New To Colorado

Gunnut

New member
I'm new to Colorado, so where and how do you hunt pheasant, and where for quail, I've only hunted in NM, and that was all mesa for quail, and yote. I live in southern colorado close to raton and trinidad. So could anyone give me some tips, thanks for the help.
 
I've lived in colorado for 18 years and have hunted pheasant here once. It's not any good anywhere that I know of, for wild birds anyway...

We drive to NW Iowa and it's VERY worth the time/$$. Lots of public land.
 
Okay, thanks for the info, what about quail though. I have a friend with some land that use to be alfalfa fields, so it is thick cover, we don't have a dog, so whats the best approach?
 
Just got back from pheasant hunting in E. CO. did quite well too. shot a limit everyday that we went out. All private land, no dog just hunted the small edges and such. Lots of birds, it would have helped had I practiced up on my wing shooting first.
 
I saw large groups of birds like I had never seen here in CO before. Often as many as 20-30 at a time. Weather made for some tough hunting but it wasn't for the lack of birds.
 
Welcome to CO.

There are some definite states that are better for birdhunting, but CO birds and bird hunting are getting better. There seems to be quiet a few quail up around the platte River, between Ft. Morgan and Sterling. There are many state wildlife areas(SWA) along that river with different rules. This link shows the SWAs. I have found Quail on the Atwood SWA, Tamarack SWA, and on the Redlion SWA in Logan County. Also found Quail on Brush SWA and the one to the east, I believe it Cotton something /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused1.gif. Also for the public land hunter there is the Walkin Access Program, It is a program that cost $20 to enroll in and opens up a ton of private land for public hunting. Most of the alnd is good for pheasants, but I am sure some will have quail. Also theese lands are excellent places to call after the bird hunting seasons are over. No ne hunts them yearround, they all boareder private land, they have good access and few people calling them. Hunting any public land take some effort and having a good dog helps a ton. My lab is not the best, but she atleast lets me know if birds are around. Be prepared to spend lots of time walking and figuring things out. With a little effort you can find areas that produce birds consistently. Last year I got a limit on Pheasants 2 times on Public and had the opprotunity several times, just poor shooting. Year before we got 1 limit, but missed a bunch of birds. Good luck, let me know if you have any more questions.

Also here is the link for the SWA homepage by the DOW. I use the interactive map it presents a better visual of the property.

Colorado SWA
 
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Pd Buster,

Also try up north on the Pawnee National Grasslands for yotes. I killed many yotes and 1 badger up there when I lived on that half. Get a good map of the grasslands, there are several areas that provide good cover. Someday I will go back there to try it again. Until then good luck.
 
In your area, try the Commanche National Grasslands for quail and coyote. Also, just east of Walsenburg is a SWA called Apishipa. Get a copy of the State Trust Lands directory and the Colorado Fishing directory (has SWA's in it).

Good luck.
 
Cool thanks for all the info, I talked to my buddy and were gonna go try some of these areas, also im gonna try for yote on his place( first time at night) and i think we'll have good luck, I'll keep you all posted.
 
Oh quick clarification, can i hunt the national grasslands, or are they like the SWA areas? Never had any of those in NM so this is new.
 
Gun nut the National Grass lands are just like national forest. they have rules like stay on the roads etc. But you can visit and hunt as long as you are within the state laws. Gunnut, be sure that you are following the state laws regarding hunting at night. Colorado laws are different then other states. I would be sure to atleast contact the area wildlife manager and let him know your doing it at night. I will save you and him a hassel.

Good luck.
 
I checked into that, and since it is predator,and i have my smallgame/furbearer liscense, and its private land im good to go, it said that i had to contact the gamewarden if it was on public, and he would give me a permit for the weekend or whatever day/s. Thanks for the concern though, i wouldnt want to start off on the wrong foot.
 


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