44 Where to Hunt 



tory birds do not seem to decrease. There are not, 

 however, very extensive shooting-grounds for water-fowl 

 anywhere in the state, the opportunity afforded the 

 sportsman being confined to lakes and reservoirs and 

 marshy sections in the vicinity of the mountain parks 

 and streams leading therefrom. Mallard and teal are 

 most abundant, some remaining in the state throughout 

 the year. 



The counties of Routt, Rio Blanco, Garfield, Mesa, 

 Pitkin, Delta, Montrose, San Miguel, La Plata, Archu- 

 leta, and Conejos are among the best in which all 

 animals of the deer kind are found, as are also the 

 northern counties of Eagle, Grand, and Larimer. Routt 

 county is said to contain the most big game during the 

 hunting season, elk and deer being found there in large 

 numbers during August, September, and October. 



It was estimated that in Routt and Rio Blanco coun- 

 ties there were, in 1896, 10,000 elk (wapiti), 75,000 

 mule-deer, and 50,000 antelope. 



Antelope are abundant in the northwestern part of 

 the state. They are often found in large bands, ranging 

 on the high and broad table-lands and plateaus away 

 back from the railroads and civilization. It is said they 

 are increasing. They were at one time very plentiful 

 on the plains of the eastern part of the state, but are 

 now very scarce there. They were also found in great 

 numbers at one time in the San Luis valley, but of late 

 years have become almost, if not entirely, extinct there. 



Rabbit are very abundant in the San Luis valley, 

 also in the Arkansas valley east of La Junta, and espe- 

 cially in the vicinity of Lamar. The ranchmen invite 

 the sportsmen and ranchmen from the surrounding 



