Contact Name: Randy Hampton

Contact Phone: 303-291-7482

COLORADO IS OPEN FOR HUNTING

DENVER - Colorado is open for fall hunting with more than 23 million

acres of public land that are not affected by the federal government

shutdown.

"Colorado is known worldwide for its pristine hunting and fishing

areas,” said Gov. John Hickenlooper. "Some federal refuges are closed

here and in other states, but Colorado has elk licenses available and

hunters are welcome this fall to hunt on other public land."

Colorado is the only state that offers over-the-counter rifle bull elk

license for resident and non-resident hunters. The licenses are valid in

more than 90 game management units during the second or third rifle

seasons. The second rifle season runs Oct. 19 - 27 and third rifle

season is Nov. 2 - 10.

Colorado has more than 260,000 elk in the state and hunters are

important to help manage those large herds. In addition, hunting

provides a $1.8 billion boost to the state's economy each fall. State

officials have been notified that National Wildlife Refuges in the state

and some military installations may be impacted by the shutdown but

those lands make up less than one-half of one percent of the federal

land in the state.

"It's unfortunate that hunters are receiving mixed messages from the

federal agencies," said Steve Yamashita, Acting Director of Colorado

Parks and Wildlife. "While all of the National Forests in Colorado are

open, the shutdown has confused sportsmen across the country and we're

trying to make sure people get the right information. Colorado is open

this hunting season."

Individuals hunting Colorado's public lands are advised that some of the

formal campgrounds may be closed or have limited service but dispersed

camping is allowed in most areas. Hunters should be prepared to pack out

their own trash and bring their own water.

The early snow in Colorado has local hunters excited after several years

of warm, dry fall weather. Cold, snowy weather concentrates big game

herds and moves them out of rugged areas toward lower elevation winter

range. That movement means better hunting conditions.

"Hunting in western Colorado has been tremendous so far," said JT

Romatzke, an area wildlife manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. "We

have had great late-season rains, and bulls rallied to the rut during

the last couple weeks of archery season."

Hunters are being reminded that snow can mean muddy roads and cold

temperatures. But mud and snow shouldn't keep hunters from venturing out

to try their luck. Despite some potentially mucky terrain, Romatzke

anticipates a fruitful season.

"We are looking forward to what could be one of the best hunts we've had

for a few years," he said. "We just need the hunters to come get them."

###

For more news about Division of Wildlife go to:

http://wildlife.state.co.us/NewsMedia/PressReleases

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to:

http://wildlife.state.co.us.