packed peaks of the Continental Divide to the Flattops. A big bull favorite because of the abundant grass, springs, ponds, cover and seclusion. This pine, aspen, and oakwooded big game haven is also home to resident bear, deer, lion and more.

Ranch with hunter’s cabin has been booked solid by content hunters for years, providing a nice supplemental income without over-hunting.

Adjoins other large parcels. MLS #135570 $1,300,000

2014 | colorado Hunter

| 95

GMUINFORMATION

and pinyon-juniper breaks generally hold the most deer, especially during the regular rifle seasons. In GMUs 11 and 211, deer generally are found in the Danforth Hills during second rifle season, moving to lower elevations in Axial Basin (GMU 211), Bitterbrush SWA and adjacent BLM land (GMU 11), and Crooked Wash (GMU 11) by third and fourth rifle seasons. Several thousand acres are open for public hunting in Axial Basin through a coordinated resource management plan (call Meeker Division of Parks and Wildlife office for more information).

ELK — The large elk herd occupies all available habitat. The later seasons are usually better, especially on public land, because of snow and hunting pressure pushing the elk out of the adjacent units. The success rate is very good on late cow elk hunts. Axial Basin CRM is a hot spot for hunting, but crowding is significant. The best bull hunting will be on private land. Youth hunting participation during the late seasons in these GMUs is now limited. See big game brochure for details.

UPPER YAMPA GMU: 4, 5, 13, 14, 15, 131, 214, 231, 441 CWD has been detected in these units Local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office Meeker (GMUs 4 and 5) 970-878-6090 Steamboat Springs (others) 970-870-2197 From a low of 6,300 feet, the elevation soars to 12,000 feet along the Continental Divide.

The Routt National Forest dominates the eastern two-thirds of the Upper Yampa units with coniferous forests and aspen. Most of the land outside of the national forest is private land.

Mountain shrub and rolling sage cover the low country. Expect light to moderate snow in the first season, gradually increasing through the fourth season. 4WD is usually necessary on the secondary roads. Hunting pressure is heavy. Hunters will have better success and enjoy more solitude by walking into remote areas. Hunting pressure may create refuge situations on the private lands in GMUs 13, 131, 214 and 441. Mount Zirkel (GMU 14) and Sarvis Creek (GMU 15) wilderness areas access is restricted to non-vehicle methods. Public hunting in GMUs 13 and 131 is limited to a few small parcels of BLM land and some State Trust Land parcels.

DEER — The deer herd has declined in the Upper Yampa units throughout the past four years due to severe winters. Most of the deer will be found in the western section of these

units. Movement also is to the west. Hot spots are located north of Hayden. Some good trophy bucks are seen in the southern portion. In GMUs 4 and 5, the buck hunting has shown steady improvement. This area is not managed for trophy bucks, but it does have a good number of adult males in the population. Hunt the aspen and brush areas. Doe licenses in these units are no longer “list B” licenses except for GMU 15.

ELK — Elk are plentiful throughout the Upper Yampa area. Licenses are also readily available, but hunters should not rely on leftover license availability as these herds approach population objective. The DOW has been working to minimize crop damage and significantly reduce the number of elk in these units. There are good numbers of bull elk; however, do not expect to see many large adult males. Large elk numbers occur in the Routt National Forest.

The basic movement is from the higher to lower elevation in response to hunting pressure and weather. Hunt the timber and hunt the Routt National Forest early. In GMUs 4 and 5, private land access is only available on a fee hunting basis.

NORTH PARK GMU: 6, 16, 17, 161, 171 CWD has been detected in these units Moose in area, so be sure of your target Local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office Steamboat Springs 970-870-2197 North Park borders Wyoming and lies between the Continental Divide and the Medicine Bow Mountains. The valley floor at 7,880 feet supports agricultural lands and sagebrush.

Extensive willow stands line the streams — a favorite moose habitat, so be sure of your target. The forest surrounding the basin varies from aspen/lodgepole to spruce/fir. The area is generally windy and colder than many places in western Colorado. Prepare for snow during your hunt. 4WD is helpful, as are chains. More than 2/3 of North Park is public land.

Mount Zirkel (west) and Never Summer (southeast) are the wilderness areas. Access to all State Trust Lands and the wilderness areas is nonmotorized. Big game can move onto private lands with no public access.

DEER — If you are a patient hunter, you could have success hunting trophy bucks. North Park has an early 9-day, deer-only season that begins the last week of September. This

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BOOKCLIFFS/PICEANCE GMU: 21, 22, 30, 31, 32 CWD has been detected in these areas Local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office Meeker (GMU 21, 22) 970-878-6090 Grand Junction (GMU 30, 31, 32) 970-255-6100 Intense energy development is occurring in these units. Pinyon-juniper woodlands with pockets of sagebrush cover most of this area. The terrain varies from rolling sagebrush to steep-sided canyon country. Seventy-five percent of this area is BLM land. There are remote hunting areas accessible by foot, horseback or ATV. Get maps and study BLM access points.

Some areas are steep and rugged, especially in the southern portion. Weather is generally mild. Rains bring muddy roads. At high elevations, snow makes roads impassible without chains.

Note: Colorado Parks and Wildlife has reached a 10-year $1 per year hunting access agreement with Shell to keep 19,000 private acres of land in the Piceance/Roan area (GMUs 22 and 32) open. EnCana has agreed to keep 17,000 acres the company owns open for the 2012 hunting seasons. CPW appreciates these companies’ willingness to support the heritage of hunting in western Colorado. Negotiations with other companies for other “Girls Claims” properties have been unsuccessful. It’s important to note that these access agreements are not new lands. They are heavily hunted former public lands where generations of hunters

will be displaced as these lands are closed to hunting. If new hunters begin using the lands where access agreements are in place, there is the potential for overcrowding, which may make future agreements more difficult. Please respect Shell and EnCana land so that it will be available in the future.

DEER — The hunting ranges from fair to good in the Bookcliffs and Piceance units.

Deer are well-distributed in the northern portion from mid-October. Concentrate on higher elevations in early seasons. If the weather is dry, you’ll need to do a lot of walking and looking. Good snows will move the herds to the south. Hunt high early, low later. Cathedral Rim has some big bucks, but tough terrain. Little Hills and Dry Fork of Piceance is better late.

GMUs 21 and 30 are managed as quality deer units, and licenses are separate from licenses that are valid in GMUs 22, 31 and 32.

ELK — Good cow hunting opportunities. The best hunting is in remote areas, mostly at high elevations, where the elk tend to hold up in pockets of green timber and aspen. Check out the Texas Mountain area and Ratt Hole Ridge. Hunting pressure will push some bulls into the large expanses of pinyon-juniper. If snow and hunting pressure are sufficient, some elk will move into the Little Hills and Dry Fork area of Piceance later in the seasons. Most of the GMU 32 elk move into GMU 22 to winter. Elk normally concentrate on the north side of Douglas Pass during the archery, muzzleloader, and early rifle seasons. Movement of large numbers of elk into GMU-030 generally does not occur until early November.

WHITE RIVER GMU: 12, 23, 24, 25, 26, 33, 34 CWD has been detected in these units Local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office Glenwood Springs (GMU 25, 26, 34) 970-947-2920 Meeker (GMU 12, 23, 24) 970-878-6090 Steamboat Springs (GMU 26) 970-870-2197 Grand Junction (GMU 33) 970-255-6100 White River offers variety and extremes. Several peaks in the Flat Top Wilderness Area 12,200 feet in elevation. Elevation drops to 5,300 feet near Rifle. The lower elevation vegetation starts out with sage, progressing to oakbrush/mountain brush, aspen, evergreens

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GMUINFORMATION

season provides additional hunter opportunities as many of the deer in North Park migrate early. Few deer are found in North Park during January classification flights. Small sample sizes lead to higher observed buck-to-doe ratios than can be expected during the hunting seasons. Use three-year average success rates for choosing a hunt.

ELK — Elk are distributed evenly throughout these units. During the day, the bulls will be in dark timber — grass in the early morning and evening. The herd tends to stay in the coniferous timbered areas until late in the season, moving to lower elevations with snow and hunting pressure. Computer models likely overestimate the total North Park elk population because of biased January observed bull-to-cow ratios resulting from multiple bias factors, including state line issues, refuge areas and low public land hunter success rates.

GMUINFORMATION

and alpine tundra. Expect mild weather with light snow in the first season, with roads becoming impassable in the upper half of the area by the third season. The high country in GMU 24 is prone to heavy snowstorms in late seasons. Heavy snowstorms can strand hunters on Flattops after first season. While there is a great deal of public land, hunting pressure is heavy especially in northern half of GMUs 23 and 24. 4WD is necessary on all but the few main paved roads. Half of the area is roadless — which makes for very good hunting if you can walk or pack in. You may encounter heavy ATV traffic in GMUs 12, 23 and 33. Hunters in GMU 25 and 26 can gain access using Forest Service Road 610 (Stump Park Road) or USFS Road 613 (Crescent Lake Road).

DEER — The deer are scattered and will move in response to hunting pressure and weather. On National Forest lands in GMUs 12, 23 and 24, deer hunting is generally better in early seasons. Good public land deer hunting typically can be found in GMU 12 on the Jensen and Indian Run State Wildlife Areas. Jensen SWA is north of Meeker, and Indian Run SWA is east of Hamilton. GMU 23 deer hunters can try Hay Flats and Miller Creek southwest of Meeker and the Jensen and Oak Creek State Wildlife Areas north and east of Meeker. Deer densities are lower across GMU 24, but hunters can find deer on the south-facing slopes above the White River. Unit 33 archery and muzzleloader licenses are no longer valid in 23 and 24 — if you purchase an archery or muzzleloader license for Unit 33, you can no longer also hunt in Unit 23 and 24, and vice versa. There are now separate tags for these units.

ELK — Moose have been introduced to this area. Elk hunters should be sure of their target to avoid accidental killing of moose. Generally all of GMUs 12, 23 and 24 are considered very good elk hunting. The elk are generally up at higher elevations in the eastern portions of GMUs 12 and 24 during the early seasons, and then move west to lower elevations (and private lands) as hunting pressure and snow depth increase. Try the abundant public lands in eastern GMU 12 and 24 early on. The chance for a trophy bull is low because of unlimited bull elk licenses. Because of access roads, hunting pressure is high on Sleepy Cat, Lost Park and Sand Peak. The Flat Tops Wilderness Area offers good hunting, but travel is limited to walking or horseback, and the potential for heavy snowfall means hunters must be prepared. Successful hunters avoid the main roads and hunt the dark timber and deeper canyons. Jensen State Wildlife Area is good during most seasons. Oak Ridge State Wildlife Area is good during third and fourth rifle seasons. Both properties are limited to foot or horseback travel.

EAGLE RIVER VALLEY GMU: 35, 36, 44, 45, 361 CWD has been detected in GMU 36 Local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office Glenwood Springs 970-947-2920 The Eagle River Valley units are bordered by the Colorado River, the Gore Range, the Red Table Mountains and the Continental Divide. Elevation climbs from 6,000 feet with sagebrush and pinyon to more than 14,000 feet with Alpine vegetation starting at 10,500 feet. Weather can vary tremendously with high-country snow exceeding several feet.

Motorized travel restricted to designated routes. GMUs 35 and 44 have the most public access, however, the northern portion of GMU 44 between Edwards and Eagle is primarily private property with no hunting allowed. Check your map and contact the BLM/USFS office regarding off-road travel.

DEER — Deer hunting in these units continues to improve. The herd will be scattered from 6,500 feet to timberline and will move down to the lower elevation pinyon-juniper areas as heavy snow arrives. More than 18 inches of snow will move the deer. Try hunting the aspen, open parks and shrublands. GMUs 35 and 36 have the most deer. After the first heavy snow, most GMU 45 deer will move into GMU 36. GMU 44 is managed for trophy deer with limited number of licenses, but it is a good place to take a big buck.

ELK — Elk are scattered from about 7,000 feet to above timberline. As hunting pressure increases, they seek the deeper canyons and dark timber areas away from roads.

Concentrating on the large stands of dark timber and the larger wilderness areas will increase your chance of finding a big bull on public lands. Large blocks of private land in GMUs 35 and 36 provide refuge areas and can make hunting difficult.

MIDDLE PARK GMU: 18, 27, 28, 37, 181, 371 CWD has been detected in these units Local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office Hot Sulphur Springs 970-725-6200

Lone Tom Outfitting Specializing in Mountain Lion & Trophy Bull Elk Hunts

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COBERLY CREEK OUTFITTERS....

This working ranch is located in the center of the best elk hunting country in Colorado. The rich Yampa grass and cool timbered forests attract thousands of elk to the area. Mule deer and black bear are also plentiful.

In addition to great hunting on the 3,400 acre private ranch, the Routt National Forest borders the property on three sides.

The permit area includes 10,000 acres of hunting on the National Forest.

Colorado Outfitter Registration #1894 PO Box 185, 35591 Highway 134 - Toponas, CO 80479

Owner & Outfitter - Paul Janke 12888 County Road 8 Meeker, Colorado 81641 970.878.5122 lonetom@wreawildblue.org

Email: mmneelis@gmail.com - Website: coberlycreekoutfitters.com - Phone: 970-638-4281

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The Continental Divide and the Gore Range Divide encircle Middle Park. Most of this terrain is steep to very steep. The weather can change rapidly with higher elevations receiving more precipitation. Areas can become snowbound. 4WD is recommended, along with chains.

Sagebrush/shrubs are common on southern exposures at lower elevations. The valley bottoms are mostly private lands. The remaining two-thirds of this area is public land. GMU 27 has less public land than the other GMUs. Check USFS maps for ATV closures/restrictions. Hunters around Wolford Mountain (GMU 181 and 27) should be aware that a travel management plan is in place — check with the BLM Kremmling office for information. Horses/pack animals are recommended for remote tracts and for wilderness areas. The better hunting will be at least half a mile away from roads. There are pockets where hunters overconcentrate. Due to the proximity to Denver, there are many weekend hunters and recreationalists (bikers, hikers, ATVers). Pine beetles have affected more than 90 percent of the lodgepole pine stands in Grand and Summit counties. As a result, fire danger is increased, big game distribution is changing in some areas and logging operations are likely in some spots. Hunters might focus on some of the dead lodgepole areas as increased sunlight to the forest floor creates more forage, and these areas tend to hold deer and elk for longer periods of time. Be aware of possible falling trees when hiking, or setting up camp in pine beetle kill sections! Set up camps etc, in cleared areas away from dead trees. These dead trees can fall on their own without wind, or warning.

The past decade’s mountain pine beetle killed an estimated 80 percent of mature lodgepole pine trees in Grand County, creating numerous hazards along public roadways as these trees begin to fall. Road closures for tree removal will likely occur this season and next in this area.

To avoid disappointment, call the Sulphur Ranger District’s Visitor’s Information Hotline at 970887-4100 before planning your hunting trip.

DEER — All GMUs have good numbers of deer. The buck-to-doe ratios continue to increase as a result of limited buck hunting and mild winters. All units are managed for quality bucks.

There are good numbers of mature bucks, but they rarely reach trophy status found in lower elevation mountain shrub and mild winter areas. Concentrate on transition zones that have aspen, shrub and coniferous cover in close proximity. Deer tend to move west and down in elevation over the seasons; snow will move them faster and farther. They typically migrate out of GMU 371 with average snowfall. A limited number of fourth season deer licenses are available.

ELK — Elk are well distributed in all units. Bull-to-cow ratios are good because the area is fairly steep and heavily timbered. Generally, trophy bulls are rare (a few are taken every year) because bulls are managed for hunter opportunity. With hunting pressure and snow, elk head for the inaccessible timber and private property. GMU 27 has a lot of private land. Hunt the rough terrain and heavy cover away from roads and trails to increase your success.

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GMU: 40 No hunting allowed in Colorado National Monument Local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office Grand Junction 970-255-6100 This 750-square-mile unit consists of a relatively flat summit leading to sloping mesas bisected by deep, rugged canyons. The highest elevation range is about 9,800 feet. Roads provide access to the mesas, but many of the canyons are remote and accessible only by foot or horseback. Weather starts out mild but mud/snow accumulation is likely in later seasons. Early season hunters should favor higher elevations of the USFS land, while later season hunters will do better on the lower BLM lands. Hunters can find many water holes within the dark timber stands on north-facing slopes. Elk and deer frequent these areas during warm temperatures and heavy hunting pressure. GMU 40 has a lot of private land, and public access to BLM is often difficult to reach by vehicle.

DEER — There are some good bucks in GMU 40, but they are difficult to locate. The upper end of the Little Dolores drainage is a great place to find quality mule deer bucks; however, there is considerable private land. Late-season hunters may have success north of Seiber Canyon to the Colorado River, but it is foot or horseback only in that area. Areas along the Utah border and north of Gateway can be good during the rifle seasons; however, hunters need to be aware of public land boundaries and the state line.

ELK — Bulls will be bugling from mid-September through first rifle opening weekend. Elk are widely distributed. Most stay high until hunting pressure pushes them to lower elevations and less accessible drainages. Do not hunt areas that have previously received heavy hunting pressure — the elk will not be there. Successful hunters do a lot of walking and looking. You cannot hunt elk in GMU 40 with an unlimited bull elk license. GMU 40 is a limited unit. You must apply in the draw.

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GMUINFORMATION

GRAND MESA

ROARING FORK

GMU: 41, 42, 421 CWD has been detected in GMUs 42 and 421 Local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office Grand Junction 970-255-6100

GMU: 43, 47, 444, 471 Local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office Glenwood Springs 970-947-2920

Grand Mesa terrain ranges from high elevation (11,000 feet) spruce/fir forests to low elevation (4,800 feet) pinyon-juniper woodlands. Weather can be rainy or snowy, then warm up and dry out the following day. Roads can become very muddy and 4WD is recommended.

There is not a lot of road access in GMU 42. Hunters should be prepared to spend time on foot or horseback. Much of the area is public land. Overall, the hunting pressure is heavy.

Intensive natural gas development activity is occurring in GMUs 42 and 421. This work includes a major drilling project and a pipeline project. Contact the USFS Grand Valley Ranger District, 970-242-8211, for more details on energy development in this area.

DEER — The deer population has declined in recent years, and buck: doe ratios are below the objective range. For these reasons, buck and does licenses have been reduced in all seasons. In addition, the fourth, buck-only season has been eliminated in 2012. However deer are still abundant and at the lower end of the population objective range. Deer are found on forest lands and higher elevation private lands during October. The resident deer stay in lower agricultural areas year round. The migrating deer herd begins to move off the forest in mid-Nov to lower elevations, often to BLM lands. The best deer hunting is at mid-elevations (8,500 to 9,500 feet), with more buck opportunities in the later seasons. The Battlements can be good in late seasons, but the terrain is rugged. The open country offers good opportunities for those who get out on foot or horseback.

ELK — The elk herd is well distributed with good hunting success expected. Elk are scattered throughout the forest and on private lands. Most elk stay at higher elevations (8,500 feet to 10,000 feet) in thick timber and oakbrush. There is no migration during the season, movement to the more remote areas is in response to hunting pressure. They will seek classic cover — the heavily wooded, north-facing slopes near water. You will need to get away from the roads. There are lots of legal bulls as the area is managed for quantity of bulls rather than trophy status. Hence, trophy bulls are present but relatively rare.

This area encompasses the Roaring Fork, Frying Pan and Crystal River drainages. The lower elevations (6,500 feet) are primarily developed or agricultural. Timberline is around 11,500 feet, and there are 14,000-foot peaks in the wilderness areas. Be prepared for daytime highs of 75 degrees dropping to 20 degrees at night. Snow can exceed several feet in the higher elevations, and moisture can make roads dangerous or impassible. 4WD is a necessity. About 40 percent of the area is wilderness (Hunter-Fryingpan, Maroon Bells, Raggeds, Collegiate Peaks), and vehicles are not allowed. These rugged areas offer increased hunting success, but require horseback/pack-in camps. Hunting pressure is moderate. There are large blocks of private lands in GMU 43 east of Colorado Highway 133 and in the western portion of GMU 444.

DEER — Deer populations were on the upswing for several years but did decline during the winter of 2007-08. Fawn-to-doe ratios are low while buck-to-doe ratios are decent. This herd is concentrated in aspen and oakbrush habitats before the snow flies. Hunting pressure does not generally cause herd movement, but deer will move to lower-elevation woodlands as snow accumulates. Archery and muzzleloader hunters should head to timberline — Capitol Creek, Haystack Mountain, East Snowmass Creek and Thompson Creek. Later-season hunters could try “The Crown,” Holgate Mesa, Williams Hill and Light Hill, but expect to see other hunters in these areas. Some good bucks can be found if hunters focus in areas away from roads.

ELK — Early seasons find elk anywhere from 7,500 feet to above timberline. With increased hunting pressure and snow, herds tend to move to remote areas or private land — away from roads and hunters. The wilderness areas are a good bet for success, but hunters must hike or horseback in as motorized travel is prohibited. Try Snowmass Creek, Conundrum Creek, Capitol Creek, Avalanche Creek, Difficult Creek, McFarland Creek, Maroon Creek, Thompson Creek, Basalt Mountain, Four-mile, the Marble area and the upper Fryingpan drainages. Kobey Park and Sloan Peak are good, but deep snow and bad roads should be expected, especially later in the seasons. Some great opportunities for private land cow hunting exist in GMU 43, if you can get permission.

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Hunting ProPerties er erties collbran • 67575 Vega Vista dr $119,900 • 3 Bedroom cute cabin • Awesome views of Vega Lake • On 2 lots - add on or build another!

• Fully furnished - great weekend retreat • Fronts on Vega State Park

glade Park • tbd Ms road $156,000

glade Park • 14681 bs road $329,900

scott hayduk • 970-260-0111 bray real estate

• 35 acres high up on Glade Park at 9,300 ft • Pond on property brings deer & wildlife!

• Partake in recreational activities • Enjoy the peace & quiet that the neighboring Conservation Easement provides sarah speas • 970-201-2176 doyle & assoc. real estate servIces

Mesa • 8704 54 road $374,800

collbran • 14325 apache lane $315,000

• 1504 Square Feet With 3 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms • 40+ Acres Of Year Round Hunting • Floor To Ceiling Stone Fireplace • Large Master BR with private BA & private deck • Corrals, Stackyard, Outbuildings • Bull Basin Creek Runs Through Property the joe reed team • 970-270-7505 re/max 4000, Inc.

• 1876 SF, 3 BR, 2 BA, 2 car garage • 1.45 acres just a few minutes above Collbran • Gorgeous views in all directions • True pride of ownership • High end finishes, Geothermal heat/cooling • Charming covered front porch & large back patio christi reece • 970-255-3526 bray real estate

cedaredge • 21658 highway 65 $699,000

delta • 1386 hwy 50 - Z barn $1,700,000

Mesa/collbran • 8353 bull basin rd $128,500

• Magnificent equestrian facility with newer home + apartment • Direct Highway 50 access on the North & Gunnison River frontage on the South • Facility offers high-quality horse hay at 102+-ton per year, gated pipe irrigation w/4 headgates, 40x20 shop, 20x10 tool room + office mandy rush • 970-260-1310 re/max two rIvers realty, Inc.

• BLM & National Forest Access • Unit 421 • Hunting cabin - sleeps 6 • 360˚ views • Excellent hunting • Priced to sell! angie taylor • 970-314-1104 julie piland • 970-985-0913 unIted country realquest realty

• Two beautiful homes • 100’ x 160’ riding arena • Huge barn shop combo • Over two miles of two track trails • 15 minutes from great hunting & fishing on national forest • City water, natural gas & a newer well ron chappell • 970-216-4091 bray real estate 102 | VISIT WWW.COHunter.COM FOR MORE

• Gorgeous log home on 35 acres • 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath • Pellet stove heats whole house • Incredible 360˚ views • Detached garage/shop • Horse pens & corrals carol gerber • 970-234-2037 bray real estate

collbran • 50414 hwy 330 $549,900 • Beautiful 13 1/2 acre property between Collbran & Mesa • 3637 SF home, 5 BR, 4 BA, 2 car garage • ICF Construction & Central Air • 1/2 mile of Plateau Creek & large pond • Surveyed for simple land division • Potential for B&B, Amazing views! christi reece • 970-255-3526 bray real estate

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HUNTINGDIRECTORY Western Colorado Guides & Outfitters ...................... 104 Craig Region...................112 [including Meeker, Maybell, Hamilton, Rangely, Dinosaur] Gear, Goods & Supplies ......... 112 Meat Processing & Taxidermy 113 Licensing Agents ................... 114 Shooting Ranges ................... 114 Lodging & Dining .................. 114 Miscellaneous ....................... 115 Real Estate ............................116 Shopping ..............................116 Grand Junction Region ....118 [including Glenwood Springs, Rifle, Montrose, Durango] Gear, Goods & Supplies .........118 Meat Processing, Taxidermy & Fur Dealers .................................. 119 Licensing Agents ...................120 State Parks ............................125 Other Supporting Businesses 126 Steamboat Springs Region ...........................129 [including Hayden, Walden, Oak Creek, Yampa, Kremmling, Granby] Gear, Goods & Supplies .........129 Meat Processing & Taxidermy130 Licensing Agents ...................131 Shooting Ranges ...................130 Dining ...................................132 Lodging.................................132 Miscellaneous .......................133 Real Estate ............................133 Colorado Visitor Info .......135

WESTERN COLORADO GUIDES & OUTFITTERS 2V Outfitters, LTD P.O. Box 23005, Glade Park, 970-245-0436, www.2voutfitters.com 4+2T Ranch P.O. Box 896, Hayden, 970-276-4283, www.huntco4plus2tranch.com Adams Lodge Outfitters 200 Rio Blanco County Road 43, Meeker, 970-878-4312, adamslodgeoutfitters.com Aspen Way Llama Rentals North of Colorado Highway 134 (Gore range), 970-724-9629, www.aspenwayllamas.com Bar Diamond Ranch, LLC P.O. Box 688 Hotchkiss, 970-527-3010, Fax: 970-527-3416, www.bardiomandranch.com Bear Mountain Ranch 7401 U.S. Highway 40, Kremmling, 970-724-9651, www.bearmountainranch.net Bearcat Outfitters P.O. Box 110, Craig (28 miles south of Craig), 970-824-7958, www.coloradoelkhunts.net Beaver Creek Outfitters Craig-based outfitter with full-service guided elk and deer hunts (archery, muzzle-loader and rifle) and drop camps into the Flat Tops Wilderness Area (GMU 12) and other public private lands (GMUs 4, 441 and 214). Also offers wilderness pack trips.

19262 Glacier Road, Clearbrook, Minnesota, 218-368-3679, www.huntbeavercreek.com Beaver Springs 7542 S. Carr Ct., Littleton, 303-973-8900, www.beaversprings.tripod.com Behrman Outfitting P.O. Box 172, Maybell, 970-272-3284, www.behrmanoutfitting.com Big Gulch Ranching for Wildlife P.O. Box 1342, Craig, 970-824-6933, www.bgwildlife.com

104 | VISIT WWW.COHunter.COM FOR MORE

Big Rack Outfitters & Horseback Adventures

www.bullbasin.com, www.troublesomeflyfishing.com

Fair chase guided, semi-guided and do-it-yourself hunts including deer, elk, antelope, and black bear. Over 30,000 acres of private land hunting. Archery, muzzleloader and rifle hunts. GMUs 3, 301, 4, 13, 131 and 211. Over 20 years outfitting hunters in Craig. Ranching for wildlife hunts also available.

42755 Routt County Road 86 (35 miles west of Steamboat), 970-826-4468, www.bigrack.com

Camp David Outfitting, LLC 17201 6200 Road, Montrose, 970-252-1582, 970-596-6716 or 970-765-5500, rdavid@skybeam.com, www.campdavidoutfitting.com

Biggerstaff Guides & Outfitters, LLC P.O. Box 23187, Glade Park, 970-210-1032, biggerstaffguides@yahoo.com, www.biggerstaffguides.com

Chris Jurney Outfitting 574 Legion St., Craig, 970-824-5505, www.cjoutfitters.com

Bray Ranches P.O. Box 65, Redvale, 970-327-4779 or 970-729-1954, Fax: 970-327-4776, robert@brayranches.com, www.brayranches.com Bryce Outfitting 20439 E Road, Delta, 970-874-4134 or 970-270-3586, brycehunts@yahoo.com, www.bryceoutfitting.com Buck Mountain Outfitters 22990 Routt County Road 54 (15 minutes northwest of Steamboat), 970-870-9665, www.buckmountainoutfitters.net Buck’s Livery, INC 61 La Plata County Road 248, Durango, 970-385-2110 or 970-749-0858, info@buckslivery.com, www.buckslivery.com Buffalo Creek Ranch P.O. Box 2, Rand, 970-723-4045, www.buffalocreek.com Buford Guide Service 20474 Rio Blanco County Road 8, Meeker (20 miles east of Meeker), 970-878-4745, www.bufordstoreandlodge.com Bull Basin Guides and Outfitters P.O. Box 1566, Kremmling, 970-724-0417,

Carr Creek Cattle Company, LLC P.O. Box 2991, Grand Junction, 970-261-5009, Fax: 970-255-9911, dave@carrcreekcattleco.com, www.carrcreekcacattleco.com

Circle K Guest Ranch 27758 Colorado Highway 145, Dolores, 970-562-3808, outfitteral@wmconnect.com, www.ckranch.com Coberly Creek Outfitters All of our guides are first aid and CPR certified and possess a thorough knowledge of our private land and permit area. Their understanding and knowledge of the local wildlife habits give hunters the best opportunity for a successful hunt.

35591 Colorado Highway 134, P.O. Box 185, Toponas, 970-638-4281, www.coberlycreekoutfitters.com Code of the West Outfitters High country fishing and big game hunting trips as well as summer pack trips and cabin stays. Our guides are friendly, courteous professionals who are medic first aid trained.

2655 Rio Blanco County Road 12, Meeker, 970-878-0233 or 970-688-0249, www.codeofthewestoutfitters.com Colorado Elk Outfitter, LLC Offering guided hunts for archery, muzzle loader and rifle. Elk, deer, moose, antelope, bear and coyote are present with the majority of the hunting concentrated on our outstanding elk hunting.

Operating on Thompson Ranch in GMU 17,

WESTERN COLORADO GUIDES & OUTFITTERS 318-435-5029 or 318-435-5592, www.coloradoprivateranches.com

Colorado’s High Lonesome Outfitter and Guides P.O. Box 312, Yampa (45 minutes south of Steamboat), 970-846-1449 or 970-638-4239, www.cohighlonesome.com

Colorado Trophies P.O. Box 249, Redvale, 970-327-4678 or 970-275-2456, Fax: 970-327-4677, colander@wic.net, www.coloradotrophies.com

Colorado Hunter Services We have been in business since 2002 and are individually owned and operated.

Booked hunts are on private land, some tracts border BLM and National Forest.

Located in Slater, 866-210-2445 or 803-730-4176, www.coloradohunterservices.com Colorado’s Mountain West Outfitting Co. P.O. Box 1380, Craig, 970-824-7257, www.primehunts.com

Colorado Twin Peaks Colorado Twin Peaks private Ranches offers Unguided Private Ranch hunts on Private properties located in Southeast Colorado in GMUs 85, 133, 134 and 64/65. Southern Colorado offers elk hunters some of the best trophy elk hunting found in the entire state.

Franklin, W.V., 304-358-3252 or 304-668-2147, www.coloradotwinpeaks.com

80 Garfield County Road 273, Rifle, 970-625-1473 or 800-858-3046, ranch@coulterlake.com, www.coulterlakeoutfitters.com

HUNTINGDIRECTORY

Rand, 970-481-4354, www.coloradoelkoutfitter.com

P.O. Box 254, Hot Sulphur Springs, 970-725-3531, www.traditionalelkhunt.com David R. Seely Outfitting 1826 Colorado Highway 394, Craig, 970-824-4288

Craig Wild Bunch Guides and Outfitters 855 Moffat County Road 78, Craig, 970-824-9334, www.elk-craigwildbunch.com

Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch

Cross Mountain Adventures 1280 Industrial Ave., Craig, 970-824-2803, www.crossmountainranch.com D & G Horses And Outfitting/ Old Time Outfitting 1631 Garfield County Road 293, Rifle, 970-625-0234, dghorseoutfittin@aol.com, www.dghorsesoutfitting.com

Colorado Outfitters Services 501 Cedar Mountain Ave., Craig, 303-726-5975

Commander & Company, LTD 27200 Gunnison County Road 12, Somerset, 970-929-6202, Fax: 970-929-6202, coloradoadventures@wildblue.net, www.commanderandcompany.com or www.wildernesshunts.com

Dark Timber Outfitting 236 S. Third St., P.O. Box 224, Montrose, 970-275-5047 or 970-275-5047, darktimberlodge@hotmail.com, www.darktimberlodge.com

Colorado Private Ranches P.O. Box 1244, Winnsboro, La.,

Coulter Lake Guest Ranch & Outfitters

Dave Parri’s Outfitting and Guide Service

Del’s has been in continuous operation in North Routt County since 1962, offering full-service, five-day hunts as well as drop camps deep into Routt National Forest.

Elk, deer and bear hunts in GMUs 5, 14, 161 and 214.

55675 Routt County Road 62, P.O. Box 893, Clark (18 miles north of Steamboat), 970-879-3495, www.steamboathorses.com Dunckley Peak Outfitters and Pack Service P.O. Box 935, Craig (30 miles south of Hayden), 970-824-8257, www.billscabin.com Eagle’s Nest Outfitting P.O. Box 1168, Craig (20 miles east of Meeker), 970-826-4383, www.eaglesnestoutfitting.com

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$10.80 Gal

10% Off 2-Cycle Oil Including Synthetic

Chain Saw SALE Chain 3.8 bhp 20” $340.95 4.2 bhp 20” $459.95 4.4 bhp 20” $505.95 5.5 bhp 25” $791.95 Buy One Get The Second 6.0 bhp 25” $901.95 7.0 bhp 25” $1021.95 For

All Chainsaws will be ON$ SALE 49

$

38995

Specials on Chainsaw Chain & much, 38 much more!

ELAS 59.043$ ”02 59.954$ ”02 59.505$ ”02 59.197$ ”52 59.109$ ”52 59.1201$ ”52 Bar Oil

MS290 MS311 MS391 MS441 Mag MS460 Mag MS660 Mag

All Stihl Shirts

10% OFF

Chain Saw Chain Sharpener

$32.39 Reg. $39.99

12 Volt

KM 55 RC Power Head W/String Head Attatchment

$289.95

Grand Junction 970.245.1742 fruita 970.858.6566 rifle 970.625.3333

Bonus Pak $34.95 MS180C With Purchase

MS200T

ribcitycolorado.com SAWDUST DAYS

SALE 1.9 bhp 14” $189.95 2.2 bhp 16” $579.95

MS290 MS311

SALE

80280

cludes: rry Case ra Chain Hat

1.9 bhp 14” 2.2 bhp 16” 2.0 bhp 16” 3.0 bhp 18” 3.5 bhp 18” 3.7 bhp 16”

$289.95

Purchase Of Saw

SAWDUST DAYS ALL September!

Enjoy our award winning Ribs while passing through to your hunting camp.

KM 55 RC Power Head W/String Head Attatchment

nus Pak 34.95 MS180C MS200T MS211 MS250 MS271 MS261

Chain Saw SALE Chain 20” $340.95 20” $459.95 20” $505.95 25” $791.95 Buy One Get The Second 25” $901.95 25” $1021.95 For

Don’t miss our 33nd Annual SAWDUST DAYS

waS niahC niahC

ehT teG enO yuB dnoceS

78975

longer.

Chain Saw |Chain 105

| colorado 2014 Hunter 3.8 bhp 20” $340.95

4.2 bhp 20” $459.95

HUNTINGDIRECTORY

WESTERN COLORADO GUIDES & OUTFITTERS Ed Chamberlain Horse Rentals 53 Garfield County Road 223, Rifle, 970-625-2131, www.rifleareachamber. chambermaster.com Elk River Guest Ranch Customized unguided hunting packages to vast public lands in the Routt National Forest, archery through second elk and deer rifle season.

29840 Routt County Road 64, Clark (20 miles north of Steamboat), 800-750-6220, www.elkriverguestranch.com Elkhead Mountain Lodge, LLC Offering outstanding self-guided bow and rifle hunting adventures for elk, deer and bear. Cabin rental also available for fishing, horseback riding, and summer vacations.

Operating northeast of Craig in the Elkhead Mountain Range, 866-678-1074 or 814-229-5238, ww.elkheadmountainlodge.com Elkhorn Outfitters 37399 N. Colorado Highway 13, Craig, 970-824-7392, www.elkhornoutfitters.com

Fawn Gulch Outfitters P.O. Box 727, Pagosa Springs, 970-264-5266 or 970-946-5265, Fax: 970-264-2123 troyross@fawngulchoutfitters.com, www.fawngulchoutfitters.com Feisty Fins Outfitters 1427 Airport Road, Rifle, 970-319-5679, www.feistyfinsoutfitters.com Fish & Cross Ranch Pack Country Outfitters 24300 Routt County Road 11, Yampa (45 minutes south of Steamboat), 970-638-1064, www.packcountryoutfitters.com Fish Creek Outfitters, LLC 1231 Lodge Pole Drive, Pagosa Springs, 970-264-0982, larry@fishcreekoutfitters.com, www.fishcreekoutfitters.com Five Springs Ranch Guide and Outfitters 29550 Colorado Highway 131, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-0868, www.5springsranch.com

Your first stop before the Hunting Season!

Locally Owned for 35 Years

Frosty Acres Ranch Mostly trespass-fee elk, deer and antelope hunts (archery, muzzleloading and rifle) on 15,000 private acres of GMUs 4 and 301, with private lodging.

41380 N. Colorado Highway 13, Craig, 970-824-8935, www.frostyacres-craig.com The Gunnison Country Guide Service P.O. Box 1443, Gunnison, 970-641-2830 or 970-209-7104, packtrip@gunnison.com, www.coloradoguideandoutfitter.com H & H Processing and Outfitting 68656 Colorado Highway 64, Meeker (7 miles west of Meeker), 970-878-5126 or 970-878-5151, www.handhoutfitting.com

High Desert Outfitting 405 Hill Drive, Craig, 970-629-1760, www.highdesertoutfitting.com High Sierra Expeditions, LLC 236 S. Third St., P.O. Box 331, Montrose, 970-249-6334 or 970-275-3383, info@highsierraexpeditions.com, www.highsierraexpeditions.com Highlands Unlimited, Inc. 3931 La Plata County Road 122, Hesperus, 970-247-8443, highlands@highlandsunlimited.com, www.highlandsunlimited.com

Hills Guide Service Hester Hunting Company 56860 Oe Road, Collbran, 970-487-3731, 1367 Eagle Ave., Kremmling, 970-724-9746, hillsguide@yahoo.com, www.hesterhuntingcompany.webs.com www.sportsmansdream.com/hill, www.coloradocabinshorsetrails.com High Country Cabin Bed and Breakfast Hodiak Outfitters 15805 Garfield County Road 245, New & Wildlife Solutions Castle, 970-625-3663, P.O. Box 1638, Arboles, 970-883-5401 or www.rifleareachamber.chambermaster.com 970-799-3641, hodyewing@hotmail.com

• Go where you want.

• Low profile, aerodynamic camper saves fuel.

• Light enough for most 1/2 tons.

• Tow your boat or ATVs.

www.ScottyMuffler.com

245-0101 • Open M-F 7:30-5:30, Sat. 8-12 405 Pitkin Ave. • Grand Junction, CO 81501

529 Pitkin Avenue • Grand Junction, CO

970-254-9339

Hours: Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm 106 | VISIT WWW.COHunter.COM FOR MORE

2014 | colorado Hunter

| 107

Freezers In Stock!

Come see our selection of GE, Frigidare, & Speed Queens Appliances!

970.824.9380 211 W. 4th St. Craig Best of Moffat County 2 years in a row!

Hubbard Creek Outfitters & Pack Station, LLC P.O. Box 25, Hotchkiss, 970-872-3818 or 970-901-1839, lallen4286@aol.com, www.hubbardcreek.com

Lamicq Guides & Outfitters, Inc. 2396 Ridgeway Court, Grand Junction, 970-270-3557, www.coloradohuntingoutfitter.com

J-Bar-H Outfitters Archery, muzzleloader and rifle hunts in the White River and Routt National Forests.

Fully guided tent and cabin hunts, drop camp hunts. GMU 12.

P.O. Box 569, Meeker, 800-230-HUNT (4868), www.jbarhoutfitters.com

“We Custom Print”

Bring home a souvenir T-Shirt from Colorado • Antler Jewelry • Colorado Mugs • Souvenirs • Caps • Sweatshirts • Coasters • Candles

Headquarters for BS

970-729-1806, Fax: 970-327-4614, w4wilson@centurylink.net, www.knightcanyonoutfitters.com

J & Ray Colorado High Country, Inc. 8360 6400 Road, Montrose, 970-323-0115, Fax: 970-323-8890, rod@sportsmansdream.com, www.sportsmansdream.com/jray

Colorado T-Shirts • T-Shirts • Jewelry • Purses • Miss Me Jeans

Homestead Hunts 2050 Chapman Lane, Craig, 970-824-8549, www.homesteadhunts.net

Outfitters

Quality Deer & Elk Hunting!

J.C. Trujillo Guide & Outfitter 54768 Rio Blanco County Road 8 (28 miles south of Hayden), 970-276-3300 or 928-533-6624

THE

Bargain Barn

506 Yampa Ave. • Downtown Craig, CO • 970-824-4246

JML Outfitters 300 Rio Blanco County Road 75, Meeker (30 miles east of Meeker), 970-878-4749, www.jmloutfitters.com Jack Cassidy, Colorado Big Game Hunts, LLC 1436 N Road, Loma, 970-858-6586 or 970-270-2112, Fax: 970-858-6587, packrat@gvii.net, www.cassidyoutfitters.com

Pizza, Sandwiches, Salads, Full Italian Menu Casual & Fine Dining Best Beer & Wine selection in town!

Voted Best of Moffat County 2014:

Best Lunch Restaurant Best Dinner Restaurant Best Italian

Best Pizza Best Sandwich – the DC Best Servers

James Creek Outfitters 396 Colorado Highway 13, Meeker, 970-824-6939, www.jamescreekoutfitters.com

465 Yampa Ave. Craig 970-824-6868

Jeffcoat Ranch & Outfitters P.O. Box 97, Hamilton, 970-824-3757, jeffcoat20@wreawildblue.org

Let us help you find that one-of-a-kind trophy property

Keys Guide & Outfitting, LLC P.O. Box 1080, Clifton, 970-216-7899 or 970-216-7899, info@keysoutfitting.com, www.keysoutfitting.com

Over 50 years experience serving Craig & Moffat County

Kawcak Farms 3699 Moffat County Road 13, Craig, 970-824-7161

970-824-7086

840 W. VICTORY WAY CRAIG, CO 81625 www.brasskey-realty.com REALTOR

108 | VISIT WWW.COHunter.COM FOR MORE

®

Knight Canyon Outfitters, Inc. P.O. Box 404, Norwood, 970-327-4614 or

Last Chance Ranch 17825 Routt County Road 29, Oak Creek, 970-736-8564, www.colastchanceranch.com Lazy F Bar Ranch & Outfitters, Inc. P.O. Box 7089 Gunnison, 970-641-3313 or 970-596-2567, Fax: 970-641-2151, lazyfbar@crestedbutte.net, www.lazyfbarranch.com Little Cone Outfitter P.O. Box 296, 46 San Miguel County Road 43, Norwood, 970-327-4620, royandsallyh@yahoo.com Lobo Outfitters, LLC 4821 A Colorado Highway 84, Pagosa Springs, 970-264-5546 or 970-749-4148, dickray@centurytel.net, www.lobooutfitters.com Lone Tom Outfitting Elk, deer, mountain lion and antelope lodge-based hunts (archery, muzzleloader and rifle) and drop camps on public and private lands. Also offers fishing and pack trips and horse rentals.

12888 Rio Blanco County Road 8, Meeker, 970-878-5122, www.lonetom.com Longshot Ranch 28925 Routt County Road 14, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-4026 Lost Solar Outfitters 25 Valley View Drive, Craig, 970-824-3657 or 970-620-1511, www.meekercolorado.com/lostsolar Louisiana Purchase Ranch Outfitters P.O. Box 206, Meeker, 970-272-3006, www.louisianapurchaseranch.com Luark Ranch & Outfitters 2834 Luark Road, Burns, 970-653-4324, www.luarkranch.com M & M Elk Ranch Offering a wide range of products from custom steaks to specialty dog treats. Also offering the opportunity to shoot your

WESTERN COLORADO OUTFITTERS & GUIDES

M&M Outfitters P.O. Box 1020, Craig, 970-824-5812, mmoutfitters@wreawildblue.org Majestic Trophy Outfitters Fully guided and semi-guided archery, muzzleloading and rifle hunts for deer, elk, antelope and predators on 2,500 private acres of scrub oak and mixed terrain 20 miles south of Craig (GMU 12, antelope in 3 and 301). Also offers interpretive ATV tours and survival classes for all ages.

3815 Exmoor Road, Craig, 970-620-0098, www.majestictrophy.net Middle Creek Ranch/Middle Creek Ranch Outfitters 28310 Routt County Road 31, Oak Creek (25 miles south of Steamboat), 970-879-7353 Myers Hunting Service Over 8,000 acres of excellent private land hunting in the Williams Fork Valley. In addition to having a large year round

resident elk and deer population, the ranch is located on natural migration routes of the large White River elk and deer herds.

6148 Colorado Highway 317, Hamilton, 970-824-9317, www.lazy-v-box.com Nine Mile Guest Ranch 50735 Colorado Highway 13, Meeker, 970-878-4656, www.ninemileguestranch.com Northern Colorado Outfitters Guided archery, muzzle-loading and rifle elk and deer hunts and drop camps with exclusive outfitter rights to 90 square miles of the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Area (GMU 15), owned and operated by Olympic and World Cup mogul coach Timmy Meagher. www.northerncoloradooutfitters.com Oak Ridge Outfitters P.O. Box 631, Meeker, 970-878-5822, www.meekercolorado.com/oakridge Outwest Guides 7500 Gunnison County Road 3, Marble, 970-963-5525, outwestguides@live.com, www.outwestguides.com

Over The Hill Outfitters, Inc. 4140 La Plata County Road 234, Durango, 970-247-1694, 970-759-1694 or 970-749-7619, otho@frontier.net, www.overthehilloutfitters.com PT Outfitters 129 Grand County Road 12, Kremmling, 866-724-3616 Peak To Creek Outfitters, Inc. P.O. Box 1986, Bayfield, 970-884-0199 or 970-759-8869, Fax: 970-884-0199, gene@peaktocreekoutfitters.com, www.peaktocreekoutfitters.com Pinnacle Peak Adventures 2951 Moffat County Road 18N, Craig, 970-824-9269, www.huntpinnacle.com Pinyon Outfitters, LLC P.O. Box 123, Cortez, 970-562-4460 or 970-739-0892, dcpottorff@fone.net, www.pinyonoutfittersllc.com R&R Ranch of Colorado 10202 SW 138 St., Archer, Fla., 352-538-7094, www.rrranchco.com

Raftopoulos Ranches Guided archery, muzzleloading and rifle hunts offered in the premier GMUs 2 and 201 for trophy bull elk, mule deer and antelope based out of historic lodge at base of Diamond Peak.

2991 Pine Ridge Drive, Craig, 970-3268620, www.trophy-elk-hunting.com Red Feather Guides & Outfitters 49794 Colorado Highway 14, Walden, 970-723-4204 (summer and fall) or 970-524-5054 (winter and spring), www.redfeatherguides.com Reeder Creek Ranch 137 Grand County Road 39, Kremmling, 970-531-2008, www.reedercreek.com Rim Rock Outfitters P.O. Box 223, Rangely, 970-675-2619 www.coloradorimrockoutfitters.com Rocky Mountain Ranches 6855 W. 33rd Ave., Wheat Ridge, 970-439-1894; 466 S. 16th Ave., Brighton, 970-439-1894, www.rockymountainhunting.com

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HUNTINGDIRECTORY

own elk.

50803 Meadow Lane, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-5200, www.mmelkranch.com

Roosters Guide & Outfitting Adventures 2174 45 1/2 Rd, Debeque, 970-283-8919 or 970-618-7203, Fax: 970-283-1028, raycogburn@roostersguideandoutfitting adventures.com, www.roostersguide andoutfittingadventures.com Sable Mountain Outfitters 5100 Rio Blanco County Road 4, Meeker, 970-878-4765, www.sablemountainoutfitters.com Saddleback Ranch 37350 Routt County Road 179 (15 miles west of Steamboat), 970-879-3711, www.saddlebackranch.net Samuelson Outfitters P.O. Box 868, Fraser, 970-726-8221, www.samuelsonoutfitters.com Sawbuck Outfitters 44596 Needle Rock Road, Crawford, 970-921-3557, tai.joe@juno.com, www.coloradohunts.com Seely Hunting Services P.O. Box 1040, Craig, 970-824-5539;

970-824-9474, cseely@dishmail.net, www.seelyhunting.com Seven Lakes Lodge 11808 Rio Blanco County Road 8, Meeker, 970-878-3249 Sheep Creek Ranch Outfitters Guided elk, deer and bear hunts (archery, muzzleloading and rifle) on 11,000 acres of public and private lands in GMU 22.

P.O. Box 2463, Meeker, 970-878-4757, sheepcreekhunts@yahoo.com, www.sheepcreekhunts.com Shelton Ranch 10955 Moffat County Road 57, Meeker, 970-272-3553 or 970-620-3993, www.sheltonranch.com Silver Creek Outfitters Full and semi-guided hunts and dropcamps offered primarily for elk, deer and mountain lion on rugged national Forest Service public lands.

33710 Lariat Trail (25 miles south of Steamboat Springs), 970-846-5877, www.silvercreek-outfitters.com

Silver Dollar Outfitters P.O. Box 5481, Pagosa Springs, 970-264-9576 or 970-946-2976, attully@centurylink.net, www.silverdollaroutfitters.com Silver Spur Outfitters, LLC Reg. Colorado’s finest big game hunting.

Trophy mule deer, huge elk population, black bear and mountain lion. Join us for the hunt of a lifetime! GMU 42.

67290 E. La Salle Road, Montrose, 970-249-4242, 970-901-9546 or 970-379-4297, coloradobigracks@aol.com, www.huntsilverspuroutfitters.com Skiles Guest & Hunting Ranch P.O. Box 12, Burns, 970-653-4329, www.skilesranch.com Snowmass Creek Outfitters 3610 Capitol Creek Road, Snowmass, 970-704-0707, www.snowmasscreekoutfitters.com Sombrero Ranches Rents horses for all seasons, including tack

and delivery/pick-up within a 50-mile radius of one of the Sombero camps. Guided deer and elk hunts from the Williams Fork Hunt Camp for archery through rifle seasons in addition to four drop camps in the Routt National Forest (GMU 12).

Craig Ranch — 781 Moffat County Road 15, Craig, 970-824-3468; Steamboat Stables — 835 Howelsen Parkway, Steamboat Springs (base of Howelsen Hill, behind the rodeo grounds), 970-879-2306; Meeker White River Horse Camp — 12900 Rio Blanco County Road 8, Meeker, 970-878-4382 or 303-442-0258, www.sombrero.com Steamboat Lake Outfitters P.O. Box 749, Clark, 970-319-4866, www.steamboatlakeoutfitters.com Sundown Outfitters Rio Grande Outfitters P.O. Box 5481, Pagosa Springs, 970-264-9576, attully@centurytel.net, www.sundownoutfitting.com, www.riograndeoutfitters.net Sunset Ranch 29420 Elk Horn Lane (3 miles north of

970-240-8503

WeSellFunintheRockies.com 1568 North Townsend • Montrose

Hunting Camp

never felt so good!

77778

HUNTINGDIRECTORY

WESTERN COLORADO OUTFITTERS & GUIDES

RV Financing Available • Parts • Service • Sales • Consignments HOURS: Tues-Fri 8:30am to 5:30pm • Sat 9:00am to 5:00pm 110 | VISIT WWW.COHunter.COM FOR MORE

79809

Steamboat Springs), 970-879-0954, www.sunsetranchinc.com

miles north of Walden), 970-723-4000, www.trophymtn.com

Superior Guide Service 5801 Colorado Highway 394, Craig, 970-824-4767, www.wehuntcolorado.com

Vanatta Outfitters P.O. Box 77170, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-6164, www.vanattaoutfitters.com

T&D Outfitters Fully guided deer and elk rifle hunts on over 1,650 private acres in the Isles Mountain area outside of Craig (GMU 211).

P.O. Box 443, Pine, 303-618-2329 or 720-217-9500, www.tanddoutfitters.com

W3 Outfitters (dba: Chuck Davies Guide Service) 500 12 Mile Gulch Road, Elk Springs, 970-272-3002, www.rifleareachamber.chambermaster.com

Tenderfoot Outfitters P.O. Box 246, Gunnison, 800-641-0504, Fax: 970-641-0504, tenderfoot@tenderfoot-outfitters.com, www.tenderfoot-outfitters.com

Waunita Hot Springs Ranch 8007 Gunnison County Road 887, Gunnison, 970-641-1266, info@waunita.com, www.waunita.com Welder Outfitting Services P.O. Box 823, Meeker, 970-878-4559, www.flattops.com

Three Forks Ranch P.O. Box 69, Savery, Wyoming, 970-583-7396, www.threeforksranch.com

Whiteley Peak Ranch Horse boarding.

14938 U.S. Highway 40, Kremmling, 630-632-9134, www.whiteleypeakranch.com

Topgun Outfitters 108 Reigel School Road, Rimesburg, Pennsylvania, 814-229-4514, www.topgunoutfitters.com The Tradesmen 128 E. Third St., Rifle, 970-625-GUNS, www.625guns.com Triple Track Hunting P.O. Box 91, Hamilton (20 miles north of Meeker), 970-756-5000, www.tripletrackllc.com Triple-O Outfitters 448 Moffat County Road 41, Hamilton, 970-824-6758, www.coloradooutdoors.com Trophy Mountain Elk Ranch 4000 Jackson County Road 4, Cowdrey (22

801 east Victory Way, craig, co 970.824.2962 www.northwest-pawn.com

Warriors In The Wild Base Camp 40, www.bc40hunts.com

Third Generation Outfitters P.O. Box 1216, 275 Archuleta County Road 139, Pagosa Springs, 970-219-7523, forestbramwell@aol.com, www.thirdgenerationoutfitters.com

Timberline Sporting Goods 124 W. Second St., Rifle, 970-625-HUNT, www.timberlinesports.com

Guns, Ammo, sportinG Goods, And HuntinG Licenses

Wilderness Tracks Guides and Outfitters Quality hunting in a high opportunity area for deer and elk. We control the number of sportsmen on our hunts to assure an enjoyable experience in a secluded area on private land and some public land.

1192 N. Johnson Road, Craig, 970-824-7874 or 970-326-7575 Wild Skies Four Season Cabin Rentals GMU 12 (Flat Tops) and in Craig (GMUs 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, 23, 24, 211, 231, 301).

Meeker, 970-926-0216, www.wildskies.com Williams Peak Ranch Grand County Road 315, Parshall, 970-725-3282, www.williamspeakranch.com Yampa Valley Outfitters P.O. Box 910, Craig (9 miles north of Maybell), 970-824-2102, 706-595-1044 or 706-990-9030

Voted Best Liquor Store in Moffat County 4 Years in a Row!

970-826-0071 • 539 E. Victory Way, Craig

Fruita Wood & BBQ Supply

RUBS • SAUCES • INJECTIONS BRINES SPICES • BBQ SUPPLIES

BARREL COOKERS & CERAMIC GRILLS

22 Varieties of Smoking Woods We ship anywhere in the U.S.A. We only sell what the Pros use!

2297 Tall Grass Road Unit C Grand Junction (1/8 mile North of 6 & 50 on 23 Rd.)

970-242-3942 www.fruitawood.com

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HUNTINGDIRECTORY

CRAIG REGION [MEEKER, MAYBELL, HAMILTON, RANGELY, DINOSAUR] GEAR, GOODS & SUPPLIES Americase Texas-made firearms carrying cases for pistols, shotguns and rifles.

1610 E. Main St., Waxahachie, Texas, 972-937-3620, www.americase.com Auto Parts of Craig/US Mule/ Carquest of Craig We have served Northwest Colorado and Southwest Wyoming for the past 45 years, we have the quality parts, services and connections to get you back on the road quickly and professionally, and can help you find the bigger fish, better camp spots and quality hunting in our area.

1875 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-6544 Bear Creek Animal Hospital Our three staff veterinarians can take care of all of your animals, whether it’s your child’s hamster or your horse that needs our help. We provide all traditional veterinary services, plus we are available 24 hours a day for emergency care.

2430 E. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-5964, www.bearcreekanimalhospital.com

Big O Tires Craig Voted Moffat County’s Best Tire Store, the Craig Big O Tires is your number one center for tires, wheels, service and savings.

1111 W. Victory Way, Suite 128, Craig, 970-824-2446, www.bigotires.com/ location/co/craig/81625/006241 Cook Chevrolet Locally owned Chevrolet, Subaru and Ford dealerships. 24-hour towing, service, and sales. Body shop and parts department.

1776 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-2100, www.cookchevrolet.com Craig Powersports Craig Powersports opened in 1999. Just as it was then, our goal is to be the most courteous and professional powersports dealer in Colorado. As a result, we have become the state’s largest side-by-side dealer! Give us a call or come on in and let us help you in the snow, on the trail, or on the road!

2607 E. U.S. Highway 40, Craig, 970-826-0060, www.craigpowersports.com

MJK Sales & Feed Ammunition, binoculars and scopes, camping equipment and cookware with some camouflage apparel, boots and clothing as well as certified hay.

290 Ranney St., Craig, 970-824-6581 Maybell Store 60311 U.S. Highway 40, Maybell, 970-272-3262 Meeker General Mercantile Fencing, feed, tack, clothing, gifts, livestock supplies, propane, fire resistant clothing, steel-toed boots, sporting goods, housewares, seasonal green house.

990 Market St., Meeker, 970-878-3333, business.meekerchamber.com/list/ member/meeker-general-mercantilemeeker-86.htm Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply Ammunition, fishing and hunting licenses, cookware, coolers, deer carts, sleds, camping gear, knives, saws and a full line of Carhartt and Murdoch’s hunting clothes. Pack saddles and bridles, blaze-orange halters, blankets, tire chains

and shovels.

2355 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-4100, www.murdochs.com Northwest Pawn Shop One of the largest selections of firearms in Northwest Colorado with a huge selection of ammunition, archery equipment, knives, cleaning and reloading supplies and camouflage apparel.

801 E. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-2962 www.northwest-pawn.com Plasti-Size, LLC Providing CNC router-cut plastic parts, sheets, and signs for wholesale and retail — serving commercial, agricultural, food processing, sign shops and homeowner markets.

37 Pronghorn Drive, Craig, 970-824-2222, www.plastisize.com/index.php Rocky Mountain Bowstrings 696 Main St., Meeker, 970-878-4300, www.rockymountainbowstrings.com Sand Springs Archery Archery equipment and supplies 80 E. Fourth St., Craig, 970-824-0139

We do

Pl a st ic Fabrication and rePair

Dog boxes | Dog sleds | custom tanks cnc router cutting | Plastic Welding Quick turn arounds | Free estimates

112 | VISIT WWW.COHunter.COM FOR MORE

37 Pronghorn road craig, co 81625

970-824-2222 www.plastisize.com

CRAIG REGION [MEEKER, MAYBELL, HAMILTON, RANGELY, DINOSAUR]

T&H Napa Auto Parts 400 Taylor St., Craig, 970-824-3284, www.napaonline.com/co/craig US Tractor & Harvest U.S. Tractor & Harvest sells and services John Deere new and used tractors, combines, lawn & garden, work products, John Deere replacement parts, and John Deere AMS (GPS) products.

3025 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-6163, www.ustractor.com Wyatt’s Sports Center Licenses, ammunition, scopes and binoculars, slings, knives, hatchets, clothing, maps, camping equipment, stoves and boots.

223 Eighth St., Meeker, 970-878-4428

MEAT PROCESSING & TAXIDERMY Antler Taxidermy 369 Market St., Meeker, 970-878-3365,

www.professionalsofafrica.com Axis Leather Works Pick up a tanned, hair-on or rawhide while in Craig. Pick from six colors or take home a hair-on hide that is ready for display. UPS shipping available.

802 E. Second Place, Craig, 970-824-3256, www.axisleather.qpg.com Big Cat Taxidermy 51 Country Lane, Craig, 970-824-9624, www.bigcattaxidermy.com Brother’s Custom Processing Brother’s Custom Processing is Northwest Colorado’s premier wild game processor.

With a combined 50 years of experience processing game, our staff can help to put the finishing touches on your hunt of a lifetime.

383 E. First St., Craig, 970-824-3855, www.brothersprocessing.com/index.html Bullseye Taxidermy Bullseye Taxidermy will provide the personal commitment and artistic quality, to bring your trophy to realistic measures.

We strive for higher presentation

standards and leading composition designs. All of the pieces we produce have the latest materials and technology available.

1445 Yampa Ave., Craig, 970-826-2997, www.bullseyetaxidermy.com Crazy 3 Tannery 1480 N. Yampa Ave., Craig, 970-824-6063, www.crazythreetannery.com Custom Quality Meats 1430 N. Yampa Ave., Craig, 970-824-4668 Gunsmoke School of Taxidermy At our school, learn how to mount biggame animals in Craig.

37339 N. Colorado Highway 13, Craig, 970-826-4293, www.gunsmoketaxidermy.com

Like us on Facebook For addition listings and available rentals, visit www.craigcorealty.com

1131 Routt Forest Service Road This is the perfect log cabin for snowmobile enthusiasts, horse owners, hunters or just a weekend getaway! With a unique water system, propane heat and wood stove, propane hot water heat, airline toilet and outhouse, propane cook stove and wood cook stove, horse corral, and solar power! And, it’s furnished! And it’s nestled on almost 5 acres of timberland. Did we mention solar power? MLS # 133255

Mountain Meat Packing Mountain Meat Packing is a family owned and operated business with over 50 years and three generations of experience.

291 Lincoln St., Craig, 970-824-4878, www.mountain-meat.com Out West Meat and Processing 216 W. Second St., Rifle, 970-625-4134, www.rifleareachamber.chambermaster. com Purkey Packing Plant 73215 Colorado Highway 64, Meeker, 970-878-5501

Laura’s Corner 637 E. Main St., Rangely, 970-629-5607 or 970-675-2800

Wildlife Expressions Full Service Taxidermist 140 Morrison, Rangely, 970-629-3128

Mountain Man Taxidermy Mountain Man Taxidermy, established in 1991, has been serving hunters of Northwest Colorado for nearly 20 years.

LICENSING AGENTS City Market 505 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-6515

943 Routt Forest Drive Custom 3 bedroom + loft log cabin close to Routt National Forest with amazing views. This is ideal for hunters being so close to the forest. Great carpentry throughout, full kitchen with propane refrigerator, bathrooms, all set up with generator and cistern. Call for more details! A slice of Heaven on 37 acres!

MLS #126825

Contact Country Living Realty.

countryliving@qwestoffice.net 304 West Victory Way Craig, Colorado 81625 970.824.0223

Located in Craig, Elk Hunting Capital of the World.

1176 Yampa Ave., Craig, 970-824-4910, www.mtnmantaxidermy.com

35321 North Highway 13 Great Location with beautiful acreage lined with pine trees only 2 miles from town. Property completed fenced with deer proof 7 foot fence and 3 auto locking gates.

Large 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath one level home on 5+ acres with open floor plan and front and rear covered patios.

Any man’s dream shop with upstairs storage, Also has 20x32 greenhouse,12x20 storage shed, insulated chicken house, and three 1,000 gal propane tanks. MLS#133863

506 County Road 11 Great ‘’gentleman’s’’ farm in wonderful location--only 9 miles to National Forest and yet only 13 miles to town.

There are 55 acres with an additional 65 acre State Lease with the property. Small water right on Dry Cottonwood Creek. Barn with electric and water. Large home with deck, oversized 2 car garage and over sized shed. $388,000 MLS# 134836

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TDS Tires Tires, service and more.

1247 E. U.S. Highway 40, Craig, 970-824-7094

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CRAIG REGION [MEEKER, MAYBELL, HAMILTON, RANGELY, DINOSAUR] Colorado Parks and Wildlife Meeker office/service center P.O. Box 1181, Meeker, 970-878-6090 Kmart 1198 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-2966 Loaf ’N Jug Store 101 W. Brontosaurus Blvd., Dinosaur, 970-374-2461

Valley Ace Hardware 401 E. Market St., Meeker, 970-878-4608 Walmart Supercenter Open 24 hours, offering all products including grocery and hunting/sporting.

2000 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-0340, www.walmart.com Walden Conoco 609 Main St., Walden, 970-723-4246

Rangely True Value Hardware 105 W. Main St., Rangely, 970-675-2454

SHOOTING RANGES

Samuelson’s True Value Hardware & Lumber Offering quality tools, products and expert advice, Samuelson’s True Value is your one-stop destination for all your hardware and hunting/sporting needs.

43900 Colorado Highway 13, Meeker, 970-878-3528, ww3.truevalue.com/ samuelson/home.aspx

Cedar Mountain Range 300-yard outdoor rifle and 50-yard outdoor pistol range for members, but open to the public the first Sunday and Monday of each month. Also open during daylight hours, Thursday and Friday prior to each big game season for rifle sight-in.

P.O. Box 622, Craig (4.5 miles northwest of Craig on Moffat County Road 7), 970-824-8376, www.bearsears.com

Samuelson True Value Hardware 456 Breeze St., Craig, 970-824-6683, www.truevalue.com/samuelson

Meeker Sportman’s Club, Inc. Hunter sight-in Thursdays and Fridays prior to each big game season. Sight-in is $5 per gun, or member shoot for $10.

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New memberships cost $20 plus dues per person and includes full use of archery, trap, rifle and pistol ranges.

36684 Colorado Highway 13, P.O. Box 1325, Meeker (4.5 miles southwest of Meeker on Colo. 13), 970-878-3456, www.meekersportsmansclub.com

OTHER SUPPORTING BUSINESSES LODGING & DINING The Bunkhouse Do you need a quiet place to rent a room?

The Bunkhouse has rooms for $25 a night, with weekly and monthly rates available.

It is a great location for hunters and/ or workers to stay. Amenities include refrigerators, microwaves, hot shower on demand and bedding provided.

313 W. Main, Rangely, 970-620-2407 Carelli’s Pizzeria & Pasta We are a pizzeria combined with fine Italian dining. We offer a full-service bar, with unique rotating microbrews. Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. for lunch and dinner. Voted Best Lunch & Dinner Restaurant for 2014.

465 Yampa Ave., Craig, 970-824-6868

Clarion Inn & Suites Enjoy the numerous amenities offered at Clarion Inn & Suites® in Craig. You’ll appreciate spacious suites and amenities like free high-speed wireless Internet, free weekday newspaper, full-service restaurant and lounge.

300 S. Colorado Highway 13, Craig, 970-824-4000, www.clarionhotel.com/ hotel-craig-colorado-CO295 Cool Water Grille American dining for breakfast and lunch.

Open early to fill you up before the hunt begins. Award-winning bloody Marys.

337 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-1756 Eastside Liquor Voted Best Liquor Store in Moffat County three years running. Great selection.

539 E. Victory Way, Craig, 970-826-0071, www.explorecraig.com/marketplace/craig/ businesses/eastside-liquor Elk Run Inn Allow the Elk Run Inn to be your home when you are here. Eat out only if you want to, all our units have full kitchens.

We are conveniently located in the center

CRAIG REGION [MEEKER, MAYBELL, HAMILTON, RANGELY, DINOSAUR]

J.W. Snack’s Bar & Grill Delicious food and a fun environment, with sports, spirits and spare ribs.

210 E. Victory Way, Craig, 970-826-0468, jwsnacks.com La Cabana Casual Mexican grill offering fast, fresh, and authentic Mexican cuisine.

994 Yampa Ave., Craig, 970-824-5051

Net’s Cafe Cafe offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a cozy country atmosphere.

60211 U.S. Highway 40, Maybell, 970-272-3500 Popular Bar 24 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-6234, www.explorecraig.com/marketplace/craig/ businesses/popular-bar Trav-o-Tel Motel Free Wi-Fi, refrigerators and television in all rooms, centrally located in downtown Craig.

224 E. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-8171 Vallarta’s Restaurant Specialty Mexican food and margaritas. A locals favorite.

1111 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-9812, www.explorecraig.com/marketplace/ businesses/vallartas-restaurant-mexicancuisine

Specializing in Unguided “Do it Yourself” Hunts & Extreme Guided Hunts

Archery / Muzzeloader / Rifle hunts Elk • Deer • Mountain Lion • Anelope

Come hunt our Private Ranches for the Hunt of a lifetime for Elk/ Mule Deer or Antelope.

Our Private Ranch Do it Yourself hunts in Southeast Colorado are producing some of the largest trophy bulls in the state. Elk/Mule Deer Hunts are in GMU’s 64/65 & 85. Antelope hunts are in the Eastern Plains GMU 133 & 134 and offer many premier trophy bucks. We have several Ranches to choose from with a minimum group of four to six hunters per Ranch. We also provide Guided hunts that continue to provide great success rates.

Unguided Do-It-Yourself Private Ranch Hunts Tom Kimble • Colorado License #2748 • (304) 358-3252 www.coloradotwinpeaks.com • info@coloradotwinpeaks.com

Bridgestone • Firestone • Yokohama • Continental • General • Cooper

Fiesta Jalisco Family owned and operated serving real Mexican cuisine using authentic family recipes. With nine locations throughout Colorado, you’ll like what you find 445 Anglers Drive, Steamboat Springs, 970-871-6999; 410 Ranney St., Craig, 970-826-0500, www.fiestajalisco.net

Maybell Park Year-round full-service camping. No reservations required.

U.S. Highway 40, Maybell, 970-272-3261

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of town. Everything is close by; grocery stores, restaurants, liquor stores, post office, shopping, churches, and internet access at the library next door. We look forward to seeing you on your next visit to Craig!

627 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-826-4444 or 888-696-9720, www.elkruninn.com

Stop in today and visit with the tire professionals at

MOBILE SERVICE AVAILABLE! NO TIRES

TOO BIG OR

TOO SMALL!

1247 East US HWY 40 Craig CO 81625

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CRAIG REGION [MEEKER, MAYBELL, HAMILTON, RANGELY, DINOSAUR] Village Inn We offer something for everyone . . .

Breakfast specialties, fresh green salads, juicy burgers, all-American sandwiches, traditional dinner entrees like chickenfried steak and well-loved children’s items.

1103 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-9600, www.villageinn.com/locations/700129 Westward Hotel “Enjoy Craig , Colorado … and when your head gets heavy, head Westward!” Free Wi-Fi available, fridge and microwave in rooms.

517 E. Victory Way, P.O. Box 1206, Craig, 970-824-3413 or 970-326-5500

MISCELLANEOUS Colorado Northwestern Community College A unique college located in a spectacular part of Colorado with a new state-of-the-art

campus in Craig. Within three new energyefficient buildings, you may study nursing in our fully accredited program; work in a number of certificate areas in automotive technology; enroll in massage therapy and cosmetology courses; and more.

2801 W. Ninth St., Craig, 800-562-1105, www.cncc.edu/cms The Memorial Hospital Providing health care to the communities of Moffat County, offering a variety of general care and specialty services.

750 Hospital Loop, Craig, 970-824-9411, www.thememorialhospital.com White River Electric Association, Inc. A consumer owned nonprofit electric distribution cooperative serving parts of Rio Blanco, Garfield and Moffat counties.

233 Sixth St., P.O. Box 958, Meeker, 970-878-5041, www.white-river-electricassociation.org

COLORADO HUNTER SERVICES Slater Valley ranch

• hunt elk, Mule Deer & antelope in cOlOraDO • PriVate lanD huntS, Properties located in units 4, 5 &301 with national Forest & BlM adjoining or nearby.

• Private access to long Mountain, BlM, in unit 5.

• year round cabin rental in unit 4, Wilderness ranch.

Hunts can be booked with any level of assistance from Trespass Fee/DIY Hunts - Semi-Guided Hunts with or without Lodging, Meals, Game Retrieval and Assistance with Planning and conducting your day to day hunt. If you request help with your day to day hunt we can help make your hunt fit your needs.

Attention Colorado Ranchers and Landowners, Colorado Hunter Services is interested in acquiring hunting rights on private land, any size tract. If you are interested in working with us on an exclusive Hunting Lease for specific seasons or all seasons, Contact us at jerry@coloradohunterservices.com or the toll free number shown below.

Contact us and view the slide shows on our properties.

www.coloradohunterservices.com 1-866-210-2445 or 1-803-730-4176

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REAL ESTATE Brass Key Realty Experts on Craig and Moffat County real estate with over 60 years of experience.

Offering residential real estate, recreational and mountain property, land and ranches.

840 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-7086, www.brasskey-realty.com/index.php Country Living Realty We are a full service real estate office offering experienced professional services when buying or selling residential, commercial, vacant land and farm/ranch.

We also provide fast, efficient property management tailored to fit your needs.

We are located in Craig.

304 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-0223, www.craigcorealty.com Hayden Outdoors Hayden Outdoors represents the finest

real estate for sale, including farm, ranch and recreational properties across the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. From legacy ranches to farms and cropland, luxury real estate to recreational land, we can help you buy or sell your next property.

1204 W. Ash St., Unit A, Windsor, 970-674-1990, www.haydenoutdoors.com

SHOPPING Bargain Barn “We custom print.” We have a large selection of Colorado T-shirts, jewelry, Miss Me jeans, antler jewelry, and much more. Headquarters for BS Outfitters Quality Deer & Elk Hunting.

506 Yampa Ave., Craig, 970-824-4246 Intermountain Appliances At Intermountain Appliance, we inventory the area’s largest inventory of appliances.

Whether you are looking for a washer/

PLAN TO STAY TAY AT THE BEAUTIFUL MAYBELL PARK Now Open all year!!!

FEES:

With electrical hookup$20 per night Without electrical$15 per night 4 adults per campsiteadditional adults $5/person Showers-$3

Dump Fee-$5

FEES MUST BE PAID UPON ARRIVAL. CASH OR CHECK ONLY Campsites are filled on a first come, first serve basis.

Located in the heart of Maybell, CO right off of US Hwy 40.

For questions or assistance, please call the caretaker at (970)756-2575. (970)272-3718 or (970)272-3080

dryer, refrigerator, cook top, dishwasher, oven or stove — we have you covered.

583 Yampa Ave., Craig, 970-824-6945 Miller Family Appliance Serving all your appliance needs for 10 years! This family-owned business carries everything from stoves, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, washer and dryers and more. They offer outstanding customer service and products that will benefit your family.

211 W. Fourth St., Craig, 970-824-9380 Jack’s Bumpers Offering custom bumpers and headache racks for pickups, SUVs and semis; winches, lights, tow hooks and receivers.

350 Russell St., Craig, 970-824-2423, jacksbumpers.com Spiritpass Northwest Colorado’s unique trading post.

We carry a large variety of gifts, jewelry,

art, etc.

1111 W. Victory Way, No. 134, Craig, 970-824-2844, www.explorecraig.com/ marketplace/craig/businesses/spirit-pass Super Wash, Inc. The nation’s premier turnkey car wash company.

1635 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-826-0731, www.superwash.com/home1/home.html The Embroidery Shoppe 519 Yampa Ave., Craig, 970-824-6770, www.explorecraig.com/marketplace/craig/ businesses/embroidery-shoppe/ The Kitchen Shop A locally owned kitchen and gift shop. We carry a wide variety of knives, gifts, beer making supplies, and unique items.

577 Yampa Ave., Craig, 970-824-8148, www.facebook.com/thekitchenshopofcraig/ timeline

+ Local news and information, in print and online on your computer, tablet or phone Commerical and personal printing, copying and design services One convenient location in the heart of Downtown Craig www.craigdailypress.com 466 Yampa Avenue, Craig, CO 81625 (970) 824-7031 2014 | colorado Hunter

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Hunting for Quality Welding Repairs and Fabrication?

Set Your Sights On All Metals Welding!

• Repair ATVs, 4x4s, • Equipment, Tool Box, Motorcycles, Trailers & Fuel Tank & Boat Props Fabrication • Custom Ranch Logos • Water Jet Cutting

GEAR, GOODS & SUPPLIES Action Shop Services, The Equipment rental and repair. Budget truck rental.

2412 Access Road, Rifle, 970-625-0943, www.actionshopservices.com All Metals Welding & Fabrication Known across the United States for specialized fabrication, welding, waterjet cutting and repair.

1707 Interstate 70 Business Loop, Grand Junction, 970-243-6310, www.allmetalswelding.com All-Terrain Motorsports Established in 1993 by James and Jacki Wells. We carry the full line Kawasaki, (BRP) CanAm, and Yamaha (except motorcycles). This includes ATVs, side-bysides, generators and related accessories for all your outdoor and hunting needs.

3080 Interstate 70 Business Loop, Grand Junction, 970-434-4874 or 888-622-6125, www.all-terrainmoto.com Area Best Pawn Buy, sell, consign, trade and pawn guns.

Reloading supplies available.

2014 S. Townsend Ave., Montrose, 970-240-6062 Aspen Valley Harley-Davidson & Mountain Powersports 2302 Devereux Road, Glenwood Springs, 970-928-7493, www.aspenhd.com, info@aspenhd.com, www.mtnps.com Big J Jewelry & Loan 136 S. Seventh St., Grand Junction, 900 E. Main St., Montrose, 970-243-9332, www.bigj.com Cabela’s 2424 U.S. Highway 6 and 50, Grand Junction, 970- 683-5000 Centennial RV

WELDING & FABRICATION 1707 I-70 Business Loop • Grand Junction

(970)243-6310

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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Grand Junction Colorado’s premier RV dealership carrying Cougar, Coleman, Open Range, Ascend, Passport, Rubicon, Voltage, Fuzion, Reflection, Solitude, Momentum and Whitewater Retros.

2429 U.S. Highway 6 and 50, Grand Junction, 970-245-8886, www.centennialrv.com Colorado Cylinder Stoves Cylinder and collapsible pack stoves, canvas

wall tents and campfire rings.

2481 Commerce Blvd., Grand Junction, 970-243-4595, www.coloradocylinderstoves.com Dennis Gillilan Hunt, LLC We facilitate the sale of landowner permits in Colorado and also cash for guns, antlers and traps.

970-464-9232 or 970-234-0797, cohunts@aol.com or beartrap35@aol.com, www.landowner-tags-voucher.com Dirtseekers Looking to go off-roading? We have the perfect powerhouse UTV rental waiting for you. We provide high-quality UTV rentals and sales.

284 N. Main St., Moab, Utah, 435-259-2213 Duff y’s Small Power Repair Sales We want to be your local service center for outdoor power equipment.

2473 Commerce Blvd., Suite 1, Grand Junction, 970-424-0243, www.iwantduffys.com D W Metal Works Inc. Made to your specifications, DW Metal Works Inc. can handle all of your welding and fabrication needs with certified welders in our shop.

725 Scarlet Drive, Grand Junction, 970-245-2000, www.dwmetalworksinc.com Firestone Complete Auto Care including tires, auto repair and vehicle maintenance for cars, trucks and SUVs. 607 24 Road, Grand Junction, 970-243-4025 Fishers Liquor Barn Fisher’s Liquor Barn has quite simply the best selection of beer, wine and spirits on the Western Slope.

2438 F Road, Grand Junction, 970-242-0999, www.fisherliquorbarn.com Fruita Wood & BBQ Supply Providing premium, quality products to barbecue competition teams in the country. Teaching backyard cooking and how to cook like the pros.

2297 Tall Grass Drive, Grand Junction, 970-242-3942, bert@fruitawoodchunks.com, www.fruitawood.com

GRAND JUNCTION REGION [GLENWOOD SPRINGS, RIFLE, MONTROSE, DURANGO]

Grease Monkey 2857 North Ave., Grand Junction, 970-241-1895 Humphrey RV & Trailer 2749 U.S. Highway 50, Grand Junction, 970-256-7338, www.humphreyrv.com Integra Motorsports Integra provides sales and service for Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, dirt bikes, street bikes and more! We are located in Gypsum, two blocks east of Costco.

375 Lindbergh Drive, Gypsum, 970-328-7133, Fax: 970-384-5335, info@integramotorsports.com, www.integramotorsports.com

Liquor Store, The Large selection of fine wine, beer and liquor.

1601 Oxbow Drive, Suite 300 (next to Walmart), Montrose, 970-252-8889 Mattas Marine & RV Full service RV and boat store, featuring America’s favorite Lance campers and travel trailers. Boats by Chaparral, Centurion, Alumacraft and Ranger.

2308 U.S. Highway 6 and 50, Grand Junction, 970-241-8517, www.mattasmarine.com Montrose Implement & Motorsports 4690 N. Townsend Ave., Montrose, 970-240-1720 or 888-240-1720, Fax: 970-240-1782 Pro Powder Coating

Red Rock Archery Full service provider since 1983.

Bowhunter, target shooter or 3-D enthusiast, we have the resources to meet every shooter’s needs.

3193 Hall Ave., Grand Junction, 970-241-2697 Rifle Truck & Trailer Over 150 trailers in stock, good selection of ATVs and snowmobiles. We appreciate your business. Open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

1725 Airport Road, Rifle, 970-625-8884, www.rttrailer.com Rocky Toppers & Rhino Linings of Grand Junction Truck toppers and linings, grill guards, bed slides, steps, fender flares, tool boxes and other after-market products.

529 Pitkin Ave., Grand Junction, 970-254-9339

Professional firearm and high-temp coats, powder coating and sand blasting. Like us Safari Ltd. on Facebook.

1005 Pitkin Ave., Grand Junction, 549 Bogart Lane, Grand Junction, 970-245-5898, www.safari-ltd.com 970-241-3422, www.propowdercoating.biz

Scotty’s Muffler Scotty’s Muffler is your complete car care center.

357 Pitkin Ave., Grand Junction, 970-243-9209 Springworks We can outfit your truck, RV, boat, horse and utility trailers for the great outdoors.

555 W. Gunnison, Grand Junction, 970-242-4404, www.thespringworksgj.com Tire Distribution Center Full-service tire work with the right mix of new tire and retread knowledge to ensure the ongoing success of our customers.

410 North Ave., Grand Junction, 970-242-3021, Fax: 970-245-8089, 374@tdstires.com Western Implement Western Implement, in Grand Junction and Montrose, provides goods and services that keep our customers coming back again and again.

2919 North Ave., Grand Junction, 970-242-7960, www.westernimplement.com

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The Gourmet Rose Market & Cowboy and the Rose Catering Your one-stop shop, from flower arrangements to gourmet foods. We also provide quality party planning for all your life events.

104 Orchard Ave., Grand Junction, 970-261-3099

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GRAND JUNCTION REGION [GLENWOOD SPRINGS, RIFLE, MONTROSE, DURANGO] MEAT PROCESSING, TAXIDERMY & FUR DEALERS Bookcliff Fur Company 1971 Frontage Road, Fruita, 970-683-1402 D & M Meats 2889 Florida St., Grand Junction, 970-241-1073, meatcutter75@hotmail.com Eagle Springs Meat USDA meat and processing plant at Eagle Springs. We provide the freshest beef, pork, lamb, goat, fish and poultry that you can buy.

1733 Railroad Ave., Rifle, 970-625-5249 Gross Locker Plant 140 S. Eighth St., Silt, 970-876-2334, www.rifleareachamber.chambermaster.com High Desert Taxidermy 1923 L Road, Fruita, 970-858-3389 or 970-216-1460, www.highdeserttaxidermy.com

Hotchkiss Meats, Inc. Domestic and game custom processing.

Over 30 varieties of award-winning and smoked products. Since 1983.

219 High St., Hotchkiss, 970-872-3030 or 970-872-3006, Hotchkissmeats@tds.net, www.hotchkissmeat.com Kinikin Processing Jerky, brats and summer sausage made in house. State inspected and cleanest meat processing plant in the area.

72015 Kinikin Road, Montrose, 970-240-4329, www.colorado-elk.com Orchard Mesa Market Locally owned family market, provides meat processing, gasoline, propane, lottery sales, frozen food lockers and wild game processing.

176 29 Road, Grand Junction, 970-243-6601 Rocky Mountain Tanners

leather products.

4965 S. Broadway, Englewood, 303-293-2882, www.rockymountaintanners.com Wildgame Transport We specialize in transporting taxidermy mounts and meat nationwide. We deliver your processed meat and trophy right to your home or business. Extra special handling of your mounts!

661 Chalisa Ave., Grand Junction, 970-712-0946, wildgametransport@yahoo.com, www.wildgametransport.com

LICENSING AGENTS 1st Stop 821 W. Tomichi Ave., Gunnison, 970-641-6700 Action Shop Services, The 2412 Access Road, Rifle, 970-625-0943

Alpine Angling & Adventure Travel Rocky Mountain Tanners has been in 995 Cowen Drive, No. 102, Carbondale, business for over 20 years, showcasing all 970-963-9245 types of hide tanning services and custom

Dennis Gillilan Hunt

LLC

Colorado Landowner Permits BUY • SELL • TRADE

Area Best Pawn & Loan 2014 Townsend Ave., Montrose, 970-204-6062 Army & Factory Surplus 2828 Glen Ave., Glenwood Springs, 970-945-7796 Basalt Center Fuel 122 Midland Ave., Basalt, 970-927-3599 Battlement Grocery 71 Sipprelle Drive, Battlement Mesa, 970-285-5667 Battlement Mesa Hardware 71-4 Sipperelle Drive, Battlement Mesa, 970-285-6678 Berfield Stage Stop 519 W. Tomichi, Gunnison, 970-641-5782 Big 5 Sporting Goods 400 S. Camino Del Rio, Suite A, Durango, 970-247-1588 Big R of Alamosa 148 Craft, Alamosa, 719-587-0435

Don’t Be This Guy On Opening Morning!

Deer • Elk • Antelope Permits/Hunts Available cohunts@aol.com www.landowners-tags-vouchers.com

CASH FOR GUNS, ANTLERS, TRAPS beartrap35@aol.com

BUY-SELL TRADE

Palisade, CO • (970)234-0797 120 | VISIT WWW.COHunter.COM FOR MORE

D&M Meats

Quality Domestic and Wild Game Processing Stop by for a complimentary 2889 Florida St. before multi-point inspection Grand Junction, CO 81501 hunting season begins.

970-241-1073 Dan & Michelle Gillilan - Owners meatcutter75@hotmail.com

741 N. First St., Grand Jct. • 242-1571 •Like 800-323-6483 Us www.fuocomotors.com • Hours: M-F 7:30- 5:30

GRAND JUNCTION REGION [GLENWOOD SPRINGS, RIFLE, MONTROSE, DURANGO]

Blair’s Truckstop 1440 N. Townsend Ave., Montrose, 970-249-7343 Cabela’s 2424 U.S. Highway 6 and 50, Grand Junction, 970-683-5000 Canon City Sports Outlet 1426 Royal Gorge Blvd., Canon City, 719-275-9160 Cedaredge Foodtown 210 S.E. Independence Ave., Cedaredge, 970-856-3151 Circle K Ranch 27758 Colorado Highway 145, Dolores, 970-562-3826 City Market 131 Market St., Alamosa, 719-589-2492; 1703 Fremont, Canon City, 719-275-1595; 1051 Colorado Highway 133, Carbondale, 970-963-3255; 508 E. Main St., Cortez, 970-565-6504; 122 Gunnison River Drive,

Delta, 970-874-9718; 6 Town Plaza Shopping Center, Durango, 970-247-4475; 3130 Main Ave., Durango, 970-259-0240; 0103 Market St., Eagle, 970-328-1302; 135 S. Plum, Fruita, 970-858-9506; 1410 S. Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs, 970-945-8207; 200 Rood Ave., Grand Junction, 970-241-2278; 569 32 Road, Grand Junction, 970-434-9603; 630 24 Road, Grand Junction, 970-244-8100; 2270 U.S. Highway 50 South, Grand Junction, 970-245-1411; 880 N. Main, Gunnison, 970-641-3816; 215 Sixth St., Hotchkiss, 970-872-2600; 128 Townsend, Montrose, 970-249-3405; 16400 S. Townsend, Montrose, 970-240-3236; 850 Castle Valley Blvd., New Castle, 970-984-9715; 165 Country Center Drive, Pagosa Springs, 970-731-6000; 1320 Railroad Ave., Rifle, 970-625-3080

0088 Wildlife Way, Glenwood Springs, 970-947-2920; 711 Independent Ave., Grand Junction, 970-255-6100; 300 W. New York Ave., Gunnison, 970-641-7060; 2300 S. Townsend Ave., Montrose, 970-252-6000

Dove Creek Superette 445 W. U.S. Highway 491, Dove Creek, 970-677-2336

Colorado Rocky Mountain Outfitters 20090 Barron Lake Drive, Cedaredge, 970-856-4497

Eagle Mountain Mercantile 56 Talisman Drive, Unit 8C, Pagosa Springs, 970-731-9900

Colorado Trails Ranch 12161 La Plata County Road 240, Durango, 877-711-2456

Eagle River Anglers 25 Eby Creek Road, Eagle, 970-328-2323

Collbran Creamery 2117 Rodeo Road, Collbran, 970-487-3511

Delta Hardware Inc. 121 W. Gunnison River Drive, Delta, 970-874-9515

Collbran Supply Inc. 203 Main, Collbran, 970-487-3341 Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices 151 E. 16th St., Durango, 970-247-0855;

Cox Conoco 201 Railroad Ave., Mancos, 970-533-7728 Dan’s Fly Shop 723 Gunnison Ave., Lake City, 970-944-2281

Dennis Gillilan Hunt, LLC 407 35 Road, Palisade, 970-464-9235, cohunts@aol.com, www.landownertag-tags-voucher.com

Duranglers 923 Main Ave., Durango, 970-385-4081

Eagle Travel Stop 1040 Interstate 70, Exit 47, Palisade, 970-464-7275 Elk Point Lodge 21730 La Plata County Road 501, Bayfield, 970-884-2482 Five Branches Camper Park 4677 La Plata County Road 501-A, Bayfield, 970-884-2582 Fred’s Hardware 1725 A Railroad Ave., Rifle, 970-625-3986

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Big R of Cortez 1319 E. Main, Cortez, 970-564-5942

Frost RV Park & Country Store 21161 Baron Lake Drive, Cedaredge, 970-856-3216

Goods for the Woods 307 S. Camino Del Rio, Durango, 970-247-5725

Kmart 2809 North Ave., Grand Junction, 970-243-6250

Montrose True Value 601 E. Main St., Montrose, 970-249-4850

Fruita Consumers Coop Locations 1650 U.S. Highway 6 and 50, Fruita, 970-858-3667; 966 Main St., Nucla, 970-864-7323; 205 W. Eighth St., Palisade, 970-646-7277

Grand Mesa Lodge 25861 Colorado Highway 65, Cedaredge, 970-856-3250

Ken Banks Shooters World 1220 E. N St., Cortez, 970-565-8960

Mr. T’s Hardware 6300 Garfield County Road 335, New Castle, 970-984-2977

Frying Pan Anglers 132 Basalt Center Circle, Basalt, 970-927-3441 Gardenswartz 780 Main Ave., Durango, 970-259-6696 Gene Taylor’s 201 W. Tomichi, Gunnison, 970-641-1845

Gunnison Lakeside Resort 28357 W. U.S. Highway 50, Gunnison, 970-641-0477 Gunnison River Fly Shop 300 N. Main St., Gunnison, 970-641-2930 High Lonesome Lodge 275 222 Road, Debeque, 970-283-9420 Ignacio Shur Valu 535 Goddard Ave., Ignacio, 970-563-4462

Glade Park Store 16498 Ds Rod, Glade Park, 970-242-5421 Goodman’s Deptartment Store 402 Pagosa St., Pagosa Springs, 970-264-5460

Jerry’s Outdoor Sports 2999 North Ave., Grand Junction, 970-245-1502 JP Flyfishing Specialties 1100 Grand Ave., Canon City, 719-275-7637

1605 Highway 50 Grand Junction, CO 970-208-3891 OPEN 10am-6pm

Kessler Canyon 4410 Mesa County Road 209, Debeque, 970-283-1145 Leisure Time Sports 110-D S.E. Frontier Ave., Cedaredge, 970-856-3000 Lewis Mercantile 311 Bayfield Center Drive, Bayfield, 970-884-9502

Naturita Sales 150 W. Main St., Naturita, 970-865-2616 Nearly Everything Store, The 301 Broadway, Eagle, 970-328-6875 Needles Country Store 46825 N. U.S. Highway 550, Durango, 970-247-1221

M & M Mercantile 240 Front St., Placerville, 970-728-3216

Newberry’s Store 82111 U.S. Highway 50, Cimarron, 970-249-5689

ME 2 Firearms, LLC 314 E. First St., Parachute, 970-285-9170

Norwood True Value 1635 Grand Ave., Norwood, 970-327-4238

Montrose Travel Center 1440 N. Townsend Ave., Ste A, Grand Junction, 970-249-7343

Olathe Hardware 321 Main St., Olathe, 970-323-5708

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GRAND JUNCTION REGION [GLENWOOD SPRINGS, RIFLE, MONTROSE, DURANGO]

America’s Best Selling Camper Lance Campers From Economy to Luxury

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www.mattasmarine.com Sales • Service • Parts & Accessories

Photos for illustration purposes only. *#L2316, $28,056, 10% down, 4.9%, 180 months, WAC. 2014 | colorado Hunter | 123

Old Grand Mesa Corner Market 10986 Colorado Highway 65, Mesa, 970-268-5484

Priest Gulch Campground 27646 Colorado Highway 145, Dolores, 970-562-3810

Ouray Apteka 611 Main St., Ouray, 970-325-4388

Rigs Fly Shop & Guide Service 565 Sherman Highway, Suite 2, Ridgeway, 970-626-4460

Outdoor World 1234 Greene St., Silverton, 970-387-5628 Outfitter, The 21 Pike Drive, Pagosa Springs, 877-645-6651 Paonia Farm and Home Supply 206 Grand Ave., Paonia, 970-527-3301 Piedra Store 22391 W. U.S. Highway 160, Bayfield, 970-731-5646 Pine River Lodge 14443 La Plata County Road 501, Bayfield, 970-884-2563 Pleasant Valley 84100 E. U.S. Highway 50, Cimarron, 970-249-8330

Riverside Convenience Store 1110 Railroad Ave., Dolores, 970-882-3434

Rite Aid 400 N. First St, Grand Junction, 970-263-7415; 1834 N. 12th St., Grand Junction, 970-243-3125; 2992 Patterson Road, Grand Junction, 970-241-3795; 1412 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs, 970-945-7403

Safeway 112 S. Spruce, Gunnison, 970-641-0787; 1414 Main St., Canon City, 719-275-5221; 1329 S. Townsend Ave., Montrose, 970-249-8822; 2001 Grand St., Glenwood Springs, 970-945-2002; 1550 U.S. Highway 92, Delta, 970-874-9032; 1580 E. Main St., Cortez, 970-564-9590; 2148 Broadway, Grand Junction, 970-243-4204; 681 Horizon Drive, Grand Junction, 970-254-0227; 2901 F Road, Grand Junction, 970-248-9871

Roaring Fork Anglers 2205 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs, 970-945-0180

San Juan Angler, The 600 Main St., Suite 202 and 203, Durango, 970-382-9978

Roaring Fork Valley Co-Op 760 Colorado Highway 133, Carbondale, 970-963-2220

Sapinero Village Store 16020 U.S. Highway 50, Gunnison, 970-641-2340

Rocky Mountain General Store and Meats 17454 La Plata County Road 501, Bayfield, 970-884-0999

Shoreline Marina 26363 Morgan County Road 3, Orchard, 970-645-2628

Ski and Bow Rack 354 E. Pagosa St., Pagosa Springs, 970-264-2370 Skyline Food & Gas 27963 U.S. Highway 184, Dolores, 970-882-2171 Slavens True Value Hardware 237 W. Main St., Cortez, 970-565-8571 Sports Authority 125 E. Meadows Drive, Glenwood Springs, 970-947-9563; 2424 U.S. Highway 6 and 50, Grand Junction, 970-241-7977; 3451 S. Rio Grande, Unit A, Montrose, 970-249-2706 Sportsman Inc. 238 S. Gunnison Ave., Lake City, 970-944-2526 Sportsman’s Campground & Mountain Cabins 2095 Taylor Lane, Pagosa Springs, 970-731-2300 Sportsman’s Warehouse 2464 U.S. Highway 6, Grand Junction, 970-243-8100

Quality Custom Fab LLC A Full Service Welding and Fabrication Shop

“If you can dream it, we can design it and build it!”

From the Home to the Oilfield CAD DESIGN 3-D PART RENDERING CNC PLASMA TABLE SKIDS • STANDS STAIRS STORAGE UNITS SKID MOUNT HOUSING UNITS CONTAINMENT SYSTEMS: SOLID OR LIQUID SKID OR TRAILER MOUNTED EQUIPMENT UNITIZED PUMPS • DIVERSION SYSTEMS CUTTINGS BIN RENTAL • SECONDARY CONTAINMENT KITS

2730 Hwy 50 • Grand Junction 970-245-7789 124 | VISIT WWW.COHunter.COM FOR MORE

74337

HUNTINGDIRECTORY

GRAND JUNCTION REGION [GLENWOOD SPRINGS, RIFLE, MONTROSE, DURANGO]

GRAND JUNCTION REGION [GLENWOOD SPRINGS, RIFLE, MONTROSE, DURANGO]

Taylor Creek Fly Shop 183 Basalt Center Circle, Basalt, 970-927-4374 Telluride Outside/Telluride Angler 121 W. Colorado Ave., Telluride, 970-728-3895 Telluride Sports 562 Mountain Village Blvd., Telluride, 970-728-8944 Telluride Sports 150 W. Colorado Ave., Telluride, 970-728-4477 Terry’s Ace Hardware 525 Navajo Trails Drive, Pagosa Springs, 970-731-4022 Tim’s Tools 810 Main St., Silt, 970-876-0757 Timberline Sporting Goods 124 W. Second St., Rifle, 970-625-4868

Toad’s Guide Shop 309 E. Main, Montrose, 970-249-0408

Road, Rifle, 970-625-5367; 37 Stafford Lane, Delta, 970-874-1585

Trader’s Rendevous 516 W. Tomichi, Gunnison, 970-641-5077

Weekenders Sports 141 W. Bridge, Hotchkiss, 970-872-3444

Vail Valley Anglers 97 Main St., Unit E102, Edwards, 970-926-0900

Western Anglers 413 Main St., Grand Junction, 970-244-8658

Vallecito Resort 13030 La Plata County Road 501, Bayfield, 970-884-9458

STATE PARKS

Valley Ranch Supply 57454 U.S. Highway 330, Collbran, 970-487-3000 Wal-Mart 1835 E. Main, Cortez, 970-565-6138; 16750 S. Townsend, Montrose, 970-249-7544; 3010 Blake Ave., Glenwood Springs, 970-945-5563; 171 Yoder Ave., Avon, 970-949-6442; 2881 North Ave., Grand Junction, 970-241-6061; 900 N. Main St., Building A, Gunnison, 970-641-1733; 1155 S. Camino Del Rio, Durango, 970-259-8755; 2545 Rimrock Ave., Grand Junction, 970-248-0031; 1000 Airport

Colorado River-Corn Lake 361 32 Road, Clifton, 970-434-6862 Colorado River Fruita (Park) 595 U.S. Highway 340, Fruita, 970-434-3388 Colorado River-Island Acres 361 32 Road, Clifton, 970-434-3388 Crawford State Park 40468 U.S. Highway 92, Crawford, 970-921-5721 Highline Lake State Park 1800 11.8 Road, Loma, 970-858-7208

Jackson Lake (Park) 26363 Morgan County Road 3, Orchard, 970-645-2551 Lone Mesa State Park 1321 Railroad Ave., Dolores, 970-882-2213 Mancos State Park 42545 Montezuma County Road N, Mancos, 970-533-7065 Navajo Marina/Park 1526 Archuleta County Road 982, Arboles, 970-883-2628 or 970-883-2208 Ridgway State Park 28555 U.S. Highway 550, Ridgeway, 970-626-5822 Rifle Gap (Park) 5775 Colorado Highway 325, Rifle, 970-625-1607 Sweitzer Lake (Park) Delta, 970-921-5721 Sylvan Lake State Park 10200 Brush Creek Road, Eagle, 970-328-2021

Meet DAVE BUCHANAN, The Daily Sentinel’s Outdoor Writer

Dave has been writing hunting stories for the pages of The Daily Sentinel for 25 years. His philosophy is that the best stories are the ones about people, like the time a few years ago when Collbran outfitter Colby Olford had two archery elk hunters who both killed their elk early in the season and then decided to purchase two more licenses, just so they could continue hunting.

“They had killed their animals early and what were they going to do, sit around camp for the rest of the hunt?” asked Olford, who also is a talented outdoor photographer. “This was the first time I’d seen a hunter do this.”

How about Jackie Gross, a self-described “lil’ southern country girl from Louisiana” who splits her time between Silt and the bayou country and is the runnerup in the 2012 Extreme Huntress contest.

On her website www.bowkrazy.com, Jackie writes: “My introduction to hunting came at a young age, when my brother would stick me in a blind while duck hunting.”

“Once I learned how to shoot a shotgun I became hooked. I soon learned that this was just the beginning and it was the best freedom I could ever experience.”

That early start to hunting is a good story in itself.

A former state wildlife biologist curried hunting interest in his two young sons on a late-season cow hunt.

“It’s a great time to take a kid for his first elk,” the biologist said. “Two of my three boys killed a cow on late-season hunt and the middle one was 12 when he killed his first cow elk and now he’s 20 and on his eight or ninth elk.”

By DAVE BUCHANAN

734 South 7th St., Grand Junction, CO 81501 • Advertising 256-4289 • Circulation 242-1919 • Classified 242-1313

2014 | colorado Hunter

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Sundance RV Camp 11674 Colorado Highway 65, Mesa, 970-268-5651

Western Colorado’s Preferred Dealer For 80 Years!

970-242-1571 • 1-800-323-6483

741 N. First St., Grand Junction, CO • WWW.FUOCOMOTORS.COM

126 | VISIT WWW.COHunter.COM FOR MORE

GRAND JUNCTION REGION [GLENWOOD SPRINGS, RIFLE, MONTROSE, DURANGO] Colorado Customs 565 25 Road, No. A101, Grand Junction, 970-257-0522

OTHER SUPPORTING BUSINESSES

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Our mission is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources.

711 Independent Ave., Grand Junction, 970-255-6100

Action Pistol Group You will not rise to the occasion, but default to your level of training. If you buy a gun, make training your top priority.

P.O. Box 1761, Grand Junction, 970-245-5138 or 970-260-8991, www.actionpistolgroup.com Alidas Fruits Bringing you the best Colorado jams, jellies, syrups, palisade peaches and chocolate dipped fruits!

419 Main St., Grand Junction, 970-2412091; 3402 C 1/2 road (E. Orchard Mesa), Palisade, 970-434-8769, www.alidasfruits.com Arrowhead Ranch Real Estate 21501 Alpine Plateau Road, Cimarron, 970-862-8402 or 800-643-9905

Friendly and professional full service motor company.

741 N. First St., Grand Junction, 970-242-1571 or 800-323-6483, www.fuocomotors.com Glenwood Springs Gun Club Public welcome to shoot when range is open. Sporting clays, trap, black powder, rifle and pistol ranges up to 200 yards.

Hunter education courses also available.

P.O. Box 2362, Glenwood Springs, 970-945-5556 Grand Valley Power 845 22 Road, Grand Junction, 970-242-0040

Columbine Ford Our goal is to make your car buying experience the best possible. We offer a wide variety of new and used cars, Ford incentives, service specials and Ford parts savings.

2728 Railroad Ave., Rifle, 970-625-1680, www.columbineford.com

Grimsley’s Upholstery Upholstery for your auto, boat, RV or furniture.

804 Pitkin Ave., Grand Junction, 970-245-3316 Haining Plumbing & Heating 562 S. Westgate Drive, Grand Junction, 970-243-1461, www.hainingplumbing.com

Fuoco Motor Company Honda, Nissan, GMC, Cadillac and pre-owned quality vehicles for 80 years.

Roush Performance Mustangs

Hellman Toyota Everything we do is driven by you.

750 U.S. Highway 92, Delta, 888-757-9659 Lewis True Value Mercantile 311 Bayfield Center Drive, Bayfield, 970-884-9502 Lou Dean’s Treasure Trove From classic to fantastic, we offer a variety of treasured items.

1607 U.S. Highway 6 and 50, Grand Junction, 970-208-3891 Mount Peaks Urgent Care 836 S. Townsend Ave., Montrose, 970-249-2118; 456 Kokopelli, Suite B, Fruita, 970-639-9505 Primary Care Partners — Docs on Call An after-hours facility, established to provide patient care after normal office hours. Providing a cost-effective alternative to a hospital emergency room for non life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

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Classes available throughout the year Competitive shooting • IDPA • USPSA Outdoor range available by membership

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www.columbineford.com 2728 Railroad Avenue

Call David at (970) 260-8991

79652

Register online at

For more information

2014 | colorado Hunter

| 127

HUNTINGDIRECTORY

Vega State Park 15247 64 6/10 Road, Collbran, 970-487-3407

GRAND JUNCTION REGION [GLENWOOD SPRINGS, RIFLE, MONTROSE, DURANGO] Summers Motors 1568 N. Townsend Ave., Montrose, 970-240-8503

HUNTINGDIRECTORY

3150 N. 12th St., Grand Junction, 970-255-1576, www.pcpgj.com Quality Custom Fab, LLC

Vicki Green Realtors Opening doors is our business … let us open one for you!

930 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs, 970-945-1010 or 800-274-1453, Fax: 970-945-2593

A full-service welding and fabrication shop. Provides our customers with the very best in quality craftsmanship & smart design.

2730 U.S. Highway 50, Grand Junction, 970-245-7789

Western Slope Auto

Rib City Grill 2830 North Ave., #C6A, Grand Junction, 970-245-1742

Western Slope Auto is a new and used car dealer serving Grand Junction. Our goal is to provide you with the best car buying experience possible!

2264 U.S. Highway 6 and 50, Grand Junction, 888-974-1154, www.westernslopeauto.com

Transwest Trucks 2224 Sanford Drive, Grand Junction, 970-256-1081 or 800-571-5791

St. Mary’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center Withers Seidman Rice St. Mary’s, the center between Denver and & Mueller PC Salt Lake City, is dedicated to meeting the 101 S. Third St., Suite 265, Grand Junction, health care needs of Western Colorado 970-245-9075, www.wsrmpc.com and eastern Utah with state-of-the-art and compassionate care.

2635 N. Seventh St., Grand Junction, 970-298-2273, www.stmarygj.org

METAL FABRICATION & REPAIR WE DO

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STEAMBOAT SPRINGS REGION [HAYDEN, WALDEN, OAK CREEK, YAMPA, KREMMLING, GRANBY] Alpine Motor Sports ATV sales, service and accessories.

115 W. Central Ave., Kremmling, 970-724-9655, www.alpinemotorsportsinc.com Aspen Sporting Goods & Video Rentals 417 Byers Ave., Hot Sulphur Springs, 970-725-0098 Backdoor Sports 841 Yampa St., Steamboat Springs, 970-879-6249, www.backdoorsports.com BAP! Outdoor retail shop and outlet store for BAP! (fleece apparel), Big Agnes (sleeping pads, bags and tents) and Honey Stinger (energy bars and gels) also sells other gear and clothing from manufacturers like Smith Optics and Smartwool.

735 Oak St., Steamboat Springs, 970-879-7507, www.bwear.com

Bonfiglio Drug and Liquor Natural preventative healthcare, pharmacy, gifts, cards and sundries.

118 Main St., Oak Creek, 970-736-2377 or 877-Bonfiglio Brand Spankin Used 116 W. Main St., Oak Creek, 970-736-8100 Bucking Rainbow Outfitters 730 Lincoln Ave., Steamboat Springs, 970-879-8747 or 888-810-8747, www.buckingrainbow.com Elk River Guns Full-service shooting sports center with firearms, gun-smithing, ammunition, spotting scopes and binoculars, rangefinders and hunting accessories.

1320 Dream Island Plaza, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-7565 Extreme Powersports

Carrying Arctic Cat, Husaberg and Schwinn, as well as ATVs, snowmobiles, Bear River Valley Co-op prowlers, dirt bikes and scooters.

193 E. Jefferson Ave., Hayden, 970-276-3313 Providing service and maintenance for all

of your powersports needs.

Kremmling Area Chamber of 300 River Road, Steamboat Springs, Commerce 970-879-9175, www.extremepowersports.net Stop in and see us or visit our website for maps and information on where to eat Fishin’ Hole Sporting Goods play and stay while in the Kremmling 111 W. Park Ave., Kremmling, area.

970-724-9407 203 Park Ave., Kremmling, 970-724-3472, www.kremmlingchamber.com Flat Tops Ranch Supply Farm supplies, animal feed, tack, tools, Kremmling Mercantile propane, sporting goods and gifts.

One-stop-shopping for hunting and 21475 Colorado Highway 131, Phippsburg, fishing licenses, liquor, groceries, gifts, 970-736-2450 pharmacy, bakery, deli, gas, diesel and car wash.

Hahn’s Peak Roadhouse 101 Martin Way, Kremmling, 970-724-8979 60880 Routt County Road 129, Clark, 970-879-4404 or 800-342-1889, Montgomery’s General Merchandise www.hahnspeakroadhouse.com Groceries, ammunition, licenses, maps and sporting goods.

High Country Sports 24 Main St., Yampa, 970-638-4531, 491 Main St., Walden, 970-723-4648 www.montgomerysstore.com Jeweler’s Mine Custom jewelry and repairs including unique elk ivory pieces.

118 Eighth St., Steamboat Springs, 970-871-1413, www.thejewelersmine.com

North Park Anglers 524 Main St., Walden, 970-723-4215, www.northparkanglers.com North Park Super 33482 Colorado Highway 125, Walden, 970-723-8211

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GEAR, GOODS & SUPPLIES

Powderhorn Cabins 35336 Jackson County Road 21, Walden, 970-723-4359

Located at the west end of town -101 Martin Way Store: (970)724-8979 Pharmacy (970)724-3205 Liquor Store: (970)724-8995

7.99 for any Single Topping Pizza 8.99 for any Multi-Topping Pizza Come to the Kremmling Mercantile for Hunts Bros. Pizza!

$

$ Expires 11/30/2014 2014 Colorado Hunter Magazine

Select Super Markets Local super market carrying groceries and produce. In-store deli serving fresh sandwiches and soups.

103 W. Main St., Oak Creek, 970-736-2455

Get 10% OFF with Coupon! (excluding alcohol)

2014 Colorado Hunter Magazine

Expires 11/30/2014

“Make Tracks Down to the Locals’s Favorite”

Horses for rent Hunting and Pack Horses

Meeker

970-878-4382 12900 County Rd 8 · Meeker CO

WilliaMs Fork

steaMboat

970-879-2306 835 River Road · Steamboat, CO

Dotsero

970-276-2048 781 County Road 6 · Hayden, CO

970-524-9742 13721 COv River Rd · Gypsum, CO

Craig

business oFFiCe

781 County Road 15 · Craig, CO

911 Kimbark St. · Longmont, CO

970-824-3468

303-442-0258

Available Archery, Muzzleloading & rifle seasons

summer Horses Available • Guided & Unguided rides • www.sombrero.com Permitted on White River, Routt and Arapahoe- Roosevelt National Forests License #217 E.O.E.

130 | VISIT WWW.COHunter.COM FOR MORE

The oldest fly-fishing guide service and shop in Steamboat. We also have boots, shoes, maps, knives, camping equipment and more. Plus, come check out our new bow shop!

744 Lincoln Ave., Steamboat Springs, 970879-7568 or 800-354-5463, www.straightlinesports.com

Silver Spur Fine gold and silver custom jewelry. Unique Talon Grips elk tooth jewelry pieces.

Manufacturing grips for a wide range of P.O. Box 771717, Steamboat Springs, guns. Visit www.talongungrips.com to 970-879-3880 view our extensive catalog and place your order.

Ski Haus International 2522 Copper Ridge Drive No. B-5, Steamboat 1457 Pine Grove Road, Steamboat Springs, Springs, 970-367-7333, 970-879-0385 or 800-932-3019, www.talongungrips.com www.skihaussteamboat.com South Side Liquor

Located At The West End of Town, Across From The Mercantile

Straightline Sports

Conveniently located off U.S. Highway 40 across from the Holiday Inn. Your one-stop shop for beer, wine, liquor and ice.

905 Weiss Drive, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-5929 Space Station Gas and convenience store conveniently located in downtown Oak Creek and Steamboat Springs.

312 Myers St., Oak Creek, 970-736-8319; 644 S. Lincoln Ave., Steamboat Springs, 970-879-1811 Spiro’s Tradin’ Post 107 Main St., Oak Creek, 970-736-2443 Sports Authority 705 Martketplace Plaza S, Steamboat Springs, 970-871-4570, www.sportsauthority.com Steamboat Flyfisher Fifth and Yampa streets, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-6552, www.steamboatflyfisher.com Steamboat Powersports Powersports sales, service and accessories.

Maps and riding information as well as helmet rentals and on-site delivery available.

2989 Riverside Plaza, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-5138, www.steamboatpowersports.com

Timberline Builders Supply 209 N. Main St., Walden, 970-723-4422 Toponas Country General Store 10000 Colorado Highway 131, Toponas, 970-638-4438 Tri-River Ace Hunting and fishing licenses, propane, hay, shoes and Apparel, CARQUEST auto parts, sporting goods and more!

720 Tyler Ave., Kremmling, 970-724-9325, www.tri-river.com UPS Store Specializing in the transportation of mean and mounts as well as shipping excess gear. Also your office away from home providing fax, copy, document and overnight delivery services.

Central Park Plaza, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-6161, www.theupsstorelocal.com/4730

MEAT PROCESSING & TAXIDERMY All Seasons Taxidermy 2354 Lincoln Ave., Steamboat Springs, 970-870-8520 American West Taxidermy 45 Grand Country Road 12, Kremmling, 970-724-9321 B & L Quality Taxidermy Providing taxidermy and mounting services for game and fish. Expert

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS REGION [HAYDEN, WALDEN, OAK CREEK, YAMPA, KREMMLING, GRANBY] LICENSING AGENTS City Market 1825 Central Park Plaza, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-3290

Elk River Custom Wild Game Processing Free pickup and delivery. We ship.

Call Joe 970-819-8177 or Dan 970-846-7642. 2474 Downhill Drive, No. 11, Steamboat Springs, elkrivercustommeats@ yahoo.com

Clark Store General store, eatery, and coffee house, with on-site liquor store and post office.

54175 Routt County Road 129, Clark, 970-879-3849, www.clarkstore.com

Kremmling Wild Game Processing 5240 Grand County Road 22, Kremmling, 970-724-3759, www.kremmlingwildgame.com

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Hot Sulphur Springs office/service center 346 Grand County Road 362, Hot Sulphur Springs, 970-725-6200

Steamboat Meat & Seafood Individually process each game. Courtesy cooler available. Shipping available anywhere with shrink wrap, dry ice and insulated coolers. Specialty items also available.

1030 Yampa St., Steamboat Springs, 970-879-3504, www.steamboatseafood.com

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Steamboat Springs office/service center 925 Weiss Drive, Steamboat Springs, 970-870-2197 Corkies Mini Mart 597 Main St., Walden, 970-723-4733 Hayden Mercantile 111 N. Sixth St., Hayden, 970-276-3922

Lake John Resort 2521 Jackson County Road 7A, Walden, 970-723-3226

Wal-Mart 1805 Central Park Drive, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-8115

North Park/Gould/Walden KOA 53337 Colorado Highway 14, Walden, 970-723-4310, www.koa.com/where/co/06117

Walden Conoco 609 Main St., Walden, 970-723-4246 Yampa River State Park 6185 W. U.S. Highway 40, Hayden, 970-276-2061

Safeway Food & Drug 37500 E. U.S. Highway 40, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-3766

SHOOTING RANGES Byers Canyon Rifle Range P.O. Box 216, Hot Sulphur Springs (12 miles east of Kremmling), 970-725-6200 (Colorado Parks and Wildlife Hot Sulphur Springs office)

Shop & Hop Food Stop 35775 E. U.S. Highway 40, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-2489 State Forest State Park 56750 Colorado Highway 14, Walden, 970-723-8366 Stagecoach Lake State Park (marina) 25500 Routt County Road 14, Oak Creek, 970-736-8342 Steamboat Lake State Park 61105 Routt County Road 129, Clark, 970-879-7019

Hardest Working, smootHest riding Features.

HUNTINGDIRECTORY

knowledge in preparing your game for taxidermy services.

2101 Snow Bowl Plaza, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-1316

Hayden Shooting Range 2 miles south of Hayden on Routt County Road 37, 970-870-2197 (Colorado Parks and Wildlife Steamboat Springs office) Routt County Rifle Club P.O. Box 773116, Steamboat Springs (2 miles west of town on U.S. Highway 40), 970-870-0298, www.routtcountyrifleclub.com

Find yours today at

stop in and mention this ad to receive a free gift.

970-879-5138 www.steamboatpowersports.com info@steamboatpowersports.com Hours: tue-fri 9-6, sat 9-5 2989 riverside Plaza, steamboat springs, co

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STEAMBOAT SPRINGS REGION [HAYDEN, WALDEN, OAK CREEK, YAMPA, KREMMLING, GRANBY] Three Quarter Circles Sporting Clays and Driving Range 26185 U.S. Highway 40 (6 miles west of Steamboat), 970-879-5649 or 970-846-5647, www.3qc.com Vail Rod & Gun Club 1 Sporting Clay Way, Wolcott (just south of Interstate 70), 970-926-3472, www.lazyjranch.net Walden Public Shooting Area 4 miles east of Walden on Jackson County Road 12E, 970-723-4625

OTHER SUPPORTING BUSINESSES DINING Creekside Cafe and Grill Serving Yampa Valley beef and Yampa Valley Farms pork. Chicken fried steak, biscuits and gravy, local thick-cut bacon and more.

131 11th St., Steamboat Springs, 970-879-4925, www.creekside-cafe.com Fiesta Jalisco Family owned and operated serving real

Mexican cuisine using authentic family recipes. With nine locations throughout Colorado, you’ll like what you find 445 Anglers Drive, Steamboat Springs, 970-871-6999; 410 Ranney St., Craig, 970-826-0500, www.fiestajalisco.net La Fiesta Grill & Cantina Bringing together Old World flavors with contemporary culinary vision with beautiful presentation and the freshest ingredients.

1755 Central Park Drive, 970-879-6393, www.lafiestagrillandcantina.com The Moose Café Located at the west end of town across from the Mercantile. Home style cooking in a family atmosphere. Open 7 days a week from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m.

115 W. Park Ave., Kremmling, 970-724-9987

600 Lincoln Ave., Steamboat Springs, 970-879-2101, www.oldtownpub.jimdo.com Penny’s Diner and Oak Tree Inn Our rooms are clean, dark and quiet. HBO, 100 percent non-smoking, free Wi-Fi. The only hotel/diner open 24/7 in South Routt.

98 Moffat Ave., Yampa, 970-638-1000 The Tap House Sports Grill Sports grill and music venue, The Tap House is the place for fun, games, and food. Large parties welcome. Late-night entertainment.

739 Lincoln Ave., Steamboat Springs, 970-879-2431, www.thetaphouse.com

Vaqueros The sister restaurant of Fiesta Jalisco, Vaqueros serves up authentic Mexican Old Town Pub food made from family recipes. Serving This historic landmark features an all-new up entrees and tacos. made-from-scratch menu bringing 730 Lincoln Ave., Steamboat Springs, familiar classics to a whole new level.

970-879-7570 The draft list boasts up and coming local breweries.

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LODGING Allington Inn Comfortable lodging at an affordable price. Deluxe continental breakfast and high-speed wireless. Indoor pool, hot tub and fitness center.

215 W. Central Ave., 970-724-9800 or 800-981-4091, www.allingtoninn.com Columbine Cabins Fourteen historic 1800s gold miners cabins are fully restored and include a bathhouse, wood-fired sauna, commercial kitchen and a general store.

64505 Routt County Road 129, Clark, 970-879-5522, www.cabinsincolumbine.com Elk River Guest Ranch A haven for anglers and hunters — offering comfortably furnished and equipped cabins and an on-site saloon, with direct access to the National Forest (GMU 14) and private fishing on the Elk River.

29840 Routt County Road 64, Clark, 970-879-1946, www.elkriverguestranch.com

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS REGION [HAYDEN, WALDEN, OAK CREEK, YAMPA, KREMMLING, GRANBY]

Muddy Creek Cabins Picturesque fully furnished log cabins Located at the base of the Kremmling Cliffs, 970-724-9559, www.muddycreekcabins.com Oak Creek Motel Clean, affordable, friendly hospitality year round. Drive a little — save a lot!

408 Willow Bend just off Main Street, Oak Creek, 970-736-2343, www.oakcreekmotel.com Oak Tree Inn and Penny’s Diner Our rooms are clean, dark and quiet. HBO, 100 percent non-smoking, free Wi-Fi. We’re the only hotel/diner open 24/7 in South Routt.

98 Moffat Ave., Yampa, 970-638-1000

Quality Inn & Suites Conveniently located on U.S. Highway 40, Quality Inn & Suites offers clean, comfortable and affordable rooms. Free continental breakfast, Wi-Fi and pool.

1055 Walton Creek Road, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-6669, www.qualityinn.com Red Mountain RV Park Propane, showers, Wi-Fi, laundry, dump station and playground.

2201 Central Ave., Kremmling, 877-375-9593, www.redmtnrvpark.com Royal Hotel Historic building and great nightly rates.

Just minutes away from hunting, fishing, hiking and more!

201 Moffat St., Yampa, 970-638-4538 Wolford Campground Colorado’s newest reservoir. Camping, fishing, boating, water sports and picnic areas. Marina boat rentals available.

7 miles north of Kremmling, 866-472-4943, www.wolfordcampground.com

MISCELLANEOUS Bob Strong Insurance Offering auto, home, life and umbrella insurance. Experience insuring vacation rental properties and condominium and townhome associations.

1495 Pine Grove Road, Suite A201, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-1330, www.stronginsurance.net Feldmann Nagel, LLC Attorneys in oil and gas, family, criminal defense, military, civil and wildlife law. The wildlife division defends recreationists, outfitters and outdoorsmen with corporate operations, hunting leases, ranch/family estate planning, hunting citations and release and hold harmless agreements.

1120 S. Lincoln Ave., Steamboat Springs, 970-879-8616, www.colo-lawyers.com Steamboat Veterinary Hospital Servicing large and small animals in medicine and surgery, acupuncture, ultrasound, vaccinations and dentistry.

Animal health store with Hills Science Diet

and Blue Buffalo foods.

1878 Lincoln Ave., Steamboat Springs, 970-879-1041, www.steamboatveterinaryhospitalpc.com

REAL ESTATE Sotheby’s — Chris Wittemyer Licensed real estate broker and member of Steamboat Board of Realtors since 1996 with a strong background in land development and farm and ranch transactions.

610 Marketplace Plaza No. 100, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-8100, www.steamboatsir.com Sotheby’s — Ren Martyn A professional Realtor since 1995 with a broad range of real estate experience including brokering residential properties and intricate land, conservation easement and water transactions 610 Marketplace Plaza #100, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-8100, www.steamboatsir.com

Fo r a l l t h e t h i n g s t h a t m ove yo u . ®

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Convenient location by the Steamboat Springs Chamber Visitor’s Center.

Open Every Day! 970.879.SOLD (7653) | 888.660.8999 155 Anglers Drive, Suite 200 www.RemaxSteamboat.com

$65,000 | Lot 3 Pirates Hideout

$149,000 | 2,400 Acres

Hunters — do you want your own base camp near Sand Mountain? Pirates Hideout is comprised of 12 lots with common space on 80 acres surrounded on all 4 sides by the Routt National Forest. Build your own cabin and enjoy the peace and serenity of mother nature at her very best.

Ryan Barclay | 970-846-8101

If your passions are hunting, fishing, horseback riding, hiking Creek Ranch is for you. 39 homes share the amenities: protected land, barn, riding arena, owners lodge, 3 miles of fishing and more! Lot 28 features a flat building envelope and end-of-the-lane privacy. Your own piece of paradise!!

Peggy Wolfe | 970-846-8804

$1.1M | LittleSnakeRiverRanch.com Dreaming of waking up to 350+ class bull elk facing a meandering river & majestic mountains, well dream no more!!! Little Snake River Ranch is 741 acres, nearly 1 mile River Frontage, surrounded by 800,000 acres of BLM. Complete with beautiful 2+ bedroom log cabin.

Michelle Garner | 970-819-7017

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Glen Eden Resorts Offering comfortably appointed cabins with on-site restaurant and amenities.

Conveniently located in the heart of North Routt. Making hunters feel at home for more than 30 years.

54737 Routt County Road 129, Clark, 800-882-0854, www.glenedenresorts.com

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS REGION [HAYDEN, WALDEN, OAK CREEK, YAMPA, KREMMLING, GRANBY] HUNTINGDIRECTORY

Colorado Group Realty — Vonnie Frentress Specializing in Steamboat Springs real estate, Colorado Group Realty is knowledgeable in all areas including condos, luxury homes, ranch and commercial properties.

509 Lincoln Ave, P.O. Box 775430, Steamboat Springs, 970-276-9101 or 970-846-4372, www.vonniefrentress.homesandland.com Colorado Group Realty — Bo Stempel The largest independently owned brokerage company in the Yampa Valley. Bo Stempel is an avid hunter with knowledge of animal and bird habitats, helping you find the perfect property for your specific hunting needs.

Also experienced in stream and river restoration.

509 Lincoln Ave., P.O. Box 775430, Steamboat Spring, 970-819-1123, www.steamboathomesteads.com Peabody Energy Recreation Lands Specializing in recreational lands

Today 3:35 PM

Where is a good place to eat in downtown Steamboat?

Everywhere is good. What are you in the mood for?

A burger...

Check out ExploreSteamboat.com to see who’s reviewed for good burgers.

Your Go-to for What’s GoinG on in steamboat

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including farm and ranch properties, with the acreage you’re looking for. Explore our diverse group of properties available in Routt County.

618-295-1588, www.peabodyrecreationlands.com RE/MAX Partners A team of experienced Steamboat Springs real estate brokers building long term relationships where the customer comes first. Experienced in residential, land, ranch and investment proper-ties 155 Anglers Drive, No. 200, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-7653, www.steamboatrealestatepartners.com Steamboat Village Brokers — Joan Conroy Experienced in mortgage brokering and real estate, with years of knowledge and a background in residential, commercial, land and farm and ranch transactions.

1855 Ski Time Square Drive, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-7800 Ext. 116, www.steamboatvillagebrokers.com

A Real Family Mexican Restaurant Cantina and Cocktails

410 Ranney Street Craig, CO (970) 826-0500

445 Anglers Drive Suite 1A Sundance at Fish Creek Plaza (970) 871-6999

Multiple locations. One family.

Each restaurant is family owned and operated.

Daily specials on lunch, dinner and drinks.

Open until 10 p.m.

Downtown Steamboat 730 Lincoln Ave. 970.879.7570

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Bureau of Land Management Little Snake Field Office — 455 Emerson St., Craig, 970-826-5000; Kremmling Field Office — 2103 E. Park Ave., Kremmling, 970-724-3000; Glenwood Springs Field Office — 50629 Colorado Highways 6 and 24, Glenwood Springs, 970-947-2800; White River Field Office, 220 E. Market St., Meeker, 970-878-3800; Grand Junction — 2815 H Road, 970-244-3000, www.co.blm. gov, Lakewood State Office — 303-239-3600, www.co.blm.gov Carbon County Visitors’ Council If hunting is on your agenda, Carbon County Wyoming is unparalleled. A variety of terrains provides habitat for a wide variety of wild game species.

P.O. Box 1017, Rawlins, Wyoming, 307-324-3020 or 800-228-3547, www.wyomingcarboncounty.com Colorado Department of Transportation 877-315-ROAD, www.cotrip.org Colorado Outfitters Association P.O. Box 849, Craig, 970-824-2468, www.coloradooutfitters.org

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Grand Junction Regional and Area Office — 711 Independent Ave., 970-255-6100; Steamboat Springs — 925 Weiss Drive, 970-870-2197; Hot Sulphur Springs — 346 Grand County Road 362 (west of Byers Canyon), 970-725-6200; Meeker — 73485 U.S. Highway 64, 970-878-6090; Glenwood Springs — 50633 U.S. Highway 6 and 24, 970-947-2920; Durango — 151 E. 16th St., (970) 247-0855; Gunnison — 300 New York Ave., 970-641-7060; Montrose — 2300 S. Townsend Ave., Montrose, 970-252-6000 Colorado State Parks Steamboat Lake and Pearl Lake State Parks — 61105 Routt County Road 129, Clark, 970-879-3922 or 970-879-7019; Stagecoach Stage Park — 25500 Routt County Road 14, Oak Creek, 970-736-2436 or 970-736-8342; State Forest State Park — 56750 Colorado Highway 14, Walden, 970-723-8366; Yampa River State Park — 6185 W. U.S. Highway 40, Hayden, 970-276-2061, www.parks.state.co.us.

Info — 970-434-6862; reservations — 800-678-2267

Your Perfect Mountain Getaway

Cabins | Hiking | Biking | Rafting Horseback Riding | Swimming | Tennis Boating | Fishing and Much More!

email: reservations@glenedenresort.com | 800-882-0854 | 970-879-3907 located 18 miles north of Steamboat in the Elk River Valley

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www.glenedenresort.com

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WESTERN COLORADO VISITOR INFORMATION Colorado Welcome Center at Fruita 340 Colorado Highway 340, Fruita, 970-858-9335 Craig Daily Press newspaper 466 Yampa Ave., Craig, 970-824-7031, CraigDailyPress.com, ExploreCraig.com Craig/Moffat Economic Development Partnership The CMEDP is a public-private partnership dedicated to supporting a vibrant, diverse, and stable economy for Moffat County. Business support programs and education.

50 College Drive, Craig, 970-620-4370, www.cmedp.com Craig Sportsman Information Center (Moffat County Visitor’s Center/Craig Chamber of Commerce) 360 E. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-5689; 800-864-4405, www.craig-chamber.com Delta Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc. 301 Main St., Delta, 970-874-8616, www.deltacolorado.org

Dinosaur National Monument 4545 U.S. Highway 40, Dinosaur, 970-374-3000, Canyon Area Visitor Center, www.nps.gov/dino/ Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce 432 East Aspen Ave., Fruita, 970-858-3894, www.fruitachamber.org Glenwood Springs Chamber of Commerce 802 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs, 970-945-6589, www.glenwoodchamber.com Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce 360 Grand Ave., Grand Junction, 970-242-3214, 800-352-5286, www.gjchamber.org/index.asp Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Center 740 Horizon Drive, Grand Junction, 970-256-4060 Hayden Chamber of Commerce 252 West Jefferson, Hayden, 970-819-5918, www.yampavalley.info/haydenchamber.asp

WESTERN COLORADO VISITOR INFORMATION

Meeker Chamber of Commerce 710 Market St., Meeker, 970-878-5510, www.meekerchamber.com, www.huntmeeker.com Moffat County Tourism Association Blaze your own trail to Moffat Country and then stay awhile. With pioneer personality, the handclasps are firm and the smiles are genuine. This far-flung corner of Northwest Colorado is just the place to hang your hat and renew your spirit with discovery and adventure, we are here to help you do it all.

1111 W. Victory Way No. 117, Craig, 970-824-2335, moffatcountytourism.com Montrose Chamber Association of Tourism 1519 E. Main St., No. A, Montrose, 970-249-5000, 800-923-5515 NOAA’s National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office 792 Eagle Drive, Grand Junction, 970-243-7007, www.nws.noaa.gov

North Park Chamber of Commerce 416 Fourth St., Walden, 970-723-4600, www.northparkchamber.com Palisade Chamber of Commerce 319 Main St., Palisade, 970-464-7458, www.palisadecoc.com Rangely Chamber of Commerce Promoting and fostering a positive business climate in our community.

209 E. Main St., Rangely, 970-675-5290, www.rangelychamber.com Rifle Area Chamber of Commerce 200 Lions Park Circle, Rifle, 970-625-2085 or 800-842-2085, www.riflechamber.com Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation P.O. Box 2984, Grand Junction, 970-200-3003, www.rmef.org Town of South Fork South Fork is located at 8,200 feet near Wolf Creek Pass, surrounded by the Rio Grande National Forest. Come play with us!

P.O. Box 1030, South Fork, 719-873-5512, 800-571-0881, www.southfork.org, Stay The Trail Colorado The mission of Stay The Trail Colorado is to encourage the responsible use of

the roads and trails that are open to motorized recreation in Colorado. Stay The Trail Colorado is a program of the Responsible Recreation Foundation.

P.O. Box 915, Wheat Ridge, 720-684-9960, www.staythetrail.org

9 Ten Mile Drive, Granby, 970-877-4100; White River National Forest — 900 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs, 970-945-2521; Yampa Ranger District — 300 Roselawn Ave., Yampa, 970-638-4516

Steamboat Pilot & Today newspaper 1901 Curve Plaza, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-1502, SteamboatToday.com, ExploreSteamboat.com

U.S. Forest Service Maps 303-275-5350, www.nationalforeststore.com

Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association 125 Anglers Drive, www.steamboat-chamber.com U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service P.O. Box 25486, Lakewood, 303-236-4216, www.fws.gov U.S. Forest Service Hahn’s Peak-Bears Ears Ranger District — 925 Weiss Drive, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-1870; Parks Ranger District — 2103 E. Park Ave., Kremmling, 970-724-3000 or 100 Main St., Walden, 970-723-8204; Rio Blanco Ranger District — 220 E. Market St., Meeker, 970-878-4039; Rifle Ranger District — 94 Garfield County Road 244, Rifle, 970-625-2371; Sulphur Ranger District —

U.S. Geological Survey (topographical maps) Central Region Offices, Denver Federal Center, West Sixth Avenue and Kipling Street, DFC Building 810, Lakewood, 303-202-4700 or 888-275-8747, www.topomaps.usgs.gov Wild Sheep Foundation Dedicated to enhancing wild sheep populations, promoting professional wildlife management, educating the public and youth on sustainable use and the conservation benefits of hunting.

720 Allen Ave, Cody, Wyoming, 307-527-6261, www.wildsheepfoundation.org

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Kremmling Area Chamber of Commerce 203 Park Ave., 877-573-6654, www.kremmlingchamber.com

northwest colorAdo’s preMier MeAt processer & retAiler

383 East 1st Street Craig, CO 81625

970-824-3855

101 Market Street Meeker, CO 81641

970-878-5085

Full line oF AwArd winning retAil MeAt For your cAMp

hAM - bAcon - sAusAge - beeF - pork - lAMb - poultry Unparalled experience in Game processinG Breakfast Sausage Italian Sausage Jerky Snack Sticks Franks

Polish Brats Summer Sausage Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage and MOrE!

regular Skinning is included in price, Trophy Services available In a Hurry to Head Home? 24 hour turn around service Full shipping, pack for airlines, regular shipping boxes, cooler boxes, and dry ice FOr ThE “dO-IT YOurSElFEr” >>> KnIvES, PaPEr, SEaSOnIngS and FaT

w h E n Y O u T h I n K M E aT. . . T h I n K B r O T h E r ’ S CraIg and MEEKEr

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Bow Purchase includes set-up & maintenance

Business Hours Tuesday - Friday • 12 pm - 9 pm Saturday • 10 am - 6 pm August Only Open Sunday • 12 pm - 6 pm

970-241-2697

Serving Colorado Bowmen Since 1983

3193 Hall Ave. Grand Junction, CO

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Rifle T r uck & T railer

Delivery Available

Monday - Saturday

We Appreciate 970-625-8884 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Your Business 1-877-625-8884 1725 Airport Rd. Rifle, CO

or scan here to connect!

OVER 150 TRAILERS IN STOCK! 140 | VISIT WWW.COHunter.COM FOR MORE