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Every year, as we approach the fall hunting season, the Division of Wildlife receives hundreds of calls about public land access. Many hunters call wanting information about public land boundaries, maps, access and camping information.
Colorado^s public lands are governed by several state and federal agencies. Each agency has specific rules and regulations on how to use public lands, and can even furnish detailed maps showing access roads and camping areas.
The following is a list of agencies that hunters may contact for specific public land use information:
U.S. Forest Service Information and maps of all National Forests
Rocky Mountain Region
(303) 275-5350
Bureau of Land Management Information and maps of BLM lands
Colorado State Office
(303) 239-3600
State Board of Land Commissioners Information on State Lands
Denver Office
(303) 866-3454
Colorado Division of Wildlife Information on State Wildlife Areas
Denver Customer Service Center
(303) 297-1192
While there is a lot of public land available, two-thirds of Colorado^s lands are private. These lands play a key role in wildlife conservation because of the many species of wildlife that are dependant upon private land habitat for survival.
Colorado^s wildlife belongs to all of us, but we need to respect the rights of others and "ASK FIRST" to hunt and fish on private property. It^s against the law for any person to enter upon privately owned land to take any wildlife by hunting, fishing or trapping without first obtaining permission from the owner or person in possession of the private property. A violation of this law could result in the loss of hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges for up to three years. Here are a few helpful hints to remember when asking for access to private property.
Asking Permission
Ask permission in person. It^s more effective than a phone call
Ask in advance. Don^t wait until the last minute
When asking for permission, be specific about when and what you want permission to do
Go by yourself, not with a large group of people
Dress accordingly
Once You^re Given Permission
Be sure of where you can and can^t go
Abide by any special rules set by the land owner
Be aware of exact property lines, do not trespass on someone else^s land
Drive on designated roads only
Leave gates the way you found them
Allow a shooting safety zone around houses, barns and livestock
As a "thank you," consider taking the landowner a small gift or offer to share your game
Report any damage to fences or gates and offer to fix them, even if it wasn^t your doing
Remember to thank the landowner before and after you hunt
Never forget that you are a guest on the owner^s property and hunting or fishing on these lands is a PRIVILEGE, not a right.
Uploaded: 9/4/1999
Uploaded: 9/4/1999