World-renowned Parker the Snow Dog was recently issued a Master Angler Award by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. While the award is traditionally given to humans, Parker accepted the honor on behalf of his owner, Dustin Schaefer, and the many dogs who provide invaluable assistance while fishing.
Watch Parker’s award ceremony here.
CPW’s Master Angler Recognition Program is designed to recognize anglers for success in their sport, as well as to promote the conservation of fishery resources and quality trophy-sized sport fish. The program offers Master Angler award certificates and patches to anglers who catch fish of qualifying lengths.
Parker is the mayor of Georgetown, Colorado and official mascot of the Loveland Ski Area. Parker is known to rub elbows with various Denver Broncos and news personalities across the country. One of Parker’s passions is spending time with Colorado’s disabled community and he has been the camp therapy dog for the Easter Seals Rocky Mountain Village Camp for 6 years. As a snow dog, Parker enjoys all sorts of winter activities with ice fishing being one of his favorites.
“There’s nothing better than being outside fishing and spending time with your four-legged best friend,” said Schaefer, “It’s even better when we catch a huge fish and get to share the moment together. It’s times like these you never forget.”
“Woof, woof, woof,” said Parker.
Colorado anglers couldn’t agree more.
Free Fishing Weekend
Try your luck at earning a Master Angler Award during Free Fishing Weekend on June 3-4, 2023.
Whether a first-time or long-time angler, Free Fishing Weekend is a great way to get outside with family and friends and take advantage of Colorado’s extensive opportunities to fish for a variety of fish species and maybe win your own Master Angler Award.
“The outdoors are for everyone, and fishing is a great way to discover and enjoy Colorado,” said Angler Outreach Coordinator Andre Egli. “If you know someone that is interested in fishing but doesn’t want to buy a license for something they have never tried before, this weekend provides a chance to get them to the water and get them hooked.”
Outdoor enthusiasts can fish in Colorado without a license only on the first full weekend of June, each year. All other rules and regulations apply. Learn more about fishing season dates and license fees at cpw.state.co.us.
Fishing license sales are vital to CPW’s ability to maintain and conserve fish habitat and operate its 19 fish hatcheries which rear and stock around 90 millions fish annually in Colorado. CPW sells around one million fishing licenses annually.
Angler Resources
While a great day outdoors is rewarding enough, CPW provides a variety of resources to help anglers find success:
• Check current regulations and bag/possession limits with the 2023 Colorado Fishing Brochure.
• Figure out where to go with CPW’s Fishing Atlas.
• See where catchable trout have been stocked with CPW’s Stocking Report.
• Buy a fishing license at cpwshop.com.
• Apply for Master Angler Award.
