8/2/2007
Division of Wildlife
DOW Provides Additional Access to Pronghorn and Deer Hunters with the
Big Game Access Program
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is opening
87,500 acres of private land in the southeast portion of the state for the
public to hunt pronghorn and deer through the Big Game Access Pilot Program
(BGAP). The program begins with the opening of the archery pronghorn season
on August 15.
This is the first year of the 3-year pilot program that aims to provide
additional big game hunting access to the public. The property enrolled for
this year is in Game Management Units (GMUs) 120, 121, 122, and 126.
To participate in the program, hunters need a valid pronghorn or deer
license for one of the above mentioned GMUs and to purchase a $40 Big Game
Access Program Permit from DOW offices or license agents throughout the
state.
Youth hunters under the age of 18 can obtain the permit for free, but must
be accompanied by an adult when hunting on a BGAP property.
The program is very similar to the very successful Small Game Walk-In Access
Program which provides public access to private land for small game,
waterfowl and turkey hunting.
Maps of the properties enrolled in the Big Game Access Program and the
regulations can be found on the DOW Web site at:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/BigGame/AccessProgram/.
While many of the licenses for pronghorn and deer in these areas were only
available through the license draw that took place earlier this spring,
there are some over-the-counter archery pronghorn and leftover licenses
available for these GMUs. The unlimited/over-the-counter pronghorn licenses
valid in these GMUs are valid from August 15 – September 20.
"Judging by the amount and quality of the property enrolled, I believe that
this pilot program is off to a strong start," said Dave Lovell, assistant
manager for the southeast region. "Landowners have shown interest in the
program and been extremely cooperative when it comes to opening up some
great habitat to the public. It is up to the hunters to take advantage of
these opportunities and follow the regulations so this program will continue
to grow and be successful in future years."
In order to establish the program, the DOW has paid participating landowners
to enroll their property. Payments ranged from $0.50 an acre to $1 an acre
depending upon the size of the property, type of habitat, number of access
days allowed and species allowed for hunting (pronghorn and/or deer). The
types of properties enrolled include primarily upland grass or prairie with
a focus on pronghorn, but some properties also provide limited opportunities
for deer.
After 3 years the program will be evaluated on:
- landowner satisfaction
- sportsmen satisfaction
- game harvest by species
- economic viability
- overall participation in the program
- success of the program
For more information contact your local DOW office.
