MONTE VISTA — In cooperation with the USFWS, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has secured permitted access to Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge, allowing hunters to access it during specific big game seasons for elk.

The official application period and drawing have already occurred. However, for the late December antlerless and extended youth season, CPW has not received any applications for the Monte Vista Refuge. CPW will now accept applications, on first come first served basis, for this season. 

Please note that applicants must already hold a valid license for the hunt code EF080L1R or a youth will need to have a Game Management Unit (GMU) 80 unfilled antlerless or either sex elk license to apply for a permit. Youths possessing a GMU 80 either-sex elk license will need to have their license converted into an antlerless license at the Monte Vista CPW office. 

There will be no applications taken for the Alamosa or Baca Refuge because there are no late seasons in the units where the Alamosa and Baca Refuges are located.

Please remember that this is an access permit only, NOT a license. The first five applicants will be given a permit. Hunters will be placed on a standby list in the order received and will be contacted as slots become available. An application does not guarantee that a permit will be given. Hunting opportunities for those on the standby list may not be realized, so please be aware of this before applying.     

Interested parties should send an email to [email protected]. The email must include all of the following information:

·  Name

·  CID

·  Email address to be used for notification purposes

·  Contact phone number (cell phone is preferable)

·  License hunt code

Applicants will be notified no later than Wednesday, November 29 if they are successful in the drawing an access permit or are placed on the standby list. Call the Monte Vista office at 719-587-6900.