Colorado’s first rifle elk season opens Saturday, October 16—kicking off the most active weekend of the 2021 hunting calendar. Alongside fishing, hunting pumps over $3.25 billion annually into our state’s economy, benefiting every county. Yet as orange vests and camo disappear into the woods, a less welcome sight often remains: piles of trash and abandoned gear.
Pack It In, Pack It Out
“Plan ahead so you can haul out all waste and equipment when you leave,” urges U.S. Forest Service Blanco Ranger Curtis Keetch. Each autumn, rangers haul out hundreds of pounds of litter—everything from garbage bags to wall-tent carpeting and lawn chairs—left behind at camps. Hunters and all backcountry visitors must carry out whatever they bring in.
Know the Rules Before You Go
With rifle season upon us, review Colorado Parks & Wildlife regulations—especially Off-Highway Vehicle registration requirements. On the White River National Forest, remember:
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Weed-Free Hay: Any hay you pack in must be certified weed-free.
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Stay on Designated Routes: Motorized travel is prohibited off established roads, even to retrieve game. Check Motor Vehicle Use Maps at forest offices.
Be Snow-Storm Ready
Autumn weather can turn quickly. Ranger Keetch advises:
“Consider how a sudden snowstorm might strand your camp. Can you exit if a foot of snow falls? Is your gear stowed so you can find it under fresh powder?”
In Brief: Leadville’s New “Big R”
Work continues on the retailer taking over the vacant big-box store south of town. According to the regional manager, opening hinges on shelving delivery—currently delayed by supply-chain issues. A soft launch might arrive by mid-November. Job seekers can apply at www.bigronline.com.
Big Game Rifle Season Tips with CPW’s Nate Zelinsky
Wildlife correspondent Nate Zelinsky reports excellent early-season conditions. In his latest video, he covers:
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Field updates and scouting pointers
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How to identify pronghorn by sex in the field
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The importance of selecting the right bullet for your hunt
Find Nate’s Colorado Big Game Hunting Series—covering everything from planning to long-range scouting—on YouTube and TightlineOutdoors.com.
Get Involved: Colorado Wildlife Council
Passionate about wildlife management and outdoor education? The Colorado Wildlife Council seeks members representing municipalities, agriculture, marketing, and West-Slope anglers. Help shape a multimedia campaign promoting hunting, fishing, and wildlife stewardship across the state.
As fall deepens and elk season heats up, let’s ensure that after the last shot is fired and the campsite is quiet, our forests remain as pristine as when we arrived. Pack out every scrap—help preserve Colorado’s wilderness for generations to come.
