Colorado Big Game Application Deadline Nears

With the April 3 big-game application deadline drawing near, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding hunters that the agency offers a wealth of information and planning resources to assist them in making their license application selections.

From CPW’s website resources and secure license application portal to video tutorials and hunt planners manning the agency’s call center, hunters have at their fingertips all the resources they need to plan their hunt, said CPW director Rick Cables.

“Colorado has more elk than anywhere else in the world and loads of hunt options,” said Cables. “We’ve also got a ton of information on our website that can help you select the right hunt for you and your hunting buddies. A little time spent planning this week can pay off with a memorable Colorado hunt this fall.”

With so many options and seasons, a savvy hunter can pursue more than one kind of big game during a single week or plan a series of several hunts throughout the fall. Big game manager Andy Holland recommends that hunters identify their top choice and develop a strategy from there.

“Hunters get to choose among elk, deer, bear and pronghorn, archery, muzzleloader and rifle seasons,” Holland said. “It’s an embarrassment of riches, and it can get confusing. I like picking one top priority I’m confident I’ll draw and then build the rest of my applications around that.

To improve their chances of success in the draw, Holland encourages hunters to apply for second-, third- and fourth-choice licenses. They can also select “leftover draw” instead of “refund” on their deer and elk applications. This gives them first chance at leftover deer and elk licenses before they go on sale to the general hunting public on August 14.

Hunters can also plan to purchase an over-the-counter bull elk tag, available for the second and third rifle seasons, starting on July 10. Colorado’s over-the-counter bull elk tag is unique in that it allows a hunter to hunt anywhere in 92 units, which includes some of the best elk hunting in the state. About half of the bull elk harvested every year fall to hunters with over-the-counter tags.

The 2012 big game seasons open in late August for archery hunters and run through mid-winter with late-season private land tags. Information about season dates and license application requirements can be found in CPW’s 2012 Colorado Big Game brochure, which provides all of the information needed to apply for elk, deer, bear, pronghorn and moose licenses. The brochure features include easy-to-read tables, information about changes to hunting seasons this year and a reference page with important details about Colorado hunting regulations.

Copies of the brochure may be downloaded from the CPW wildlife web site and are available at any of the more than 600 locations across Colorado where licenses are sold.

As the deadline approaches, CPW is encouraging hunters to use the secure internet portal to submit their limited license applications. About 75 percent of hunters applied online in 2011, up from 64 percent in 2010.

Henrietta Turner, CPW’s license administration manager, said hunters can access the secure internet portal from any internet terminal at any time of day. The internet license application is programmed to prevent hunters from making common errors on their applications.

Last year CPW staff called more than 15,000 individuals concerning 45,000 errors or problems with their big game applications, many of which would have resulted in rejection of the license application. Only 25 of those calls went to hunters who used the web application portal.

Several Parks and Wildlife offices, including offices in Grand Junction, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Hot Sulphur Springs, Montrose and in Denver offer internet terminals for hunters to use. In addition, the secure application site can be accessed through any public internet terminal, though Turner advises hunters to avoid waiting until just before the midnight application deadline to avert the risk that system problems could interfere with submitting applications.

For 2012, CPW has made some significant changes to Colorado’s late youth elk hunting regulations. Since 2000, 12- to 17-year-olds with an unfilled elk tag could take advantage of cow elk hunting opportunities in any unit offering a late-season hunt. While these hunts were extremely successful in encouraging youth participation, they also created high levels of hunting pressure around Craig, Meeker and Steamboat Springs. Changes to the program detailed in the big game brochure will ensure hunting pressure is more evenly distributed.

Turner reminded hunters to have a current and valid photo identification, proof of hunter education and proof of residency before they sit down to fill out an application.

Hunters ages 18 to 64 are also reminded that they will need to purchase a $10 Habitat Stamp prior to applying for or purchasing their first Colorado hunting or fishing license of the license year. Only one stamp is required per hunter per year.

Colorado’s habitat stamp is similar to programs in Montana, New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho and Wyoming.  Since 2006, Habitat Stamp funds have helped protect more than 124,000 acres of wildlife habitat and opened more than 54,000 acres of new public hunting and fishing access. Hunters who don’t already have a stamp and who intend to submit multiple paper applications may include the $10 fee with only one application. Hunters who apply online will have a Habitat Stamp automatically added to their purchase if they have not already fulfilled the requirement.

During the next week, customer service representatives and specially trained Hunt Planners will be available to assist hunters by phone from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MDT at (303) 297-1192. On April 3, the phones will be open until midnight. Hunters can also get personal assistance at one of CPW’s regional service centers in Denver, Grand Junction, Colorado Springs or Durango or any one of the agency’s 16 area offices.

To view the interactive version of the 2012 Colorado Big Game brochure or download the PDF, go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us/RulesRegs/RegulationsBrochures/Pages/BigGame.aspx

To learn more about license options, see: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/PlanYourHunt/Pages/BGLicenseOptions.aspx

To apply for your big game license on line, go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us/ShopDOW/AppsAndLicenses/

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Colorado is Still a Big Game Hunter’s Paradise

Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s recently released 2011 big game harvest statistics show that the Centennial State continues to offer some of the best and most diverse big game hunting in the country.

In 2011, Colorado hunters once again harvested more elk than in any other state. With an estimated 280,000 elk, Colorado is home to the world’s largest elk herd. Unlimited over-the-counter elk tags, a robust deer herd, plentiful pronghorn and more than 23 million acres of public land all combine to make Colorado a prime destination for the big game hunter.

“Colorado really is the land of opportunity when it comes to big game hunting,” said Rick Cables, director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. ”The combination of accessible public and private lands hunting opportunities, over-the-counter elk licenses and a large number of top notch outfitters provide our citizens and hunters from across the nation with unparalleled opportunities.  We are lucky to live here.”

Hunters harvested about 43,400 Colorado elk in 2011, according to state wildlife biologists. While this was down about 9.5 percent from 2010, the harvest was still tops in the country by a large margin.

Big Game Manager Andy Holland said that the reduced harvest was not unexpected as cow elk licenses were cut in 2011 in response to analysis that showed some elk herds were approaching their population objectives. CPW manages elk herds primarily though the issuance of antlerless or cow licenses.

“Our herd objectives reflect a balance between the ability of the habitat to support elk herds and societal tolerance for impacts caused by elk,” Holland said. “As we near some of those population objectives, we’re starting to hear from hunters in many parts of the state that they would like to see more elk.”

Holland noted that the harvest of bull elk remained about the same as previous years, with roughly half coming from hunters who bought an over-the-counter tag. Colorado is unique in offering an unlimited number of over-the-counter tags that are good in any of 92 hunt units.

Deer hunters also had another good year in 2011, with an estimated 33,200 deer harvested. About 47 percent of rifle hunters filled their tag last year. Demand for deer hunting remained strong, with almost all licenses sold. While all deer hunting in Colorado is by a limited license, most of deer hunts can be drawn with 1 preference point or less. The growing populations of mule deer and white-tails on the eastern plains have also created new opportunities for many hunters.

The estimate of 11,700 pronghorn harvested in 2011 almost matched the all-time high point of 12,000 in 2010. With southeastern Colorado’s abundant pronghorn herds and the extension of the Big Game Access Program that provided access to 143,000 private acres in 2011, pronghorn hunters are looking at another good year in 2012.

Because of the large number of big game hunters in the state, Colorado Parks and Wildlife does not require hunters to register their harvest on most species. Instead, the agency utilizes phone and on-line surveys to establish harvest estimates. The statistics are extensively validated and audits have shown that the process is quite accurate.

Hunter harvest statistics are released annually in March as an aid to big game hunters applying for Colorado’s limited license draw.  Other reports show how many licenses were available in all big game management units throughout Colorado, how many hunters applied for those limited licenses, how many of those hunters were successful drawing and how many preference points it took to be successful.

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Grand Junction, Colorado Turkey Hunting 101 Seminar Mar. 28

Turkey hunting is challenging even for veterans, but can be especially tough when you are brand new to the sport. However, if you are interested in learning the basics of one of the fastest-growing hunting activities in the country, you are invited to attend a free Turkey Hunting 101. The seminar is sponsored by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Western Slope Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

The seminar will be held in the Hunter Education Building at the Northwest Region Service Center in Grand Junction, Wednesday March 28 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Designed for novices, the presentation will be light on jargon and heavy on practical advice, so that everyone will feel comfortable asking questions about turkey biology and hunting tactics.

“It is an excellent opportunity for new hunters to meet other enthusiasts and gain the confidence to head out and experience a successful hunt,” said CPW Education Coordinator Kathleen Tadvick.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, turkey hunting has increased at a rate double that of the country’s population since 1991 and has attracted many new hunters to the sport, including an increasing number of women.

Seminar topics include the basics of turkey calling, field tactics, firearms, local turkey populations and tips for hunting on public land. In addition, there will be an opportunity to meet and learn from veteran hunters.

“Turkey hunters are a close, tight-knit group and these long-time hunters are eager to share their knowledge with those just getting into the sport,” said Tadvick, who is also a Western Slope Committee Member for the National Wild Turkey Federation.

Space is limited. For information and reservations, call 970-255-6100.

Who: Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the Western Slope Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation What: Free Turkey 101 Hunting Seminar When: Wednesday, March 28 from 6 – 9:30p.m. Where: Hunter Education Building – 711 Independent Ave, Grand Junction

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Colorado’s Lory State Park Offers Hunter Education Class

Lory State Park will be hosting a free, three day hunter education class that starts on March 30and concludes April 1. The first class will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 30, and will end at 9 p.m. The classes on Saturday, March 31, and Sunday, April 1, will start at 9 a.m. and go until 5 p.m. To register for the class, please call the Lory State Park Visitor Center at (970) 493-1623. The class size will be limited to 12 people and the park will register people in the order that they call. Requirements for the class include the ability to sit through the entire class, take a multiple choice test and handle a .22-caliber rifle. Please bring a bag lunch each day. If you have any questions about the class, please contact the park.

Lory State Park, located in beautiful Bellvue, Colorado, offers visitors a variety of rugged terrain and the stunning vistas of the northern Colorado Front Range. The park covers almost 2,600 acres and features 26 miles of trails that lead through forest, meadows and rock-outcroppings, offering visitors great terrain for mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, bouldering, and horseback riding. Additional information on Lory State Park is available at: www.parks.state.co.us/Parks/Lory.

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New Turkey Hunt at Colorado’s AFA for New Hunters

A small number of new turkey hunting permits on the Air Force Academy property in Colorado Springs are being made available to women and youth first-time hunters. The 10 new tags will be evenly divided between the spring and fall seasons. Interested individuals must have already completed hunter education and must attend a turkey hunting class in Colorado Springs on Saturday, March 24.

“The wild turkey population on the Academy property is doing well enough to support a limited harvest,” explained Sabrina Hurwitz, Colorado Parks and Wildlife District Wildlife Manager for the area north of Colorado Springs. “Managing turkeys through this public hunt will help preserve habitat, maintain flock health and minimize conflicts with people on the base.”

Women or youth – under age 18 – who haven’t previously hunted turkey but who have already completed hunter education courses and want to be considered for the 2012 turkey season on the Academy must attend the “Turkey Hunting 101″ course offered at the Colorado Springs Parks and Wildlife office on Saturday, March 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The class is limited to the first 50 people who register in advance by calling 719-227-5200 during regular business hours.

Steve Lucero, who coordinates education efforts for Parks and Wildlife in southeastern Colorado, said that offering the tags to first-time youth and women hunters will be a way to provide entry-level opportunity for new hunters.

“Turkey hunting is the fastest growing niche in hunting participation, but it’s tough to learn and tough to find a place to get started,” Lucero said. “By bringing youth and women into the sport, we can help assure that this great family activity is carried on into the future.”

The United States Air Force Academy sits on more than 19,000 acres northwest of the city of Colorado Springs. The Academy campus serves as an Air Force base, military university and flight-training center that prepares future officers for careers in the U.S. Air Force. The Academy is home to more than 5,000 people but also dozens of species of native wildlife including deer, elk, turkey, trout, black bear and mountain lion. In addition to the new turkey hunts, mule deer, white-tailed deer and elk on the property are managed through cooperative military and state hunting programs.

A successful deer hunting program on the Academy began in the 1980s and has significantly reduced wildlife-vehicle collisions on the base, while also improving overall deer herd health.
The Academy is managed as game management unit 512. Hunters can find information about applying for hunts on the Academy, in the Colorado Parks and Wildlife 2012 Big Game Hunting brochure, available where hunting licenses are sold or online at www.bit.ly/COBigGame2012. Academy hunts have special restrictions and additional fees.

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Colorado’s Western Slope Hunters Offered License Advice

Whether you are a novice hunter or have years of experience, if you have questions about applying for a license to hunt in Colorado, the staff at Colorado Parks and Wildlife is inviting you to a free, one-night Big Game Hunting License Workshop, Tuesday, March 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. at 711 Independent Avenue in Grand Junction.

Knowledgeable customer service representatives and wildlife officers will be available to answer questions face-to-face, and personally help guide hunters through the application process. In addition, computer stations will be available to anyone who needs help applying online.

“We understand that the application process can be complex, however one thing we want the public to know is that we are always available to help and answer questions, whether at this Big Game Hunting License Workshop, by phone, internet, or in-person at any of our offices,” said Northwest Regional Manager Ron Velarde.

Now is your chance to get personal help determining your odds of drawing a limited license, learning the difference between limited and over-the-counter licenses, or applying for more than one license.

The application deadline for Colorado limited big game hunting licenses is Tuesday, April 3. For more information, please call 970-255-6100.

• What: Big Game Hunting License Workshop.
• When: Tuesday, March 20 – 6 to 8 p.m.
• Where: Northwest Regional Service Center – 711 Independent Ave. Grand Junction

For more information about hunting in Colorado, please visit: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/Pages/Hunting.aspx

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Researchers Investigating Stagnant Pronghorn Population in Western Colorado

While research begins into the reason for why the population of pronghorn is stagnant in the southwest corner of the Grand Mesa in Colorado, hunting of the animal in that area is suspended. According to Joe Lewandowski, spokesperson for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Division, permits to hunt pronghorn in that area have not been issued for the past five years.

“The population couldn’t sustain hunting,” Lewandowski said. “What we’re hoping is that if we can figure out what’s going on with this animal… that eventually we might be hunting [pronghorn] again.” But Lewandowski warns that this is a long-term project and permits may not be issued for at least another five years.

Lewandowski speculates that habitat loss could be a reason why the population is declining in Mesa and Delta counties. “There’s been a lot of development in that area. It might be tough for them to make a living.” The study just began earlier this year in mid-February. Catch the full press release on the study below.

Original press release issued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife on March 7th, 2012

Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists and managers have started a study in western Colorado to try to determine why the population of a small herd of pronghorns is not growing.

In an area of Delta and Mesa counties, just southwest of the Grand Mesa, is a herd of about 100 pronghorns descended from animals transplanted to the area in the 1970s. During the last 10 years, agency biologists and managers have noticed that groups of the animals are getting smaller and the overall size of the herd is declining.

“Very few fawns are surviving and we don’t know why,” said Brad Banulis, terrestrial biologist for the Montrose area. “We hope that this study will help us figure out what’s going on in this herd.”

Two operations kicked off the research.

On Feb. 19, the agency captured 19 pronghorns from the herd. Radio collars and ear tags were placed on 10 of them, and neck bands and ear tags were placed on the other nine. The collars and bands will allow biologists and managers to track the animals’ movements and to spot them from a distance.

On March 1, 24 pronghorns were captured south of Limon in eastern Colorado and taken to a site near the Delta-Mesa County line where they were released. Nine of the animals were fitted with radio collars and the others received ear tags and neck bands.

All the animals captured also received a vaccine that fends off viruses that cause hemorrhagic diseases in ungulates. The diseases can be fatal to deer and pronghorns.

The transplanted animals will join up with the existing herd, Banulis explained. Their movements will be tracked and Parks and Wildlife employees will be able to determine what habitat they are utilizing, if they are having young and if fawns are surviving.

“This is the first time we’ve done any research on this herd,” Banulis said. “The ability to track these animals will provide us with a lot of valuable information.”

No pronghorn hunting in this herd’s area is allowed currently.

“The trap and release operation went very well,” said Frank McGee, a district wildlife manager in Grand Junction. “The field staff has been working for several years to identify ways to improve this population. Now we have a method that will allow us to figure out what’s going on with these animals.”

Also on March 1, 74 pronghorns were released in the Gunnison Basin to supplement that population.

To learn more about pronghorns in Colorado, see: http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/Profiles/Mammals/Pages/Pronghorn.aspx.

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Upcoming Seminars Provide Information for Colorado Hunters

Colorado hunters in the southeast corner of the state who have questions about how to get a big-game hunting license this fall are invited to attend one of two upcoming application seminars that will provide information and application assistance. Hunters can learn about the draw and preference point system, determining your odds of drawing a limited license, the difference between limited and over-the-counter licenses, when you can have more than one big-game license and much more.

These free, evening seminars are excellent for hunters that want to better understand how big game licensing works in Colorado and needs help planning a fall big-game hunt. Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff will be on hand to assist hunters in filling out applications and to answer questions.

Big game license application seminar

When/Where:
Lamar
Thursday, March 8, 6:30 p.m.
Parks and Wildlife Office, 2500 S. Main Street

Rocky Ford
Tuesday, March 20, 7 p.m.
Rocky Ford State Wildlife Area
Advance registration for the seminars is not required. Hunters with questions about the seminars can contact the Lamar office at 719-336-6600.

For more information on big game hunting in Colorado, go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/BigGame/

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Get Ready to Hunt Colorado

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife 2012 Big Game Hunting brochure is now available and limited license applications are being accepted for this fall’s big-game hunts. License applications for deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, sheep, goat and bear are due Tuesday, April 3.

For 2012, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has updated the interactive online version of the big game brochure that features videos with online application tips and hunting tips to use in the field. New tables in the brochure also help hunters easily identify units where licenses are valid and whether a hunter can hold more than one license at a time.

This year, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is again encouraging hunters to use the secure internet portal to submit their limited license applications. About 75 percent of hunters applied online in 2011, up from 64 percent in 2010.

Henrietta Turner, Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s license administration manager, said that last year, her staff called more than 15,000 individuals to address more than 45,000 errors or problems with their big game applications. Many of the errors would have resulted in the rejection of the license application. Only 25 of those calls went to hunters who submitted their application through the web.

“Our online system is easy, convenient and it keeps you from making some of the more common mistakes that could affect success in the drawing,” Turner said. “The web site also has a wealth of resources for hunters looking to plan a memorable hunt.”

Seven Parks and Wildlife offices, including Denver, Grand Junction, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Hot Sulphur Springs and Montrose offer internet terminals for hunters to use. In addition, the secure application site can be accessed through any public internet terminal.

The 2012 brochure also explains some significant changes to Colorado’s late youth elk hunting regulations. Since 2000, 12- to 17-year-olds with an unfilled elk tag could take advantage of cow elk hunting opportunities in any unit offering a late-season hunt. These late hunts were extremely successful in encouraging youth participation, but some areas around Craig, Meeker and Steamboat Springs experienced high levels of hunting pressure. Changes to the program this year will ensure hunting pressure is more evenly distributed.

“When we were over our elk population objective, we committed to landowners that we would develop innovative ways of reducing elk numbers and elk conflict,” said Ron Velarde, Regional Manager for northwest Colorado. “We’ve accomplished that and we found a great way to encourage youth participation. Now that we’re getting close to population objectives, we want to be sure these young hunters have a quality experience in the field if they take advantage of these late hunts.”

Colorado Parks and Wildlife hunt planners are available again this year to help hunters who have application questions or are looking for areas to hunt. Hunt planners can be reached Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain time at 303-291-7526 (303-291-PLAN).

Hunters ages 18 to 64 are reminded that they must have a $10 Habitat Stamp prior to applying for or purchasing a hunting or fishing license in Colorado. Only one stamp is required per hunter per year. A lifetime Habitat Stamp is available for $300.

The Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp program was initiated by sportsmen and established by the Colorado legislature in 2005. Proceeds from the Habitat Stamp have helped conserve more than 124,000 acres of wildlife habitat and secure more than 54,000 acres of new public hunting and fishing access.

Hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1949 are also reminded that they must complete an approved state or provincial hunter education course prior to applying for a hunting license in Colorado. Since the hunter education requirement was imposed in 1970, hunting accidents have significantly declined in the state.

The interactive version of the brochure can be accessed at www.bit.ly/COBigGame2012

A .pdf version of the 2012 Colorado Big Game brochure can be viewed here:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/RulesRegs/RegulationsBrochures/Pages/BigGame.aspx

A complete list of upcoming hunter education classes can be found at http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/HunterEducation/CourseCalendar/

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Joint Undercover Wildlife Investigation in Colorado and Michigan Yields Four Arrests, Multiple Charges

Three men from Prescott, Mich., have been arraigned on multiple charges of illegally taking wildlife, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today. A fourth man was arraigned on a single count of cruelty to animals.

The charges result from a 12-month undercover investigation conducted jointly by the Michigan DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. In addition to the Michigan charges, the defendants face separate charges in Colorado.

“I commend the thorough work of all the law enforcement professionals involved in this investigation,” said Michigan DNR Law Enforcement Division Chief Gary Hagler. “This cooperative effort shows that concern for wildlife conservation does not stop at state borders.”

The three Prescott men are Jerome Thorson, 64, and his sons, Ole Thorson, 35, and Travis Thorson, 40. The Thorsons were arraigned Thursday, Feb. 16 at 82nd District Court in Ogemaw County. Todd Osier, 41, of Standish was arraigned Thursday, Feb. 23 in Ogemaw County District Court on a single count of cruelty to animals.

The investigation was conducted by the Michigan DNR’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Law Enforcement Unit.

Jerome Thorson faces 23 separate counts on charges that include importation of illegally taken game from another state; capturing whitetail deer from the wild; building and maintaining an illegal deer enclosure without a permit; illegal taking of otter, bobcat and mink; illegal trapping; possession of an illegal silencer; and animal cruelty to horses. Ole Thorson has been charged with importing elk illegally taken in another state and possession of an illegally taken pine marten. Travis Thorson faces one count of cruelty to animals.

Each Michigan wildlife charge is a misdemeanor with a possibility of 90 days in jail. Fines and restitution range from $100 to $1,000 on each charge. Several of the charges require mandatory hunting license revocation upon conviction. The illegal possession of a silencer is a felony with the possibility of five years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. The felony animal cruelty charges have fines up to $5,000 and the possibility of four years in prison.

In Colorado, the Thorsons, Osier and three accomplices face a total of 48 charges stemming from the illegal killing and possession of several trophy-class elk, black bear and bobcat over several years in the King Mountain area of Routt County. In addition to the misdemeanor violations, Ole Thorson is charged with felony willful destruction of wildlife and forgery. Travis Thorson has already been arraigned in Colorado on multiple felony menacing charges related to his 2011 hunt.

Colorado law allows for enhanced fines and jail time in instances where either trophy big game animals or multiple big game animals are taken. If convicted, Ole Thorson faces more than a year in prison, more than $90,000 in fines and a lifetime suspension of his hunting and fishing privileges in Michigan, Colorado and 35 other states that participate in the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. Each of the other defendants faces in excess of $10,000 in fines and lengthy suspensions of their hunting and fishing privileges.

“Our wildlife laws are intended not only to protect opportunities for lawful hunters, but to preserve a valuable resource for all of the residents of Colorado and its visitors,” said Bob Thompson, acting chief of Wildlife Law Enforcement for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “We appreciate all of the hard work that Michigan DNR has put into assisting Colorado in investigating this case.”

The hunting public in Michigan is reminded to report any illegal hunting and fishing activities to the 24-hour Report All Poaching (RAP) Hotline at 1-800-292-7800.

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