2014 Colorado Hunter

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

WESTERN COLORADO:A SPORTSMANS PARADISE

ARCHERY AND RIFLE SKILLS

PLUS:Everything you

need to know: Business Directory,

Maps, Fees, Dates and More!

Hunting Tales From Across The RegionHerd Updates

WHATS NEW FOR 2014

2 | visit www.cohunter.com for more

2014 | colorado hunter | 3

OPEN

SUNDAY

S

9 -5

607 24 RoadGrand Junction, CO 81505

970-243-4025

Monday thru Saturday 7:00 am 7:00 pm Sunday 9:00 am 5:00 pmwww.FirestoneCompleteAutoCare.com

All Tire Services Wheel Alignments Shocks & StrutsBrake Services Batteries Diagnostic Services

Factory Scheduled Maintenance Services Tune-upsOil Changes and Heating/Cooling System Service

Destination MTTires

10% offSavings off current in-store regular point-of-sale price. In-store installation required. Not to be combined with another offer on same product and not to

be used to reduce outstanding debt. No cash value. Offer good at participating Firestone Complete Auto Care stores. See store for full details.

Expires 12/31/14

Complete Vehicle Inspection$999

In-depth analysis of tires, brakes, suspension, lights, fluid levels, wiper blades, belts, battery, hoses and more.

Expires 12/31/14

Get Ready for the Hunt!

and get 10% off your total purchase (up to $50), and no interest if paid in full within 6 months! ($299 minimum purchase required)

Charge this to your NEW Firestone Card


Emergency & Trauma ServicesWith a strong team of emergency medicine professionals and advanced equipment and technology, St. Marys 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. Marys provides the highest level of trauma care between Denver and Salt Lake City. The survival of accident victims depends on the strength of an areas trauma system. Our trauma system is the combined efforts of local law enforcement, emergency medical services, St. Marys 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 ServicesSt. Marys 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 CareSt. Marys 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 ServicesSt. Marys 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.

HuntersKeep St. Marys in your sights

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

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.

St. Marys 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.

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.

970-298-CARE 800-458-38882635 N. 7th Street, Grand Junction, CO

Visit us online at www.stmarygj.orgAn Affiliate of the SCL Health System

Were here if the unthinkable happens.

Were here for life.


2607 E US 40 Craig, CO 81625 970-826-0060 www.craigpowersports.com8:30am to 5:30pm Tuesday Friday & 8:30am to 3:00pm Saturday


Your Local Grocery StoreIs Also Your

Hunting Headquarters!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:Avon0072 Beaver Creek Pl 970-949-5409

Delta122 Gunnison River Drive 970-874-9710*

Fruita135 S. Plum 970-858-9506

Grand Junction2770 Hwy 50 South 970-245-1411*569 32 Road 970-434-9603*200 Rood Ave 970-241-2278630 24 Road 970-244-8100*

Breckenridge400 North Park Ave 970-453-0818

Dillon300 Dillon Ridge Road 970-468-2363*

Glenwood Springs1410 S Grand Ave. 970-945-8207 (No Pharmacy)

Montrose128 S Townsend 970-249-3405*16400 S Townsend 970-240-3236*

Steamboat Springs1825 Central Park Plz. 970-879-3290

Craig505 W. Victory Way 970-824-6515

Eagle0103 Market Street 970-328-1302

Granby1001 Thompson Road 970-887-7140*

Rifle1320 Railroad Ave 970-625-3080

Vail2109 N. Frontage Road West 970-476-1017


A Hunting We Will Go... We make custom

chainsaw chains and

keys!

1 block East of Hwy 13 on 1st Street in Craig

(970) 824-65812315 W. 1St StrEEt Craig, CO 81625

Mon-Sat 7am-6pm | Sun 9am-5pm

ChainSawSCorral PanelShunting KniveSCaMPing StoveS

heaterSwood PelletSYeti CoolerS

tarPS & tow StraPSFenCing MaterialS

Solar eleCtriC FenCe

hardwarePluMbingeleCtriCalSePtiC tanKSwater tanKSCulvertS

autoMotivebooSter CableSoutdoor aPParel

giFtwareand

a whole lot More!

PaCK SaddleS & equiPMentPet Food & SuPPlieStaCK & vet SuPPlieS

liveStoCK Feed & grainCertiFied haY & Straw

PaCK horSe CubeS & More

Purchase these items at our290 ranney Street Store:

(970) 824-6582

ProPane Filling Station

the Helpful hardWare FolkS

PSS

boutdoor PaCK SaddleCK SaddleCK S & equiPMent

We Sell Hunting licenSeS!

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

We Can Pack And Ship To Any DestinationComing Soon: USDA Meat and Poultry Processing Plant at Eagle Springs

Wild Game ProcessingOur experienced butchers can process your wild game.

Cutting Grinding Smoking Sausage Patty Making Vacuum Packing Call for Seasonal HoursMark Montgomery 970.618.4640

1733 Railroad Avenue / Rifle, Colorado (Next to the Dollar Store) 970.625.524979655

2014 | colorado hunter | 112014 | colorado hunter | 11


Publishers/General ManagersSuzanneSchlicht(SteamboatPilot&Today)

ReneeCampbell(CraigDailyPress)JaySeaton(TheDailySentinel,GrandJunction)

editorEugeneBuchanan

WritersAndyBockelman,DaveBuchanan,DanOlsen,JoelReichenberger,NoelleLeavittRiley,

NateWaggenspack

PhotographersLaurenBlair,AndyBockelman,DaveBuchanan,John

DePalma,DaveDietrich,Jeff Draper,DeanHumphrey,JoelReichenberger,JohnF.Russell,BillVanNess

Creative services supervisorLindsayPorter

Circulation ManagersSteveBalgenorth/AmyFontenot

Advertising salesCraigregion:SheliSteele,LaurenMurray,

EmilyPadillaGrandJunctionregion:GrandJunctionMediaDougFreed,LoriHenricksen,DennisMitchell

SteamboatSpringsregion:JenniDeFouw

Advertising Design and Production Craigregion:LauraSigmund,KelseyDay

SteamboatSpringsregion:MackMaschmeier,ChrisMcGaw

GrandJunctionregion:GrandJunctionMedia

ColoradoHunterispublishedonceperyearbytheSteamboatPilot&Todayanddistributedfree

throughoutwesternColorado.

For advertising information, call970-875-1785(Craigregion);

970-871-4215(SteamboatSpringsregion);970-256-4289(GrandJunctionregion).

To get a copy mailed to your home, callSteveBalgenorthat970-871-4232orAmyFontenotat970-875-1785.

On the cover:JohnDePalmacapturesanarcheryhunterpreparingtoheadoutforabullinWesternColorado.Viewmoreofhisworkatwww.johndepalmaphotography.com.

Locally Owned - Open 7 Days a week (970) 824-2844 - email: [email protected]

Gifts & SouvenirsGifts & SouvenirsGifts & Souvenirs

Voted Best Gift Shop in 2014

25% off regularly

priced items

In the Centennial Mall(west entrance)

1111 W. Victory Way Craig, Colorado


InsIdeFeatures14 WelcomeMessage

15 LetterfromColoradoParks&Wildlife

16 ShortShotsWhatsnewfor2014,localtaxidermists,thebanondrones,philanthropichunts,shedantlers,anewraffleinWyoming,thefusswithelkfences,feesandseasonsandmore

32 AnglinginWesternColorado

35 HotSpotsGrandJunction,Meeker,Craig,SteamboatSprings,Kremmling,Granbyandmore

42 TheHerdWordHerdnumbersfor2014(elk,bear,mooseandmore),thedeerdecline,aroundupof2013andmore

52 SkillSetsSafetytips,survivalhints,howtohunt(deer,pronghornandelk),avoidingviolations,savingyourmeat,gamecalls,archerypointersandmore

73 Outfitters

76 HuntingTales

82 ReaderPhotos

94 GameManagementUnitInformation

104 HuntingDirectory


Welcome to the 2014 edition of ColoradoHunter, the premier guide to big-gamehuntinginWesternColorado.Youcouldnthavepickedabetterplacetoplanyour

trip. The region offers some of the best deer and elkhunting in the world, whether youre pulling back abow,packingyourmuzzleorsightinginyourscope.

Whateveryourbiggamefancy,whetheritselkatopGrandMesaormoosenearWalden,wehopeyoumaketheregionyourhuntingdestinationforyearstocome.

While the area offers countless, year-round

recreational opportunitiesaswell as outstandingscenery, friendly locals and Old West charm forhunterstheactionkicksoff everyautumnwhengamemigrates from the high country to its winter range.Thatswhen thousands of huntersmigrate here also,flocking to the hunting hotbeds of Grand Junction,Meeker, Rangely, Craig, Hayden, Steamboat Springs,Walden,Kremmling,Granby,Yampaandmoretohuntsomeof the largest elk herds in thenation.Whetheryoufill your tagornot, the real reward comes in theexperience of hunting in one of the most beautiful

locationsinColorado.Thismagazine isdesignedtomakethehunteasier

foreveryone fromnoviceshearingtheirfirstbugle toseasoned veterans looking for a record trophy. Insideyoull find tips on what to bring and where to go,information on herd updates, tales from local huntsand a directory listing everything you need for yourstay, from outfitters and guides to meat processorsandmore.

WehopeyouhaveagreathuntthisyearandtipourcollectivehatstoyouforvisitingwesternColorado.

WelCOMeHunters

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

WIldlIFeuPdatea letter FroM colorado ParKs and wildliFe

If youre STALKING If youre STALKING then youre WALKINGthen youre WALKINGIf youre STALKING then youre WALKINGIf youre STALKING If youre STALKING then youre WALKINGIf youre STALKING

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

And when youre on an OHV

Always Stay The Trail.Always Stay

Hunting with an OHV increases your responsibilities in the backcountry. Know the rules and

then youre WALKINGthen youre WALKINGthen youre WALKINGthen youre WALKING


By Bill de Vergie, CPW area wildlife manager, Meeker

The 2014 hunting seasons should provide good opportunities for sportsmenacross Colorado. Although dependent upon constantly variable weatherconditions,theseseasonsshouldbeafunchallengeforallhunters.The elk population in Northwest Colorado has been stable for the past several

years and license allocations have not changed noticeably. With over-the-counterbull licenses available during the second and third rifle seasons, there is alwaysan opportunity for a sportsman to hunt elk in Colorado. Overall, elk numbers lookgood, as thispastwinterdidnot significantly affect theirpopulation. Thenumbersofbullelkhavebeenslightlyhigherthepastfewyears,sotherearereasonablygoodopportunitiesforahuntertoseeabull.DeerpopulationsinNorthwestColoradohavebeen lower than desired for several years because of past winter conditions, lossof habitat, predation, development and other issues. With this decrease, licensesallocatedalsohavedecreased;however,withsomeextraeffortinscoutingandalittlegoodluck,therearestillplentyofnicebucks,andhunterswhosuccessfullydrewadeerlicenseformostGMUsshouldhavegoodopportunities.

Antelopeherdsalsoaredoingwell,andhunterswhohavedrawnalicenseshouldfindplentyofopportunitiesandbesuccessful.NorthwestColoradohassomeofthehighestantelopenumbersinthestate.

Bearseasonsalsoshouldbegood.Ourbearpopulationshavebeengrowing,andthere aremore license opportunities now than ever before. Just keep inmind thathuntingbearstakesplentyofpatienceandsomeluck.

Huntingsuccessdependsuponmanyvariables, includingputtingsometimeintoresearchinganarea,usingcurrentmaps,computersorothermethods.Early,on-the-groundscoutingtripscanbebeneficial,eventhoughtheanimalsmaynotbeinthatparticularareaatthetime.Becomingfamiliarwiththeroad,privatelandboundaries,terrain and habitat type before the hunt also can help immensely. Understandingthegeneralmovementormigrationpatternsoftheanimalscanincreasetheoddsofsuccess.Weatheralwaysplaysa role in tracking, locatingandmovinganimals fromhigherelevationrangesintolowerwinterranges.Sokeepaneyeontheforecast.

There is also a significant amount of public land in Northwest Colorado, allowingsportsmen plenty of hunting opportunities.With a good set of maps such as thoseatwww.bit.ly/cohuntingatlas,aGPSunitorevenGoogleEarth, sportsmencanfindavarietyofhuntingareas thatwillfit theirneeds.Remember that its the sportsmansresponsibilitytoknowinwhichlandprivateorpublicthattheyarehunting.Othersourcesofmapsincludeswww.huntdata.comorwww.coloradohuntingmaps.com.

Sportsmenalwaysshouldbesafeandlawabiding.Duringtherifleseasons,wearingadaylightfluorescentorangegarmentiscritical.InColorado,youarerequiredtowear500squareinchesofvisiblefluorescentorangegarments,includinganyheadcovering,thatisvisiblein360degrees.Placingacamouflagebackpackoveranorangevestorcoatcanminimizethevisibleorangeandthusreducesyourvisibility.Visibilityequalssafety in thewoods. In addition, being 100 percent sure of your target before youshootiscriticalandcanhelpyouavoidseriousaccidentssuchasshootingthewronganimal.Alwaysknowthe lawsassociatedwithhunting, includingHunterEducationrequirements,taggingproceduresforaharvestedanimalandthepropermethodsoftake.Avarietyofregulationbrochurescanbefoundatwww.bit.ly/yourbrochurescpw.Ifyouseeawildlifeviolationoccur,callyournearestColoradoParksandWildlifeoce,orifyouwishtoremainanonymous,callOperationGameThief,atiplineforwildlifeviolations,at1-877-265-6648.

Youcanfindharveststats,populationobjectivesandgeneralinformationinourNWRegionHuntGuide.PickoneupatalocalCPWoce,ordownloadaPDFcopyfromourwebsiteatwww.bit.ly/cpwhuntguides.KeepinmindthateveryGMUismanagedbyaprofessionalandfriendlydistrictwildlifemanager.Theyaretheexpertsandagreatsourceofinformation.Feelfreetoaskthemquestionsabouttheareayouarehunting,regulationsoranythingelsethatcanhelpmakeyourhuntmoreenjoyable.

YoucanalwayscallorcomebyalocalCPWoceanytimetoaskaquestion,pickupabrochureorevenpurchaseanover-the-counterbullelklicenseorafishinglicense.Fortheocenearestyou,visitwww.bit.ly/contactcpw.Finally,remembertohavefunduringyourhunt.Enjoyingtheoutdoorscanbeagreatexperienceforanindividualoragroup,andspendingtimewithfriendsandfamilycanprovidememoriesthatwilllastalifetime.NorthwestColoradoprovidessomeofthemostspectacularviewsandsceneryanywhere in thecountry,andwewishyou luckandhopeyouhaveagreathuntthisyear.

WIldlIFeuPdatea letter FroM colorado ParKs and wildliFea letter FroM colorado ParKs and wildliFe

Colorado Parks & Wildlife manager bill de Vergie stands near a moose sign in snowy northwest Colorado.

PhoTo CouRTeSY oF bIll De VeRGIe


sHORTsHotswHats new in 2014

Non-residents get bonus annual fi shing licenseAll non-residentswho purchase a big game license

in Colorado nowwill receive a combination big gamelicense/fishinglicense,gooduntilMarch31,2015.Drone use illegal

Theuseofunmanned,remotecontrolaircrafttolookforwildlifeoraidinhuntingisnowillegal.New auction/ra e dates

The new closing date for the mule deer seasonauctionandrafflelicensesistheendofNovember,ortheendof the last antleredor either-sex season in a unit,whichevercomeslater.Ammunition restrictions

In state lands and state wildlife areas, a regulationprohibitsthepossessionofthefollowingammunitionand/orfirearms:tracerrounds,armorpiercingrounds,militaryhardenedroundwithexplosiveorradioactivesubstances,.50-caliberBMGroundsorfullyautomaticfirearms.Preference point fee increase

Hunters will pay $40 for preference point fees ifthey did not purchase a license the previous year andotherwisearenotexempt.Residentdeerandpronghornpointfeeshavebeenraisedto$30.Forest service closures

TherewillbeclosuresinGMU19westofFortCollinsintheCanyonLakesRangerDistrict,aswellas inareaswhereroadsandtrailsweredamagedbythe2013floodinGMUs8,19,20andportionsof29,38and191. Info:www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r2/huntnfs-co.Landowner elk pilot program

The landowner elk pilot program has beendiscontinued.Bear

A new private-land-only rifle hunt in GMUs 48, 49,56,57,481and561 isavailable.Licensesareover-the-

counter with caps, limited in number. Applicationssubmitted for hunters who dont already have a 2014HabitatStampwillbedisqualified.Disqualifi cation

Customers no longer will be contacted if there areerrors on applications, including thosewithout correctfees,nohuntereducationchecked,incorrecthuntcodesorthoselackinga2014HabitatStamp.elk

ListA/B/CChanges inGunnison, San LuisValleyLicensesforelkhuntsintheSanLuisValleyarechangingfrom List C to List B. Also, in GMU54 in the GunnisonBasin, List C licenses are now List B to help maintainthe elk population at current numbers. Hunters maypurchaseonlytwoListBtagsperyear.Deer

Over-the-counter tags now available To helpmanage the spread of whitetail deer, this year marksthefirstavailabilityofover-the-counter,white-tail-onlydeertagsforsouth-centralGMUswestofInterstate25.

YouthhuntsaddedYouth-onlymuzzleloaderandriflehuntsforantlerlessdeerhavebeenaddedtoGMUs43,47and471.HabitatstamprequiredbeforedrawIfyouhaventalreadypurchaseda2014HabitatStampandarebetweenages18and64whenyoubuyorapplyfora license,youmustbuyaHabitatStamporsubmit thepaymentwithyourbig-gameapplication.Moose

Successfulmoose populationsmean numerous newhunts are available across the state. In the northwest,cow hunts are available in GMUs 15 and 27, and bulllicenses are also available for the first time in 15 and27. For the first time, either-sex licenses are availableforGMUs1and201neartheUtahborder(hunterswhoalreadyhaveharvestedabullmaynotapply).

HUNTiNG seAsONsArchery Deer/ElkAug.30toSept.28 Pronghorn;bucksonlyAug.15to31Pronghorn;eithersexSept.1to20BlackBear(over-the-counterwithcaps)Sept.2to28MooseSept.6to28

Muzzleloading Deer/Elk/MooseSept.13to21BlackBear(over-the-counterwithcaps)Sept.13to21PronghornOct.21to29

Rifl e BlackBear;limited(bydraw)Sept.2to30 MooseOct.1to14

Pronghorn;drawOct.4to10 LimitedElk;firstseasonOct.11to1 Deer/Elk;secondseasonOct.18to26 Deer/Elk;thirdseasonNov.1to9 Deer/Elk;fourthseasonNov.12to16BlackBear(over-the-counterwithcaps)concurrent

withdeer/elkrifleseasons

Fees ($102014HabitatStamprequired)Subtract$3forover-the-counter

Deer Draw (limited) Resident$34Youthresident$13.75Non-resident(withfishing)$364Youthnon-resident(withfishing)$103.75

elk Draw (limited) Resident$49Youthresident$13.75Non-residentbull/eithersex(withfishing)$601Non-residentcow(withfishing)$451Non-residenteithersex$589 Youthnon-resident(withfishing)$100.75

Pronghorn Draw (limited) Resident$34Youthresident$13.75Non-resident$364Youthnon-resident$103.75

Bear Draw (limited) Resident$44 Non-resident$354

Moose Draw (limited) Resident$254Non-resident$2,009

*Non-resident fishing licenses are good throughMarch 31, 2015. Prices include a $0.25 search-and-rescue fee, a $0.75 surcharge for the WildlifeManagement Education Fund and a $3 applicationfeeforlimitedlicensesappliedforinthedraw.


sHORTsHots

wYoMinG initiates raFFle By Nate Waggenspack

Thirteen lucky hunters are counting their lucky stars for Wyomings newlottery. InMay, theywon the right to bypass the conventional preferencepointsystemandhuntcovetedbiggameinWyoming.Forthefirsttime,thestateraffledoff 13biggamehuntingtagstogivehuntersa

shotatharvestingtrophieswithoutwaitingyearsorbreakingthebank.

Like Northwest Colorado, Wyoming is known for its big game and hunting

demand.Itsalsohistoricallyusedalimiteddrawandpreferencepointstodetermine

allocation meaning a wait of nearly two decades and/or buying expensive

auctiontagstohuntprimelocations(lastyear,abighornsheeptagsoldfor$80,000).

Sothisyear,WyomingGameandFishofferedtheSuperTagandSuperTagTrifecta

licenserafflestoopenthosespeciesup.Ourpreferencepointsystemhelpsaddress

theopportunity tohuntbiggame,but it can still takeup to18years,Wyoming

GameandFishsGlennPauleysays.Thisraffleprovidesthattoabroaderaudience.

TheSuperTagraffleselected10winners,oneforeachofWyomings10premier

biggamespecies:antelope,bighornsheep,bison,blackbear,deer,elk,graywolf,

mountaingoat,mountain lionandShirasmoose.TheSuperTagTrifectaawarded

onehunter thechance to select three tagsofhisorher choice.Theareas for the

moosetagwinnerarelimitedtounitswithat least10tagsavailable;forbighorn

sheepatleasteightmustbeavailable.

Allmoneygoestowardconservationefforts,Pauleyadds,withhuntersableto

purchaseasmany ticketsas theychoose.Andwinningdoesntnegatepreviously

accruedpreferencepoints,withthefive-yearwaitingperiodsformooseandsheep,

andonce-in-a-lifetimerestrictionsonbisonandmountaingoats,waived.

bighorn sheep is one of 10 species included in Wyomings new Super Tag hunting license Ra e, giving hunters a chance to hunt premier big game species without a decade-long wait.

PhoT

o Co

uRTeSY

oF C

oloR

ADo PA

RKS A

nD W

IlDlIF

e

www.coloradoelkoutfitter.comUnit 17 Rand, Colorado Rifle & Archery Elk & Moose Hunts

Doug Spencer

1105 Westridge DriveLoveland, 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

Doug Spencer


Kremmling Merchants

Allington Inn215 W. Central Avenue970-724-9800 | 1-800-981-4091www.allingtoninn.com

Comfortable lodging at an affordable price. Deluxe continental breakfast and high-speed wireless. Indoor pool, hot tub and fitness center.

Alpine Motor Sports115 W. Central Ave.970-724-9655www.alpinemotorsportsinc.com

ATV & Snowmobile Sales, Service and Accessories.

Kremmling Area Chamber of Commerce203 Park Avenue | 970-724-3472www.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.

Kremmling Mercantile101 Martin Way | 970-724-8979

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

Muddy Creek CabinsLocated at the base of the Kremmling Cliffs | 970-724-9559MuddyCreekCabins.com

Picturesque fully furnished log cabins.

Red Mountain RV Park1-877-375-9593 redmtnrvpark.com

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

The Moose Caf Located at the West end of town across from the Mercantile970-724-9987

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)

Tri-River Ace Hardware720 Tyler Avenue | 970-724-9325

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

Wolford Campground1-866-472-4943 wolfordcampground.com

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

Sporting

KremmlingWelcomes Hunters

Miles:To Denver (via Hwy 9 to I-70) 100 milesTo Denver (via Hwy 40) 115 milesTo Silverthorne 37milesTo Steamboat Springs 53milesTo Winter Park 48 milesTo Grand Lake 42 miles


Kremmling Merchants

Allington Inn215 W. Central Avenue970-724-9800 | 1-800-981-4091www.allingtoninn.com

Comfortable lodging at an affordable price. Deluxe continental breakfast and high-speed wireless. Indoor pool, hot tub and fitness center.

Alpine Motor Sports115 W. Central Ave.970-724-9655www.alpinemotorsportsinc.com

ATV & Snowmobile Sales, Service and Accessories.

Kremmling Area Chamber of Commerce203 Park Avenue | 970-724-3472www.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.

Kremmling Mercantile101 Martin Way | 970-724-8979

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

Muddy Creek CabinsLocated at the base of the Kremmling Cliffs | 970-724-9559MuddyCreekCabins.com

Picturesque fully furnished log cabins.

Red Mountain RV Park1-877-375-9593 redmtnrvpark.com

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

The Moose Caf Located at the West end of town across from the Mercantile970-724-9987

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)

Tri-River Ace Hardware720 Tyler Avenue | 970-724-9325

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

Wolford Campground1-866-472-4943 wolfordcampground.com

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

KremmlingWelcomes Hunters

Miles:To Denver (via Hwy 9 to I-70) 100 milesTo Denver (via Hwy 40) 115 milesTo Silverthorne 37milesTo Steamboat Springs 53milesTo Winter Park 48 milesTo Grand Lake 42 miles


sHOR

TsHo

ts

tHe drone deBateBy Matt Meyer

Early in the morning, a buck grazes on a grassyhillside,dewgatheringonhisantlers.Itsasceneso picturesque, you almost can hear softmusicswellingbehindit.Then,thesoftbuzzingnoiseoffans.Asmalldrone,mountedwithaGoProcamera,zipshighabovethehillside.Momentslater,ashortwhineoftruckbrakes sounds in the distance, and a hunter dutifullydawdlesintoview.Hetakesashotfrom100yards,tagsandgutsandisdoneinlessthananhour.

This scene had becomemore andmore commonas, before this year, hunters increasingly turned toaffordabledronestoaidtheirhuntingefforts.But inJanuary,Coloradomovedtobandrone-aidedhunting.The Centennial State was the first in the nation toban the flying cameras, citing a desire of fair-chasehunting,especiallyonpubliclands.

Wetooktheactiontoeliminatehuntingbehaviorthat could be deemed unsporting or unethical,saysMikePorras, ColoradoParks andWildlifepublicinformationocer.Thethreethingswealwayslook

into is the safety of the hunter, the preservation ofwildlife and the tenants of fair chase. Theres thepotentialfordronestoviolateallthree.

Mosthuntingregulationisreactionary.Everythingislegaluntilitisnt.Porrascitesanincidentofahunterkilling a bear in its den as an unethical situation towhich the state had to react. It was the samewithdrones, where the technology quickly revealed theneedforregulation.MonthsafterColoradobannedthedevices,afewstatesfollowedsuit.Alaska,Montana,IdahoandWisconsinhavebanned theuseofdronesand other small aircraft while hunting. Huntinggroups inWyoming, NewMexico and Vermont alsohave pushed to prohibit the use of drones. Its amovementthatisspreadingquickly.

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers is an advocacygroupfortheresponsibleuseofpubliclands.Itsocialstanceondronehunting reads: BackcountryHuntersand Anglers believes this technology represents awidespreadopportunityforabuse,andifnotregulatedearlyposesasignificantthreattofairchasehuntingandfairdistributionofhuntingopportunity.

TherealsoarequestionsaboutwhethertheFederalAviationAdministrationwill instituteabanonprivatedroneuse,regardlessofapplication.Currently,theFAAdoesnotclassifypersonaldronesoperatedlowerthan500feetasaircraft,andassuch,theresnowidespreadban or heavy regulation on their use. There also areconcerns, asdrone technology improves, thathunterswillattempttomountsmallfirearmsonadrone.

Technology isadvancingataratewherehunterscould takeanumberofunfairadvantages thatcrossthatlineoffairchance,hesays.

colorado First state to Ban drones For HuntinG

Deputy Danny norris of Mesa County, launches a Falcon drone.

PhoTo bY DeAn huMPhReY

Powder coat for a better looking, high quality protective finish!

Large Capacity Oven Soda Blasting Sand Blasting Secure Storage

(Just West of Sams Club) www.propowdercoating.biz

549 BOGART LANE, GRAND JUNCTION | 241-3422

Certified Applicator of Cerakote Ceramic Firearm & High Temp Coatings


By Dan Olsen

Elk,deer,moose,bear,antelopeandmountainlionarenttheonlygameintown.OftenovershadowedbythebiggamehuntsthatdominatewesternColoradoare the autumn hunts that involve birds, shotgunsand often on-water locations. Grouse, ducks, geeseand even turkeys can all be found in this corner ofColorado,fromGrandJunctiontotheGreenRiver.

EricHamiltonhaslivedinCraigforallofhis46yearsandiftheresahunthelooksforwardtoeachfall,itsblue grouse season. We bird hunt quite a bit, hesays, touting blue grouse and sharptail as favorites.Itsalotoffun.

Hamiltonisabig-gameoutfitter,butevenduringhisarcheryhuntshekeepsalookoutforbirds.Wellhunt them in some spots where we know theyrefeeding, he says. We look for themwhile archeryhunting,andwellcookthemuprightthereandhavethemforlunch.

Sage grouse season runs from Sept. 14 to 20 inGMUs north and west of Craig. Sharp-tailed grousecanbetakenSept.1to15inGMU4northofCraig,anddusky(blue)grousefromSept.1throughNov.17.

MiGRATORY BiRDsWaterfowl hunting in the Pacific Flyway (west of

theContinentalDivide)canbechallengingjustforthestruggleoffindingaccesstowaterways,buttheeffortsoftenare rewardedashuntersoften return from theYampaRiverorElkheadReservoirwiththeirlimits.

Ducks and geese gather at the very north end ofElkhead Reservoir,making a boat nearlymandatoryforaccessasthatareaissurroundedbyprivateland.The Yampa River also presents access diculties, asmost bottomlandwas homesteadedmore than 100years ago and is private. Some areas such as DuffyMountainhavepublicBLMlandthataccessestheriverandmaybehunted.

InBrownsParkNationalWildlifeRefuge,waterfowlmaybehuntedonlyatButchCassidyLake,HogLakeand the Green River corridor. The use of dogs forhuntingandsmallgameretrievingisencouraged.

A great deal of waterfowl hunting in northwestColoradoisdoneonprivatepondsorwateringholes.RogerSimonesrunsacementplantinCraig,andthewaterpondstheremakeforgoodhuntinginthefall.Ducksaregettingbetterandbetter,hesays.Lastyearwasphenomenal,witheverykindofduck,frommallardstoevenwoodducks.

sHORTsHots

Bird oPtions aBoundsMALL GAMe LiCeNsesResident$21Non-resident$56Plus$10HabitatStampPlus$5ColoradoWaterfowlStampPlus$15FederalDuckStamp

hunter Smilanich and his black labrador pose with ducks Smilanich shot on a hunting trip with his family.

PhoTo CouRTeSY oF The SMIlAnICh FAMIlY


sHOR

TsHo

ts

BiG GaMe crossinGsBy Dave Buchanan

Oneday last July,motoristsalongColoradoHighway13northofRioBlancosawwhatsbecomea familiar sight:aherdof cowelk, fresh fromcalvinggroundsinthePiceanceBasin,crossingthehighwayonitswaytosummerrangetotheeast.Thistime,however,itwasdifferent.

Twocowshadmadeitacrossthefenceliningthewestsideofthenewlyrebuiltsectionofhighwaybuthadleftbehindtheirtwo,1-month-oldcalves,whoweretoosmalltojumpthetight-strungfence.

Everyyear,cowswiththeiryoungcalvesmovedownfromthecalvinggroundsandhitthatwovenwirefence,butthecalvescantgetacross,saysBilldeVergie,MeekerareawildlifemanagerforColoradoParksandWildlife.Itwasntlongbeforebothcows,whorefusedtoleavetheircalves,werekilledbytrac.

Thetwocalveswerestillnursing,andtherewasntanothercowtopickthemup,hesays.SoIguesstheydied,too.

That particular trouble spot is just north of Rio Blanco, where the ColoradoDepartmentofTransportationisimprovingColo.13fromtheWyominglinesouth.A2.6-milestretchofroadstartingabout20milesnorthofRiflenowisbeingworkedon,andpartoftheworkinvolvesreplacingagedfence.

Fences, eitherwovenwirewith two overtopping strands of barbedwire or aregularfour-strandbarbed,arereplacedattherequestoftheadjacentlandowner,deVergiesays.CDOToftenbuildsescaperampsalongsimilartroublespots,suchasthestretchofColo.13nearRidgwayStatePark.Butsofar,norampshavebeenbuiltalongthenewestsectionofColo.13.

Inthiscase,therancherwantedwovenwirebecauseofhissheepandcooperatedwithCPWbyleavinghisgateopentoallowelkpassage.Butthepropertybelowhisdoesntopenhisgates,sowerunintotheseplaceswheretheelkdontcross,deVergiesays.Ifwecouldmakeadealwiththatlandowner,wecouldalleviate80percentofourproblems.

RobRaley,ofMeeker,regularlydrivesColo.13.Everyday, Iseethoseelk,andpartofthecowsareleavingandthecalvesarestaying,hesays.Thismorningtherewasayearling(cow)andcalfrunningbackandforth.Itsamess.

Theproblemhasdeveloped in the four years since roadworkbegan, probablybecausethenewfencesblockanimalsmorethantheolder,less-maintainedfences.Thenewfencesaretightanddonthavethegiveoftheoldones.

Youllseeacow(elk)walkuptothenewfence,hititwithitsheadorrubagainstittoseeif ithasanygive,andthentaketwoorthreestepsbackandjumpover,

deVergiesays.Amonth-oldcalfcantdothat.ElkneedthecooperationofCPW,CDOTandlandowners,saysRaley,whoformerly

raisedelkonaranchnearYampa.Leavinggatesopenononlyonesideoftheroadconfusesthem,hesays.Oncetheygothroughthegateandhittheotherfence,theydontknowwhichwaytogo,hesays,addingthatitleavesthemwithoutanescaperoute,trappedbetweenthefenceandtrac.

Oncetheelkmovethroughtotheirsummerrange,theproblempasses.Andinthefall,thecalvesarebigenoughtojump.Thegoal,saysDeVergie,istofigureouthowtopreventsimilarproblemsfromoccurringelsewhere.

WerecommunicatingalotbetterwithCDOTnow,hesays.Butwerehavingthe same problem every year since they built that fence.My first concern is thesafetyforpeople.Ifwecansaveanelkortwo,thatsevenbetter.

FeNCe FACTsResearchers atUtah StateUniversity recently completed a study ofwildlife

mortalityalongmorethan600milesoffencesintherangelandsofnortheasternUtah and Northwest Colorado. By repeatedly driving and walking fence linesthroughouttwoseasons,theytalliedthenumberofmuledeer,pronghornandelkcarcassestheyfoundcaughtinandlyingnexttofences,aswellasthefencetypescausedthemostproblems.Amongtheirfindings:Onaverage,oneungulateperyearwas found tangled forevery2.5milesof

fence.Mostanimals(69percentofjuvenilesand77percentofadults)diedbygetting

caughtinthetoptwowireswhiletryingtojump.Juvenilesareeighttimesmorelikelytodieinfencesthanadults.MortalitiespeakedduringAugust,whenfawnsareweaned.Woven-wire fence toppedwitha singlestrandofbarbedwirewas themost

lethalfencetype;ungulateslegsareeasilysnaredandtangledbetweenthebarbedwireandrigidwovenwire.

70percentofallmortalitieswereonfencestallerthan40inches.Onaverage,oneungulatewasfounddeadnextto,butnotin,fencesevery1.2

milesoffence;mostwerefoundnexttowoven-wirefence.90percentofcarcassesfoundnearfenceswerefawnsseparatedfromtheir

mothersandunabletocross. Colorado Parks and Wildlife

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.

PhoTo CouRTeSY oF GRAnD JunCTIon SenTInAl


sHORTsHots

By Nate Waggenspack

TwogroupsinCraigareensuringthathunterswithdisabilitieshaveachancetotargettrophies,too.Partnering with nonprofit Outdoor Buddiesfor the sixth year, Trapper Mining last fall broughtmobility-impaired sportsmen on hunting trips nearCraig,withthreeoutdoorsmenreturningfromGMU13withcowsintow.

Outdoor Buddies began in 1984 as a therapeuticprogram for hospital patients with spinal cordinjuries.Itsnowexpandedtoassistotherpeoplewithdisabilities,withmembers in39states. Itguided130one-on-onehuntsin2013.

While executive director Dwaine Robey has takenpeople bull hunting, last year he decided to go forcows.Withtheswitch,fillingtagswasnoproblem,hesays,creditingTrapperMineemployeesRobSovine,Shawn and Cutter Polly, Jim and Jesse Hill and TonyGilroy. The group assisted Jack Fischer, of ColoradoSprings, a 90-year-old,wheelchair-boundWorldWarIIveteran;ButchMartin,ofFishers,Indiana,boundtoawheelchairasaresultofanindustrialaccident;andWestminstersErnestTeterJr.,whoislegallyblind.

Robey has taken Fischer on hunts for six years andsaystheyreahighlighteveryyear.Hebasicallylivestogetintheoutdoorseventhoughheswheelchairbound,andthisisagreatwayforhimtodoit,"Robeysays.

PHilantHroPic HuntinGsAFARi CLUB iNTeRNATiONAL HONOReD FOR veTeRAN WORK

Veterans have a great helping hand forhunting in Craig. This spring, after six years ofdedicationtoveterans,theYampaValleyChapterof Safari Club International was recognized forOustanding Chapter Leadership in support ofveterans.

The local chapter has worked with theGrand Junction Veterans AffairsMedical Centerfor several years to host disabled veterans onantelope hunts. We bring wounded veteransup and take them on an antelope hunt, VicePresident Craig Rummel says. We take careof theguiding andmeat processing. The key isgettingthembackintotheoutdoors.

Theeffortsdontgounnoticed.Theygetvetsbackoutintothefield,whichisexcellentwork,saysWayneClark,ofDenversSCIchapter.AddshuntingcoordinatorMattLucas:Youget themoutdoorsandintoapositiveenvironment.

Nate Waggenspack

ExtrEmE PowErsPorts, a full linE arctic cat dEalEr sincE 1994, sPEcializing in salEs and rEPair.

our ExPEriEncEd tEchnicians arE rEady to hElP with all of your rEPair and maintEnancE nEEds, sErvicing all maKEs and modEls.

300 rivEr rd, stEamboat sPrings, co 80477970-879-9175 | www.ExtrEmEPowErsPorts.nEt

97087975651320 Dream Island Plaza Steamboat Springs, CO 80477

WE OFFER...

Elk River GunsElk River GunsElk River Guns

Firearm sales New & Used On site Gunsmithing Optics Extensive Ammo Selection Hunting Accessories Over 350 Firearms in Stock~ Largest Inventory in NW Colorado


Stagecoach Reservoir

Lake Catamount

Dunkley Pass

Oak Creek

Phippsburg

Milner Steamboat Springs

Hayden

Steamboat Springs Airport

Yampa Valley Regional Airport

U.S. Highway 4051B

51C

51D

51

29

29A

19

97

1551B

11

7

Yampa

25

14B

14C

14 14E

18200

14A

14D

Colorado H

ighway 131

22

24

819

212A

212B

Its ALL right here

Toponas HWY

1343

5

6

Dunkley Pass

819

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.

The Boor-Redmond Ranch near Yampa played a significant role in the devel-opment 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 meet changing ranch needs. The Redmond Ranch, more than any other ranch in 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

Bonfiglio Drug and Liquor Natural Preventative healthcare, gifts, cards and sundries. 970-736-2377, 877-Bonfiglio, 118 Main St.

Oak Creek Motel Clean, affordable, friendly hospitality year round. Drive a little - Save a lot! 970-736-2343, 408 Willow Bend just off Main St., www.oakcreekmotel.com

Select Super Market Local super market carrying groceries and produce. In-store deli serving fresh sandwiches and soups. 970-736-2455, 103 West Main St.

Space Station Gas and convenience store located in downtown Oak Creek.970-736-8319, 312 Myers St.

Flat Tops Ranch Supply Farm supplies, animal feed, tack, tools, propane, sporting goods and gifts. 970-736-2450, 21475 Colorado Highway 131

Montgomerys General Merchandise Groceries, ammo, licenses, hardware, maps, gifts, sporting goods. 970-638-4531, 24 Main St., Yampa

Oak Tree Inn & Pennys Diner Our rooms are clean, dark and quiet. HBO, 100% non-smoking, free Wi-Fi. Were the only Hotel/Diner open 24/7 in South Routt. Come on over & visit. 970-638-1000, 98 Moffat Ave., Yampa

Royal Hotel - Historic building & great nightly rates. Just minutes away from hunting, fishing, hiking and more! 970-638-4538, 201 Moffat St.

Oak Creek Merchants

SOuTH ROuTT Welcomes hunters!

Want to learn more?

Spend a day in South Routt! Just 20 minutes from Steamboat. Happy Trails!

Yampa Merchants

Phippsburg Merchants


Stagecoach Reservoir

Lake Catamount

Dunkley Pass

Oak Creek

Phippsburg

Milner Steamboat Springs

Hayden

Steamboat Springs Airport

Yampa Valley Regional Airport

U.S. Highway 4051B

51C

51D

51

29

29A

19

97

1551B

11

7

Yampa

25

14B

14C

14 14E

18200

14A

14D

Colorado H

ighway 131

22

24

819

212A

212B

Its ALL right here

Toponas HWY

1343

5

6

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.

The Boor-Redmond Ranch near Yampa played a significant role in the devel-opment 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 meet changing ranch needs. The Redmond Ranch, more than any other ranch in 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

Bonfiglio Drug and Liquor Natural Preventative healthcare, gifts, cards and sundries. 970-736-2377, 877-Bonfiglio, 118 Main St.

Oak Creek Motel Clean, affordable, friendly hospitality year round. Drive a little - Save a lot! 970-736-2343, 408 Willow Bend just off Main St., www.oakcreekmotel.com

Select Super Market Local super market carrying groceries and produce. In-store deli serving fresh sandwiches and soups. 970-736-2455, 103 West Main St.

Space Station Gas and convenience store located in downtown Oak Creek.970-736-8319, 312 Myers St.

Flat Tops Ranch Supply Farm supplies, animal feed, tack, tools, propane, sporting goods and gifts. 970-736-2450, 21475 Colorado Highway 131

Montgomerys General Merchandise Groceries, ammo, licenses, hardware, maps, gifts, sporting goods. 970-638-4531, 24 Main St., Yampa

Oak Tree Inn & Pennys Diner Our rooms are clean, dark and quiet. HBO, 100% non-smoking, free Wi-Fi. Were the only Hotel/Diner open 24/7 in South Routt. Come on over & visit. 970-638-1000, 98 Moffat Ave., Yampa

Royal Hotel - Historic building & great nightly rates. Just minutes away from hunting, fishing, hiking and more! 970-638-4538, 201 Moffat St.

Oak Creek Merchants

SOuTH ROuTT Welcomes hunters!

Want to learn more?

Spend a day in South Routt! Just 20 minutes from Steamboat. Happy Trails!

Yampa Merchants

Phippsburg Merchants


sHOR

TsHo

ts

taXiderMists toP in classBy Nate Waggenspack

I fyouwantyourtrophymounted,CraighasagreatcallingcardFor the second straight year, Craig hosted the Colorado State TaxidermyChampionships at theMoffat County Fairgrounds Pavilion,with several localshopstakingtophonors.

Mark Zimmerman, of Bullseye Taxidermy, took three first-place finishes intheMastersdivision,while ScottMoore, ofMountainManTaxidermy,had threesecond-placefinishesintheProfessionaldivision.

While thecategories in theshowcoveranimalsofall sizes, includingfishandbirds, itwas no big surprise that Zimmerman andMooremade theirmarkwithshouldermountsofMoffatCountyelk.Wedefinitelygetalotofpracticeonthem,Mooresays.

Zimmermans first-place finishes came in the Masters division gameheadcategoriesforelk,antelopeandmuledeer.Moorealsohadanelkandmuledeerplace,andasecondpedestalelkearnedhimanothersecond.ImhappywithhowIdid,Mooresays.Ilearnedalot,whichisalwaysthemainthing.

Withbeautifultaxidermyworkondisplay,includingalife-sizebrownbearandspringbok(anAfricanantelopegazelle),alongwithsuchColoradomountsasbobcatsandmountainlions,theshowofferedaglimpseatsomeofthebesttaxidermyworkbeingdonetoday,withmanyofitsstarshailingfromMoffatCounty.

With four local taxidermists, as well as great ones nearby in Steamboat,Montroseandotherareas,Craigisaboutasgoodalocationfortheshowasyoucanget,Mooresays.

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

PhoT

o bY

nAT

e WAG

GenS

PACK


sHOR

TsHo

ts

tHe Value oF VelVetBy Dave Buchanan

Shedantlersarebigbusiness.Discardedbyelkanddeer in thewinterandearly springand then regrown,antlersarepopulartreasurehuntspoilsforthosewillingtosearchthemout.Itsbecomesopopularthatkennelseventraindogstofindthem.

Forgoodreason.Top-gradeantlerssellforasmuchas$10perpound,worthwhileif

ashedclocksinat15pounds.Still,thedemandfordryshedsremainssmall.

Mostof thedry,hardantlersaregoing fordogtreats,saysDaveWhittlesey,of

HighWireRanchonRedlandsMesa.

Whittleseyandhiswife,Sue,pioneersofColoradosonce-livelydomesticelktrade,

raise commercial elk and buffalo, supplying high-quality meat along with antler

productsfornutritionandboneandjointhealth.

Asdeerandelkantlersgrow,theyrecoveredwithasoft fuzz,orvelvet,which

providesnutrientstothegrowingantler.Thisvelvetskineventuallyisdiscardedwhen

theantlermatures.

Whittleseysayselkantlersareharvestedwhilestillinvelvet,afterabout75daysof

growth.ThefrozenantlersareshippedtoacertifiedlabinWisconsinthatproducesthe

capsulatedElkVelvetAntlertheranchsells.

Voted the BESTSit Down

Breakfast &Bloody Mary

HHHHH

OPEN DAILY 6 to 2 970-870-4925 131, 11th Street Check us out on Facebook

Serving Breakfast ALL day!

Proudly serving Yampa Valley Beef

and Yampa Valley Farms Pork.

Chicken Fried Steak, biscuits and

gravy, giant breakfast burritos,

local thick cut bacon and more.


In North America, the main use is as a diet supplement, he says. It has

glucosamine, chondroitin, collagenandotherminerals.Weprimarily sell it for sore

jointsandinflammation.Mostofourcustomersareolderpeoplewitharthritis.

DonSchaufler,ofAntlersUnlimited inEnnis,Montana, theself-describedworlds

largest dealer of antlers, reported last year selling more than 100 tons of antlers

worldwide.SchauflersayshislargestmarketisAsia,wheredeervelvethasmedicinal

properties. Theymake a teawith it, Dave says. The biggest use in Asia is for a

childrenstonic,aswellasforarthritisandheartissues.

Headds thatKoreaandChinahavebanned the importof antler velvet from the

U.S.becauseofconcernaboutchronicwastingdisease.Butantlervelvetremainsabig

businessinNewZealand,whereabout1.1milliondeerareraisedcommercially.

NationalGeographicrecentlyreportedthatantlervelvetalsonowisbeingusedby

athletestospeedthehealingofcartilageandtendoninjuriesandbooststrengthand

endurance.

Elkantlervelvetalsoisavailableinchewablestripsfordogsandissaidtobenefit

dogswitharthritisand jointpain.But there remainsenoughcontroversy regarding

powdered antler velvet that it has yet to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug

AdministrationandcurrentlyisbannedbytheNationalFootballLeague.

COME AND SEE US IN OUR NEW LOCATIONB&L Quality Taxidermy2101 Snow Bowl Plaza Steamboat Springs, CO 80487970.879.1316 or 970.276.2193

We Accept Major Credit Cards

Helpful tips for your Trophy Dont short cape your animal Call for information on where to cap Dont drag your animal Keep your hide clean Do not salt your hide unless it has been properly fl eshed If you are not sure, call or bring you animal to B&L Taxidermy

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 [email protected]. 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.

Wildlife belongs to everyone.Poachers steal from us all.

Operation Game Thief

7897

7

Grease Monkey #302857 North AvenueGrand Junction970.241.1895

HuntersGear Box Special!Buy 3 - Get 1 FREE!

Fluid Exchange on all 4x4s.

Only what you need. GUARANTEED!


sHOR

TsHo

ts

staMPs Fund wetlandsBy Allen Gemaehlich

TheColoradoWaterfowlStampProgramcontinuestogeneraterevenuetofundwetlandprojectsthroughoutthestate.Morethan$6.7millionhasbeenraisedfor19,500acreswiththeWaterfowlStampfund,accordingtoColoradoParksandWildlife.

Avarietyofsourceshavefundedtheproject,includingColoradoWildlifeHeritageFoundation,DucksUnlimited,TheNatureConservancy,Partners for FishWildlife,GreatOutdoorsColorado,CPW,huntersandnon-hunters.

Theprojectisdesignedtoimprovethehabitatforducks,geeseandmorethan500 other species of shorebirds, songbirds, amphibians and reptiles. Stamps are$5forhuntingwaterfowlandcanbepurchasedbypeopleages16andolder.Theproceedsarestrictlyfortheuseofwetlands-conservationprojects.

TheColoradoWaterfowlStampwasauthorizedin1989bythepassageofSenateBill 102, sponsored by former state Sen. Tillman Bishop, of Grand Junction. ThebillauthorizedtheproductionofastampfromoriginalartworkwiththeColoradoDivisionofWildlifetosolicitandmarkettheartwork.

Thefirststamp,apairofCanadageeseovertheSouthPlatteRiver,wasproducedin 1990. Initially, Ducks Unlimited managed the artwork production, but morerecently,theColoradoWildlifeHeritageFoundationhasassumedthisrole.

ColoradorequiresallwaterfowlhunterstobuyaColoradohuntinglicense(eitherasmallgameoracombinationlicense)withaColoradoduckstampverification,inadditiontothefederalduckstamp.Anactualstampcanberequestedatthetimethehuntinglicenseispurchasedandwillbemailedtothepurchaser.

VisittheWetlandsProgrampageonlinetofindinformationontypesofwetlands,

listsofwetland-dependentspecies,projectreportsonwetlandprojectsinColorado,andadescriptionofhowtheWaterfowlStampProgramfits inColoradosoverallwetlands-conservation effort. Collector Waterfowl Stamps (which do not affordhuntingprivileges)areavailableat theColoradoWildlifeHeritageFoundation,aswellaspreviousyearsstamps.

The 2014 Colorado Waterfowl Stamp Art Contest winner "Sunset Marsh" depicts two Canada geese during sunset. The artist, Richard Clifton, was a self-taught painter who has gone on to paint 38 Duck Stamps from various states, including the 2007-08 Federal Duck Stamp.

DELS

TRIANGLE 3

RANCH

3 33

DELS

TRIANGLE 3

RANCH

[email protected]

Scenic horseback rides available 2 miles left of The Clark Store

970-879-3495Reservations requested.

Family own

ed

& operated

since 1

962 O ffering guided and drop camp hunting in a wilderness

type environment.


By Eugene Buchanan

Whenyourenotcastingyoureyestowardridgesorgrassyparksforbiggame,theresplentyofothercastingyoucandoinWesternColorado,aswell.Rifleorrod,world-classoptionsaboundforbothpastimes.Whetheryouvefilledyourtagorsimplywantabreakfromhittingthetrail,western

Coloradooffershotspotsfortroutaswellastrophies.FromtheboundlesslakesatopGrandMesaandtheColoradoandGunnisonrivers

nearGrandJunction,totheWhiteRiverandlakesoftheFlatTopsWildernessAreanearMeeker,totheYampaandElkriversnearCraigandSteamboatSprings,totheupperColorado andWilliams Fork outsideKremmling, the regionhas enoughworld-classanglingoptionstokeepyoucastingforyears.Andwettingalinecanbetheperfecttonictocomplementtimechasingdeerandelk.

Its the perfect companion activity to hunting,maintains Brett Lee, a veteranhunter,fly-fishermanandco-ownerofStraightlineSportsinSteamboatSprings.ThewholeNorthwestColoradoregionofferssomeofthebestfishinginthecountry,fromhighAlpinelakestocool,clearrivers.

Theheart ofhunting season is alsowhenfishing is at its best,withaquatic andinsectlifeteeming.Thetroutsensetheonsetofwinter,meaningfliesandluresdontgounnoticed.Fallisoneofthebesttimestofishhere,Leeadds.Fishknowwinterscomingandstartfeeding.

Followingisaprimeronwheretocastyourrod.

RiveRsCoursingfromtheFlatTopsWildernessAreawesttoitsconfluencewiththeGreen

River,theYampaRiveroffersmorethan100milesofprimefishing,especiallyduringthecoolerhuntingmonthsofautumn.

PrimepublicareasincludetheStagecoachtailwatersjustbelowStagecoachLake;the Chuck Lewis StateWildlife Area 3 miles south of Steamboat Springs on RouttCountyRoad14;andthe6-miletownstretch,whichcarriesasmanyas2,000troutpermile.Forflies,tryelkhaircaddis,brightgreencaddisemergersorweightedstreamers.

TheElkRiverofferspublicaccessupstreamofHinmanParkBridgealongSeedhouseRoad,orattheChristinaWildlifeAreaalongitslowerportiononC.R.129northwestoftown.

In Jackson County, try the blue ribbon trout waters of the North Platt River, orthecountlessmeanderingstreamsnearWalden.FarthersouthinGrandCountynearKremmling, the upper Colorado lures anglers the world over, as does the hiddentreasureWilliamsFork.

ThosehuntingnearCraigcanfishforsmallmouthbassandnorthernpikeinElkheadReservoirandtheYampa(trywhite/chartreusestreamersandluresforsmallies),andalso troll thesespots for trout.Anotherworld-classoption:Headwest to theGreenRiver in Browns Park, offering blue-ribbon trout fishing on three great sections ofwater(A,BandC).Theareaisknownforitslargebrowntroutandclear,coldwaterreleasedfromtheFlamingGorgeReservoir.

TheWhiteRiver,whichflowsthroughMeekerandRangely,drainstheFlatTopsand

AnglIngin western colorado

The whole Northwest Colorado region offers some of the best fishing

in the country. Brett Lee, co-owner of Straightline Sports in Steamboat Springs

Gabe Dreuhl, of Austin, Texas, takes on the blue waters of the Yampa River in Steamboat Springs looking to land a trout.

PhoTo bY John. F. RuSSell


AnglIngin western colorado teemswith trout in the fall.Headupstream fromMeekeronMoffatCountyRoad8

towardBuford,whereyoucanbranchupthesouthornorthfork,ortrytheMeekertownstretch,thesectionbetweenMeekerandRangely,ortheRangelyreach.

NearGrandJunction,hittheblue-ribbonGunnisonRiverGorgebelowBlackCanyonoftheGunnisonNationalPark,whichattractsanglersallseason.WadefishnearthetakeoutatGunnisonForksattheconfluenceoftheriversnorthfork,orbookafloattripthroughthegorge.

LAKes AND ReseRvOiRsForlakefishing,hitanynumberofreservoirsnearCraigandSteamboat(Stagecoach

Lake,SteamboatLakeandElkheadReservoir).RecentexpansionshaveincreasedthesizesofStagecoachandElkhead.ColoradoParksandWildlifehasbeenstockingthemwith bigger fish than normal to give them a chance to survive the northern pike,StraightlinesLeesays.

Octoberiswhenthefishchargeoutofthedepthstofeedbeforewintersetsin.Coolertemperaturesalsobringrainbowsbackintoshallowerwater.Goearlyandgetyourflydown10to11feet.BoatrentalsareavailableatthemarinasofStagecoachandSteamboatLake.Forflypatterns,trywoollybuggersinolive,blackandbrowntoimitateminnows.Aswatertemperaturesdrop,slowyourreelingmotion,Leeadds.Autumnscoldwaterdictatesaslowerretrieve,saysLee,toutingcrayfishpatternsasagoodbet.

Countlesssmallerlakesalsoexistfordippingaline.OntheothersideoftheParkRangefromSteamboat,inJacksonCounty,lieDelaneyButteslakes,whichofferfreecamping,aswellasBigCreekLakeandLakeJohn.IntheFlatTopsWildernessArea,TrappersLakewhereyoucanrentcanoes,rowboatsandrusticaccommodationsaswellasChapman,Sheriff andStillwaterreservoirsandthesmallerRainbowandMosquitolakesalsooffergreatfishingoptions.

NorthofSteamboat,HahnsPeakandPearllakes,aswellastheAlpinelakesoftheMountZirkelWildernessArea,serveupprimeangling,asdothemorethan200stockedlakes atop10,000-foot-highGrandMesanearGrand Junction (favorites include theGoldMedalwatersofMesaLakes,aswellasCottonwoodLakesandVegaReservoir).SeveralfishinglodgesonGrandMesastayopenthroughthefall.

GeT A GUiDeAswithhunting,hiringatrusted,localguideiswellworthit.Notonlycanthey

provideaccesstotrophy-filledprivatewaters,buttheyllhelpyourtechniqueandflyselection.Also,donthesitatetoasklocalflyshopexpertsforadvice.Asamplingofguidedoptions include:SteamboatSprings:StraightlineSports(970-879-7568),BuckingRainbowOutfitters (970-879-8747), Steamboat Flyfisher (970-879-6552).Walden:NorthParkAnglers(970-723-4215).Rifle:HighFliesAngler(970-274-2669).GrandJunction:WesternAnglers(970-244-8658).

PhoTo CouRTeSY oF hoG ISlAnD boATWoRKS

Michael H. Gotchey, D.V.M. Lee O. Meyring, D.V.M.

Nate S. Daughenbaugh, D.V.M.

(970) 879-1041

Large & Small Animals

Medicine & Surgery

Acupuncture

Ultrasound

Cold Laser Treatment

Vaccinations

Dentistry

Animal Health Store

Hills Science Diet & Blue Buffalo Foods

1878 Lincoln Ave Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

SteamboatVetHospital SteamboatVet

SteamboatVeterinaryHospitalPC.com

Colorado Outfitter Registration #1229

Guided deeR & elk HuntinG

For Information or Reservations, Please Contact:don & Phyllis Myers

6148 State Highway 317, Hamilton, CO 81638

(970) 824-9317 [email protected]


Doug and Janet Camilletti Colorado License # 1479 41380 North Highway 13 Craig, Colorado 81625 Phone: (970) 824-8935 Winter phone: (970) 629-5644 December-Middle March

Meet your guides and staff at www.frostyacres-craig.com

Unit 4 & 301. All on private land. Trespass or semi-guided hunts in Black Mountain and Bears Ears Drainage.Rifle, Archery & Muzzle Loading Hunts on private ground.


HOTsPots

By Darian Warden

I fyoudidntknowitbefore,youdonow:CraigisnowtheocialElkHuntingCapitaloftheWorld.Whilethetownhasrankedashighas20thinOutdoorLifemagazinesBestTownsforSportsmen listthroughouttheyears, itnowhastheelkcapitaltaglinenotchedintoitsriflebutt,aswell.Afterfiveyearsbuildingthebrand,localbusinessmanJohnPonikvartrademarkedthephraselastyear,muchtothedelightoftourismocials.

Its fantastic, says Christina Oxley, of the Craig Chamber of Commerce, addingthatthetrademarkedphrasealreadyhasresultedinpositivefeedbackfromvisitors.Itgivesusgreatvisibilityandsearchabilityonline.Everytimesomebodyinputselkhunting,thatbranddrawspeople.

Ponikvarsayshetrademarkedthephrasetogivethecommunitysomeidentification.WeweresimplytryingtobrandCraig,hesays.Hopefully,itsasourceofprideforCraigandMoffatCounty.

Thenewly trademarked logoalreadyhasappearedonbumper stickers,banners,

hats, T-shirts andmore. Ponikvar adds that a hunting showfilmmaker even saw ahatadornedwiththephraseataGeorgiagolfcourseandfilmedanelkhuntinCraigbecauseofit.IvebeentakingT-shirtsandhatswithmewheneverIhuntoutofstate,hesays.Everyonelovesthem.Itsstartingtogetaroundtheworld.

craiG: elK HuntinG caPital

Doug and Janet Camilletti Colorado License # 1479 41380 North Highway 13 Craig, Colorado 81625 Phone: (970) 824-8935 Winter phone: (970) 629-5644 December-Middle March

Meet your guides and staff at www.frostyacres-craig.com

Unit 4 & 301. All on private land. Trespass or semi-guided hunts in Black Mountain and Bears Ears Drainage.Rifle, Archery & Muzzle Loading Hunts on private ground.

970-620-4370 [email protected] www.CMEDP.com www.CraigBusiness.com

Strong business environment Low taxes Great community World class recreation New hospital New college & schools


HOTs

Pots

western colorado:a HuntinG snaPsHot

By Eugene Buchanan

I f youve picked western Colorado as your hunting grounds this season, youcouldnthavechosenabetterspottosetyoursights.ThePacific-mostportionoftheCentennialStateharborsthetwokeyingredientsall hunters look for: some of the largest elk herds in the country, and extensivepubliclands.Thisequatestooneofthebestchancesoffillingyourtagofanywhereinthecountry.

ThescaleoftheelkherdsinwesternColoradoisunprecedentedcomparedtotherestofthecountry,saysBradPetch,ColoradoParksandWildlifesseniorbiologistforNorthwestColorado.ThereareveryfewplacesintheWestwhereyoucanpickupalicenseatthecounterandhaveadecentshotatgettingafour-pointbull.

Petchestimatesthat thereareabout280,000elk inColorado, themostofanystate,withmore than15percent of thoseharvestedevery year.Otherbiggamepopulations are also strong, including mule deer, moose, pronghorn, bear andmountainlion.

FromGrandJunction,headoutontoGrandMesa(Units41,42,411,421,52and521 forover-the-counterelk)and theUncompahgrePlateau (Units61and62 forelk),aswellas theGunnisonBasin (Units76and77 limitedelk).Afterward, tourthroughGrandMesaorColoradoNationalMonument.

Farthernorthwest,DinosaurNationalMonumentoffersaglimpseoftheregionsprehistoric past amidst world-class pronghorn options. The region also contains

Browns Park on the Green River, featuring premier trout fishing below FlamingGorgeReservoir.

Just off U.S. Highway 40, Rangely is another sportsmens hotspotwhose hillylandscapesarepopulatedwithdeer,pronghorn,elkandsmallgame.Craig,theseatofMoffatCounty,continuestoberankedasoneofthetophuntingdestinationsinthecountryforitsvastpubliclands,privateranchesandherds.

From Craig, Colorado Highway 13 heads north toward Wyoming and south tohunter-friendlytownssuchasMeeker.Everywhereyougoisprimehuntinghabitat.East of CraigonU.S. 40 isHayden, also rich in ranchingandhuntingheritage, andanother30minuteseastisSteamboatSprings,theseatofRouttCounty.Knownforitsinternationallyrenownedskiarea,Steamboatalsoishometofifth-generationranchesandsomeofthebesttroutfishingandelk,deerandmoosehuntinginthestate.

South of Steamboat on Colo. 131 lie Oak Creek, Phippsburg and Yampa, theGatewaytotheFlatTopsandthewildernessareasprimehuntinghabitat.

AcrosstheContinentalDivide,NorthParkalsoisknownforitsmooseandfishing.LocatedanhourdriveonColo. 14 frombothSteamboat and Laramie,Wyoming,Waldenistheregionslargestcityandsurroundedbyextensivepubliclands.Farthersouth are the hunting hotbeds of Kremmling, Hot Sulphur Springs and Granby,whichalsocarryvastherdsofelkanddeer.

SonomatterwhereyourcrosshairsaresetinwesternColorado,youreaheadofthegamewhenitcomestohunting.


Ask Us About Our Road Hazard Policy Check out our Custom Wheel Prices

79656

Passenger & Light Truck

Tireson SALENOW

Full-Service Auto Repair7 Mechanics on Duty w/12 Bays Diesel ServiceAlignments Brakes Belts/Hoses 4x4 ServiceA/C Repair Suspension Computer DiagnosticsFuel Injection Differentials Transmission Flushes

Not just

selling tire

s,

but selling

tires that

will

get you th

ere! COOPERSTT

COOPERAT3

DESTiNATiON M/TDESTiNATiON A/T

Our Tire Techs &

Sales Staff are TiA certified

to better serve you!

We have tires for your A.T.V. and trailer even your wheelbarrow

242-3021410 North Avenue

SERVING GRAND JUNCTION SINCE 1941

COOPERST MAx

Service SpecialsService SpecialsWinterization

Special

Includes up to2 gal. of Antifreeze; Inspection of belt

& hoses.Please call for an appointment.

Starting at

Includes up to

$74 95Thrust

Alignment

Shims & 4WheelAlignments extra.Please call for an appointment.

Starting at

$5495Service SpecialsService SpecialsService Specials

Battery Check

FREEOil Change

TransmissionFlush

$42 00includes: Lube Oil Filter Up to 5 qts. of Oil

TRANSMiSSiON SERviCE the way it ought

to be doneCall for pricing

Service SpecialsThrust Alignment

$59 95Alignments extra.

Please call for an appointment.

Shims & 4Wheel

Please call for an appointment.*Most makes & Models +$2.00 waste oil & filter fee

Starting at

EARLy DETECTiON PLAy iT SAFE

Batteries never die when its convenient

Computer Diagnosis

$59 95Starting

atPlease call

for an appointment.

Front orRear Brakes

$149 95*Metallic, 4x4 & factory pads extraPlease call for an appointment.

Starting at

Alignment

$10 00with purchase of 4 tires

OFF

Monday - Friday 7:30 to 5:30Saturday 8:00 to 12:00

Ready For Fall!

Get YourVehicle

Trailer Services too. Pack Bearings, Brake Repair and Lights.

Ready For Ready For Ready For Ready For Ready For Ready For Ready For Ready For Ready For Fall!Fall!Fall!Fall!Fall!Fall!Fall!Fall!One-

Shop

OnOnee

ShopShopShopStopShopShop

for tire and auto repair & services!

Brakes, shocks, struts, alignments, A/C services, computer diagnostics,

coolant services, transmission flushes, fuel injection services, belts,

hoses, batteries and more!


MeeKer:sMall town, BiG access

By Andy Bockelman

TheonlythingmeekaboutMeekerwhenitcomestohuntingisthatitsquietlyofftheradar.Butoncepeoplegetatasteofwhatitoffersinsmall-townfriendlinessandaccesstobiggame,theycomebackagainandagain.Wegetalotofrepeatcustomers,saysStanWyatt,ownerofWyattsSportsCenter,

nowenteringits20thyearasahuntingsupplycompany.Mostofourbusinessisnon-residents.Weseesomanypeopleyearafteryearthatitshardtorememberthemall.

Wyattestimatesheshadacustomerfromeverystateinthecountryandbeyond.Weve had them from Alaska, Hawaii and Canada, and even England, he says.Peoplealwayssayhowbeautifulitisaroundhere,whatagreatlittletownitisandhowfriendlythepeopleare.Ithasagreatreputation.

Thisreputationaswellasthebountifulfillingofhuntingtagsiswhathasledtosomuchrepeatbusiness,bothforlocalguidesandoutfittersaswellasarealodgesandhotels.Itsusuallythesamegroupscomingbackyearafteryear,anditsalwaysnice to see them, saysBlueSpruceHotelmanagerBeckeyDowker,whoalsohuntseveryfall.Itslikefamilycomingbackeveryyear.Mostpeoplelikethatwerejustaquietlittlemountaintown.

Further illustrating Meekers charm is the fact that many of its well-traveledresidentsaremorethanhappytocallithome.JustaskBillWille,theownerofAntlersTaxidermywhohashuntedaroundtheglobe.WillefirstcametotowndecadesagoforthehuntingandhasoperatedhisserviceoutofMeekerforthepast35years.ThehuntingiswhyIcameouthere,andthatswhatIstillloveaboutit,saysWille,whoseworkshopisaveritablemenageriewithmorethan200mountsof largecats,bears,rodents,fowlandotheranimalsfromallovertheworldincludingarareibexfromTurkey.

Despitehisworldtravels,MeekeralwayswillremainclosetoWillesheart.Anditsthosesamereasonsthatkeepvisitinghunterscomingbackformoreyearafteryear.

PhoTo CouRTeSY oF DAle hAllebACh

Lowest Prices In The Region With The Largest Selection of Fine Wines, Beer, and Liquor.


HOTsPots

By Dan Olsen

While most every hunter hopes to bag atrophy,thechancetoactuallygetamonsterbull begins with research, preparationand patience. It also helps if youre hunting GameManagementUnit2.

Western Colorado boasts some of the finest bullsinthecountryinthefarreachesofthisareaofMoffatCounty,withmore than200 locatednear theborderwithUtahandWyoming.Theopportunity tohunt indesignatedtrophyareaisdeterminedbyadrawandpointsystemthatallowshunterstoaccumulatepointseachhuntingseason.

Thesepreferencepointsarespeciesspecific;hunterswantingtoharvestatrophybullelkwillaccruepointsfor many years in the elk category before drawinga license. Currently, it takes 18 points for a Coloradoresident to draw a license in Unit 2. A non-residentwillwait22yearsfortheopportunity,butpointsalonedontguaranteealicensethroughthedraw.

The 2014 quota for Unit 2 is 33 hunters, out ofits 1,293 applicants. Twenty-four licenses went toColoradoresidents,fivewenttonon-residentsandfour

tounitlandowners.TonyEricksonhuntedUnit2twoyearsagoandhas

no problemwith the longwait. The huntwaswellworththewait,hesays.Wesawbigbullseveryday.Imean340-point(Boone&Crockett)bullseverydayinshootingrange,lessthan300yards.

Hunters dont need to hunt each year to gatherpreference points. However, non-hunter preferencepoints which were once a minimal $3 fee jumpedto$40in2014forthosewhodidnthuntlastyear. Mike Swaro, with Colorado Parks and Wildlife,says the fee increase is in part to encourage morehunterstoparticipateinyearlyhunts.

Theyneedtohaveatleastanannualfishinglicensetoavoidthatcharge,hesays.Itraisesadditionalfeesforwildlifemanagement.

Anotherway to draw a trophy unit hunt is foundin the Hybrid Drawing. A hunter with at least fivepreference points entering the draw with a correcthunt code automatically will be entered into theHybridDrawforachancetoberandomlyselectedfor20percentofthelicensesissued.

Throughout the years, the number of preferencepointsrequiredhasclimbedsteadilyasmorehunters

reachhighertotalswiththeirstockpiledpoints.Todays18-year-old applying for his first Unit 2 preferencepointmayverywellneed22pointsormorewhenhisnumberiscalledintheyear2036.

ForErickson,his21-yearwait resulted in thehuntofa lifetime. Wecalledhim into rangeandgothimaboutahalf-hourafterdaylight,hesays.Therewerefourbullsintheherd,andthiswasthebiggest.WhatcanIsay?Hewasinthemeatplantbynoon.

GMu 2: troPHY territorY

[email protected] 970-846-SPUR(7787) 970-879-3880

SARAH BUCKLES LARNERCustom Elk Ivory Jewelry

www.silverspursteamboat.comwww.silverspursteamboat.comsarahsilverspur@gmail.com 970-846-SPUR(7787) [email protected] 970-846-SPUR(7787) 970-879-3880

SARAH BUCKLES LARNERSARAH BUCKLES LARNERCustom Elk Ivory JewelryCustom Elk Ivory Jewelry

Wildlife laWyersWildlife laWyersA full service law firm specializing in representing outdoorsmen and women, professional guides, outfitters, farmers, ranchers and landowners

A DIVISION OF FELDMANN NAGEL, LLC

(800) 817-1106 | www.wildlifelawyers.comOffices in Denver, Boulder, Steamboat Springs and Avon/Vail

Hunting LeasesCitation Defense

Crop and Pasture LeasingOutfitter ManagementBoating Citations

Landowner LiabilityOutfitter Liability

Farm and Land ManagementHunter and Fisher Rights

International Trophy Import/Export

Offices in Denver, Boulder, Steamboat Springs and Avon/Vail1055 Walton Creek Drive, Steamboat Springs, Coloradowww.Steamboat-Hotel.com

Quality Inn & Suites: Conveniently located on US 40 in Steamboat Springs.

Complimentary full hot breakfast

All rooms equipped with 32Flat screen TV, microwave, & mini refrigerator

Pool and Hot tub

Free Wifi

Buy one night, get the 2nd night

for 25% offEach additional night is an additional 25% off

Available Sunday through Thursday

Call TODAY to book in advance: 970-879-6669

Ask for Hunting Special

Valid October 1 to November 30


HOTs

Pots By Eugene Buchanan

Thanks tovast tractsofpublic landandsizableanimalherds,GrandCounty,whichencompassesKremmling,HotSulphurSprings,GranbyandGrandLake,isgrandforhunting.The hunting opportunities there are excellent, especially for mule deer,

maintains Colorado Parks and Wildlifes Mike Porras. It has its own uniqueopportunitiesandtonsofhuntingacreage.

The Middle Park deer herd is modeled at more than 15,350, with a targetobjective of 11,500, making deer a primary target. Historically, this region hasalwaysbeenknownforitsdeerhunting,saysLyleSidener,CPWGrandCountyareawildlifemanager.Low-lyingcentralsagebrushgetsdeerthroughwinter.Theresalsoalonghistoryofdeerresearchhere,fromhabitatusetonutrition.Deerherehaveprobablybeenstudiedmorethantheyhaveanywhereelse.

Addingtotheregionshuntingopportunitiesisitsvastacreage,comprisingUnits15,18,27,28,37,181and371,themajorityofitopentothepublic.Theresahighpercentageofpubliclandheretohunt,Sideneradds.Thatslargelywhatmakesitsuchaprimehuntingdestination.

Every fall,hundredsofout-of-townhuntersflock to thearea, joininga strongpopulationoflocalhunters.Theregionalsoharborsarobustoutfitterbusiness,withseveralofthestatesbusiestguidesandoutfittingservicescallingtheareahome.

Drivingthisdemandaretheareaselkandmoose,Sidenersays.MoosehavemigratedfromNorthParktoMiddlePark,andelkherdsalsoareblossoming.TheregionsthreeelkherdsGorePass,TroublesomeCreekandWilliamsForktotalnearly15,000.

HotspotsincludeGorePass,WilliamPeak,WillowCreekPassandParkview,Elk

andGrousemountains.BigbullsalsocanbefoundsouthoftheboundaryforRockyMountain National Park in the Meadow Creek area, Sidener adds. That area isprettyunderutilizedbecauseitshardtogetto,hesays.Whiletheresnohuntinginthepark,elkdontnecessarilyunderstandthatboundary.

Grand HuntinG

1755 Central Park Drive www.lafiestagrillandcantina.com

970-879-6393

Serving the boat with the freshest ingredients and spices to create great Mexican cuisine with a modern twist,

with different types of sauces like our poblao cream, chipotle, and our fire roasted tomato salsa.

Large parking located in Central Park Plaza. Reservations recommended during busy season.Large parties welcome.

Happy Hour every day 3 6

theJewelers Mine

118 8th Street, Steamboat SpringS, Co 970.871.1413

www.thejewelerSmine.Com


Fully Guided Hunts I Semi GuidedDrop Camps I Lodges I Ranches

Trent Snyder Colorado Outfitters #1623Member of: Colorado Outfitters Association, Mule Deer Foundation, NRA and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Fully Bonded and Insured

www.huntsilverspuroutfitters.com I 970.249.4242email: [email protected] I 970.379.4297

Over 24,000 Prime Private Acres

Many with adjoining BLM permits in

Units 42, 33, 32 & 22

Several Camps To Choose From

Over the past 20 years, I have hunted elk and mule deer in Colorado almost every year. After each hunt there has been only one company that I have relied upon for safe delivery of my processed meat and trophy mounts. Wild Game Transport. Their standard of care, loyalty and service to their customers is outstanding. I would recommend Wild Game Transport to anyone

and trust them to transport my most prized possessions.

Douglas J Dane, MAI Owner/Managing Partner

No oNe HaNdles Your rack Better!

We deliver direct to yourhome or business.*Year round delivery of your trophy.Wild game meat delivered September through January.

Wild Game Transportspecializes in the safe

delivery of your taxidermy trophies and processedfrozen wild game meat,

NATIONWIDE.

Wild game meat delivered September through January.

Contact Alan @ Phone: (970)712-0946Email: [email protected]

Web: www.wildgametransport.com70254


tHeHeRdworddeer down, elK uP

By Eugene Buchanan

Thanksinparttoaspringwarmspellmeltingthiswinterscopioussnow,mostofthe17,000orsoelkthatwinternorthofU.S.Highway40betweenSteamboatSprings and Craig ended the winter in good condition, including last yearscalves.

Theelkcameoutwelldespitetheamountofsnowwehad,saysColoradoParks

andWildlifeAreaWildlifeManagerJimHaskins.Theygotthroughthewinteringood

shape.

Ingeneral,addsBradPetch,CPWsnorthwestseniorwildlifebiologist,gamewildlife

inNorthwestColoradofaredwelllastwinter.Althoughweexperiencedheavysnows

in the high country, particularly late in the year,wintermortality remainedwithin

expectedlimits,hesays.ExceptionsincludeareassouthofI-70intheGypsum,Eagle

andVailareas,whichreceivedheavyFebruarysnows.Headdsthatwhileadditional

mortality, particularly of fawn deer, occurred in these areas, the snows coming in

FebruaryinsteadofDecembermeamstheyclearedrelativelyquickly.

desPite BiG snows, BiG GaMe Fare well tHrouGH winter


Animals appeared to go into thewinter in good condition and calf-to-cow andfawn-to-doeratiosindicateaproductiveyearinmostelkanddeerunits,Petchsays.Soilmoistureandforageconditionsweregoodintheearlyspring,althoughrangesinthefarnorthwestreceivedlessprecipitationthantherestoftheregion.HeaddsthatalackofmoistureinJunedriedoutforagequicklyduringearlysummer.

eLKMostelkherds,Petchsays,especiallythoseintheYampaandWhiteriverdrainages,

have been reduced to reach their long-term management objectives. Parks andWildlifeterrestrialbiologistJeff Yostsaysthenumberofelkintheregionisdowntoabouthalfofwhat itwaseightyearsago,butbydesign.Currentnumbers,hesays,are rightonCPWspopulation target aspart of their efforts to cull herds to reducecrowdinginkeyhabitatareas.

Region-wide, licenses for 2014 are about the same those available in 2013, saysPetch.Thenumberofbulltags(includingthoseforunlimitedsecondandthirdseasonover-the-counterhunts)availableexceeds28,000acrosstheregion,withcowlicensesatjustunder51,500.

MULe DeeRMuledeer,Petchadds,areanotherstory,withocialsremainingconcernedabout

thedownwardtrendinpopulationsizeontheWestSlope.AspartofitsWestSlopeMuleDeerInitiative,CPWishostingpublicoutreachmeetingstoaddresstheissue.Butsomepartsoftheregionarefaringwell.Whileconcernremainsforanumberofmuledeer populations that are below objective, including theWhite River herd, severalherds innorthwesternColoradoareperformingquitewell,Petchsays,addingthatdeerinMiddlePark,theupperColoradoandCraig(theBearsEarsherdspecifically)arenearlong-termobjectives.Intheseunitsandmanyothers,buckratiosremainquitehigh,evenwhenthetotalnumberofdeerislessthandesired.Morethan26,000buckand6,800doelicenseswereissuedintheregionin2014.

MOOseWhileonamuchsmallerscale,moose,hesays,aredoingwell.Populationsinmost

ofthenorthwestherdscontinuetoincrease,hesays,addingthat88bulland112cowlicenseswereissuedin2014,upby19from2013.Inaddition,moosehuntinginGMUs15and27andinBrownsParkhasbeenopenedforthefirsttimethisyear.

PRONGHORNExceptforMiddlePark,whereobjectivesareabout50animalshigher,pronghorn

populationsremainsomewhatbelowobjectiveinmostherdunitsinthenorthwest,says Petch. Pronghorn are among themost sensitive of the big game animals toweather conditions, characterized by poor reproduction during both drought yearsandhardwinters,hesays.Populationsdeclinedsubstantiallyduringtheextendeddroughtfrom2001through2007andarestillrebuilding,particularlyinlowerelevationrangesinwesternMoffatCounty.Thesedeclines,headds,haveresultedinreducedbuck and doe license availability. This year, 1,780 buck and 1,100 doe pronghornlicenseswereavailable,aslightdecreasefrom2013.Butheaddsthathuntingshouldremainstrong.Pronghornhunterssuccessfulindrawinga2014licenseshouldbeabletofindabundantantelopeinmostunits,hesays.

CENTENNIAL RV970-245-8886

2429 Hwy 6&50 Grand JunctionAcross from Mesa Mallwww.centennialrv.com

RVs forYour Hunt

2015 Coleman 16FRS

Walk around queen, awning , A/C

#36-63

$15,995Only

2015 Fuzion404

Chrome Package, 5500 Onan generator, sleeps

up to 8 people#56-57

$79,987Only

Dont Get Caught In The Cold

We have all your RV parts & service for the hunt

Solar Panels Generators

Many more travel trailers, 5th wheels and toy haulers available!


tHeHeR

dword

2013 HuntinG round-uPBy Nate Waggenspack

Whilequicklychangingweathercharacterizedmuchoflastyearshuntingseason,MotherNaturedidntdampenresults.Numbersshowanincreaseinbiggameharvesting,withColoradoParksandWildlife reportingelkandmuledeersuccessratesclimbingslightlyover2012.

Iwouldntcharacterizeitasabigyear,butitwasalittlebetterthantheyearbefore, says Bill de Vergie, Parks andWildlife areawildlifemanager for Area 6,whichincludesMoffat,RioBlancoandpartsofRouttandGrandcounties.Alotofit

hadtodowiththedrasticchangesintheweather.Northwest Colorado saw wet months in September and October, including

significant snowfall followed by prolongedwarmweather,which keptmany elkfrommigratingearlierintheseason.InMoffatCounty,alotofthesuccesshappenswhenelkherdsmigratewestofColoradoHighway13outintotheopen.Butthattimenevercameinthethirdandfourthrifleseasons,deVergiesays.

Normally,wellgetagoodsnowstormfollowedbycold,hesays.Thistimewehadthesnow,butthenitgotwarmagain.

Alatermigrationdidspellopportunityforhuntersinthehighcountryandfarthereast.RickMyers,ofBuckMountainOutfitters,whichhuntsnorthwestofSteamboatinGMU214, says elkwereabundantevery season. WereeastofHayden, andalotofthoseelkstayedinthetreeswhichstillhadleaves,saysMyers,callingitanexcellentyear.Thesnowcameandwentfast.Wevesawbigherdsofupto300thatwerentinahurrytogoanywhere.

PinnaclePeakAdventureshuntsprivate land inGMU4northeastofCraig,andmanagerBillGreen says theyhadgoodopportunities aswell. Wehadmoreelkthannormal,hesays.Thoseearlysnowsgotthemmoving,andthenlatemoisturegavethemplentyoffeed.

Muledeerhuntersalsohadahighrateofsuccess,continuingatrendfromthelastcoupleofyears,withfewhuntersreceivinglicensesaspartofParksandWildlifeefforts togrowtheherdpopulations. In2012,everyGMU in theGreenRiverandYamparegionshadahighersuccessratethanthefive-yearaverage.

Weresolimitedonourmuledeerlicensesthatthefolksthathadthemhadnoproblemwithsuccess,saysdeVergie.Thedeerhuntingwasactuallyprettygood.


Bear licenses on tHe riseBy Tim Harty

I fyouwanthunterstokillmorebears,youhavetoissuemorehuntinglicenses.Thatsthetake-homefrom Colorado Parks a

2014 Colorado Hunter

Documents

Transcript of 2014 Colorado Hunter