Colorado Hunters Forums To Be Held In February

The Colorado Wildlife Commission is reviewing proposed updates to Colorado`s big game hunting and management policies, and the public is invited to provide input during an upcoming series of forums and open-house meetings around the state. See the list at the bottom of the page for a meeting in your area.

While making decisions, the Wildlife Commission follows a three-step process that includes issue, draft, and final phases. There will be two phases in the development of the next big game season structure, each with its own three-step process. Major policies that will be revisited include general season-setting guidelines, limitations on nonresident participation, youth hunting opportunities, and the preference point system.

Also, the Colorado General Assembly is currently considering House Bill 1208, which would double resident license fees and provide for automatic increases in the future. NRA-ILA is currently working with legislators in Colorado to make sure that any fee increases are administered fairly. HB 1208 is currently referred to the House Finance Committee, where it will likely be heard next week. Please check back frequently for updates.

Big Game Season Structure Public Forums, including dates, areas, times, area office phone numbers, and forum locations:

Feb. 2: Yuma, 3-5 p.m., 970-842-6300, Yuma Community Center

Feb. 3: Bailey, 7 p.m., 303-291-7227, Platte Canyon Fire District Station No. 2, (at the top of Crow Hill)

Feb. 3: Alamosa, 7-9 p.m., 719-587-6900, Inn of the Rio Grande, Alamosa

Feb. 4: South Fork, 6-9 p.m., 719-587-6900, South Fork Community Center

Feb. 4: Salida, Open House 3-7 p.m., 719-530-5520, Salida Senior Center, 305 F Street, Salida, CO

Feb. 4: Grand Junction, 7-10 p.m., 970-255-6100, Country Inn, 718 Horizon Drive, Grand Junction, CO

Feb. 4: Hot Sulpher Springs, 4-8 p.m., 970-725-6200, DOW Office, 346 Grand County Road 362, Hot Sulpher Springs, CO

Feb. 4: Fort Collins, 6:30-8:30 p.m., 970-472-4300, Marriott Hotel, 350 East Horsetooth Road

Feb. 5: Greeley, To be announced, 970-472-4300, To be announced

Feb. 5: Pueblo, 7 p.m., 719-561-5300, Pueblo Convention Center.

Feb. 5: Blanca, 6-9 p.m., 719-587-6900, Fort Garland Blanca Community Center

Feb. 9: Cortez, 7-9 p.m., 970-247-0855, Holiday Inn Express, Cortez Conference Center-KoKo`s, 2121 E. Main St.

Feb. 9: Center, 6-9 p.m., Center High School cafeteria, 719-587-6918.

Feb. 10: Steamboat Springs, 5-8 p.m., 970-870-2197, USFS/DOW Office, 925 Weiss Drive, Steamboat Springs, CO

Feb. 10: Gunnison, 7 p.m., 970-641-7060, Gunnison County Fairgrounds

Feb. 10: Pagosa Springs, 7-9 p.m., 970-247-0855, Pagosa Lakes Vista Clubhouse, South Room

Feb. 10: La Jara, 6-9 p.m., 719-587-6900, Centauri High School

Feb. 11: Meeker, 6-8 p.m., 970-878-6090, Kilowatt Corner, Meeker, CO

Feb. 11: Durango, 7-9 p.m., 970-247-0855, Durango Recreation Center, 2700 N. Main St.

Feb. 11: Colorado Springs, 6 p.m., 719-227-5200, DOW Office, 4255 Sinton Road, Colorado Springs

Feb. 12: Glenwood Springs, 6:30-8:30 p.m., 970-947-2920, 1st Choice Inns, 51359 Highway 6

Feb. 12 Sterling, 7-9 p.m., 970-842-6300, Ramada Inn, U.S. Hwy 6 & I-76

Feb. 12: Trinidad, 7 p.m., 719-561-5300, Trinidad Junior College-All Purpose Room.

Feb. 12: Walden, 4-7 p.m., 970-870-2197, USFS Office, Walden, CO

Feb. 12: Longmont, 5-8 p.m., 970-472-4300, Raintree Hotel, Longmont, CO

Feb. 12: Montrose, 7 p.m., 970-252-6000, Delta/Montrose Electric Assn.

Feb. 19: Lamar, 7:30 p.m., 719-336-6600, Cow Palace, 1301 N. Main St., Lamar, CO

Information about draft policy alternatives and the decision-making process are available at the DOW Website: http://www.wildlife.state.co.us/. Send e-mail comments to: [email protected], or letters to the Colorado Wildlife Commission, 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80206.