Collard Ranch State Wildlife Area Open to Public Access

PARK COUNTY, Colo. - Today, Governor Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife celebrated the opening of Collard Ranch State Wildlife Area (SWA) to public hunting and angling on August 29. The 1,860-acre property was acquired by CPW in March 2024 for increased hunting, angling and wildlife viewing opportunities along Tarryall Creek in Park County.

"We have been expanding access to public lands since I took office and I'm excited that Coloradans can now enjoy this great space in Park County including valleys, streams, and abundant wildlife. The outdoors is part of who we are, and Collard Ranch provides a lot of new opportunities for Coloradans and visitors to enjoy," said Governor Jared Polis.

Collard Ranch SWA is a day-use space that does not allow camping. No dogs are permitted on site. Access to the SWA will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Sportspeople can utilize any of the parking spaces in the three parking lots on the property. Two parking areas off County Road 34 are available on the east side and central area of the SWA. Limited additional parking is available off U.S. 285. The central fishing access lot off County Road 34 will close September 30, and the remaining hunter access points will be limited to the perimeter of the property in designated lots on the east and west sides. The SWA will be considered full when all parking spots are occupied. No parking will be allowed in non-designated areas.

The property will be open to hunting only from October 1 to December 31 as part of Game Management Unit 50. Fishing is allowed from May 1 through September 30. Users must have a valid SWA pass, hunting or fishing license. The property will be closed from December 31 to April 30 to protect wintering wildlife. While statewide angling restrictions apply to the SWA, anglers are encouraged to practice selective harvest to help maintain a healthy fishery.

"With great views in South Park, the wide open valleys, abundant wildlife and meandering streams, sportspeople will certainly enjoy the opportunities that await at the Collard Ranch SWA", says CPW Area Wildlife Manager Scott Murdoch. "The Collard Ranch SWA protects incredible habitat for both terrestrial and aquatic species and provides excellent hunting and fishing opportunities to the public".

CPW purchased Collard Ranch for $2 million dollars as part of a partnership with Western Rivers Conservancy. The funding for the purchase was generated through the sale of the $12.15 Habitat Stamp by Colorado hunters and anglers. Since the stamp requirement for SWA use was enacted in 2006, the program has helped to secure public access for hunting and fishing to 146,300 acres of land and conserve more than 316,000 acres of fish and wildlife habitat in Colorado.

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