Colorado Parks and Wildlife has started the process of engaging with the public as alternatives are considered to the current big-game hunting season structure, beginning May 22 in Durango.
As part of the Big Game Season Structure (BGSS) planning process, CPW will hold public meetings in a town hall style across the Southwest Region in Durango, Gunnison, Monte Vista and Montrose. Those unable to attend an in-person meeting may also sign up for two virtual meetings to be conducted statewide June 1 and June 29.
“Public feedback is essential to wildlife management,” said CPW Senior Wildlife Biologist Jamin Grigg. “Discussing potential alternatives to the current structure of big-game hunting seasons is important for us to understand the variety of perspectives various sportspersons have and how we can best structure hunting seasons for the benefit of hunters as well as for the long-term conservation of wildlife populations.”
CPW is encouraging the public to attend these public meetings to learn about the current BGSS and the potential changes CPW is considering. CPW wants to give the public ample opportunities to provide input and help inform the BGSS planning process. For more information regarding these public meetings, visit our BGSS EngageCPW page.
BGSS topics being discussed at the public meetings include:
- Alternatives regarding over-the-counter archery and rifle elk licenses
- Rifle season date structures for deer and elk
- Early season (archery and muzzleloader) date structures
- Adding rifle deer opportunities to the first regular rifle season
- Adding a second regular rifle buck and doe pronghorn season
The topics covered during these meetings are starting points for discussion. Additional topics and options may be considered at future meetings.
The town hall meetings will consist of a slideshow presentation and will include live interactive digital polling via smartphones and devices to compile input from attendees on each of the BGSS topics. All attendees are encouraged to bring a smartphone or device to the town hall meetings to better and more fully participate. Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions and provide verbal feedback to staff.
What is the Big Game Season Structure planning process and why is it important?
The BGSS planning process is a critical component of big game management and big game hunting regulation development.
The central purpose of the BGSS planning process is to determine:
- What, when, and where types of big game hunting opportunities are available.
- How opportunities are divided among hunters.
Through this planning process, CPW is better able to maintain healthy wildlife populations while keeping with management objectives and provide recreational benefits for the hunting and non-hunting public.
How does CPW evaluate BGSS?
CPW evaluates and updates the BGSS by gathering internal and external input, evaluating the current season structure, and identifying emerging issues related to season structure. CPW then uses that information to develop policy recommendations for the upcoming framework. This approach helps ensure the administration of hunting is continuously aligned with big game management needs as well as sportspersons interests.
After all public meetings have concluded, CPW will compile all the public input received into a public outreach summary report. This report will be presented to the Parks and Wildlife Commission during the August Commission meeting. Staff will then begin developing draft BGSS recommendations this fall.
Southwest Region
Monday, May 22, 6-7:30 p.m.; Durango
- La Plata Room at La Plata County Fairgrounds Durango, 81301
Monday, June 12, 6-7:30 p.m.; Montrose
- Montrose Police Department Community Room, 431 S. 1st Street, Montrose, 81401
Thursday, June 15, 6-7:30 p.m., Monte Vista
- Ski Hi Complex, 2335 Sherman Ave, Monte Vista, 81144
Thursday, June 22, 6-7:30 p.m., Gunnison
- Fred Field Center, 298-278 S Spruce St, Gunnison, 81230
Virtual Meetings
Virtual Meeting 1:
- Thursday, June 1, 6-7:30 p.m. MT – register here
Virtual Meeting 2:
- Thursday, June 29, 6-7:30 p.m. MT – register here
Learn more about BGSS and the planning process on our website.
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