Colorado Hunters: Wildfire Impacts to 2023 Season are limited, But Awareness is Key
DENVER, CO – September 8, 2023 - Colorado’s big game hunting season is underway, but hunters are understandably asking about the potential impact of the significant wildfires that scorched over 230,000 acres of the state this year. While the 2023 fire season has been considerable, officials wiht Colorado Parks and wildlife (CPW) say the disruption to hunting will be less widespread than experienced in 2020, a year marked by several large, actively burning fires during peak hunting times.
Rifle bear and archery seasons kicked off September 2nd, with muzzleloader season beginning September 13th and rifle seasons following next month. CPW acknowledges the fires have created some challenges, particularly regarding habitat and access, but is working to minimize disruption for hunters.
“While we have seen some impacts to hunters, they are minimal compared to what we saw during 2020,” explained Rachael Gonzales, CPW’s Northwest Region Public Facts Officer. “CPW will work with hunters who have drawn limited licenses in Game Management Units (GMUs) considerably impacted by fire and public land closures to provide refunds,if desired.”
Currently,the Lee and Derby fires have caused the most significant habitat and access restrictions,specifically within GMUs 22 and 25. However, Gonzales added, “conditions are improving and access shoudl improve.”
Navigating Burned Areas: What Hunters Need to Know
The full extent of the fires’ impact on hunting, particularly near the Lee fire burn area, remains uncertain. Reece Melton, Rio Blanco County Natural Resources Manager, cautioned, “It’s too early still” to fully assess the changes.
Melton emphasized the importance of communication and flexibility.”CPW is working very hard to provide flexibility and communicate expectations for folks who may have had a hunting tag in the burned area,” he saeid. He strongly encourages hunters to contact their local CPW office before their hunt to confirm conditions and understand any potential restrictions.
Key Reminders for Colorado Hunters:
Be Aware of Closures: Active fire areas remain closed for firefighter and public safety. Even open gates do not indicate open access. Respect all closures.
Check for Updates: Conditions can change rapidly. Regularly check for updates on closures and access restrictions.
Utilize Available Resources:
Colorado Hunting Atlas: https://ndismaps.nrel.colostate.edu/index.html?app=HuntingAtlas
Local CPW Office: https://cpw.state.co.us/contact-us
National Forest Service: [https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02](https://www.fs.usda.gov/r
