It’s 5:30 a.m. when the smell of coffee stretches out from the kettle on the portable camp stove. There’s a bustle around camp as novice hunters pack their day packs and link up with their mentors. Truck engines hum as the heat is turned all the way up to warm the cabs before hunting pairs set out to hike into their spots before the sun is up. It’s Day 2 on a CPW mentored elk hunt in Norwood. 

This summer, the Southwest Hunter Outreach Program is hosting various Hunter Outreach training days in Monte Vista, Gunnison and Montrose to recruit new volunteers into the program to further support existing big game mentored hunts throughout the Southwest corner of the state.

“Hunter Outreach programs provide people without traditional mentors the confidence and skills they need to go out on their own,” said Saguache District Wildlife Manager William Meidema. 

The training covers ethics, hunt lead responsibilities, skill course topics to include on the hunt, resources for hunt leads, and furthering individuals’ natural resource management education. 

CPW wants volunteers to feel prepared, so new hunt mentors are invited to shadow and apply skills learned in class on hunts conducted throughout the fall and early winter. 

Not keen on being a hunt mentor but still want to experience the outdoors and give back? Join CPW camp support teams by preparing meals and gear before and after hunts. 

In addition to hunts, the program is looking to further support existing field skill clinics and expand class offerings year round. Public skill clinics are extremely popular and registration typically fills within a few hours. Clinic topics range from field to freezer game processing, hunting ethics, shooting on the range, gear selection, field and e-scouting, and navigating the Big Game Draw, but the program is open to other relevant hunting topics. 

“The Hunter Outreach program is a great way to introduce hunters and never before hunters to learn the importance of hunting and the impact it makes with wildlife management and conservation,” said Ron Crews, a Southwest and Northwest Hunter Outreach volunteer who mentors new hunters on their first big game hunt. “This program allows me to express my passion for hunting and conservation, which is very gratifying and rewarding to share with others.” 

For volunteers and staff alike, it’s the opportunity to be one on one with the next generation of hunters to pass along conservation ethics. 

“Hunter Outreach programs start the path for future generations by blending tradition, conservation, and community engagement into a legacy of responsible hunting and shared stewardship of the land,” said CPW District Wildlife Manager Tyler Cerny of Monte Vista. 

CPW staff are entwined in the hunts not only because of their passion but for their in-depth knowledge of large scale conservation projects, ecosystems and geography. 

Ready to apply or still have questions? Contact Erin Vogel at erin.vogel@state.co.us or 970-708-1791. Learn more and apply online today.