Don't Miss Colorado's April 1 Application Deadline!

Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced it has closed the 2014 archery season for all big-game species. APRIL FOOLS! Now that I have your attention, today is April 1—the state’s deadline for submitting your big-game hunting applications. If you plan to hunt Colorado this year for deer, elk, pronghorn, bear, moose, sheep or goat—or you just want to secure preference points for one or more of these species—visit cpw.state.co.us by midnight tonight, or call (303) 291-7526 before 5 p.m. MDT. Note: Nonresidents applying for moose, sheep or goat tags, or points, must do so by mail using the forms posted on the “printable applications” page and have them postmarked today.

I’ve already submitted my applications because once archery season rolls around, not much beats being in the Rockies with my bow amid the sights and sounds of screaming bugling bulls and majestic muleys in some of America’s most magnificent and rugged country. While big-game application deadlines have already passed for states such as Arizona, Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, you may snag that Colorado tag if you act today!

And now for some April Fools’ Day trivia: In Scotland, April 1 is Hunt-the-Gowk Day, with “gowk” referring to a “cuckoo,” or a foolish person. Don’t be a gowk by letting a Colorado tag or preference point slip through your fingers!