Like other working people, wildlife officers have some times of the year that are busier than others. The upcoming big game hunting seasons are just that for these men and women. With more than 300,000 hunters annually, there is always a small number that manage to find trouble. The Division of Wildlife has more than 150 field officers enforcing Colorado's hunting regulations statewide, and these officers often depend upon the public to help. We very much depend on lawful hunters to report any unethical hunters or people who disobey our regulations.
Wildlife officers use a number of tools to keep hunters honest.
For years officers have set up check stations, conducted decoy operations, and just plain headed for the hills to be among their clientele. Check stations can and do occur just about anywhere. This is a good way for us to contact a lot of hunters with our limited number of officers. Motorists encountering a wildlife check station will be stopped and asked if they have been hunting or fishing. If they haven't, they proceed immediately.