License needed to access CO wilderness

[Fj605]

This article just popped up on my news feed. I haven't seen it posted on here so thought I'd share it.

Entering a state wildlife area? You’ll need a hunting or fishing license

Starting July 1, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will require anyone who enters a state wildlife area – like at Perins Peak, Bodo and Haviland Lake –...

the-journal.com

 

[mdeerjunkie]

That’s just for SWA not wilderness.

 

[JohnCushman]

It's about time

 

[azelkhntr]

I couldn’t agree more with this decision. It’s about time the other recreationist started to have to pay for the enjoyment of wildlife and the benefits that come from that. Bravo .

 

[Oak]

State Wildlife Areas have largely been acquired by hunters and anglers, for hunters and anglers, and for wildlife habitat protection. As the CO population booms, they are used more and more by birders, dog walkers, hikers, etc. This is a way to ensure that all users are paying for the management of those properties, not just hunters and anglers.

 

[seeth07]

wow!!! Colorado does a lot of things that are questionable....this isn't one of them. WAY TO GO COLORADO...FINALLY someone is stepping up and making all participants help contribute to the resources we all equally share!!!

 

[brownbear932008]

Virginia has been doing this for several years now on WMA's also.

 

[KU_Geo]

This is a great move by the state. Burden shared by all who use them, not just hunters and anglers.

 

[Jwill]

Good.

 

[nrpate05]

Yea this is good news in my opinion.

 

[Zach]

Good to see.

 

[BAKPAKR]

I bet we will hear a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth over this from self-proclaimed “greenies.”

 

[Oak]

I bet we will hear a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth over this from self-proclaimed “greenies.”

The primary complaint I have heard is the requirement for a license instead of some sort of access permit. “Artificially inflating hunter numbers!”

 

[Indianajoe]

By requiring a hunting or fishing license the state will also get more Pittman Robertson dollars. That will allow CO to increase money raised. Its a great, creative way to increase revenue

 

[LuketheDog]

The primary complaint I have heard is the requirement for a license instead of some sort of access permit. “Artificially inflating hunter numbers!”

Ha, yeah, it's nothing like them artificially inflating "wildlife watcher" numbers if it suits their need though, right?

 

[jmveverka]

Its a great thing, but enforcement is really difficult. They barely enforce it here in Virginia, there is just not enough man power anywhere to ensure everyone using the state lands have a license or access permit.

 

[Appalachia]

I wish they would do this with more states. Especially if we want to keep the resources we have. Way to go Colorado.

 

[Handlebar]

Although I am generally in favor of all users paying for these areas, do not think that this could not have some consequences. If hunting numbers decrease, a argument will be made that the non consumptive users should have a greater say in how these areas are managed.

 

[Buffs35]

Great move. Now we just need Colorado to require cyclists to obtain a permit to ride on public roads.