SAVE COLORADO RESIDENT ARCHERY HUNTS – Colorado has become many people’s favorite state to hunt big game. There is a lot of opportunity in Colorado to hunt everything from antelope to elk. However, there have been many new items introduced lately that could impact those opportunities. The obvious one is the introduction of the grey wolf into the state. And although that has received a lot of attention, there are many other issues that could also impact big game hunting. Specifically for those that like to hunt big game with a bow and arrow.
Colorado Bowhunters Association
Recently the Colorado Bowhunters Association (CBA) released a comment regarding the CPW’s preliminary BGSS season alternatives. These changes will be reviewed at the Wildlife Commission meeting on March 14th. The CPW is recommending two major changes.
- Eliminate OTC archery tags but keep OTC rifle tags.
- Proposed early archery season. (This is also a recommendation of the CBA)
The deadline to register to testify at the hearing has already passed; however, there is still opportunity to share your thoughts. You can email the CPW with your comments at dnr_cpwcommission@state.co.us.
Key Points From the Colorado Bowhunters Association
Early deer season:
- We like the idea of this but do not like the idea of two different seasons. Instead we would like the archery season to align with the archery antelope seasons.
OTC archery elk:
- Colorado residents that pay taxes here should have priority to the resources of the state that we live in. We support: Item 6a Alternative 2 Resident OTC, Nonresident limits
- There may be no loss in revenue as CPW will receive purchase of qualifying licenses, and application fees this before federal matching.
- CPW Commission still can change quotas annually, there is a hunter limit and it is flexible.
- Improved hunt quality with lower hunter density through reductions in nonresident.
- Allows families to hunt together and your recruitment based on the licensing schemes and lower cost.
- Facts suggest resident OTC archery elk participation is flat to declining. There is no need to limit residents. Residents should be recruited to grow in number, they will vote to retain the North American Model of Conservation, and preserve hunting heritage.
Are you a resident of Colorado, and what do you think of these propositions? Are you a nonresident of Colorado, and what do you think of the CBA’s recommendations.
