The Colorado Division of Wildlife is closing gates at several properties to protect wintering wildlife. The annual closures are designed to reduce stress on animals by keeping people and vehicles out of state wildlife areas when animals are most vulnerable.”The winter months in Colorado can be extremely tough for wildlife,” said area wildlife manager Lyle Sidener, who oversees the Hot Sulphur Springs area. “Animals need to devote all of their energy during the winter to gathering scarce food supplies.”Colorado’s winter snowfall typically forces deer and elk to lower elevations around the state. This seasonal migration puts these animals at higher risk for problematic encounters with humans. Because most of Colorado’s human populations live at lower elevations, deer and elk are more likely to be hit by cars during winter months. Deer are also more likely to be harassed by domestic dogs when they are closer to cities and towns.Having good winter range available to deer and elk is important for area residents. Wintering wildlife that journey onto private land in search of safety and forage can cause problems for ranchers and homeowners.Residents and visitors should be aware of and honor the following winter closures:Grand Junction/Rifle AreaGarfield Creek SWA – Closed – Dec. 1 to July 15Plateau Creek SWA – Closed to all vehicles – Dec. 1 to Aug. 1Glenwood Springs/Roaring Fork Valley AreaBasalt State Wildlife Area * – Closed – Dec. 1 to July 15This closure applies to the Basalt Unit, Christine Unit, Toner Unit, Peachblow Unit, Seven Castles Unit and Schuck Unit. The closure does NOT apply to Christine Lake or the rifle range at Basalt State Wildlife Area.Middle Park/Kremmling/Hot Sulphur Springs AreaRed Mountain SWA (Middle Park) – Closed – Nov 15 to April 15Silver Creek Conservation Easement – Closed – Nov. 15 to April 15Junction Butte SWA – Closed to vehicles – Nov. 20 to Sept. 3Byers Canyon Shooting Range – Closed – Jan. 1 to approximately April 30.Meeker/Craig AreaOak Ridge State Wildlife Area – Closed – Dec. 1 to July 15Jensen SWA – Closed – Jan. 1 to July 15Bitter Brush SWA – Closed – Jan. 15 to April 30Steamboat Springs AreaAdams State Wildlife Area – Closed – Dec. 1 to July 1Blacktail Conservation Easement – Closed – Dec. 1 to May 31For more information about State Wildlife Areas, go on-line to www.wildlife.state.co.us/landwater/statewildlifeareas or contact (970) 255-6100.
