Fall may seem a long way off, but it will be here before we know it. In that spirit, the application deadlines for fall hunting permits in Colorado are fast approaching. Here’s your friendly reminder to submit your applications before the deadlines! Before you do so, make sure you have completed your Hunter Education Course.

APPLYING FOR PERMITS

In Colorado, the hunting tag application process and deadlines vary depending on the species you want to hunt and the method of hunting you plan to use. For most permits, that deadline is April 4.

Here are some general guidelines for the most popular hunting species in Colorado:

Elk, Deer, Bear & Pronghorn

Application Deadline: The deadline to apply for limited licenses is typically in early April (exact dates can vary from year to year).
Application Process: You must apply for a limited license through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) website or by mail. You can apply for either a preference point or a specific hunt code. The preference point system gives you a better chance of drawing a license in future years, while the specific hunt code system lets you choose a specific hunt area and season. If you are unsuccessful in drawing a specific hunt code, you will automatically be awarded a preference point for that species.
Draw Results: The draw results are usually available in early June.

Note that some species and hunting methods may have different application deadlines and processes. It is always best to check the CPW website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date information.

OVER THE COUNTER

Colorado offers over-the-counter (OTC) hunting tags for several species, which can be purchased by any hunter who meets the eligibility requirements. Here are some of the OTC hunting tags available in Colorado:

Elk: OTC elk tags are available for archery, muzzleloader, and 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons in certain units. These tags are available for both residents and non-residents and can be purchased online, at CPW offices, or through authorized license agents. However, these tags are subject to quotas, so it’s best to check availability before purchasing.
Deer: OTC deer tags are available for archery and some rifle seasons in certain units. These tags are available for both residents and non-residents and can be purchased online, at CPW offices, or through authorized license agents. However, these tags are subject to quotas, so it’s best to check availability before purchasing.
Pronghorn Antelope: OTC pronghorn antelope tags are available for archery, muzzleloader, and rifle seasons in certain units. These tags are available for both residents and non-residents and can be purchased online, at CPW offices, or through authorized license agents. However, these tags are subject to quotas, so it’s best to check availability before purchasing.
Black Bear: OTC black bear tags are available for archery, muzzleloader, and rifle seasons in certain units. These tags are available for both residents and non-residents and can be purchased online, at CPW offices, or through authorized license agents. However, these tags are subject to quotas, so it’s best to check availability before purchasing.

Contact Ranch Sellers - Colorado's Premier Ranch Broker Team

Our public lands are an amazing and beautiful resource Colorado offers. Hunting on a private ranch is also an incredible experience. If you’re looking for your own slice of mountain paradise, we’d love to help you find your perfect recreational Colorado ranch for hunting, fishing and so much more. Contact Ranch Sellers today to get the conversation started.

A flapping fish frenzy ensues as an industrial truck carefully backs up to the pond’s edge and empties the stainless steel tank. A cascade of trout come flying out and within seconds your pond is teeming with the industry’s best freshwater fish. Riveting rainbows, beautiful browns, bold brooks, tantalizing tigers and yellowstone trout varieties are now your new neighbors.

These fish have just traveled hours from the local hatchery in an aluminum or stainless steel tank. In ideal conditions, with bottled oxygen and an aeration stone, the fish can survive up to 24 hours. Nevertheless, best practice is to transfer from the hatchery to your property in less than three hours, while the water temperature is cool and oxygen abundant.

Fish Stocking is a practice dating back almost 150 years.

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In the past, non-native fish were commonly introduced to environments for sport and consumption. Today, over-fishing or inability to breed are common reasons that require stocking. Professionals employ two techniques for placement – direct from the truck into ponds and net transfer into rivers.

A few factors affect stocking cost: species, weight, and nurture conditions. For example, fish cultivated in a natural pond cost approximately 30% more than their aquatic counterparts raised in concrete raceway hatcheries. Nurture environment will not affect the size and most fish range between six and twenty-two inches at time of stocking. One thing to note is, concrete raceway fish may have damaged fins, a result of close quarters at the hatchery.

Catching fish in your backyard is a fun and entertaining activity for your family and friends. However, merely stocking does not guarantee trophy fish for generations to come. Pond and river maintenance is crucial to sustain the aquaculture ecosystem you have created.

Fish will acclimate to their new environment at varying rates, depending on the hatchery habitat. Experts recommend supplemental pellet feeding for the first couple weeks.

Feeding should be kept at 2-3 times per week so the fish are encouraged to forage naturally as well.

In addition to stocking main varieties of fish, providing a complimentary forage base creates a robust river or pond habitat. Freshwater shrimp, multiple varieties of minnows, and crayfish are pondmate staples of a healthy forage foundation. Flathead minnows are known to prolong the life span of trout, which on average is approximately 5 years.

Looking to the future, specialists suggest re-stocking once a year for the first three years. Replenishing the aquatic population is essential in pond environments where most fish cannot reproduce, with the exception of brook trout.

With this knowledge in-hand, your fish will thrive! Whatever your stocking intentions might be, we hope you enjoy your outdoor sanctuary.

tips & tricks

Colorado Big Game Applications Close April 4

APPLYING FOR PERMITS

OVER THE COUNTER

Contact Ranch Sellers - Colorado's Premier Ranch Broker Team

All You Need To Know About Fish Stocking

Fish Stocking is a practice dating back almost 150 years.

Contact Ranch Sellers - Colorado's Premier Ranch Broker Team

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