In addition to public lands, hunting in Colorado can take place on private property, through a program that partners landowners with the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The state is home to 36,000 ranches and farms, which account for 11.5 million acres of land.
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The management of these lands includes evaluation and administration of programs needed to protect Colorado’s water resources and wildlife.
According to the CPW’s website, "Without private landowners' support, modern-day Colorado's remarkable wildlife abundance - and equally rich hunting and fishing opportunities - simply would not exist."
Through the program, Colorado landowners can profit from participation while maintaining ecological excellence on their grounds. Persons considering partnering with the state should consider:
1. Colorado wildlife depends on proper land management, including private lands.
2. The state operates the Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) to work with landowners, sportsmen, and the public. This program falls under the CPW to reduce wildlife problems, especially those that involve foraging and fencing.
3. Landowners are issued vouchers that allocate funds from big game hunting licenses to agricultural landowners.
4. Wildlife biologists are available to landowners. These experts assist Colorado land managers with developing programs to enhance habitats for wildlife and to ensure good water quality throughout the state.
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5. Hunting may or may not be required for landowners to participate in the HHP programs. However, hunting access may be needed to assess species populations and other ecological conditions.
6. Recreational hunters can use these private lands, but they must obey all CPW regulations and conduct themselves with courtesy and ethical standards.
7. Many species that are native to Colorado need private lands for their survival. These include mammals, such as the pronghorn and swift fox; and birds of prey, such as burrowing owls, prairie falcons and ferruginous hawk. Mule deer reside on the West Slope on private lands, which give them shelter during the harsh winter months.
8.
Information about the HPP is available on the CPW website, or through local offices. Local agricultural groups can also provide information about experiences they have had working in the program.
This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.
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