The public lands and forests surrounding Pagosa Springs provide exceptional big game habitat, and licensed sportsmen and women enjoy some of the finest hunting in North America while visiting Pagosa Springs.
The adjoining San Juan and Rio Grande national forests, together comprising nearly 4 million acres of varied elevation and diverse terrain, are home to black bears, cougars and bighorn sheep, as well as considerable herds of mule deer and elk that migrate seasonally between winter and summer ranges. Though far fewer in number, Shiras moose may also be seen grazing in the high country.
Access to the remarkable hunting grounds surrounding Pagosa Springs is gained via a network of Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management roads. If hunters prefer to trek into the forest by foot or on horseback, they may use the many foot and horseback trails, which offer passage into vehicle-restricted regions such as the rugged and remote Piedra Area and Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness areas. Designated wilderness areas are closed to all forms of mechanized travel (including bicycles, game carts and wheelchairs) at all times. Hunters should call the Pagosa Ranger District at (970) 264-2268 for travel policy information and travel details including posted road closures and other travel restrictions that may affect specific hunting units. Information related to other activities that might coincide with big game seasons — such as domestic livestock grazing, prescribed burns and special recreational events — is also available.
Through direction from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW)Commission, CPW governs bag limits, hunting regulations, season dates and licensing for big and small game hunts.
Obtaining a license to hunt big game in Colorado may require participation in a drawing. Deer licenses can only be obtained through a lottery. Other limited license species include Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mountain goat, pronghorn, moose and black bear. Colorado is the only state in the nation where a hunter can buy an over-the-counter bull elk license. The deadline for entering select season draws is always the first Tuesday in April. Hunters can enter these drawings online at www.cpw.state.co.us. All applications must be filed online. Look for a Colorado Big Game Brochure at license agents, or see it at CPW’s website.
A mandatory earch and Rescue surcharge is added to the cost of all Colorado hunting and fishing licenses. To improve wildlife habitat and wildlife education, a Public Education Advisory Council surcharge and a Habitat Stamp fee are also added to all license costs. The Habitat Stamp fee is added only to one license purchased by an individual in a given year.
Documentation proving completion of a hunter education course is mandatory for all hunters born Jan. 1, 1949, or after who wish to pursue any game species in Colorado. Licenses will not be granted without hunter education verification. Check the CPW website for information about hunter safety classes.
For complete information on hunting seasons, pick up one of the Colorado hunting brochures at any local sports store. You can also go to the CPW website at www.cpw.state.co.us.
For more information regarding hunting opportunities unique to Pagosa Country, stop by the U.S. Forest Service Pagosa Ranger District office, located at 180 Pagosa St. (U.S. 160 on the east side of town); or call the Durango CPW office at (970) 247-0855.