Several changes have been enacted this year to better manage game populations in western Colorado. One change is new rules for late-season youths hunts to better allow the state to account for youths participation and ensure the long-term viability of elk populations. Late hunts in many units are being restricted to include only youth hunters who hold a license originally valid for Units 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 23, 24, 25, 26, 33, 34, 131, 211, 214, 231 and 301.
Another game management initiative includes Colorado Division of Parks & Wildlife issuing several late-season elk hunting closures, including hunts in Units 65, 72 and 82, as well as adding a new early-season, high-country rifle hunt for bucks, good for Units 48, 56, 481 and 561 from Sept. 8 to 16. A new rifle doe season on private land also has been created in Unit 56. Additionally, fourth-season buck hunts in Units 41, 42, 61, 62 and 421 will not be available this year. Some licenses for areas north of Craig to the White River have been changed from List B to List A tags. Hunters may only purchase one List A tag to hunt deer.
For pronghorn, many licenses traditionally classified as List A now have been classified as List B (hunters may purchase up to two List B licenses during the year). Division of Parks and Wildlife recommends checking your hunt codes carefully to see whether your license is considered a List B tag. New private-land pronghorn hunts have been established in Units 9, 88 and 191. from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, and all hunts in Units 41, 62 and 411 have been closed to manage game populations.