CONGRATULATIONS on drawing a 2011 license to hunt in the Bosque del Oso State Wildlife Area. The property is located approximately 25 miles west of Trinidad on Colorado State Highway 12. Bosque del Oso is the largest State Wildlife Area in Colorado and was purchased in 1998 with your license dollars.
With the invaluable assistance from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the sportsmen and women of Colorado should be very proud that 30,000 acres of critical habitat for elk, black bear, turkey, deer, and bald and golden eagles has been protected for future generations.
Below are documents containing helpful information to improve your visit to the property.
Maps
See a
printable map (4MB pdf) of the SWA that shows camping areas, parking lots and approximate boundaries. For an interactive map of the SWA, see
Bosque Del Oso.
Energy Development
Mineral rights and surface property rights were severed when the SWA was purchased. Because ownership of both surface and mineral interests belong to different parties, a surface use agreement was developed between the state and the energy company.
Stipulations provide for seasonal and daily restrictions on construction and maintenance operations. While hunting on the Bosque del Oso, you will see energy service vehicles operating on roads between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. As a hunter on the Bosque del Oso, you need to be aware that these activities will occur and plan your morning and evening hunt to avoid these distractions.
Please be aware of larger trucks at all times. Drive slowly and stay to the right side of all roads. The energy and timber companies work hard to maintain a safe environment and are partners with the Division of Wildlife in keeping you safe during your visit. Please remain a safe distance from any treatments, equipment, well heads, pipelines or enclosures to ensure your safety and an enjoyable hunt.
See XTO Methane Company Fact Sheet (pdf) for safety information.
Regulations
Make sure to review the appropriate
regulations brochure for your license (i.e. turkey, big game etc.) online, or pick up a brochure from a
DOW office or
license agent before your hunt. These brochures provide additional information on hunting regulations and will help ensure a safe and legal hunt. See
2011 Successful Applicant Letter (pdf) for additional must-read information, including game retrieval and care, hunter transport, parking and camping. For specific property regulations and to help protect the features of this area, see the
State Wildlife Areas Regulations Brochure (1.5MB pdf).
Questionnaire
Upon completion of your hunt, we would appreciate you taking the time to fill out a
questionnaire (pdf). With the comments and suggestions we receive, we can assure that sportsmen’s concerns are addressed in the management of your wildlife resource! This also allows your comments to be heard by members of the Bosque Del Oso State Wildlife Management Advisory Committee. Please return completed questionnaires via e-mail or mail to District Wildlife Manager,
Bob Holder, 1203 San Juan, Trinidad, CO 81082.