Rifle hunting seasons will resume this month on public lands previously closed by the Stoner Mesa Fire east of Rico in the San Juan National Forest.
Access to Taylor Mesa reopened Oct. 8, while Stoner Mesa roads and trail systems reopened Oct. 10, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
The reopening applies to Game Management Unit 71, an area within Montezuma and Dolores counties with elk and deer seasons.
Archery, muzzleloader and rifle bear seasons have ended, but first through fourth rifle seasons begin Wednesday and run through Nov. 23, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
“We really appreciate the hunting community that respected these critical closures and allowed fire crews to safely work in the area,” CPW District Wildlife Manager Matt Sturdevant said in a news release.
The lightning-caused Stoner Mesa Fire was first reported on July 28 before reaching 10,249 acres in late August. The fire threatened the town of Rico before the work of hundreds of firefighters and monsoonal rains suppressed it.
As of Sept. 30, the fire was 95% contained, according to the Stoner Mesa Fire Facebook page.
Land repair work continues. CPW warns that heavy equipment may disrupt hunting and that burn areas are prone to flooding after rain.
