DINOSAUR I With hunting season now occurring on lands surrounding Dinosaur National Monument, hunters are reminded that hunting is not permitted in the monument. Although most of the monument boundary is well marked, hunters are responsible for ensuring they do not hunt within the monument. By knowing and understanding the rules and regulations applicable in the national monument, hunters will be better prepared to enjoy their trips.
The Lacey Act and the Code of Federal Regulations strictly prohibit the killing or removal of any animal, living or dead, and any animal parts, including shed antlers from public lands within the monument without authorization. Violators will be prosecuted and are subject to penalties including fines, jail, restitution, and the forfeiture of vehicles, equipment, and personal property associated with the violations.
Wounded wildlife that runs into the monument must be reported to law enforcement park rangers or state wildlife officers as soon as practical. To prevent waste, it is permissible to field dress a dead animal inside the monument before authorities arrive, but a living, wounded animal may not be shot inside the monument without first obtaining authorization from a law enforcement park ranger or state wildlife officer. Contact a ranger at 970- 374-3054.
Federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to possess and carry firearms in Dinosaur National Monument, but discharge of firearms remains prohibited in the monument. Additional details are available on the web at www.nps.gov/dino/parkmgmt/firearms-information.htm.
Wildlife taken lawfully outside the legislative jurisdiction of the monument may be transported through the monument on park roads. The person(s) transporting the wildlife must have in their possession a valid state hunting license and, if required by state law, the animal carcasses must display a valid, properly completed game tag. Wildlife carcasses and wildlife parts being transported within the monument are subject to inspection at any time by law enforcement park rangers or state wildlife officers. The use of ATVs and UTVs, including those licensed by a state as street legal, within the monument is prohibited.
The use of elk bugles, varmint calls, audio attractants, or other artificial or natural means of attracting or disturbing wildlife (including rattling antlers, coyote, turkey and sage grouse calls, or verbal bugling or howling imitations) are prohibited on all monument land including the right-of-way along the Harpers Corner Road. Spotlighting or use of an artificial light to view wildlife within the monument is also prohibited.
Visitors or hunters who observe illegal or suspicious activity within the monument should immediately notify park law enforcement by phone at 970-374-3054.
Hunters are also reminded that bears are active in the area in and around the monument. Proper food storage and disposal of trash is important to protect yourself, your camp and property, and the bears.
For more information on Dinosaur National Monument, call us at 435-781-7700. You can also visit us on the web at www.nps.gov/dino or follow DinosaurNPS on social media.
Special to the Herald Times
