Norwood, Colorado, Nov. 14, 2024 — The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests will begin their annual seasonal closure of big game wildlife gates on the Norwood and Ouray Ranger Districts Dec. 1. These closures are intended to reduce human interactions with elk and other wildlife during winter months.
“Elk need to conserve energy to survive the harsh winter months,” said Norwood and Ouray Ranger District’s Wildlife Biologist, Kara Berggren. “By reducing human activity in their winter habitat, we can help minimize stress on the animals at a time when they are particularly vulnerable.”
Big game wildlife gates will be closed on the Norwood and Ouray Ranger Districts from Dec. 1 through April 15. Most gates affected by the closure are clearly marked with black and white signs stating, “No motorized vehicles to protect big game winter range.”
Visitors are asked to respect these closures to protect critical wildlife habitat. Individuals who are found to violate the wildlife closures are subject to citations and fines.
For additional information, contact the Norwood Ranger District at (970) 327-4261 or the Ouray Ranger District at (970) 240-5300.