The pursuit of Merriam’s wild turkeys inside Colorado affords a novel problem for sportsmen and ladies. This subspecies, identifiable by its distinctive white-tipped tail feathers, thrives within the state’s diverse terrains, from ponderosa pine forests to high-elevation meadows. Efficiently harvesting a Merriam’s requires understanding their conduct, most popular habitats, and the particular rules governing their pursuit.
This exercise performs a significant function in wildlife administration and conservation efforts. License charges and excise taxes on searching gear immediately contribute to habitat restoration and inhabitants monitoring packages. Moreover, regulated harvests assist preserve wholesome turkey populations and forestall overgrazing or harm to agricultural lands. The pursuit of this particular subspecies has a wealthy historical past in Colorado, intertwined with each conservation efforts and the traditions of sportsmanship.
This exploration will delve into a number of key features, together with acceptable licensing and rules, really helpful searching strategies, prime areas throughout the state recognized for Merriam’s populations, and the important gear mandatory for a profitable and moral hunt.
1. Authorized Searching Licenses
Procuring the right searching licenses is a compulsory prerequisite for pursuing Merriam’s turkeys in Colorado. This authorized framework ensures moral and sustainable wildlife administration practices. Failure to adjust to licensing rules can lead to penalties and jeopardizes the privilege of collaborating on this exercise.
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Searching License Varieties
Colorado affords numerous searching license sorts, together with resident and non-resident choices, in addition to particular licenses for youth and seniors. Deciding on the suitable license depends upon residency standing and age. Every license sort has related charges and permits for the harvest of various sport species. A license particularly authorizing the take of Merriam’s turkeys is required.
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Turkey Tags
Along with a common searching license, hunters should receive particular tags for Merriam’s turkeys. These tags are sometimes restricted in quantity and allotted by a draw system or over-the-counter gross sales. The kind and variety of tags dictate the permitted harvest limits, such because the gender and amount of turkeys that may be legally taken throughout a particular season.
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Habitat Stamp
A Habitat Stamp is required for all hunters in Colorado. Income generated from the sale of those stamps immediately helps wildlife habitat restoration and conservation efforts. This contribution performs a significant function in guaranteeing the long-term well being and sustainability of turkey populations and their environments.
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Hunter Schooling Necessities
Colorado mandates hunter training certification for all people born on or after January 1, 1949. This course covers secure firearm dealing with, moral searching practices, wildlife administration ideas, and related rules. Completion of hunter training is important for accountable participation on this pursuit.
Adherence to those licensing and allowing necessities is key for authorized and moral participation in Merriam’s turkey searching in Colorado. By complying with these rules, hunters contribute to the conservation of the species and the continued enjoyment of this pursuit for future generations.
2. Correct Tags
Buying and correctly utilizing the right tags represents a essential part of legally and ethically pursuing Merriam’s turkeys in Colorado. Tags function official permits, authorizing the harvest of particular sport animals inside outlined seasons and geographic boundaries. Their operate extends past mere authorized compliance; they contribute on to wildlife administration and conservation efforts. Income generated from tag gross sales funds essential packages reminiscent of habitat restoration, inhabitants monitoring, and analysis initiatives, which make sure the long-term well being and sustainability of Merriam’s turkey populations.
Particular rules dictate the sorts of turkey tags accessible in Colorado, usually categorized by gender (e.g., gobbler or either-sex) and searching technique (e.g., archery, muzzleloader, or rifle). Hunters should choose the suitable tag equivalent to their chosen searching technique and desired harvest. Moreover, tags should be correctly affixed to the harvested fowl instantly upon taking it, following particular tips outlined by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. For example, a tag would possibly should be hooked up to the turkey’s leg earlier than transporting it from the sector. Failure to adjust to tagging rules can lead to fines and potential suspension of searching privileges. Understanding and adhering to those rules show a dedication to moral searching practices and accountable wildlife administration.
The right use of tags permits wildlife companies to gather essential information concerning harvest charges, inhabitants demographics, and searching strain distribution. This data informs administration choices, guaranteeing sustainable harvest ranges and the long-term viability of Merriam’s turkey populations in Colorado. Moreover, correct tagging practices help in imposing searching rules, stopping poaching and unlawful harvest actions. In the end, meticulous consideration to tagging particulars contributes to the preservation of this invaluable pure useful resource for future generations of hunters.
3. Season Dates
Designated season dates for Merriam’s turkey searching in Colorado are basic to sustainable wildlife administration. These dates are meticulously established by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) based mostly on scientific information, together with inhabitants estimates, breeding cycles, and habitat situations. Adhering to those regulated intervals ensures minimal disruption to turkey populations throughout essential life phases, reminiscent of nesting and brooding. Understanding these temporal parameters is important for any hunter pursuing Merriam’s turkeys within the state.
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Spring Season
The spring season sometimes coincides with the height of Merriam’s turkey breeding exercise. This era usually spans from April to Might, providing hunters alternatives to watch and interact with turkeys displaying courtship behaviors. Particular dates fluctuate barely yearly, reflecting ongoing inhabitants monitoring and administration changes. Searching in the course of the spring season primarily focuses on male turkeys (gobblers), capitalizing on their heightened exercise throughout this era.
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Fall Season
A fall searching season for Merriam’s turkeys can also be provided in sure areas of Colorado. This season normally happens within the autumn months, offering hunters with a unique expertise in comparison with the spring. Fall seasons could goal each female and male turkeys, relying on inhabitants administration goals. Particular dates and rules for the autumn season are topic to vary based mostly on annual inhabitants assessments and administration targets.
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Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Draw Tags
Searching licenses and tags for Merriam’s turkeys can be found by totally different strategies, together with over-the-counter purchases and a draw system. OTC tags are sometimes accessible for particular seasons and geographic areas, whereas restricted draw tags are allotted by a lottery system to handle searching strain and guarantee equitable entry. Hunters ought to fastidiously evaluate the particular rules and software deadlines for each OTC and draw tag alternatives.
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Season Timing and Searching Methods
The timing of the searching season influences searching methods. Spring hunts usually contain finding and calling in gobblers displaying breeding behaviors. Fall hunts could necessitate totally different approaches, reminiscent of focusing on flocks of turkeys foraging for meals. Hunters ought to adapt their strategies and gear based mostly on the particular season and prevailing environmental situations.
Cautious consideration of season dates is paramount for profitable and authorized pursuit of Merriam’s turkeys in Colorado. Understanding the rationale behind these dates, together with particular rules regarding license acquisition and searching strategies, ensures a accountable and rewarding searching expertise whereas contributing to the long-term sustainability of the species.
4. Habitat Information
Proficiency in figuring out and understanding Merriam’s turkey habitat is key to a profitable hunt in Colorado. This information informs strategic planning, efficient scouting, and finally, will increase the probability of a profitable and moral harvest. Understanding the nuances of most popular terrain, meals sources, and roosting websites gives hunters with a major benefit in finding and interesting these elusive birds. A deep understanding of habitat elements permits hunters to anticipate turkey actions and adapt their searching methods accordingly.
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Terrain Preferences
Merriam’s turkeys in Colorado exhibit a desire for mountainous terrain characterised by ponderosa pine forests, interspersed with meadows and open grasslands. These areas present a mix of foraging alternatives and protecting cowl. Ridgelines and slopes providing vantage factors are sometimes favored by turkeys for observing their environment. Understanding these terrain preferences permits hunters to focus scouting efforts on the most efficient areas.
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Meals Sources
The provision of meals sources immediately influences turkey distribution and motion. Merriam’s turkeys are opportunistic foragers, consuming quite a lot of meals together with seeds, berries, bugs, and acorns. Throughout totally different seasons, their dietary preferences could shift. Recognizing key meals sources inside a given habitat permits hunters to anticipate turkey exercise and strategically place themselves for optimum searching alternatives.
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Roosting Websites
Figuring out potential roosting websites is essential for finding turkeys throughout early morning and late night intervals. Merriam’s turkeys sometimes roost in tall timber, usually choosing these providing unobstructed views and safety from predators. Finding these roosting websites permits hunters to anticipate flight paths and plan ambush methods. Understanding roosting conduct gives invaluable insights into turkey motion patterns.
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Water Sources
Entry to water is important for turkey survival, significantly throughout drier intervals. Springs, streams, and inventory tanks can appeal to turkeys searching for hydration. Incorporating information of water supply areas into searching methods can considerably enhance the probabilities of encountering turkeys, particularly in periods of restricted water availability.
By synthesizing these habitat elements, hunters can develop a complete understanding of Merriam’s turkey conduct and distribution inside Colorado’s numerous landscapes. This information, mixed with moral searching practices and skillful execution, contributes considerably to a rewarding and profitable searching expertise.
5. Calling Strategies
Efficient calling strategies are important for efficiently searching Merriam’s turkeys in Colorado. These vocalizations mimic the sounds of hens and gobblers, engaging turkeys to analyze and doubtlessly come inside vary. Proficiency in numerous calling strategies considerably will increase the probability of a profitable hunt, permitting hunters to strategically appeal to turkeys based mostly on their understanding of conduct and social dynamics. Mastering these strategies requires follow and an understanding of the nuances of turkey vocalizations.
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Finding Calls
Finding calls, reminiscent of owl hoots or crow calls, are used to elicit shock gobbles from turkeys, revealing their place. These calls mimic the sounds of frequent predators or different birds, prompting turkeys to vocalize in response. This data permits hunters to pinpoint turkey areas and plan their strategy. Efficient use of finding calls is especially invaluable in expansive or unfamiliar terrain.
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Hen Calls
Hen calls, together with yelps, clucks, and purrs, imitate the sounds of feminine turkeys. These calls can appeal to gobblers searching for mates or hens trying to be part of a flock. Completely different hen calls convey totally different messages, reminiscent of contentment, curiosity, or alarm. Expert hunters make the most of quite a lot of hen calls to simulate life like social interactions, rising the probability of attracting a turkey.
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Gobbler Calls
Gobbler calls, reminiscent of gobbles and jake yelps, imitate the sounds of male turkeys. These calls can be utilized to problem dominant gobblers or to draw subordinate males searching for companionship. Nonetheless, gobbler calls ought to be used judiciously, as they will generally intimidate or alert cautious turkeys. Understanding the social dynamics of turkeys is essential for efficient use of gobbler calls.
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Name Placement and Setup
Strategic name placement and setup are essential for profitable calling. Hunters ought to place themselves with sufficient cowl, contemplating wind course and terrain options. Decoys, when legally permitted, can improve the effectiveness of calling by offering visible stimuli. A well-placed setup creates a practical situation, rising the probability of attracting a turkey inside vary.
Mastery of calling strategies, mixed with an understanding of Merriam’s turkey conduct and habitat, considerably enhances searching success in Colorado. By strategically deploying these vocalizations, hunters can successfully talk with turkeys, rising their probabilities of a detailed encounter and an moral harvest. Steady follow and remark within the subject are essential for refining these abilities and adapting to the particular situations of every searching scenario.
6. Efficient Camouflage
Efficient camouflage performs a vital function in efficiently searching Merriam’s turkeys in Colorado. These turkeys possess distinctive eyesight, able to detecting even delicate actions and colour discrepancies. A hunter’s means to mix seamlessly with the encompassing atmosphere immediately impacts their success. Camouflage disrupts the human silhouette, making the hunter much less conspicuous to the cautious eye of a turkey. This concealment permits for nearer approaches and will increase alternatives for moral shot placement. Take into account a hunter positioned in opposition to a backdrop of ponderosa pines; mottled camouflage patterns in browns, greens, and grays successfully break up their define, making them just about indistinguishable from the encompassing timber. With out efficient camouflage, the hunter’s silhouette would stand out in opposition to the pure background, alerting turkeys to their presence.
A number of elements contribute to efficient camouflage choice. The precise terrain and vegetation of the searching space dictate essentially the most appropriate camouflage patterns and colours. Hunters ought to select camouflage that matches the dominant colours and textures of their environment. For instance, within the early spring, when vegetation remains to be comparatively sparse, camouflage patterns incorporating browns and grays are more practical than these with lush greens. Moreover, hunters should think about the time of day and lighting situations. The effectiveness of camouflage can change dramatically because the solar strikes throughout the sky, altering shadows and highlighting contrasting colours. Full camouflage, together with face masks and gloves, additional minimizes visible detection, concealing any uncovered pores and skin that may betray the hunter’s presence. Motion, even when camouflaged, can shortly alert turkeys. Gradual, deliberate actions are important to take care of concealment and keep away from detection.
The significance of efficient camouflage extends past merely concealing the hunter’s presence. It contributes to a extra moral and humane hunt by permitting for nearer approaches, which in flip will increase the probability of a fast and clear kill. By decreasing the space between hunter and prey, efficient camouflage minimizes the chance of wounding photographs and ensures a extra environment friendly harvest. This understanding underscores the essential function of camouflage in accountable and profitable Merriam’s turkey searching in Colorado. The mix of acceptable camouflage choice and disciplined motion considerably improves searching success whereas upholding moral searching practices.
7. Shotgun Choice
Applicable shotgun choice is paramount for moral and profitable Merriam’s turkey searching in Colorado. The chosen firearm should successfully ship a dense shot sample on the acceptable vary to make sure a fast, humane harvest. An improper gauge, choke, or ammunition choice can result in crippling photographs or missed alternatives, underscoring the significance of cautious consideration in choosing the proper software for this particular searching pursuit.
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Gauge Choice
The most typical shotgun gauges for turkey searching are 12 and 20. Whereas 12-gauge shotguns ship extra energy and denser patterns, 20-gauge choices supply diminished recoil and lighter weight, doubtlessly benefiting smaller-framed hunters or these delicate to recoil. The selection between these gauges usually comes down to non-public desire and bodily capabilities. Each are able to successfully harvesting turkeys with correct ammunition and shot placement.
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Choke Choice
Choke tubes constrict the shot sample because it leaves the barrel, influencing its density and efficient vary. For turkey searching, tighter chokes like extra-full or turkey chokes are most popular. These chokes focus the shot sample, delivering ample power to penetrate the turkey’s important areas at typical searching distances. Patterning the shotgun with totally different chokes and ammunition combos at numerous ranges is important to find out the optimum setup for constant, moral harvests.
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Ammunition Choice
Ammunition choice is essential for efficient turkey searching. Specialised turkey masses make the most of heavier shot, reminiscent of lead, copper-plated lead, or heavier-than-lead alternate options like tungsten or bismuth, to maximise penetration and power switch. Shot measurement, sometimes starting from No. 4 to No. 6, is one other essential consideration. Bigger shot sizes ship extra power however lead to fewer pellets within the sample, whereas smaller shot sizes supply denser patterns however could lack the power wanted for clear kills at longer ranges. Matching shot measurement and materials to the chosen choke and gauge is important for reaching optimum efficiency.
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Shotgun Match and Dealing with
Correct shotgun match and dealing with are important for correct shot placement. A shotgun that matches the hunter comfortably permits for faster goal acquisition and smoother swing-through, rising the probability of a clear kill. Options like adjustable shares and recoil pads can improve consolation and management, significantly throughout prolonged hunts. Apply mounting and aiming the shotgun is essential for creating proficiency and constructing muscle reminiscence, finally resulting in extra moral and profitable harvests.
Cautious consideration of those elements, mixed with diligent follow, considerably contributes to moral and profitable Merriam’s turkey searching in Colorado. The chosen shotgun and ammunition mixture ought to operate as an built-in system, delivering constant, deadly efficiency throughout the moral searching vary. By prioritizing these concerns, hunters show a dedication to accountable searching practices and make sure the humane harvest of those prized sport birds.
8. Moral Shot Placement
Moral shot placement is paramount when searching Merriam’s turkeys in Colorado, guaranteeing a swift and humane harvest. This follow minimizes struggling and displays a deep respect for the animal. A well-placed shot shortly dispatches the turkey, stopping extended struggling and maximizing the utilization of the harvested useful resource. Conversely, poorly positioned photographs can result in crippling accidents, leading to pointless ache and struggling for the animal, in addition to a misplaced harvest. Take into account a situation the place a hunter, aiming for the physique, solely wings a turkey. The wounded fowl would possibly escape, solely to die slowly from its accidents or turn into weak to predation. This consequence contrasts sharply with the moral aim of a fast, humane kill achieved by exact shot placement.
The top and neck area of a Merriam’s turkey presents the best goal space for moral shot placement. A shot to this space ends in fast incapacitation, minimizing struggling. This requires exact aiming and a radical understanding of turkey anatomy. Hunters should train persistence and self-discipline, ready for a transparent shot alternative that presents the pinnacle and neck throughout the efficient vary of their chosen firearm and ammunition mixture. Additional emphasizing the significance of this follow, wounding a turkey not solely inflicts pointless struggling however may negatively affect the general turkey inhabitants by eradicating a breeding fowl from the gene pool with out offering a harvestable useful resource. Furthermore, it could actually result in the unfold of illnesses among the many remaining inhabitants.
Prioritizing moral shot placement displays a dedication to accountable searching practices and conservation ideas. It underscores the hunter’s function as a steward of wildlife, guaranteeing the humane therapy of sport animals whereas contributing to the sustainable administration of Merriam’s turkey populations in Colorado. This follow not solely minimizes struggling but in addition enhances the general searching expertise, selling a way of respect for the pursued sport and the pure atmosphere. Efficiently and ethically harvesting a Merriam’s turkey requires not solely ability and preparation but in addition a profound understanding of the moral tasks inherent in searching.
Often Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries concerning Merriam’s turkey searching in Colorado, offering concise and informative responses to facilitate a deeper understanding of the rules, practices, and concerns related to this pursuit.
Query 1: What are the license necessities for Merriam’s turkey searching in Colorado?
A legitimate Colorado searching license and a particular Merriam’s turkey tag are required. Hunters should additionally possess a Habitat Stamp. Hunter training certification is obligatory for these born on or after January 1, 1949.
Query 2: When are the Merriam’s turkey searching seasons in Colorado?
Particular season dates fluctuate yearly however usually happen within the spring (April-Might) and generally within the fall. Hunters ought to seek the advice of the official Colorado Parks and Wildlife rules for exact dates and season-specific guidelines.
Query 3: The place can one discover data on Merriam’s turkey searching rules in Colorado?
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) web site gives complete data on searching rules, license necessities, season dates, and different important particulars. Printed rules are additionally accessible at CPW places of work and license distributors.
Query 4: What are the popular searching strategies for Merriam’s turkeys in Colorado?
Widespread searching strategies embrace utilizing shotguns with acceptable ammunition and chokes, in addition to archery gear. Particular rules concerning permitted searching strategies throughout totally different seasons ought to be consulted.
Query 5: What are the bag limits for Merriam’s turkeys in Colorado?
Bag limits fluctuate relying on the particular season and searching space. Rules specify the quantity and gender of turkeys that could be harvested. Hunters should adhere to those limits to make sure sustainable inhabitants administration.
Query 6: Are there any particular moral concerns for Merriam’s turkey searching in Colorado?
Moral shot placement is essential, focusing on the pinnacle and neck area for a fast, humane kill. Respect for wildlife and their habitat, adherence to all rules, and accountable firearm dealing with are important elements of moral searching practices.
Cautious evaluate and understanding of those steadily requested questions, mixed with diligent analysis of the official Colorado Parks and Wildlife assets, will considerably contribute to a secure, authorized, and moral Merriam’s turkey searching expertise in Colorado.
For additional data and particular particulars concerning Merriam’s turkey searching in Colorado, seek the advice of the official Colorado Parks and Wildlife web site or contact a neighborhood CPW workplace.
Ideas for Merriam’s Turkey Searching in Colorado
Profitable Merriam’s turkey hunts in Colorado require meticulous planning and execution. The following pointers supply invaluable insights to reinforce searching proficiency and guarantee a rewarding expertise.
Tip 1: Pre-Season Scouting: Thorough pre-season scouting is essential. Figuring out areas with ample turkey signal, reminiscent of tracks, droppings, and feathers, considerably will increase the probability of encountering birds in the course of the searching season. Observing turkey conduct and motion patterns throughout scouting journeys informs strategic planning and stand placement.
Tip 2: Mastering Decoy Placement: Efficient decoy placement can entice turkeys into vary. Strategic positioning, contemplating terrain options and prevailing wind course, creates life like situations that appeal to cautious birds. Experimenting with totally different decoy setups, reminiscent of a jake and hen mixture, can show efficient.
Tip 3: Understanding Climate Affect: Climate situations considerably affect turkey conduct. Turkeys are sometimes extra energetic throughout gentle, sunny days and fewer so in periods of inclement climate. Adapting searching methods based mostly on prevailing climate patterns maximizes searching alternatives.
Tip 4: Endurance and Persistence: Merriam’s turkeys might be difficult to hunt, requiring persistence and persistence. Remaining nonetheless and quiet for prolonged intervals is commonly mandatory. Avoiding sudden actions and minimizing noise enhances concealment and will increase the probability of a profitable strategy.
Tip 5: Early Morning and Late Afternoon Hunts: Turkeys are sometimes most energetic in the course of the early morning and late afternoon hours. Focusing searching efforts throughout these intervals will increase the probabilities of encountering birds actively feeding or transferring between roosting and foraging areas.
Tip 6: Wind Path Consciousness: Contemplating wind course is essential for concealment. Turkeys have a eager sense of scent. Positioning oneself downwind of anticipated turkey motion prevents scent detection and will increase searching success.
Tip 7: Apply Moral Searching: Adhering to moral searching practices ensures a accountable and sustainable harvest. Respecting wildlife, following all rules, and prioritizing humane shot placement are important elements of moral searching. Leaving no hint of searching actions preserves the pure atmosphere for future generations.
By implementing the following pointers, hunters considerably improve their probabilities of a profitable and rewarding Merriam’s turkey searching expertise in Colorado. Preparation, persistence, and moral conduct are key parts of a satisfying hunt.
These insights present a basis for profitable Merriam’s turkey searching in Colorado. The next conclusion summarizes key takeaways and affords remaining suggestions for aspiring hunters.
Conclusion
Pursuing Merriam’s turkeys in Colorado presents a difficult but rewarding endeavor. Success hinges upon a complete understanding of this subspecies’s conduct, most popular habitat, and the particular rules governing their pursuit. Key elements embrace acquiring correct licenses and tags, adhering to season dates, mastering calling strategies, using efficient camouflage, choosing acceptable firearms and ammunition, and prioritizing moral shot placement. Proficiency in these areas contributes considerably to a profitable and moral harvest.
This pursuit affords a novel alternative to attach with Colorado’s pure heritage whereas contributing to wildlife conservation efforts. Accountable hunters play a significant function in sustaining wholesome turkey populations and supporting habitat administration. Continued studying and adherence to moral searching practices make sure the preservation of this invaluable useful resource for future generations. Respect for the animal, the atmosphere, and the traditions of sportsmanship are integral to the expertise, enriching not solely the person hunt but in addition the broader legacy of wildlife conservation in Colorado.
