12-12-2006, 05:10 PM
The Colorado Division of Wildlife announces annual winter closures at several of the State Wildlife Areas (SWA) in the Gunnison basin.
One of the important uses of wildlife areas is to provide safe winter havens for a variety of species. Winter is a difficult time for wildlife, especially deer and elk. They need to use all available energy to stay alive. The closures allow wildlife to get through the winter months without being disturbed by human activity.
Because deer and elk gather during the winter months, they are often easier to see from roadways. Please, observe wildlife from a distance. If animals begin to move that means you are too close. If animals are forced to move needlessly during winter months their energy stores become depleted and their chances for survival decrease.
Snowmobilers are reminded that snowmobiles are prohibited at the Sapinero State Wildlife Area. The Division also recommends snowmobile riders exercise caution when riding in known winter range areas to minimize disturbance to wintering animals.
Following is a list of closures:<br />
"¢ Gunnison SWA: Dec. 1 - March 31<br />
"¢ Centennial SWA: Dec. 1 - June 30<br />
"¢ Almont Triangle SWA: Dec. 20 - March 31<br />
"¢ Cabin Creek SWA: Dec. 1 - April 30<br />
"¢ Leaps Gulch SWA: Dec. 1 - April 30<br />
"¢ McCluskey and Roeber SWAm(near Paonia): Nov. 20 - April 30<br />
"¢ Dutch Gulch SWA: Closed March 1 - June 15.
Signs noting the closures are posted at all the areas. If you see someone violating a closure, please call the Gunnison DOW office at (970)641-7060. When reporting a violation, please include: location, when the violation occurred and descriptions of people and vehicles.
One of the important uses of wildlife areas is to provide safe winter havens for a variety of species. Winter is a difficult time for wildlife, especially deer and elk. They need to use all available energy to stay alive. The closures allow wildlife to get through the winter months without being disturbed by human activity.
Because deer and elk gather during the winter months, they are often easier to see from roadways. Please, observe wildlife from a distance. If animals begin to move that means you are too close. If animals are forced to move needlessly during winter months their energy stores become depleted and their chances for survival decrease.
Snowmobilers are reminded that snowmobiles are prohibited at the Sapinero State Wildlife Area. The Division also recommends snowmobile riders exercise caution when riding in known winter range areas to minimize disturbance to wintering animals.
Following is a list of closures:<br />
"¢ Gunnison SWA: Dec. 1 - March 31<br />
"¢ Centennial SWA: Dec. 1 - June 30<br />
"¢ Almont Triangle SWA: Dec. 20 - March 31<br />
"¢ Cabin Creek SWA: Dec. 1 - April 30<br />
"¢ Leaps Gulch SWA: Dec. 1 - April 30<br />
"¢ McCluskey and Roeber SWAm(near Paonia): Nov. 20 - April 30<br />
"¢ Dutch Gulch SWA: Closed March 1 - June 15.
Signs noting the closures are posted at all the areas. If you see someone violating a closure, please call the Gunnison DOW office at (970)641-7060. When reporting a violation, please include: location, when the violation occurred and descriptions of people and vehicles.