Grand Valley Duck Blind Reservation System Annouced in Colorado
OutdoorHub 08.24.11
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife managers are extending the duck blind reservation system successfully used to manage public waterfowl hunting opportunity on several northeast Colorado properties to the Grand Valley, where the agency provides similar hunting access for West Slope waterfowlers at a number of state-owned properties.
Reservations are free and hunters can reserve blinds up to two weeks before their hunting date. The system will be in place before the start of September’s early goose season.
“We heard from many hunters that felt the previous system needed improvements,” said Colorado Parks and Wildlife Area Wildlife Manger JT Romatzke. “We believe that the reservation system will make the process more fair and will give more waterfowlers a chance to use the public blinds.”
In May, the former Colorado Wildlife Commission approved extending the reservation system to Grand Valley properties following formal and informal discussions between wildlife managers and Grand Valley sportsmen about hunter dissatisfaction with the previous first come – first served system.
Wildlife managers believe the new system will reduce the number of hunters who illegally sleep overnight in their vehicles in an attempt to secure a blind, limiting opportunity for other interested sportsmen.
Reservations will be required at twenty existing blinds in the Grand Valley, including the two blinds at Tilman Bishop State Wildlife Area, a single blind at Colorado River Island State Wildlife Area, a single blind at Orchard Mesa Wildlife Area, nine blinds at Horsethief Canyon State Wildlife Area and seven blinds at Highline Lake State Park.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife managers are currently working to install two new blinds, one at Island Acres State Park and another at Franklin Island State Wildlife Area. Plans to add additional blinds in other areas over the next few years are currently being discussed.
Hunters who would like to reserve a public blind will need to call 1-800-UGO-WILD (846-9453) to make their reservation, and should keep these simple rules in mind:
- Reservations are free. Call between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- Blinds can be reserved no more than fourteen days in advance.
- Unreserved blinds may be occupied on a first come-first served basis after 5 a.m.
- Reserved blinds unoccupied after 7 a.m. can be used on a first come-first served basis, but must be yielded to a reservation holder upon request.
All rules and regulations apply, and hunters are encouraged to see the current waterfowl regulations brochure for complete details.
The early Canada goose season this year begins September 1-9, and the reservation system will be in effect for all upcoming waterfowl seasons.
For more information and details about how to make a reservation, go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/Waterfowl/Reservations/Pages/Reservations.aspx
For more information about waterfowl hunting, go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/Waterfowl/Pages/WaterfowlHome.aspx
