Conservation Archives - Colorado Outdoors Online

Category Archives: Conservation

Camping and Hiking in Bear Country

Posted on June 14, 2019 by Rebecca Ferrell Leave a comment

Black bear rummaging through campsite. — Photo by Laura Kali is licensed under CC BY 2.0

With warmer weather and melting snowpack, outdoor enthusiasts are enjoying camping and hiking trips in Colorado’s many scenic locations. Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff are frequently asked what someone should do if they encounter a bear while out camping or hiking. Whether you are visiting Colorado for a vacation or are a long-time resident, it’s important to be aware of how to discourage human-bear encounters and how to avoid potential issues before heading out to live life outside.

Your Fishin’ is Our Mission

Posted on June 11, 2019 by Bill Vogrin - DNR Leave a comment

Rainbow trout, cutthroat, walleye and other game fish are turning the tables on the people of Colorado.

Thanks to huge, visually stunning images adorning Colorado Parks and Wildlife hatchery trucks, the fish are now doing the catching – eye-catching, that is.

Livin’ the Wildlife: Colorado Wild Turkeys

Posted on May 6, 2019 by Jerry L. Neal 2 comments

Hunters Fund Conservation

The wild turkey is beloved among hunters and wildlife enthusiasts alike. And the wild turkey’s springtime mating displays are one of the most exciting and stunning events in nature. Yet, these iconic birds only exist today because of dedicated conservation programs. This video provides an overview of the wild turkey’s mating behavior and Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s efforts to conserve this amazing species. The video features both Rio Grande turkeys and the native Merriam’s turkeys.

Field Notes of a Rookie Sportsman: Excitement Builds for our First-ever Turkey Hunt

Posted on May 2, 2019 by Doug Skinner One comment

Natalie examines turkey feathers — Natalie Duncan, 14, examines turkey feathers during a Turkey Hunting 101 class that was part of CPW’s Rookie Sportsman Program which introduces newcomers and novices to Colorado’s outdoor opportunities including hunting, fishing, camping and hiking. Natalie is taking the class with her father, Travis Duncan, who is a CPW public information officer.

Calling a turkey is much different than being called a turkey. In fact, it’s much harder to call a turkey than I ever dreamed because the birds are really smart.

Thanks to what we learned about the wild, upland ground bird in our Rookie Sportsman Program (RSP) classes in April, my daughter, Natalie, and I have a much deeper appreciation for wild turkey and are more excited than ever as we prepare to go seek them out on what will be our first-ever turkey hunt.

Re-establishing Lesser Prairie Chickens

Posted on April 23, 2019 by Bill Vogrin - DNR Leave a comment

Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists on Saturday wrapped up a grueling month spent trapping lesser prairie chickens on their breeding grounds – also known as leks – in five counties of western Kansas. It was part of a four-year effort to re-establish the colorful birds on their native sand sagebrush and grasslands in Colorado.

Studying Beetle Impacts on Wildlife

Posted on April 22, 2019 by travisduncan23 2 comments

Game Camera — Wildlife Technician Tim Hanks with one of the game cameras installed in a recent study.

As Colorado’s private and public forests recover from insect and disease outbreaks and other disturbances, humans and wildlife are adjusting to significant environmental changes. Spruce beetle and mountain pine beetle outbreaks may have changed the way you recreate, but have you thought about how wildlife are responding?

Livin’ the Wildlife: Colorado Bald Eagles

Posted on April 17, 2019 by Jerry L. Neal Leave a comment

Known for its white head and tail feathers, the bald eagle is a symbol of power and freedom. As the only eagle species unique to North America, the bald eagle is truly an American icon. The prestigious bird has been the national emblem of the United States since 1782.

Field Notes of a Rookie Sportsman: Embarking on ‘Life-Changing’ Adventure

Posted on April 5, 2019 by travisduncan23 Leave a comment

My daughter Natalie’s attention had drifted occasionally during the early morning hours of the Hunter Education class, but she perked up noticeably as the instructor spoke of how to mask your scent with elk urine.

HERD COUNTS (2019 Online Edition)

Posted on March 27, 2019 by coloradooutdoorscontributor Leave a comment

Every year, Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) big-game biologists compile data on the state’s deer, elk and pronghorn herds by Data Analysis Units (DAU). These DAUs encompass several of the Game Management Units (GMU) that hunters are more familiar with.

Monte Vista Crane Festival

Posted on March 21, 2019 by Crystal Egli One comment

The Monte Vista Crane Festival is one of the many wonderful events staged around the country to celebrate and observe the migration of the majestic sandhill cranes. Unfortunately, this year I arrived in Monte Vista a day after the crane festival ended. I wasn’t too concerned— after all, the cranes don’t migrate based on the three days of festivities, events, art shows and talks scheduled out by humans. Although I was sorry to have missed it, I was ready to seek out my own adventure.

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