Scouting it Out | COME TO LIFE Tools 1 STATE FOREST STATE PARK Scouting it Out Choose A B SPECIES: Mule deer in the mountains, whitetail on the plains or the legendary elk of the Rockies — these are only some of the many species that call Colorado home. Research: Adherence to Colorado’s hunting and fishing license guidelines is extremely important to the overall health of the wilderness. The first responsibility on any trip is to visit cpw.state.co.us or pick up a printed manual to stay up to date on changes in the law. 2 Learn: Colorado Parks & Wildlife offers Elk Hunting University, instructional videos and a whole lot more to get you ready for the hunt. Go to COLORADO.com/CPWHunt to find information on outdoor survival, a guide to Colorado’s game-management units, scouting tips and numbers to call when you have questions. Steps to Hunting & Seeing the Secret Side of Wilderness Colorado’s public lands include 23 million acres of pristine pines, plentiful pocket meadows and pure-water ponds, so it’s no wonder it hosts the world’s largest elk herd and offers the best chance at hunting, or simply viewing, these majestic animals. Find your path, see what it’s all about and choose your own adventure. Location A B GET YOUR BEARINGS: Make a preseason basecamp in one of Colorado’s welcoming small towns and bring friends or family members along. 3 Plan: Apply online for the big-game limited-draw licenses. Primary Draw: March–early April Secondary Draw: June– early July For more dates and fees: COLORADO.com/ CPWHunt Find a directory of outfitters who can lead you on guided or semi-guided hunts: COLORADO.com/Hunting METHOD OF TAKE: FISH SIDE DISH: Go primitive with a longbow, stay modern with a centerfire rifle or split the difference with a muzzle loader. Colorado is accommodating to most types and styles of take as long as you have a license and hunter education card (from Colorado or your home state). COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE. Big-game habitat almost always overlaps with small-game and fish habitat. Bring along that shotgun or rod and experience the richness of Colorado’s varied terrain. C SEASON: It’s hard to resist hunting among golden aspen leaves in early season bow and muzzle-loading seasons, but cool weather and snow often help in a successful hunt. Big-game seasons run from August through January. Want More? COLORADO.COM/HUNTING COLORADO . COM 43
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2022: Page 43
