Chapter 3 - Furbearers and Small Game, Except Migratory Birds

FILING - 11/30/2015 Basis and Purpose Chapter W-3 - Small Game - Furbearers

Basis and Purpose:

Turkey regulations have been modified to update harvest limit quota numbers and season dates for 2016. Turkey harvest limit quotas and seasons are established to maintain healthy populations while at the same time providing recreational opportunity. Ongoing population analysis and management necessitates or makes possible reductions in turkey harvest in some Game Management Units and additional turkey hunting opportunity in others. These regulations have been modified to promote healthy turkey populations and provide for proper turkey management and recreational opportunity in accordance with the best available science.

Discontinuing the Late Fall Beardless Turkey Season in 101 and 102 In 2012, a late fall beardless turkey season was implemented in GMUs 101, 102, 112, and 113 to help direct harvest to specific wintering turkey flocks that were in conflict with agriculture or those that became dependent on artificial food sources in nearby urban settings. Under these circumstances, this season has provided a means of population control by focusing mortality on hen turkeys.

In GMUs 101 and 102, the late fall beardless turkey season has been effective in resolving the agricultural conflict that existed when the season was established. Currently, agricultural conflicts with the wintering flock in GMUs 101 and 102 have been eliminated with reduced flock size and the flock having moved to a new wintering area on the Arikaree drainage. In addition, the increased hen harvest from this late season over the past 3 years is believed to have reduced the overall population of turkeys in these units, based on staff observations and turkey hunter comments. Therefore, CPW staff believe the continuation of the late beardless season in GMUs 101 and 102 is no longer warranted.

Opening Spring Turkey Hunting in GMUs 80 and 81 For the past decade, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has been transplanting turkeys into GMUs 80 and 81 to bolster the existing turkey population. The population is currently showing signs of increased abundance and distribution. Local field staff and the public are observing signs of turkey in several areas throughout these two units. Local hunters have expressed interest in hunting turkeys as well.

Only the limited spring season is being opened in GMUs 80 and 81 to eliminate hunting pressure on females and to keep harvest rates at acceptable levels. Winter range and forage availability can be limiting factors for this population. To prevent over-harvest, licenses need to be limited.

Establishing Youth Only Fall Turkey Licenses in GMUs 91, 92, 96, 101, and102 A 4-year study was completed in 2012 on the turkey population in GMUs 91, 92, and 96 along the South Platte River in northeast Colorado. The study showed that this turkey population had increased significantly during that time, and it continues to offer high turkey numbers. In addition, the turkey population in the North Fork and Arikaree drainages in GMUs 101 and 102 also supports a healthy turkey population.

Over the past few years, Colorado Parks & Wildlife has put forth an increased emphasis and effort to improve the recruitment and retention of hunters across the state. Currently, youth hunters must apply and compete with adult hunters for a limited number of fall turkey permits in GMUs 91, 92, and 96. The same applies in GMUs 101 and 102 for youth wanting to hunt on public land. While there is a desire to maintain a competitive balance for obtaining a limited license, youth hunters should be afforded more opportunity to hunt. Turkey populations along the South Platte, North Fork, and Arikaree River drainages are at a high enough level to offer additional fall turkey hunting opportunities. A limited number of Youth- Only fall turkey permits issued through the limited draw will control the overall number of hunters and provide more youth hunting opportunity.

The primary statutory authority for these regulations can be found in § 24-4-103, C.R.S., and the

1 state Wildlife Act, §§ 33-1-101 to 33-6-209, C.R.S., specifically including, but not limited to: §§ 33-1- 106, C.R.S.

EFFECTIVE DATE - THESE REGULATIONS SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2016 AND SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT UNTIL REPEALED, AMENDED OR SUPERSEDED.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY THE PARKS AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO THIS 19th DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2015. APPROVED: Robert W Bray Chairman

ATTEST: Jeanne Horne Secretary