The Colorado Wildlife Commission approved action to allow members of the U.S. Armed Forces who were unable to comply with the 2003 big game application deadline due to the conflict in Iraq to receive a preference point and the opportunity to purchase leftover licenses prior to the public sale.

The decision to approve the proposal was made Thursday at the Colorado Wildlife Commission Workshop in Trinidad. It had been brought to the Commission’s attention that many armed services member would be unable to apply in time for the 2003 big game license draw due to their obligation over seas with Operation Iraqi Freedom. The commission decided that armed services members’ commitment to serve should not deter from their hunting privileges in Colorado. The commission decided to allow any service member to apply for and receive a preference point for each big game species. In addition, they will be allowed to purchase a leftover license prior to the public sale in mid-August. Military personnel will have to show evidence they were on active duty outside of the continental United States at or near the time of the 2003 big game deadline. The concession will remain in effect until the date of the 2004 big game draw.

There will be two applications available for those who qualify. One application will be to receive a preference point. There will be a $3 fee for applying for a point. The second application will allow those who qualify to purchase leftover licenses prior to the public sale. Both applications will be available on the DOW Web site at www.wildlife.state.co.us and at DOW offices.

“There are many military people who are avid outdoorsmen,” said Mike King, regulations manager for the DOW. The Division wants to make sure that the men and women who are serving their country have at the very least every opportunity to participate in hunting in Colorado that the everyday resident has. This is a way the Division can demonstrate our support for the troops.”