Hunter numbers were down for opener

The pheasants were bunched up for the hunters who could at least make it to the fields.

Last weekend’s opener was slower than usual in regards to hunters, thanks to the heavy snow and rains in the region.

That made it difficult for hunters from the Front Range to make it out, plus the muddy county roads proved a challenge to navigate to even get to the birds. That means it most likely was mainly locals who were able to get out on a rainy Saturday morning for the opener. Sunday was sunny and much warmer, but the roads still were in tough shape.

Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife Officer Josh Melby said those who were able to get out saw good numbers. Many successfully bagged their limit.

Melby said he expects this weekend to be really busy. Weather conditions have been warm and sunny all week, and the weekend is supposed to be sunny with highs in the 50s. Now if only the pheasants will stayed bunched up.