The Ranching for Wildlife Program in Colorado is an initiative designed to balance wildlife conservation with private land use on large ranches in Colorado, providing benefits to both Colorado landowners and the public. Over the years, Harrigan Land Company has been involved in the sale of many Ranching for Wildlife ranches in Colorado, including the sale of Three Springs Ranch last year. Here’s an overview of how the program works:
Ranching for Wildlife Program Overview
1. Purpose:
The program aims to encourage large Colorado landowners to manage their ranches in ways that benefit wildlife populations, particularly big game species like elk, deer, and pronghorn. In return, landowners receive a range of benefits, including special hunting privileges, like the use of any weapon and longer season lengths.
2. How It Works:
• Private Land Management: Owners of Colorado ranches commit to wildlife habitat improvements and management practices that support the conservation of species. This can include creating water sources, planting native vegetation, wildlife friendly fences, and implementing sustainable grazing practices.
• Hunting Opportunities: In exchange for their conservation efforts, participating Colorado landowners receive hunting licenses that they can use, sell, or transfer. These licenses allow hunting on their property during designated seasons, often with more flexibility than public hunting seasons.
• Public Access: As part of the agreement, landowners must also allow a limited number of public hunters access to their land. This helps increase hunting opportunities for the general public while still maintaining the benefits for private landowners.
3. Benefits:
• For Landowners: They gain financial incentives through the sale of hunting licenses and benefit from improved land and wildlife management. A coveted elk or mule deer hunt on one of Colorado’s Ranching for Wildlife ranches can cost significantly more than a typical private land big game hunt.
• For Wildlife: The program helps to maintain healthy wildlife populations by ensuring that habitats are preserved and enhanced.
• For Hunters: It provides more hunting opportunities, particularly in areas that might otherwise be inaccessible.
4. Eligibility and Requirements:
The program is available to landowners with large tracts of land, currently over 10,000 contiguous deeded acres. They must enter into a long-term management agreement with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, outlining specific goals and practices for wildlife conservation.
If you’re looking for large Colorado hunting ranches for sale, we’d love to talk with you. Our experience and knowledge of the Ranching for Wildlife Program in Colorado will be a great asset as you consider various Colorado ranches for sale.
