Interested in learning to hunt? Colorado Parks and Wildlife, through the agency’s Hunter Outreach Program, offers an opportunity for novice hunters across the state to learn responsible skills and practices directly from CPW experts.
If you’re 12 or older and want to hunt game large or small, but don’t have anyone to show you how, here’s your chance to apply for an opportunity to be a part of critical wildlife management efforts in the future.
“What we’ve learned is that a lot of people want to learn how to hunt, but they don’t have someone at home to teach them how to do it,” said Kathleen Mawhinney, hunter outreach coordinator for the NW region. “That’s why the Hunter Outreach Program is so valuable. Once they experience first-hand mentorship from CPW experts, they will be able to hunt safely and responsibly well into the future.”
To apply for a Youth Rookie Hunt (ages 12-17), complete the Youth Hunter Disclosure Application.
To apply for the Adult and Female Rookie Hunt (ages 18+), complete the Adult and Female Rookie Hunt Application in the field.
Applicants must be a Colorado resident and have a valid Hunter Education Card. In addition, applicants for adult and female novice hunts must not have a history of purchasing big game licenses in the previous five (5) years.
Complete applications for the junior, adult and female rookie hunts are due by Friday, October 14.
CPW’s Hunter Outreach program offers more opportunities than ever to go into the field to hunt a large or small game animal using skills learned firsthand from the experts.
“Over the years, thousands of novice hunters have learned the skills and techniques necessary to hunt a variety of game large and small, including deer, elk, pronghorn, upland fowl or waterfowl,” Mawhinney said. “The future of Colorado’s wildlife management efforts depends heavily on our hunters, and the successful Hunter Outreach Program continues to be a big part of that by teaching novice people how to hunt.”
Mawhinney says that even with expert mentoring, not every hunter will fill his tag. He said that enjoying the outdoors with friends and family makes hunting in Colorado one of the most rewarding activities.
“Hunting gets people out there, it teaches responsibility, it teaches effective wildlife management, and if you’re lucky, putting fresh, organic meat on the table is a bonus. This is a fantastic opportunity for our future hunters,” he said.
For more information on the Hunter Outreach program, visit the CPW website.
PRESS RELEASE | Special to the Herald Times