Interested ranch managers or landowners can attend meetings in Limon or Rush. The Limon meeting is July 15 at the Community Center. The Rush meeting is July 16 at Steel Fork Pheasant at 22810 Co. Rd. 4. Both meetings start at 7 p.m.

The DOW pays landowners to allow access to hunt small game and upland birds through the "Walk-In Access" Program.

The DOW is especially interested in properties with scalled quail, pheasant or dove hunting opportunities. Landowners are compensated through funds generated when hunters purchase a Walk-In Access permit.

To hunt small game or waterfowl on enrolled properties, all hunters must have a Walk-In Access Permit as well as a small game license. Similar to a hunting license, the permits expire at the end of the calendar year. Big game hunting permission is not included in the Walk-in Access program.

The Walk-In Access Program began in 2001 as a self-funded way to open up more pheasant hunting. It has since grown to include other game species. Lease payments are generated through the sale of Walk-In Access Permits. Hunters who purchase the permit are provided with a map to the properties and rules that govern access.

The Walk-In program benefits landowners by providing a way to obtain income off hard to farm unprofitable acres or waste areas. It also reduces contact with hunters and eliminates trespass concerns because the DOW patrols and signs the property. Hunters benefit because it opens up hunting opportunities for upland game without having to leave Colorado.

Enrolled properties are clearly marked with DOW "Walk-in Access" signs. All posting is done by the DOW.

Landowners who cannot attend one of the meetings can get more information by contacting Jeromy Huntington at 719-227-5283 or Aaron Flohrs at 719-227-5282. Additonal information can also be found on the DOW website at: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/SmallGame/WalkInAccess