Signs point to banner elk hunting season

Colorado boasts the largest elk herd in North America, a number that has soared over the 300,000 mark in recent years. That number is probably not sustainable and can produce severe negative impacts on the elk and their habitat. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials have used various means to manage to the current level of around 280,000, which they believe is optimal for Colorado’s habitat. To maintain the current level, there has also been a slight reduction in the number of licenses issued.

Brad Petch of CPW joined me on my radio show to give some insight into the upcoming big game seasons. Petch covers the Northwest area of the state, which has the largest concentration of elk, but felt his observations were consistent with what he was hearing statewide, allowing that there would be some regional variations.

First, I want to mention that a large majority of elk hunters do not harvest an animal every year. Those that put in time to scout before the season and make sure they are comfortable with their equipment will have a much higher success ratio, especially if they are willing to adapt to weather changes and put in the work. I’m not saying if you don’t have time to properly prepare that you should not go hunting. As long as you can do it safely, you should enjoy any time you can spend in the outdoors. Just temper your expectations.

As hunters and anglers, we are always filled with optimism when we head out. Petch feels the upcoming seasons provide good cause for that optimism.

Warmer than normal weather over the last couple of years has resulted in below-average harvest numbers. This has produced a large number of quality bull elk available for harvest. Couple that with this year’s weather, which is setting up like a more typical year, and we have a recipe for a high level of success. The cold weather will have the elk moving more, making them available to hunters. If the weather continues this pattern, the later seasons will see the elk moving down in elevation. This will also provide more opportunities for hunters.

For those of you planning on chasing mule deer, Petch said that even though the overall numbers are not where they would like them, the ratio of bucks to does is very high and should provide ample opportunity for success.

So, head to the field with optimism. But remember: Whatever the outcome, enjoy being outdoors.