MEEKER | Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s current five-year Big Game Season Structure expires at the end of 2019 and the agency is now gathering input to develop the succeeding five-year plan. Once approved in July 2019, the new season structure will go into effect from 2020 through 2024.
In Northwest Colorado, CPW Commissioner and Meeker resident Marie Haskett invites the public to join her and CPW personnel for a discussion, beginning at 6 p.m., Jan. 7, in the Mountain Valley Bank, 400 Main St., in Meeker.
“Every five years, CPW reexamines the variety of parameters that determine how the hunting seasons will function for the next half-decade,” said Area Wildlife Manager Bill de Vergie of Meeker. “That includes the number of seasons for each species, season overlaps, breaks between seasons and the dates seasons begin and end. These timeframes impact sportsmen, local businesses, local economies and wildlife management decisions so public participation is strongly encouraged.”
CPW will host telephone town halls in 2019 in addition to offering an online comment form.
“Keep in mind that the Big Game Season Structure won’t affect just sportsmen and women,” said Haskett. “If you live in the Meeker area, you know how critical hunting is to our local economy. Everyone has a stake in this and we hope to have a good turnout.”
Haskett says it’s important for CPW to get comments about what works and what can be improved. She encourages a comprehensive discussion to ensure a thorough process.
“The more folks we hear from the better,” she said. “It helps ensure we are making decisions that have public support.”
Haskett adds other great opportunities to offer input is through telephone town halls and the comment form. She says the CPW Commission will also consider information provided by wildlife managers and biologists before approval.
“There will be numerous opportunities to weigh in,” said Northwest Regional Manager JT Romatzke. “If you have constructive comments and ideas, this is a great opportunity to let us know. We look forward to a robust process.”
To see the current Big Game Season Structure, visit the CPW website.
Special to the Herald Times
