The Colorado Parks and Wildlife 2012 Big Game Hunting brochure is now available and limited license applications are being accepted for this fall's big-game hunts. License applications for deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, sheep, goat and bear are due Tuesday, April 3.

For 2012, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has updated the interactive online version of the big game brochure that features videos with online application tips and hunting tips to use in the field. New tables in the brochure also help hunters easily identify units where licenses are valid and whether a hunter can hold more than one license at a time.

This year, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is again encouraging hunters to use the secure Internet portal to submit their limited license applications. "Our online system is easy, convenient and it keeps you from making some of the more common mistakes that could affect success in the drawing," said Henrietta Turner, Colorado Parks and Wildlife's license administration manager. "The website also has a wealth of resources for hunters looking to plan a memorable hunt."

The 2012 brochure also explains some significant changes to Colorado's late youth elk hunting regulations. Since 2000, 12- to 17-year-olds with an unfilled elk tag could take advantage of cow elk hunting opportunities in any unit offering a late-season hunt. These late hunts were extremely successful in encouraging youth participation, but some areas around Craig, Meeker and Steamboat Springs experienced high levels of hunting pressure. Changes to the program this year will ensure hunting pressure is more evenly distributed.

"When we were over our elk population objective, we committed to landowners that we would develop innovative ways of reducing elk numbers and elk conflict," said Ron Velarde, regional manager for northwest Colorado. "We've accomplished that and we found a great way to encourage youth participation. Now that we're getting close to population objectives, we want to be sure these young hunters have a quality experience in the field if they take advantage of these late hunts."

Hunters ages 18 to 64 are reminded that they must have a $10 Habitat Stamp prior to applying for or purchasing a hunting or fishing license in Colorado. Only one stamp is required per hunter per year. A lifetime Habitat Stamp is available for $300.

Hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1949 are also reminded that they must complete an approved state or provincial hunter education course prior to applying for a hunting license in Colorado. Since the hunter education requirement was imposed in 1970, hunting accidents have significantly declined in the state.

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