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  'TIS THE SEASON FOR HUNTING AND FISHING By Bob Kretschman
"Location-wise, Grand Junction is the center of the hunting and fishing universe," says Randy Hampton of the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the agency that oversees all hunting and fishing in the state. Hampton points out that high-quality hunting opportunities lie within a two-hour drive in almost every direction from Grand Junction. "The largest migratory herd of elk in North America is found in the White River National Forest. Some of the best trophy hunting in Colorado is found on the Uncompahgre Plateau. Grand Mesa National Forest provides easy access and healthy mule deer and elk herds for hunters," he says. Big game is plentiful, and so are opportunities for hunters. Hampton says between 70 and 80 percent of the land in western Colorado is public, which means lots of wide-open spaces, sage-blanketed flats and timber-covered ridges hunters can roam. Hunting seasons and licenses Big-game hunting seasons in western Colorado begin in early September and last through mid-November,
Regular rifle seasons for deer and elk are by far the most popular and attract the greatest number of hunters to the high country. Deer and elk seasons for rifle hunters begin in October and last through mid-November as well. The price of deer and elk licenses varies according to the type of animal and whether the hunter is a Colorado resident. Some deer and elk licenses are available by drawing only, and hunters must apply well in advance �C usually by April �C to have a chance at them. However, Colorado offers a generous number of unlimited licenses sold over the counter at many sporting goods stores and through the Division of Wildlife's website. Limited licenses also are available for more exotic game, such as moose. The division has worked for years to establish a new moose herd on Grand Mesa, and the animals' population has reached the point at which some moose licenses were available in 2009, Hampton says. Winging it The Colorado River runs slowly through the Grand Valley, making it an attractive stopping place for ducks and geese
The state manages several state wildlife areas along the Colorado River in the Grand Junction area, and Hampton says the areas have hunting blinds that are open for hunters to use on a first-come, first-served basis. Wintertime fishing Whether your preference is fly fishing or ice fishing, the Grand Junction area is a great place for anglers to wet their lines during the winter months. Some of the most popular fly-fishing streams in western Colorado, including the Frying Pan and Roaring Fork rivers near Basalt, have open, fishable water for much of the winter. High-quality ice fishing can be found on the frozen lakes atop Grand Mesa, at Vega Reservoir near Collbran, at Rifle Gap Reservoir near Rifle and at Blue Mesa Reservoir between Montrose and Gunnison. All are easily accessible and within a two-hour drive from Grand Junction. Services for hunters and anglers Because many of western Colorado's prime hunting and fishing areas are so close to the Grand Valley, Grand Junction is considered a service center for sportsmen in the region. Along with a wide assortment of hotels and restaurants, Grand Junction is home to several well-stocked sporting goods stores, including Gene Taylor's Sporting Goods at 445 W. Gunnison Ave., Jerry's Outdoor Sports at 507 30 Road and Sportsman's Warehouse at 2464 U.S. Highway 6 & 50. Local game processors can turn your deer or elk into a variety of tasty meats, too. Processors in Grand Junction include Old World Meat Co. at 1765 Main St. and Orchard Mesa Market at 176 29 Road. IF YOU GO: • Colorado Division of Wildlife, 970-255-6100, wildlife.state.co.us • Gene Taylor's Sporting Goods, 970-242-8165, www.genetaylors.com • Jerry's Outdoor Sports, 970-245-1502 • Sportsman's Warehouse, 970-243-8100, www.sportsmanswarehouse.com |
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