CARBONDALE, Colo. — Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s current five-year Big Game Season Structure expires at the end of 2019 and the agency is now gathering input to develop the succeeding five-year plan. Once approved in July of 2019, the new season structure will go into effect from 2020 through 2024.
To provide the public with an opportunity to participate, CPW is hosting a meeting beginning at 6 p.m., Feb. 8, at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Ave.
“We’ve already seen quite a bit of participation at these meetings throughout the region,” said District Wildlife Manager John Groves of Carbondale. “This is your opportunity to let us know about your preferences for dates seasons begin and end, the number of seasons for each species, season overlaps and breaks between seasons.”
Groves says Roaring Fork Valley residents – whether they hunt or not – all have a vested interest in the season structure because of the enormous economic contributions provided by hunting.
“The more input we receive, the better the process will work,” said Groves. “Our goal is to make management decisions the public understands and accepts, but that becomes more difficult if people do not participate. We hope to see a good turnout.”
Other opportunities for input include telephone town halls, and through an online comment form
Prior to approval, the CPW Commission will also consider information provided by wildlife managers and biologists.
“There will be numerous opportunities to weigh in,” said Northwest Regional Manager JT Romatzke. “If you have constructive comments and ideas, this is a great opportunity to let us know. We look forward to a robust process.”
To see the current Big Game Season Structure, visit the CPW website.
Who: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
What: Five-Year Big Game Season Structure meeting
When: 6 p.m., Feb. 9, 2019
Where: Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Ave. Carbondale
Questions: Call 970-947-2920
— Colorado Parks & Wildlife
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