The following is a video transcript.

Good day. My name is Drew Eddy and I am an Independent Program Attorney with U.S. LawShield. As we approach the hunting season, I’d like to take a moment to discuss Colorado’s hunting laws with you.

Traveling with a Firearm

First, many of you will be traveling to your hunting site with a firearm. There are specific laws in Colorado dictating how you are to store and carry firearms while in a vehicle, specifically, those entail traveling with long guns and rifles, which I imagine will be used in your hunt. When you are traveling with a long gun, you must ensure there is not a round in the chamber. If you are stopped by local law enforcement and they request permission to check a rifle for a round in the chamber, you are under a lawful duty to allow them to do so.

Hunting on Private Property

Second, in Colorado there are specific laws pertaining to where and when you can hunt. Specifically, traveling onto private property can get a hunter into quite a bit of trouble. This is oftentimes a common issue for hunters because they don’t realize they’re traveling beyond the public land where they are permitted to be. The important thing to understand here is where those boundaries are. If you are cited with hunting or trapping while on private property, you could have up to 20 points assessed against your hunting license. This would then initiate board review for potential revocation or suspension of your hunting license.

Hunting in a Careless Manner

Third, I would like to highlight the law of Hunting in a Careless Manner. I highlight this law because it is extremely ambiguous regarding how the statute is actually written. “Careless” is defined as failing to exercise the degree of reasonable care that would be exercised by a person of ordinary prudence under all the existing circumstances and consideration of the probable danger of injury or damage. So, what does that mean? Your guess is as good as mine. This particular offense is not only a criminal offense, but also carries up to the 20-point suspension or revocation of your license, potential jail time, and up to a $1,000 fine.

So, this is a word of caution to all hunters to ensure they do their due diligence prior to engaging in their hunt. Thank you for taking the time to listen to me today, and as always, please feel free to contact U.S. LawShield with any questions you may have.

Between the red tape and fine print, we know sportsman’s laws are tough and can be confusing. A single hunting violation can cost you thousands of dollars. Call us or login to your member portal today and add HunterShield for game-changing protection.