Craig Daily Press / Changes for 2006

Archive for Tuesday, August 22, 2006

August 22, 2006

The Colorado Division of Wildlife unveiled some big changes for the 2006 hunting season.

Chief among those changes was the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp.

The stamp is designed to raise money for the protection of wildlife habitat, especially sagebrush habitat, which serves as critical winter range for big game animals.

"With the growing human population and thriving energy development, protecting some space for wildlife is critically important," said Ron Velarde, DOW regional manager for Northwest Colorado.

Stamps aren't required for youth 18 and younger or seniors 65 and older, but the habitat stamp is required on the first two hunting or fishing license purchases made each calendar year. In addition, anyone without a hunting or fishing license must purchase a $10 stamp for access to designated state wildlife areas.

DOW expects the stamp to generate $2.3 million annually for habitat protection.

Each Colorado hunting and fishing license also includes a 75-cent surcharge this year to fund the Public Education Advisory Council.

The Colorado Legislature established the council to educate Coloradans about the important role sportsmen play in funding and carrying out wildlife management in Colorado.