New PWC Considers Small Game Regulations in Colorado
OutdoorHub 07.10.12
The newly appointed Parks and Wildlife Commission will be asked to approve 2012 – 2013 small game and migratory bird hunting seasons at its monthly meeting in Sterling on July 12 and 13.
The commission, whose members were announced July 9 by Gov. John Hickenlooper, will also elect a slate of officers during the meeting, which will be held at the Ramada Inn on Highway 6 in Sterling. The meeting will start on July 12 at 1 p.m., recess at 5 p.m. and resume on Friday, July 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
This marks the first meeting of the new 11-member Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission, which was established by a bill passed by the legislature and signed by Hickenlooper on June 4.
The bill specifies that the commission will be comprised of three members who are sportsmen or sportswomen, one of whom must be an outfitter; three agricultural producers; three recreationalists, including one from a non-profit, non-consumptive wildlife organization; two at-large members. A minimum of four commissioners must be from west of the Continental Divide. Members are expected to represent all parks and wildlife related issues, regardless of their affiliation.
Seven members of the former Parks and Wildlife Commission were reappointed by Gov. Hickenlooper.
James C. Pribyl of Boulder was reappointed as an at-large member for a term expiring in 2013.
John Singletary of Pueblo was reappointed as a representative of sports persons for a term expiring in 2014.
Kenneth “Mark” Smith of Center was reappointed as an at-large member for a term expiring in 2014.
Robert “Dean” Wingfield of Vernon was reappointed as a representative of agriculture for a term expiring in 2014.
Christopher James Castilian of Denver was reappointed as a representative of parks and outdoor recreation for a term expiring in 2015.
William G. Kane of Basalt was reappointed as a representative of parks and outdoor recreation for a term expiring in 2015.
Gaspar Perricone of Denver was reappointed as a representative of sports persons for a term expiring in 2015.
Four new members will be joining the commission in Sterling.
Jeanne Horne of Meeker was appointed as a representative of sports persons and outfitters for a term expiring in 2013.
Robert William Bray of Redvale was appointed as a representative of agriculture for a term expiring in 2016.
Michelle Zimmerman of Breckenridge was appointed as a representative of a non-profit organization that promotes conservation and recognizes non-consumptive wildlife use for a term expiring in 2016.
James Vigil of Trinidad was appointed as a representative of agriculture for a term expiring in 2016.
In addition, Executive Director of the Department of Natural Resources Mike King and Commissioner of Agriculture John Salazar will serve as ex-officio members.
July is traditionally the month when the state sets regulations for small game, furbearers and migratory birds for the coming year. The regulation-setting process considers changes to seasons and related provisions, including season dates, possession and bag limits and manner of take.
In Colorado, pheasant and other upland birds such as grouse, quail and chukar are considered small game. Migratory birds include ducks, geese and other waterfowl.
As part of the small game regulations process, the commission will discuss a potential novice hunter program aimed at recruiting new hunters into the sport.
In other business, the commission will consider changes in regulations for hunting and food storage in Golden Gate State Park, and changes in regulations pertaining to several State Land Board properties leased for hunting by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Commissioners will also receive presentations on Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s pheasant habitat improvement program and a draft management plan for Cheyenne Mountain State Park in Colorado Springs.
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission sets regulations and policies for Colorado’s state parks and wildlife programs. To view the complete agenda for the July Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting, please see the Commission web page: http://wildlife.state.co.us/ParksWildlifeCommission/Archives/2012/Pages/July12-13_2012.aspx.
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meets monthly and travels to communities around the state to facilitate public participation in its processes. The commission is scheduled to travel to Gunnison, Glenwood Springs, Durango, Yuma and Colorado Springs during the remainder of 2012.
Members of the public who are unable to attend Parks and Wildlife Commission meetings or workshops can listen to the proceedings through an Internet link. The commission provides this opportunity to keep constituents better informed about the development of regulations and how it is working with Parks and Wildlife staff to guide the management of parks, wildlife and outdoor recreation programs.
To access the live audio feed during the meeting, click on the “listen to live audio” link at the bottom of the commission webpage at: http://wildlife.state.co.us/ParksWildlifeCommission/Pages/Commission.aspx.
