Outdoor Adventure Archives - Colorado Outdoors Online

Category Archives: Outdoor Adventure

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.

Colorado Hunters – Big Game Season Structure Input Needed

Posted on June 3, 2019 by Doug Skinner 2 comments

Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s 5-Year Big Game Season Structure is close to being finalized, but there is still time to add your valuable input to the process. Public input is a crucial part of the planning process and up to this point, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has heard from several thousand hunters, both residents and non-residents, who have shared feedback in public meetings, telephone town halls, focus groups, and the initial public comment form. This valuable feedback has aided Colorado Parks and Wildlife in developing recommendations and alternatives for the 2020-2024 Big Game Season Structure. And in July, a 5-Year Big Game Season Structure proposal will be presented to the Parks and Wildlife Commission for final approval. But before that happens, there are still two important opportunities for hunters to participate in the planning process.

Hiker’s How-To: Proper etiquette for your Colorado trail adventures

Posted on May 20, 2019 by coloradooutdoorscontributor 2 comments

Arthur's Rock trail at Lory State Park — Hiking to Arthur’s Rock at Lory State Park. Photo by © Nora Logue/CPW.

Colorado has a reputation for our outdoorsy ways and adventurous attitudes.

We love to raft and kayak in whitewater, such as in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. We water ski at places like Lake Pueblo State Park. We plunge down snowpacked mountainsides on skis. We mountain bike on remote single-tracks. We climb cliffs. We run steep inclines for exercise and fun. We fish and hunt and go wildlife viewing. We live life outside.

Safe Boating Is No Accident

Posted on May 17, 2019 by Doug Skinner Leave a comment

CPW Staff and Volunteer celebrate "Take Your Life Jacket to Work Day." — CPW Staff and Volunteer celebrate “Take Your Life Jacket to Work Day.” Photo by © Mike DelliVeneri/CPW.

Summer’s first big holiday weekend is rapidly approaching. In Colorado, that means ice out at many mountain lakes, boat ramps opening for the season and people all around the state preparing to head to local waters for everything from fishing, kayaking and rafting to stand up paddleboarding (SUP). And while enjoying the outdoors is part of our way of life, it’s important to remember a couple of safety tips that will keep you, your friends and your family safe on the water this season.

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.

2018 Hunter Testimonials

Posted on April 18, 2019 by Doug Skinner Leave a comment

Marty with bull elk — Marty Campos with his bull elk.

Hunter: Marty Campos

I drew my elk tag for muzzleloader in 2018, this was the first time using a muzzleloader for elk. Got this guy on the second day of the season, after not hearing or seeing an elk on the first day. The day started out great. When we got to our hunting area there were elk bugling all around us. I harvested my elk around 12 noon, after stalking him into the timber and finding him feeding with some cows. An 85 yd shot. First time hunting unit 14.

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.

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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