Outdoor enthusiasts across Colorado have been afforded a new sanctuary for hunting and fishing with the recent opening of the Collard Ranch State Wildlife Area (SWA). According to the Colorado Governor's Office, Governor Jared Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife heralded the public access debut of the 1,860-acre expanse located in Park County on August 29.
"We have been expanding access to public lands since I took office and I’m excited that Coloradans can now enjoy this great space in Park County including valleys, streams, and abundant wildlife," Governor Polis told the Colorado Governor's Office. A dedicated day-use spot without camping facilities, Collard Ranch SWA, requires visitors to leave their canine companions behind, preserving the tranquility for the local fauna. Access operates on a no-reservation, first-come basis, offering a finite number of parking spots in three lots on the premises.
The SWA caters to different activities, with hunting sanctioned from October 1 to December 31 within Game Management Unit 50 and fishing available from May 1 through September 30. To enter, visitors need a valid SWA pass or the appropriate license. Notably, from December 31 to April 30, Collard Ranch SWA shelters its wintering wildlife, during which time the gates are closed to the public.
"The Collard Ranch SWA protects incredible habitat for both terrestrial and aquatic species and provides excellent hunting and fishing opportunities to the public,” as articulated by CPW Area Wildlife Manager Scott Murdoch, noted by the Colorado Governor's Office. Anglers at the site are encouraged to embrace selective harvest practices, adhering to statewide restrictions, to sustain the respective fish population's health.
