KDGJ: The ranching for wildlife program adds a newer wrinkle into the public lands hunting option here in Colorado. You're never treated like "paying" clients in that you're seldom catered-too. But...you are allowed to tromp through some really decent privately-held real-estate that would otherwise be locked away. Public lands all over the West are being loved to death by hordes of folks from the ever-growing cities, looking for a respite from the usual city problems. With the crowds come the downside (4-wheelers and motorcycles tearing everything up, trash everywhere, crowded campgrounds, etc.). The more-famous rivers are largely fished-out (at-least compared to what they were say... 25-years ago) and the hunt-able big game stuff has been significantly degraded as well from over-use. The RFW lands have been largely spared from all that and remind me of "the good old days" in that they still seem slightly "wild". Since I primarily hunt to recharge batteries drained by "modern" life, the wildness is what I'm seeking (along with some meat for the freezer). For the most part, the RFW ranches are well-managed, with every natural resource being considered as part of the overall value of the place. Nothing is allowed to be further degraded or destroyed and you get to play there for "free". Not a bad deal in my mind.
Chuck H: Yeah....black guns aren't usually my cup'o tea, but my crystal ball isn't working very well anymore and I'd rather have it and not need it than the opposite. Making it accurate and dependable was a pleasant distraction this spring and summer from all of the "mostly-peaceful" demonstrations in our fair cities. Match-grade ammo is also fun to work-up and then load in bulk. I'll likely acquire a nice light bolt gun in .308 to burn up some of it as well.
Last edited by Lloyd3; 10/06/20 11:31 AM.
