Aaron Berscheid is a district wildlife officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Aaron covers the ìwildî side of Northeast El Paso County, including Black Forest, Falcon, Peyton and Calhan. He also covers some of Elbert County, north of U.S. Highway 24 and south of State Highway 86, including the towns of Elbert, Kiowa, Ramah, Simla, Matheson and a small portion of the Limon area.
For a while now, Iíve written about wildlife issues and the work I do. Today, I want to take a moment to say thanks to you, our readers.†When I first started writing this column in 2020, I wasnít sure what to expect. Iíve never been a newspaper writer. Never had a byline before. Never fired off a letter to the editor. Nothing.In fact, I admit I was a bit skeptical when I was approached with the idea of sitting down once a month to compose a column for The New Falcon Herald.What did I have to say that anyone wants to read? I wasnít convinced I would be invited to write a second column.But here I am, nearly three years later, still banging out a monthly wildlife diary. I will admit Iím kind of shocked. Not only am I still writing, but it appears many of you are still reading.Itís about time I told you how grateful I am.From the beginning, I wanted this to be a conversation with readers. Iím thrilled to report thatís exactly what it has become.†Many times, readers have given me a topic to write on or asked questions related to my columns.Iíve also been stopped on the street and told many times that people enjoy reading my column.Itís all very flattering. Thank you so much.Before I started writing, Iíd drive around in my truck, meeting hunters and anglers, conducting educational programs at community groups or schools and Iíd wonder if I was really having any impact.Since I started writing this column, I realize that I do.I saw this recently when I wrote about needing people to sign up for big game donations. That column produced a huge influx of phone calls. I now have a list with the names of quite a few people who are willing to take meat.†This is important because I discovered how many people out there need the food and I want to be sure that I can help in that manner.So let me say it again: Please reach out to me if you have any questions or issues that I might be able to help.I try to be very responsive to anybody who writes me an email or leaves me a voicemail. My contacts are aaron.berscheid@state.co.us or 719-227-5231.†Please donít hesitate to call or email. I will at the very least answer your questions.And, as I say each month, you might give me a good topic for a future column. If this happens, I will definitely be sure to mention you, if you would like.I cannot thank you enough for all your support and viewership of this: It means a lot.
