Hunters looking forward to the pronghorn season in Colorado are facing a significant setback. Due to the current federal government shutdown, all hunting on Fort Carson and the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site has been temporarily suspended. The disruption arrives just days before the scheduled start of the pronghorn season on October 4, leaving many license holders in a bind, according to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
The affected areas, designated as Game Management Units (GMU) 591 and 142, will no longer be accessible for the hunting activities previously planned. In light of the closure, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has announced that it will offer a full refund to those affected. In addition, CPW will restore a preference point to license holders. License holders who wish to get a refund must either return their licenses in person to a CPW office or complete an Application for License Refund and mail it with the license, ensuring that it is postmarked on or before October 4.
Specific hunt codes that are impacted by the suspension include AM059O1R, AF059O1R, AM142O1R, and AF142O1R. These codes, which are listed on the hunting licenses, correspond to the hunts that were scheduled in the now-restricted areas. Hunters who need additional information regarding the suspension or the refund process can reach out to the CPW offices in Colorado Springs by calling (719) 227-5200 or in Pueblo at (719) 561-5300.
The length of the federal government shutdown remains uncertain. Should the shutdown persist, CPW may have to consider cancellations or suspensions for other big game hunting seasons as well. Hunters across Colorado are holding their breath, hoping for a resolution that would allow them to partake in their seasonal activities, as detailed by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
