The 2026 hunting seasons have begun but hunters aren’t the only ones rushing to the outdoors this fall to enjoy everything Colorado has to offer. Colorado Parks and Wildlife emphasizes the shared responsibility of safety among hunters, hikers, bikers, leaf peepers, wildlife viewers and OHV users. As most of Colorado’s outdoors is multi-use, it’s crucial […]
BLM reminds Colorado hunters to plan ahead for fall season
Fall hunting season is nearly here, and people across Colorado are preparing for everything from freezer-fillers to trophy mounts. Hunting is one of many recreational opportunities the Bureau of Land Management supports as part of its multiple-use mission. From grazing to recreation and habitat conservation, BLM-administered public lands are open to a variety of uses, and […]
Fishing closure lifted on Roaring Fork River, other rivers remain under restrictions
As recent releases from Ruedi Reservoir have increased streamflows and decreased water temperatures, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is lifting the voluntary afternoon fishing closure on the Roaring Fork River on Thursday, Aug. 20. The closure was initially implemented on July 17 to protect fish and minimize fish mortality as streamflows dropped well below 50% of […]
Kirk Deeter: The scribe of Trout Unlimited
Editor’s note: This article first appeared in the 2026 edition of Colorado Hunter & Angler Magazine. Trout Magazine, the official publication of Trout Unlimited, provides insightful articles on angling, conservation and clean water preservation which has resulted in it becoming one of the finest outdoor magazines published. And much of this well-deserved reputation is due […]
From birthdays in a machine shop to high country hunts: How Salmon River Solutions blends machining heritage with modern hunting needs
When Ken Trapp talks about his Idaho-based company Salmon River Solutions, there is a tone of pride and dedication in his voice that comes when someone creates something with their own hands from the ground up. For Trapp, that pride and dedication can be traced back to a childhood spent around milling machines, where birthdays […]
‘Addicted to the game and the sport’: Yampa Valley hunting guide Alex Thompson reflects on the craft, sacrifice and spirit of hunting
For Yampa Valley hunting and fishing guide Alex Thompson, becoming a champion in the outdoors has never been about crowds or cameras — it’s about the real victories that happen far from any arena, in a single moment where skill, instinct and respect for the land come together. Thompson, 25, grew up in Steamboat and […]
Mild winter eases big game stressors, could set stage for summer challenges
Big game herds in Northwest Colorado are rebounding from the punishing winter of 2022-23, a season that forced wildlife managers to shift from managing abundant populations to supporting their recovery. Every winter since that year, when significant winterkill staggered big game populations, has been much different to the benefit of elk, deer and pronghorn. With […]
From childhood dream to lifetime reality: Routt County deputy fulfills lifelong dream with bighorn sheep hunt
For Routt County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Caughey, a big game trophy has never been measured in inches or pounds. Instead, it’s defined by the terrain and the journey through it, along with the challenges and lessons learned along the way. It’s also a testament to family, friends and the community of hunters who lift up […]
A lifelong calling to serve: How Droppin Skulls Tannery is fulfilling a unique niche in Northwest Colorado
For most people, the word “tannery” might not stir much thought, but for Craig native Trey Gallegos, owner and operator of Droppin Skulls Tannery, it represents a lifetime of work, service and a dedication to connecting hunters with their memories in a lasting form. Gallegos grew up in the world of outfitting under the guidance […]
Healing the land: Fires reshape big game habitat ahead of hunting season
As Colorado hunters take to the mountains for archery season, officials with Colorado Parks and Wildlife are assessing how recent wildfires have reshaped big game habitat in Northwest Colorado. Two wildfires, the Lee and Elk, burned across critical elk and mule deer ranges in August, creating immediate challenges for wildlife and access while also offering […]