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Colorado Turkey Hunt License
By Charlie Meyers, Denver Post Outdoor Editor
February 09, 2003
The brutal truth about applying for a limited turkey hunting license before the Thursday deadline is this: You probably won't get one. Only about one in six who apply for the 500 limited licenses actually connect in the draw. The rest receive a preference point, which is the key to ultimate success. Several points generally are needed to get a permit.
It generally takes three or more points to get a license in the more popular areas. Those closer to Denver, such as the units along the South Platte River toward the Nebraska line, might require as many as five or six points.
While also prized, the limited units around Walsenburg and Trinidad generally require fewer points. Typically, hunters who draw special permits have almost twice as good a chance to bring home a spring gobbler as those who hunt at large.
The good news in all this is that anyone can get a license in dozens of open units for a season that runs April 12-May 25 statewide, except in certain limited areas and in units that are closed completely. Consult a 2003 turkey brochure for details.
Changes in the rules include a requirement for special permits in the Higel and Rio Grande state wildlife areas. Spring turkey hunting is closed on state wildlife areas in units 91, 92 and 96, generally around Fort Morgan, Sterling and Julesburg.
Resident licenses cost $10. Those bidding for limited licenses also must pay a $3 application fee. Only bearded tom turkeys may be hunted during the spring season.
By Charlie Meyers, Denver Post Outdoor Editor
February 09, 2003
The brutal truth about applying for a limited turkey hunting license before the Thursday deadline is this: You probably won't get one. Only about one in six who apply for the 500 limited licenses actually connect in the draw. The rest receive a preference point, which is the key to ultimate success. Several points generally are needed to get a permit.
It generally takes three or more points to get a license in the more popular areas. Those closer to Denver, such as the units along the South Platte River toward the Nebraska line, might require as many as five or six points.
While also prized, the limited units around Walsenburg and Trinidad generally require fewer points. Typically, hunters who draw special permits have almost twice as good a chance to bring home a spring gobbler as those who hunt at large.
The good news in all this is that anyone can get a license in dozens of open units for a season that runs April 12-May 25 statewide, except in certain limited areas and in units that are closed completely. Consult a 2003 turkey brochure for details.
Changes in the rules include a requirement for special permits in the Higel and Rio Grande state wildlife areas. Spring turkey hunting is closed on state wildlife areas in units 91, 92 and 96, generally around Fort Morgan, Sterling and Julesburg.
Resident licenses cost $10. Those bidding for limited licenses also must pay a $3 application fee. Only bearded tom turkeys may be hunted during the spring season.
