"When some of my friends have asked me anxiously about their boys, whether they should let them hunt, I have answered, yes - remembering that it was one of the best parts of my education - make them hunters."

Henry David Thoreau, 1854


“A citizen who shirks his duty to contribute to the security of his community is little better than the criminal who threatens it.” - Robert Boatman


Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Hunter Education Updates:



Summary: 

SB 15-226 was passed in May of 2015 and updated the hunter education (HE) statute. In order for CPW to implement these changes, new regulations needed to be made. A small committee of personnel from the Law Enforcement Unit, the Information and Education branch, and various field staff came together to craft a new regulation. CPW was able to utilize the two-step regulation re-view process through the PWC to facilitate the creation of Parks and Wildlife Regulation 002(L). Below is a list of key highlights of the new bill and regulation. These changes take effect April 6, 2016.

Apprentice License:

A free, one (1) year waiver from hunter education requirement, after which the hunter must obtain HE certification (card) to continue hunting.
Valid April 1– March 31 annually (much like small game or fishing license).
Apprentice must be 10 or older, but has to conform to all rules pertaining to licensing (i.e., a 10 year old hunter cannot obtain a big game license).
Apprentice must be accompanied by a mentor who is 18 or older, has hunter education card or is age exempt.
Apprentice shall be in voice and visual contact with a mentor at all times.
Mentor can accompany two (2) apprentices in the field.
Mentor must carry proof of HE (if required) and age while in the field.
When checking a customer in the field or at an office, “apprentice hunter” will print on the second panel of the license with all other valid licenses.

Test-Out 50+ :

Test is available online only!
Must have a CID prior to taking online test.
The Test-Out will cost $25, can be taken on a mobile device.
Test-Out is a one (1) time opportunity to prove HE knowledge.
Must pass with 90% or better. If failed, can to take HE class, or obtain apprentice license.
Test must be completed in one internet session and will be timed.
After passing test, customer will be issued a HE number electronically. Customer will have to wait up to 24 hours before purchasing a license. The 24 hours is required because there is a once-a-day download from the online provider to CPW to transfer customer informa-tion. Once that happens, the information is then verified to their CID.
Customer will not receive a HE card, and if they need one, they can go to any agent and purchase the $5 replacement card via TLS.
When checking in the field or at offices, HE number will look like TS###### (all cur-rent HE numbers begin with two (2) alpha characters and are followed with six (6) numeric characters).

Test-Out Military Personnel: 

U.S. Military defined in 002(L) as active-duty, reserve-duty, veteran, and National Guard.
Same test and standards as 50+ Test-Out (see previous page).
Test is available online only!
After passing the test, must print and bring certificate and military I.D. to CPW of-fice.
We accept the following military IDs:

     DD 214
     DD Form 2
     DD Form 2765
     Active, retired, veteran military identification card;
     A current Colorado Drivers License or state issued identification card with the word “veteran” printed on it as specified in 42-2-303(5)(a) C.R.S.
    VA medical card.

HE number is printed on their passing test certificate.
CSRs need to verify HE number to customer’s CID.
Customer will not receive a HE card, and if they need one, they can go to any agent and purchase the $5 replacement card via TLS.
When checking in the field or at offices, HE number will look like TM###### (all cur-rent HE numbers begin with two (2) alpha characters and are followed with six (6) numeric characters).

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Young novice hunters can apply for a mentored hunt near Craig!




More mentored hunting opportunities for novice youth! Colorado Parks and Wildlife is encouraging young, aspiring hunters to apply for the second of two mentored, private land turkey hunts in the Northwest Region this spring. The 3rd Annual Douglas Mountain Spring Turkey Hunt will take place May 7-8 on private land west of Craig, and is open to four, true novices that have a desire to hunt but do not know someone that can show them how.

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Bowhunter Education

Bowhunter Education is a key to success!


Bowhunting is great, and Bowhunter Education is one way to increase your chance of success!  Colorado Parks and Wildlife is inviting both novice and experienced bowhunters interested in learning new skills to a Bowhunter Safety Course at the Horsethief Canyon State Wildlife Area near Fruita, May 14-15.

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

'License Application 101'

'License Application 101' in Grand Junction!

Do you have questions about the draw application? CPW has answers! The application
deadline for the 2016 limited, big game license draw is April 5. If you need help,
come to our 'License Application 101' class, Tuesday, March 29 from 6 - 8 p.m at the
Northwest Region Hunter Education Complex, 711 Independent Avenue, Grand Junction.