Quote Originally Posted by CavSct1983 View Post
No worries.

Here's the Big Game brochure from DOW/CPW: http://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/Rul...me/biggame.pdf

If you will just be target shooting, you should be fine if it isn't rifle season, but again, I'd call ahead and just confirm where you'll be, what you're doing, etc. during big game season, and get the name of whomever you speak with. It should be fairly obvious you are target shooting. If you plan to do any small game/furbear/predator hunting, any rifle over .23 caliber is a no go during that time. Otherwise, I like to have a small game license outside of big game season to circumvent any accusations which are unfounded as far as small game intent.

Page 16 proper (not in viewer, but actual page #) of the brochure states:

1.Centerfire Rifles
...
e. It is illegal to hunt game birds, small-game mammals or furbearers with a
centerfire rifle larger than .23 caliber during regular rifle deer and elk sea-
sons west of I-25, without an unfilled deer or elk license for the season. A
small-game, furbearer or unfilled big-game license is required.
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My rule of thumb is I don't take any rifles on public land which are .23 caliber or over during big game season to avoid some Wildlife officer trying to get a feather in his cap. A lot of them are great guys and I've not met a bad one. I just don't want to meet a bad one and have it be a gray area where I know my intent but he can say otherwise.

If you have a good backstop (like a hill), are the required distance from the road, and aren't acting a fool, you should be fine. As always, if you are out and approached by an officer, put down the weapon and keep your hands where he can see them.
Pg 17 proper gives a list of illegal activities for shooting/transport of weapons/etc.
I was shocked and amazed at how detailed that brochure was. Keep in mind, the last time I hunted was when I was 18...30 years ago. It was in Texas, on private land, and you just went into the Maverick Market and got your license.

Still not sure I will ever hunt again. I love venison, rabbit, quail...but it seems to be a heck of a process now (including draws, etc...seem people get REALLY excited about their draws, or really disappointed). But I am intent on getting back to using the rifles/shotgun proficiently - and adding the handgun (which is my primary practice gun of choice right now).

I read Pg 17 - and I'll research where to check-in. When I'm down in the Metro area, I've just been shooting at CGC. But I'd really like to shoot at an outdoor range when up at the cabin. That Dillon range was interesting because it even included Trap shooting.