Seasonal closures around Durango continue through end of April

John Livingston
Southwest Region Public Information Officer
970-759-9590 / [email protected]
@CPW_SW

DURANGO, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds the public that seasonal closures in place at Bodo and Perins Peak State Wildlife Areas remain in place through the end of April, and public access is not allowed until May 1.

At the June 22, 2023 Parks and Wildlife Commission Meeting, a regulation change was approved to permanently extend these closures from the previous April 15 date to April 30.

“These closures are in place to protect wildlife during a critical time,” said CPW Assistant Area Wildlife Manager Steve McClung. “When we see violations of those closures this time of year, it puts unnecessary stress on wildlife when they need protection the most. These animals have almost survived the winter, but they are on their last calorie reserves until forage greens up and high-country snow starts to melt.”

While the Durango area hasn’t seen much low-elevation snow this winter, the high country has an average snowpack, and it will take time before the snow melts and wildlife can migrate into transitional range and summer habitat.

“With snow conditions being what they are, elk and deer will continue to use winter range until they can follow that green forage higher into the mountains,” McClung said. “These closures aren’t about trail conditions. Even if the trail is dry, the reason these areas are closed during this time of year is because of the impact human recreation can have on wildlife survival.”

WATCH: A look at wintering wildlife on an area protected by seasonal closures.

CPW’s general provisions do not allow for domestic pets on State Wildlife Areas, but exceptions are made on specific properties. At Bodo and Perins Peak, dogs are permitted May 1 through Sept. 30, but all dogs must be on a physical leash.

“That means a handheld leash clipped to the dog,” McClung said. “Not an electronic collar or simply having a leash with you. We are trying to balance the desires for recreation and the needs of wildlife. We know dogs on leash are less disruptive to wildlife than off-leash dogs.”

CPW officers have observed violations to seasonal closures all winter, with most violators also accompanied by off-leash dogs. All areas with seasonal closures are well signed with closed gates to clearly mark the closures.

Those in violation of CPW closures are subject to a fine of $139.50.

The Bureau of Land Management prioritizes wildlife in several Durango-area properties where they have similar seasonal closures to CPW’s. For a full map detailing all of the seasonal closures on BLM lands across Colorado, go to cpw.info/BLMClosures.

Here are the Durango-area CPW closures:

• Bodo State Wildlife Area: Public access is prohibited from Dec. 1 through April 30. The Smelter Mountain Trail is open for foot access only from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dogs are prohibited. Small game hunting is allowed south of County Road 210.
• Perins Peak State Wildlife Area: Public access is prohibited from Dec. 1 through April 30. However, closures remain in effect through July 31 in areas east of La Plata County Road 208.