Summit County Citizens Voice

The onset of wintry weather prompted state wildlife officials to contact hunters in the field, urging them to be prepared for the conditions.

Proper gear needed for high country elk hunt, wildlife officials say

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Colorado Division of Wildlife officers are contacting hunters in the field, urging them to be prepared for wintry weather in the high country after an intensive search for three hunters in the Flattops Wilderness Area ended only after a National Guard helicopter was called in to assist with the search.

“While hunter success increases with snowfall, folks need to have the proper winter gear before heading out to hunt at this time of year,” said Perry Will, area wildlife manager for the Division of Wildlife in Glenwood Springs. “Some of the hunters we are contacting are glad to see the snow because it makes the hunting better,” Will explained. “Those are the hunters who are prepared.”

Heavy snowfall tends to concentrate elk into larger winter herds and gets the elk moving towards winter range areas. In warmer weather conditions, elk tend to stay dispersed and take cover in remote, dense stands of high elevation timber making it more difficult for hunters to locate and reach the animals.

“Hunters should always carry a personal survival kit that includes signaling devices, shelter and fire starter,” said Mark Cousins, hunter education coordinator for Division of Wildlife. “A larger vehicle survival kit with sleeping bag, food, water, shovel, sand and tire chains is also a good idea.”

A guide to being prepared for the hunt is available on the Division of Wildlife website at: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/PlanYourHunt/ResourcesTips/Survival.htm

Hunters are currently taking part in the 2nd rifle season, which runs until one half hour after sunset on Sunday, Oct 31. Third rifle season begins Saturday, Nov. 6 at sunrise and runs through Sunday, Nov. 14. Fourth season is Nov. 17 – Nov. 21.

Filed under: Summit County Colorado Tagged: | Colorado Division of Wildlife, Colorado hunting, elk, elk hunting, Game, lost hunters in Colorado, Summit County Colorado, Summit County News, weather