Colorado waterfowl hunting Club

Although I’ve been an avid upland and big-game hunter for most of my life, over the years I’ve only dabbled in waterfowl (duck and goose) hunting. And after moving to Colorado from Minnesota seventeen years ago, waterfowl hunting fell completely by the wayside, until a friend and dedicated waterfowler, Tim Brass (State Policy Director for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers), invited me on a January 2015 goose hunt.

Watching V-shaped flocks of honking Canada geese flying overhead, not to mention those enticed to within shotgun range, rekindled my desire to hunt waterfowl. For those with the same latent duck and goose hunting itch, first you’ll want to purchase the appropriate licenses and stamps. Waterfowl hunters need a small-game license, for starters.

Hunters age 16 or older are also required to purchase a $25 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) and a $5 Colorado State Waterfowl Stamp. In addition, pick up a $10 Colorado Habitat Stamp (for anyone aged 18 to 64), but only one is required per hunter each year, in the event you bought one with your turkey, big-game or upland-game license.
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For most waterfowl hunters, finding a place to hunt is often more challenging than the hunt itself. These days, unless you have deep pockets for a private hunting lease or duck-club membership, the cost of entry can leave the average duck hunter out in the cold.

Thankfully, Colorado offers a variety of opportunities to hunt waterfowl on public land.

Whether you’re a beginner who is planning your first hunt or a more experienced waterfowler who has been away from the duck blind for a while, these tips and strategies will help you have a more enjoyable and successful season. Read more

Colorado Pheasant hunters have plenty to be excited about when the 2015-16 season opens statewide Nov. 14. Although pheasant populations are still recovering, abundant rainfall throughout Colorado’s core pheasant range bolstered this year’s pheasant crop. Check out this Colorado pheasant forecast video to see what’s in store for upland hunters. Pheasant hunting tips are also available right here on Colorado Outdoors Online.

On Nov. 14, hunters and bird dogs alike will celebrate as Colorado’s 2015-16 pheasant season opens statewide.

According to wildlife managers, pheasant populations have improved significantly over last season. Precipitation returned to much of the core pheasant range this spring and summer — just in time to improve habitat and begin the rebuilding process of Colorado’s pheasant crop. Spring breeding indexes showed that pheasant populations increased 60 percent from 2014. Although pheasant populations remain far below the peak numbers that hunters enjoyed six years ago, there are enough roosters to keep things exciting and plenty of additional reasons to lace up your hunting boots and explore Colorado’s Eastern Plains this fall.

As an avid wingshooter, pheasant hunting has long been one of my favorite outdoor pastimes. The flash of brilliant color and raucous cackle of a rooster pheasant bursting from dense cover is enough to make even the most seasoned hunter giddy with excitement. I’ve hunted these birds for decades, and it’s a sight and sound that still captivates me. Read more

Colorado’s rugged terrain and unpredictable weather can challenge even the most experienced big-game hunter. Therefore, it’s important to have the proper clothing and equipment before heading out into the backcountry. For a new hunter, the endless choices of clothing and hunting gear can be overwhelming. Thankfully, this article will help you sift through the endless clutter.

Excitement, adventure, beautiful scenery—that’s what hunting in Colorado is truly about. And there’s no better way to experience all three than waterfowl hunting. Watching the sunrise over the river; sharing good conversation with friends in a duck blind; listening to wing beats as a flock of mallards circle your decoys; watching your bird dog make the perfect water retrieve. Waterfowl hunting provides the ultimate way to connect with nature and immerse yourself in the Colorado outdoors.

Whether you’re a beginner who’s looking to experience your first hunt or a seasoned veteran who has been away from the duck blind for a while, there has never been a better time to hunt ducks and geese in Colorado. The following 12 resources and tips will help you get the most out of your hunting experience this season:

1. Record Duck Populations Await Hunters in 2015

For Colorado waterfowl hunters, 2015 could be a banner year. Thanks to unusually wet weather and ideal nesting conditions across the Continental United States and Canada, nationwide duck populations have soared to the highest numbers in 60 years. Mallards, the most popular duck among Colorado hunters, posted a breeding population of 11.6 million birds—an all-time record! With epic numbers of ducks likely to pass through the state this winter, there has never been a better time to dust off the decoys, grab the Labrador and high-tail-it to your favorite warm-water slough, river, lake or reservoir.

For as long as I can remember, Sept. 1 has been a time-honored tradition in my family. The tradition of waking before dawn to watch the sunrise on the Eastern Plains. The tradition of scanning the skies for doves and hoping that my shotgun skills are sharp enough to bring a few birds home for the table. The tradition of watching my favorite bird dog work the fields. And, most importantly, the tradition of spending time with family and friends in the outdoors. My stepbrother and I enjoyed a great dove hunt near Byers this morning. I’m glad I had the opportunity to hunt opening day of dove season again this year. What a great way to spend a Colorado morning. Here’s to a traditional dove dinner later tonight.

As the reverberating gobbles of spring turkey hunting fade into summer and thoughts slowly turn toward fall, many hunters frequent local shooting ranges and gun clubs to prepare for goose and waterfowl seasons, along with upland-game and big-game hunting. One of the more enjoyable ways to spend a sunny summer afternoon honing hunting skills is trapshooting (i.e., shooting clay pigeons).

During my formative years growing up in northern Minnesota, we rarely shot at a range or club but, instead, used nearby sandpits or other shooting locales on the outskirts of town. Nowadays, there aren’t as many convenient places to shoot safely (or legally), and most of us end up practicing our rifle and shotgun skills at public or private ranges and clubs.

One such club is not far from my home in Colorado Springs: the Pikes Peak Gun Club (PPGC), run by the Izaak Walton League of America (Pikes Peak Chapter 34). The chapter’s website includes information on the club’s Sporting Clays and trap ranges, and it features a schedule of upcoming shooting activities and competitions. The club is open to both members and the public for shotgun shooting sports. Read more