FILING - 01/25/2011
Basis and Purpose
Chapter 2 - Big Game
Basis and Purpose:
These regulations amend Chapter 2 – Big Game – of the Wildlife Commission Regulations. These
regulations are designed to manage statewide big game herds at the herd objective levels and provide a
diversity of hunting recreation opportunities for resident and nonresident hunters throughout Colorado; to
minimize or control local game damage situations; and to provide opportunity for landowners to
cooperatively manage wildlife with the Division.
The attached Wildlife Commission regulations are the result of extensive public involvement and
application of biological information on deer, elk, pronghorn, bear and moose. All regulation changes are
based on the best available biological information and are designed to manage big game herds towards
stated objectives and to ensure long-term viability.
In addition to those changes addressed above, the following specific modifications were made to Chapter
2:
Removal of Hunt Codes and Regulations Associated with the Chancellor Ranch State Trust Land
(STL)
Previously, hunt code SFS61K1R was valid for youth hunters on Chancellor Ranch State Trust Land.
The Division no longer leases the Chancellor Ranch STL from the State Land Board. This results in no
guarantee of public access for the youth ewe hunter. Therefore, the hunt code has been eliminated along
with all other regulations associated with the lease access hunting program on Chancellor Ranch.
Auction and Raffle License Hunting in Special Management Areas
These regulations allow hunters holding an Auction and Raffle (A&R) license to hunt in Special
Management License (SML) areas upon approval by the Division. Recently, an A&R hunter was recently
interested in hunting mountain goats in an area open for Regulation Special Management Licenses.
Previously existing regulations did not allow this practice. The intent of restrictions on A&R licenses, is to
limit A&R hunters to areas open for harvest with other licenses. SML areas are areas where the Division
is encouraging harvest to prevent unplanned expansion or exposure to disease. Manner of take,
mandatory check, and licenses not using or generating preference points are the similar for A&R and
SML licenses. A&R license holders hunting in a SML area is not likely to happen frequently given the
considerable opportunity already allowed by the A&R license. For that rare case; however, this change is
intended to increase opportunity for A&R hunters and meet Division goals.
BIGHORN SHEEP
Ewe Hunting in S73
In 2005 40 Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep were reintroduced to historic range on the west side of North
Park to an area known as Red Canyon. Since the reintroduction the population has been highly
productive with 61 lambs per 100 ewes observed in January of 2010. Many transplanted herds of bighorn
sheep exhibit high rates of reproduction and growth during the years immediately after the transplant;
however, the populations then often reach a level where the range cannot support more sheep,
reproduction slows and the populations drop down from their peak and don’t regain the vigor they
experienced for the first years post transplant. During January classification flights nearly all bighorn
sheep are observed on a single south facing ridge in Red Canyon. Early spring habitat surveys of this
ridge show extensive utilization of all browse species along this ridge but almost no use of the same plant
species in areas within even a few hundred yards of this area. A ewe season is intended to allow limited
hunting pressure to help spread the herd of sheep out into adjacent acceptable winter range which is
currently lightly used, and reduce the density and concentration of bighorns on heavily used winter range.
1
BEAR
Modification of Hunt Codes Within B2
Bear DAU, B-2, is comprised of GMUs 50, 58, 59, 500, 501, 511, 512, 581, and 591. The eastern most
GMUs (59, 511, 512, and 591) in B2 are adjacent to the Colorado Springs metro area, which, like many
cities in the state, has recently experienced an increase in bear/human conflicts. Additionally, Pueblo and
Canon City, on the southern boundary of GMU 59, have also seen an increase in bear/human conflicts.
In all of these cities, Division staff have responded to the bear/human conflicts through public education
campaigns, translocations, and euthanasia in cases were bears have either received a 2 nd strike or the
bear’s behavior presented a threat to human safety. Despite these measures, bear/human conflicts have
continued. Previously, the bear hunting licenses for B-2 were valid for the entire DAU, which limited
flexibility to target hunter harvest through license allocation in conflict areas. These regulations are
intended to more accurately focus hunter harvest where needed.
Creation of a Bear Management Area in GMU 84
Over the past several years human/bear conflicts have been on the rise in GMU 84. The towns of Rye,
Colorado City, Beulah and Wetmore have been impacted by an increasing number of complaints of bears
in town and breaking into vehicles and buildings. The number of game damage complaints from the
ranching community is also increasing. These regulations create a bear management area in GMU 84
with the intent to reduce the bear population in the areas immediately adjacent to the communities that
are being affected, and consequently reduce human/bear conflicts.
Reallocation of GMUs 133, 134, 136, 141, 142, 143 and 147 into the Plains Regular Rifle Hunt Code
for Bear (BE000U5R)
The majority of the GMUs east of Interstate 25, with the exception of GMU 140, are included in the plains
regular rifle hunt code (BE000U5R) with season dates of September 2 – November 21, 2010. Previously,
GMUs 133, 134, 136, 141, 142, 143, and 147 were in DAU B-9 and include a limited September rifle
season, and over the counter with cap licenses for the archery, muzzleloader, and rifle seasons. These
GMUs were also included in the BE000U6R which has season dates beginning the first day of the First
Combined Season through the Fourth Combined Season. The CDOW recently began a DAU plan
revision of B-9 and as a result reallocated GMUs to B99. This change is intended to allow increased
hunter opportunity and flexibility to harvest a bear in these eastern plains units and remove some of the
complexity within the regulations by removing duplicate hunt codes.
Establishment of Private Land Only (PLO) Hunts for Bear in GMUs 31 and 32
Over the past three years, complaints of bear/ human conflicts on private land in GMUs 31 and 32 have
increased dramatically. The majority of quality bear habitat within GMUs 31 and 32 is located on private
land. The establishment of PLO bear licenses in GMUs 31 and 32 is intended to address bears causing
conflicts with hunter pressure rather than Division control methods, and provide an opportunity for
increased bear harvest and decrease of bear/ human conflicts within the GMUs.
Distributing PLO Bear Licenses in GMUs 83, 85, 140 and 851 as Over-The-Counter (OTC) with
Caps
Game management units (GMUs) 83, 85, 140, and 851 are located in south central Colorado and made
up of portions of Costilla, Las Animas and Huerfano counties. They contain excellent bear habitat.
Recent population density estimates suggest that portions of these GMUs could have 1.2-2.2 bears per
square mile (Apker et al. 2010). Previously, GMUs 83, 85, 140 and 851 are grouped together with a
private land only (PLO) September season because major portions of these GMUs are private property.
The history of bear hunting in GMUs 83, 85, 140 and 851 mirrors many other DAUs in the area where the
bear populations were lowered during the mast crop failure and drought years of 2001 and 2002, as a
result of increased hunter harvest and other mortality factors. Since that time the bear population has
recovered and is nearing population levels observed prior to the decline, which has also led to an
increase in human/bear conflict within these GMUs. With the decline in population, hunting licenses were
reduced for several years and as the population has recovered hunting licenses numbers have just
recently been approaching past levels. What has resulted from this reduction in license numbers is a
substantial number of applicants with more than two preference points applying for the limited number of
2
licenses. Under the previous system, with the current number of licenses, a landowner has to apply for a
license in April and have preference points. This did not provide flexibility for a landowner to address a
conflict animal on their property. These regulations are intended to increase hunter opportunity by
providing landowners an opportunity to allow hunters to help address bears causing conflicts.
DEER
Elimination of PLO Antlered Deer Hunt Codes for GMUs 54, 55 and 551
PLO buck licenses were previously available in GMUs 54, 55, & 551, which typically have a small number
of 1st choice applicants. This contrasts markedly with public land licenses that are highly sought after and
require multiple preference points. Many private landowners in the Gunnison Basin participate in the
landowner preference program and are eligible to draw from the 15% of the limited buck licenses set
aside by GMU. In addition to this program, they may apply for the regular drawing, or opt to apply for
PLO buck licenses. Because the limited buck licenses are so highly sought after in the Gunnison area,
and to provide more public land hunting opportunity in public land dominated DAU’s, these regulations
eliminate PLO buck hunt codes for the northern Gunnison Basin, allowing for a small, but desirable
increase in the number of non-PLO licenses issued.
Extension of the Season Choice PLO Deer Season in GMUs 91, 92 and 96
Game Management Units (GMUs) 91, 92, and 96 are part of the South Platte River Data Analysis Unit
(DAU) D-44 in northeast Colorado. In an effort to encourage more doe harvest on private lands where
deer routinely congregate after the opening of the deer, waterfowl, and small game seasons, PrivateLand-Only (PLO) Season Choice antlerless licenses were established in 2009. Season Choice licenses
provide hunters of all methods-of-take the opportunity to obtain an additional license to harvest a doe on
private land in D-44. With a Season Choice license, hunters are allowed to hunt any or all of the 4 plains
deer seasons on private land until the license is filled. Hunters are only restricted by the method(s)-oftake that is valid during each season. Although these licenses have been successful in increasing doe
harvest by 41%, more doe harvest is needed on private land to adequately maintain this DAU at or below
population objective. Extension of this season is intended to provide additional harvest during the most
effective harvest period without adding new seasons and increasing the complexity of the regulations.
Separation of Whitetail Deer Only Hunts in GMUs 116 and 117 from GMU 109
Previously, GMUs 116 and 117 were combined with GMU 109 for the muzzleloader and rifle whitetail only
(WTO) seasons (Huntcodes: DE109O2R, DF109O2R, DE109O3M, & DF109O3M). However, separate
licenses were offered for both the regular and WTO deer archery seasons and for the regular deer
muzzleloader and rifle seasons. There is also a late plains rifle season offered in GMU 109 for both WTO
licenses and regular deer licenses but not for GMUs 116 and 117. Data from postseason classification
surveys conducted in 2009 suggest that deer numbers and distribution differ substantially between GMU
109 and GMUs 116-117. The buck to doe ratio is much higher in 116 and 117 compared to 109. For
whitetails, the buck to doe ratio was 20.9 bucks per 100 does in 109 compared to 114.3 and 168.0 bucks
per 100 does in GMUs 116 and 117, respectively. Additionally the majority of deer, especially whitetails,
in GMU 109 are found along the South Republican River while deer are distributed widely throughout
GMUs 116 and 117. These data suggest that deer should be managed differently north and south of I70. Additionally, field personnel have been hesitant to recommend increasing WTO licenses in the
combined 109, 116, and 117 units due to the potential for overcrowding on the limited pieces of property
open to public hunting in 109 (e.g., newly acquired conservation easements). Given the high buck to doe
ratios, especially for whitetails, in GMUs 116 and 117, additional hunter opportunity is available in these
units. These regulations intended to increase opportunity through allowing an increase in WTO licenses
along with the addition of a late rifle season.
Creation of a Deer Management Hunt in Buena Vista
The D-15 (Cottonwood Creek) deer herd includes GMUs 48, 56, 481, and 561, west of the towns of
Salida, Buena Vista, and Leadville along the Collegiate Range and east of the Continental Divide. This
population has stabilized at approximately 6,000 animals after rebounding from a population crash in the
early-mid 1990s. However, year-round deer densities in the urban interface surrounding the town of
Buena Vista have increased in recent years. These regulations create a new hunt code designed to
3
target urban deer and alleviate damage complaints related to high densities in these specific areas.
Radio collar data from the adjacent D-16 (Cripple Creek) deer herd indicates most migratory deer arrive
on winter ranges in the Arkansas River Valley by mid-November and don’t generally congregate in and
around Buena Vista until snow levels increase later in the winter during years of heavy snow
accumulation. Thus, this hunt is intended to allow hunters to target deer residing on a year-round basis in
and around the town of Buena Vista and the adjacent urban interface without targeting migratory deer or
affecting the overall population size of the herd.
Creation of a Deer Management Hunt in Craig
Since 2007, the Division has received citizen complaints regarding deer causing landscape and property
damage within the city limits of Craig. The Division has worked with the City of Craig, the City of Craig
Deer Committee, Mayor and the City Council to try and solve this problem. Two informal surveys were
created and distributed to the community and the results of both indicated that the majority of people in
Craig are tolerant of deer within the city limits. The Division has conducted basic deer counts within city
limits. The number of deer observed fluctuates greatly between seasons and years with a low count of 48
deer in August 2010 to a high count of 244 deer in January 2008. The Division responds to all calls and
complaints associated with deer within the city limits. To date, the City Council has not wanted to commit
to any particular solution because the majority of people in the community appear to be tolerant of and
even supportive of the deer. The Division created a White Paper in 2009 listing possible solutions to the
problem. A lack of clear public support for reducing deer numbers has limited the interest of the city in
implementing the recommendations. However, as part of the Division’s approach to the issue, these
regulations implement a hunt buffer zone around the City of Craig to help address these conflicts.
ELK
Removal of Seldom-Used PLO Elk Hunt Codes in GMU 14
Many PLO elk licenses in GMU 14 have not previously sold until late in the leftover draw or not at all
indicating that there was little demand for these licenses, or that hunters have difficulty gaining access to
hunt private land in this unit. There are ample licenses available to meet demand on both private and
public lands in unit 14 using non-PLO licenses such as; EE014O1R, EF014O1R, EF014O2R, EF014O3R,
and EF014O4R (the same seasons and dates) with many of these licenses available during the leftover
draw. As an administrative measure, these unnecessary hunt codes have been removed.
Creation of a Late Season Antlerless Elk Hunt in GMU 21
GMU 21 is bounded on the north by Game management Unit 10. The 2010 post 2009 elk population
estimates showed GMU 21’s DAU to be above objective. This elevated estimate necessitated an
increase in antlerless elk licenses issued for the 2010 seasons in this DAU. GMU 10 has a late season
antlerless elk hunt. Many of the elk living in GMU 10 migrate to the southern portion of the unit and cause
damage issues on the private property along the White River. When the GMU 10 elk are pressured during
the late antlerless season, they move across the White River into GMU 21, in many instances occupying
land owned by the same landowner but unavailable for harvest. These landowners have participated in
Game Damage hunts with limited success. A late season antlerless elk hunt is intended to allow for more
uniform hunting pressure along the White River and allow another option for the unsuccessful youth
hunter to fill their tag.
Realignment of Deer and Elk Season Dates on Ft. Carson Military Base (GMU 591)
Prior to the 2009 big game season, limited deer and elk rifle seasons were open from October 1stJanurary 31st on Ft. Carson (GMU 591). However, in 2008, Ft. Carson personnel approached the
Division of Wildlife with a request to shorten the season lengths for these seasons. The basis for the
proposed change was to accommodate the anticipated increase in training on the installation, beginning
in the fall of 2009. Fort Carson felt the opportunities for hunting would be enhanced by having
prescheduled dates for each season so the date could be incorporated into the military training schedule
a far in advance as possible. Fort Carson has felt that a predictable, consistent approach to big game
season dates would add some predictability in hunter access, and provide better customer service. An
issue paper was submitted in 2009 addressing these concerns. The Wildlife Commission approved the
issue paper and the season dates and lengths for the limited deer and elk rifle seasons were changed
4
starting in the 2009 big game season. Specifically, the limited deer and elk rifle licenses were split into
two seasons, each 16 days in length (current huntcodes: DM591O1R, DF591O1R, DE591O3R,
DF591O3R, EF591O1R, and EF591O3R). During the 2009 season, hunters holding the limited licenses
for Ft. Carson were able to access the base for the majority of their respective seasons. However, in late
September 2010, Ft. Carson wildlife personnel were informed by Range Control that there would be
base-wide closure for the 14 of the 16 days of the second season to accommodate military training
exercises. The second season (huntcodes DM591O3R, DF591O3R, & EF591O3R) was scheduled for
Nov. 6-Nov. 21st and the closure was from Nov. 8-Nov. 21st. Ft. Carson personnel anticipate similar
conflicts to occur in the future, especially since military training is expected to increase on the base in the
near future. Given these anticipated problems, these regulations combine the limited split seasons into
one hunt code and extend the season dates. This is intended to allow hunters more opportunities to hunt
on the base, which is especially important for individuals holding limited deer licenses as an antlered
license required a minimum of six resident preference points to draw in 2010 and the doe license required
a minimum of two points.
Removal of Hunt Code EF054P7R (PLO Antlerless Elk Hunting in GMU 54)
Beginning in 2010, most elk licenses became limited in GMU 54 (DAU E-41) as part of a strategy to
increase elk harvest in the DAU. As a part of the approved management “package”, several new hunt
codes were created to encourage antlerless harvest on private lands. Those hunt codes were designated
as “List C” and were issued quite liberally. There were previously 14 limited hunt codes for GMU 54,
which has led to significant confusion by hunters and landowners. These regulations remove one of
those hunt codes (EF054P7R) for 2011. This action is intended to reduce the total number of limited hunt
codes in GMU 54 and more accurately focus hunting pressure during two key periods.
Removal of Some PLO First Season Bull and Either-Sex Licenses on the San Luis Valley Floor
These PLO licenses originated with the creation of the first season with limited bull licenses. The purpose
was to have licenses available to landowners who wanted them. There are very few licenses in each one
of these hunt codes and currently there is very little interest in these licenses as first choice applications
or even second choice. Other hunt codes remain available for first season elk, which are valid on public
and private property.
Reversion of First Season Either-Sex Elk Licenses to Bull Only Licenses in GMU 79
The first rifle season was established as a quality rifle hunt for bull elk. This was accomplished by
decreasing hunting pressure through limited antlered elk licenses. Beginning in 2004 the antlered
elk licenses for GMU 79 were changed to either-sex licenses. The goal of these changes was to
increase harvest and therefore decrease the elk population to meet the DAUs population
objectives. The DAU is currently at population objective; therefore, the need to harvest cows has
diminished. Cow licenses remain available in the first season as well as other seasons. These
regulations re-establish the original goal of the first elk season by converting the either sex
licenses to antler licenses.
Reallocation of Antlerless Elk Licenses in GMUs 74, 76 and 79 From “List B” to “List A”
The DAUs containing these GMUs are currently at population objective. Therefore the need to harvest
cows has diminished. The original intent of List B elk licenses was to make these licenses available to
hunters and harvest more cow elk in DAUs that were over objective. According to policy, these licenses
have been removed from List B and become primary licenses.
PRONGHORN
Removal of the South Park Basin from the Statewide Unlimited Either-Sex Pronghorn Hunt
The South Park basin (DAU PH-30) is home to a relatively small pronghorn herd consisting of around
1,000 animals within GMUs: 49, 50, 500, 501, 57, 58, 581, and 511. This population frequently
experiences low fawn recruitment in comparison to other herds in Colorado and it is not uncommon to
have fawn:doe ratios fall below 20. South Park receives considerable interest for pronghorn hunting in
part due to the close proximity to two large metropolitan areas, Denver and Colorado Springs, and
because there is public land hunting. These GMUs were previously included in the statewide unlimited
5
archery units for pronghorn and the number of archery hunters in these GMUs had doubled since the late
1990s. Muzzleloader and rifle license numbers have remained relatively consistent with a slight increase
in recent years. In 2009, 6-8 preference points (depending on unit) were required to draw a rifle buck
pronghorn licenses issued in PH30. Archery success rates within the past 10 years averaged 11% and
have remained fairly steady. However, with the increasing number of archery hunters, the number and
proportion of bucks harvested by archers had increased during the previous three years to the point that
in 2009, 35% of the buck harvest were from over-the-counter archery hunters. As the number of bucks
harvested by over-the-counter archers increases, the only management action available to maintain sex
ratios within the objective range is to decrease limited rifle and muzzleloader licenses. This exacerbates
and already existing equity issue in that it required 6-8 preference points to draw rifle buck license, but
archers could buy licenses over-the-counter with no limits on numbers. Therefore, the GMUs within PH30
have been removed from the statewide unlimited archery units and separate hunt codes for bucks and
does have been established limiting the number of licenses available for archery.
Continued Efforts to Manage Southeast Pronghorn Herds to Population Objectives
Pronghorn DAUs A-5, A-6, A-7, A-8, A-12, and A-18 are over the long-term population objective. In 2008,
a late December season (five-day season) was added in A-5, A-6, A-7 and A-8. Harvest estimates from
2009 indicated that the late seasons contributed additional doe harvest for these DAUs. However, the
success rates were lower than doe harvest in the regular seasons. A longer season is intended to
increase harvest success and contribute to moving these DAUs towards objective.
Separation of Doe and Buck Pronghorn Hunt Dates in GMU 11
Previously, the buck and doe pronghorn season dates in GMU 11 were concurrent. These regulations
create separate buck and doe pronghorn season dates in GMU 11. The purpose for creating separate
seasons in the GMU is to accommodate increased opportunity for hunters. Pronghorn distribution is very
concentrated within the GMU with the majority of the pronghorn concentrated in the northern one third of
the unit. Distribution occurs primarily in the Maybell area on the Bitterbrush State Wildlife Area and BLM
lands. In turn, hunter distribution becomes an issue and influences the numbers of licenses issued for the
GMU in an effort to address hunter crowding. Establishing separate buck and doe seasons is intended to
help alleviate hunter crowding issues, provide for a more quality hunting experience, and facilitate
additional opportunity for hunters. Currently, it requires 10 preference points for residents and 12 points
for a non-resident to draw a buck license in Unit 11.
MOOSE
Expansion of Moose Hunting in the Northeast Region
Moose were transplanted to North Park and the Laramie River (GMUs 7 & 8) in the 1970s through the
1980s and quickly established huntable populations. Currently, there are an estimated 200-250 moose
within GMUs 7, 8, 19 and 191 which make up moose DAU M-2. During the last 10-15 years, moose have
expanded to the south along the Front Range establishing resident populations within GMUs 20, 29, 38,
39, 46, 49, 500 and 501. Although no systematic inventory for moose has been conducted in these
GMUs, observations by CDOW field personnel, other agencies and the public indicate that moose
numbers are increasing. In addition, the incidences of young moose dispersing into the urban corridor
between Denver and Fort Collins have become more common during the last five years. Currently,
CDOW field personnel’s best estimates are that 70-90 moose can be found in GMUs 20, 29 and 38 and
similar numbers are found in GMUs 39, 46, 49, 500 and 501. Because suitable moose habitat is
dispersed, sustainable moose densities currently are, and likely should remain, lower in these eight
GMUs than in other long-established moose populations in Northern Colorado. Even at lower densities,
current moose numbers, bull age structure and an apparent increasing population trend are adequate to
support limited hunting opportunity. These regulations are intended to establish limited moose hunting
opportunities in those GMUs.
Opening GMU 14 to Moose Hunting
GMU 14 is part of moose DAU M3 and is located immediately north of Steamboat Springs. The number of
moose in this area has been increasing annually with numerous moose being observed during winter elk
classification flights in GMU 14 from Steamboat north to Seedhouse. In addition, moose are increasingly
6
common in the city limits of steamboat occasionally causing public conflicts. Local DOW District Wildlife
Managers and biologists feel the population can support limited harvest in GMU 14. These regulations
increase hunter opportunity by establishing a season for that harvest.
The statutory authority for these regulations can be found in § 24-4-103, C.R.S., and the state
Wildlife Act, §§ 33-1-101 to 33-6-209, C.R.S., specifically including, but not limited to: §§ 33-1-101,
102, 104, 105, 106-108, 115, and 121; §§ 33-2-104, 105, 106, and 107; § 33-3-104; §§ 33-4-101, 102,
102.5, 103, 116, 116.5, 117, and 119; § 33-5.5-102; and §§ 33-6-107, 109, 112, 113, 113.5, 114, 114.5,
117, 119, 120, 121, 124, 127, 128, 129, 131, 205, 206, 207, and 208.
EFFECTIVE DATE - THESE REGULATIONS SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 2011 AND
SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT UNTIL REPEALED, AMENDED OR SUPERSEDED.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY THE WILDLIFE COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO
THIS 5TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2011.
APPROVED:
Tim Glenn
Chairman
ATTEST:
Mark Smith
Secretary
7