A common misconception among some anglers and hunters is that fishing and hunting licenses come with a free rescue from Colorado Search and Rescue in the event that one is needed. While it is true that a basic search and rescue operation is delivered at no charge, any operation requiring a helicopter or ambulance evacuation would incur charges from the operator, for which the victim is responsible.
The origin of the misconception is perhaps because 25 cents of the cost of hunting and fishing licenses goes into a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) fund, leading some to believe that this is a kind of insurance card. And while the CORSAR fund reimburses search and rescue volunteers for things like fuel or food used during a rescue operation, or for equipment that is damaged or needs replacing, the fund does not pay for ambulance or helicopter services. The rescued individual must cover those costs. “Through CORSAR fund grants, search and rescue teams and sheriffs can purchase equipment or send team members to search and rescue training courses,” according to the SAR website. “The CORSAR card is not ‘insurance’ nor is ‘insurance’ needed. When Colorado’s SAR carry out a search and rescue mission, they won’t bill you but you may incur costs such as ground or air ambulance.” Hikers and bikers who use the backcountry but do not buy hunting or fishing licenses have the option to purchase a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue Card, known as the “CORSAR Card.” Purchasing a CORSAR card is not necessary to receive search and rescue services. “But if a financially strapped county or SAR team accrues extraordinary costs over time, it may be difficult for them to properly respond to your emergency,” states the website.” Sent from my iPhone www.rkhphotography.net Rachel Kolokoff Hopper Ft. Collins On Jul 11, 2020, at 4:23 PM, 'Norm Lewis' via Colorado Birds <[email protected]> wrote: As soon as this policy was announced, I purchased my (senior) fishing license online. On the license it breaks down the cost (which at $9.85 is a bargain), and there is a small charge noted for Search and Rescue. So if you are of a certain age and purchase a senior pass, you have paid for the S&R function in the price of the license. Norm Lewis Lakewood -----Original Message----- From: Ira Sanders <[email protected]> To: Rachel Kolokoff Hopper <[email protected]> Cc: Pam Piombino <[email protected]>; [email protected]; cobirds <[email protected]> Sent: Sat, Jul 11, 2020 1:44 pm Subject: Re: [cobirds] Official Response from CPW About Use of State Wildlife Areas So, if you are over 65 and don't have a habitat stamp and search and rescue services comes to your aid, are you covered or do you have to reimburse for those services? Ira Sanders On Sat, Jul 11, 2020 at 1:04 PM Rachel Kolokoff Hopper <[email protected]> wrote: If you are under 65 you must buy a habitat stamp with your fishing/hunting license. 65 and over it is not required. If you buy a license online it is automatically added to your purchase. Sent from my iPhone www.rkhphotography.net Rachel Kolokoff Hopper Ft. Collins On Jul 11, 2020, at 12:08 PM, Pam Piombino <[email protected]> wrote: I stopped in Poudre Canyon to buy my senior fishing license to legally enter to SWAs on my way to North Park. I tried to buy a habitat stamp at the same time, but the clerk had no idea how to sell me one. I am surprised that Tammy was forced to purchase one at the same time. I always thought it was optional; am I mistaken? Do chime in to the CPW that you want to be counted as a wildlife watcher rather than a fisherperson or hunter if you don't fit into those categories. Polly Reetz sent an email today with contacts. Pam Piombino On Sat, Jul 11, 2020 at 11:54 AM Ira Sanders <[email protected]> wrote: Birders, Tammy bought a fishing license so she could fish on SWA lands and of course birdwatch. She was forced to buy a habitat stamp at the same time. For those of you who don't know what that is, it covers you for the cost of search and rescue if they have to come and find you if you get lost or injured and search and rescue has to come and get you out there. I don't believe I have seen that mentioned anywhere in any of the discussions of the issue that has been discussed in this thread. Ira Sanders Golden On Fri, Jul 10, 2020 at 8:47 PM kevygudguy via Colorado Birds <[email protected]> wrote: Hello Fellow Birders, I have received an official response from CPW concerning use of SWAs for birding, hiking, etc. This came from their Communication Center in response to my inquiry about being allowed onto properties that do not allow fishing, if all I have is a fishing license. I have pasted below what I believe to be the salient portion of their reply: You are correct, a valid hunting or fishing license will be required for everyone 18 or older attempting to access any State Wildlife Area or State Trust Land leased by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, beginning July 1. This does not apply to State Parks. (SWA FAQ). Even if the property doesn't have fishing opportunities, a license is still required. The rule change was adopted unanimously on April 30 by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission. SWAs are intended for wildlife habitat and wildlife-related recreation (hunting and fishing). Unlike national forests or local government parks, SWAs are not “public lands” that provide for multi-use recreation. Most SWAs provide important resting, feeding, birthing, or breeding areas for Colorado wildlife. In that way, year ‘round outdoor recreation may have negative impacts on the wildlife populations in those areas. The license requirement is an effort to limit multi-use recreation on these properties, not encourage it. While hikers, photographers, birders, and others may in fact be recreating by watching wildlife, only those with a hunting or fishing license are contributing to the purchase and maintenance of these properties. ...I'm hoping this response from CPW answers everyone's questions and concerns about SWA access. Keep Smilin', Kevin Corwin, west Centennial, Arapahoe Sent from my Remington Rand Typewriter via my Rotary Dial Wall Phone -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/1946484537.10132.1594435619237%40mail.yahoo.com. -- Ira Sanders Golden, CO "My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives." -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CABF3siH6AYL%2Bmeh6AayhtHtZ3VHbFPzYcc-%3D1WRNuY4Maqg2Cw%40mail.gmail.com. -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAF2zbdufBuh2X3X%2BBw8Py1ZG%3Dic75tKof9k_AP5DQN8nix%2BBrA%40mail.gmail.com. -- Ira Sanders Golden, CO "My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives." -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CABF3siF9uPgppBKXGQBjy1yETMHrkX4ibOZMOed6o7%2B7FkRnQw%40mail.gmail.com . -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/2052789559.183719.1594506220204%40mail.yahoo.com. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/C56203AC-1AEA-4361-A3E7-233CA7C4298A%40comcast.net.
