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Hunting Season begins August 30
By PK | August 21, 2008
Colorado’s 2008 Hunting Season opens August 30 for archery. I previously couldn’t wait for hunting season to begin, wanting to bring down a big bull elk even knowing the odds were against me. Now, after a summer of photographing the wildlife of mule deer, elks, moose, I’m apprehensive. I can’t help but think of the cows or does that will be taken during hunting leaving behind their fawns and calves to fend for themselves.
On a recent hiking trip, we came across the remains of a fairly large elk…only the legs were left. Gruesome, I know, but it’s a part of the evolution of wildlife. I wondered at what could possibly have downed such a big animal. We’d seen droppings of several coyotes but after asking Dalton, knew such a possibility was impossible even for coyotes. So what did kill the elk? My curiosity continued as I pumped him for information, all the while glancing around me. ‘A bear or a mountain lion’, he informed me. “OH…” was my response, gazing around me even more. This was a fresh kill, not more than 24 hours old.
At an old campsite we stopped for a break, our hiking excursion coming to a conclusion.
We’d seen evidence of elk and moose on our hike, and at the beginning two mule deer does crossing the dirt road headed up the mountain for what I assume a nap in amongst the brush and thick trees.
The elks must have really liked this tree, munching it as they did. I’ve never seen one with hunks taken out of it like this before. Maybe this one grew with added ‘flavor’ that enticed the elks to take bigger bites!
If you’ve never tasted elk meat, you are missing a wonderful treat. It doesn’t taste as wild as deer, but is lean and similar to beef. I’ve been cooking wild game since I was a teenager, so mine is tender, juicy, and quite delicious. So despite being apprehensive, and being a mother somewhat wanting to be protective of these wild animals, I will be accompanying the hunters on the first day of archery season. I’ll be photographing the hunt, but, for now, not participating in the hunt. So, no hate mail please….
A part of preparing for hunting season is practice. Dalton loves wildlife, too, even though he hunts. He doesn’t want to maim an animal and it suffer unjustly. If we didn’t have hunters, wildlife would become too abundant, many would starve from lack of food in the long, cold winters, and would invade the towns scourging for food. There would be an increase in auto accidents as motorists would find travel difficult because of the higher numbers of wildlife.
Dalton sites in his target for distance and to check the accuracy of his bow.
He pulls back, sites his targets and lets loose with his first arrow. Did I close my eyes? Did I cringe? Perhaps so, I’m thinking I’d make a woosy of a hunter!
His arrow hits the mark! Of course, this deer didn’t move, flinch, or try to run away as a living deer would. I’m wondering at this point, what my feelings will be when it’s actually a deer or an elk. He promised me he would shoot a big bull elk, and not a cow. So, I’m somewhat relieved that I won’t have to deal with seeing a calf nearby that is motherless. Thank goodness for that, I won’t be begging him to bring home the calf to take care of.
Dalton is serious in his hunting and it is his favorite sport. We have dreams of starting an outfitter’s business once we become established here in Colorado. I can’t help but tease him by telling him he can’t hunt with the other hunters if he’s the Outfitter. *grin*
Again, he makes his mark, insuring me of a freezer full of meat for this winter.
I do want to make aware to all the hikers and campers that hunting season begins August 30 and to wear bright clothing while in the woods so hunters can identify and see you clearly. Safety is an important issue in hunting, be aware if you enter into hunting grounds where hunters will be present.
Hiker Safety Tips During Hunting Season:
1. WEAR ORANGE. This is the universal hunter safety color. You can wear an orange cap, hat, coat, vest, shirt, shorts, or pants. (the more the better) This will reduce your chances of being mistaken for game. Remember to also dress your dog in orange.
2. AVOID WEARING WHITE. A flash of white to a hunter could mistake you for a white-tailed deer.
3. AVOID BLACK OR BROWN. These are the colors of big game, so avoid these colors as well.
4. STAY ON DESIGNATED TRAILS. Hunters will be more cautious in hunting where they know hikers may be present.
5. KNOW YOUR AREA. Check with the Department of Wildlife to see if the trail you want to hike has open hunting areas where hunter’s may be present.
6. HIKE IN GROUPS. If you can, hike with others or make noise while hiking. Make your presence known to hunters that may be in the vicinity.
7. TELL OTHERS. Always let someone know when and where you plan to hike and when you’ll be back. This is a general rule for hiking but especially important during hunting season.
Don’t be a statistic!
Have fun, follow the rules, and get outdoors!!!
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Topics: Colorado, Hiking, Camping, Fishing,, Wildlife and Hunting |
3 Responses to “Hunting Season begins August 30”
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August 21st, 2008 at 1:01 pm
what do you think you know about the outdoors you write and write but what do you really know ?
August 24th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Well, *I* think it’s awesome to hunt your own dinner. Have fun out there, be safe, get great shots, and save me a steak or two??? (Hey, I can hope)
August 25th, 2008 at 9:54 am
Thanks, we’ll be safe. You’ll have to come to Steamboat to get those steaks!!!