FILING - 01/30/2015
Basis and Purpose
Chapter W-2 - Big Game
Basis and Purpose:
These regulations amend Chapter 2 – Big Game – of the Parks and Wildlife Commission Regulations.
These changes implement 2015 bighorn sheep and mountain goat license numbers and changes to
status quo that resulted from the 2015 - 2019 Big Game Season Structure policy decisions of the
Commission, including any changes to season dates and lengths, cutoff dates and season participation
requirements. These regulations are designed to manage statewide big game herds at 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. These modifications 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.
General:
Removal of Previous Landowner Voucher Regulations
In May of 2014, new wildlife regulations were adopted implementing the new landowner voucher program
consistent with state statute 33-4-103 CRS. The previous landowner voucher regulations were left in
place to cover the program through the 2014 big game hunting season. Now that the 2014 big game
season is complete, the old landowner voucher regulations could be removed.
Youth Participation
Previous regulations allowed youth hunters with unfilled antlerless or either-sex elk licenses to participate
in late-seasons or private land only elk hunts within the DAU of their original license. Consistent with
Division goals to expand youth opportunity to promote recruitment and retention efforts, these regulations
expand that opportunity to antlerless deer. In addition, they allow youths to hunt in any season within the
DAU, including regular rifle seasons, once their original season has closed. This opportunity remains
limited to the species that was on the youth’s original license (an elk license does not allow deer hunting,
and vice-versa).
Concurrent Rifle Black Bear Season Participation
Previous regulations restricted bear over-the-counter rifle hunters to hunting during one deer or elk
regular rifle season. Consistent with the Commission’s intention to expand opportunities for bear hunting,
these regulations allow bear over-the-counter rifle licenses to be utilized in all four regular rifle deer or elk
seasons, but not during breaks between seasons. Additionally, these regulations require that hunters
must have an elk or deer license valid in at least one overlapping GMU also on their bear license. This is
required to distribute and control hunter numbers during our big game seasons.
Cutoff Dates
With changes made to the regular rifle black bear season participation, cutoff dates for the purchase of
black bear licenses also required modification. The cutoff date for purchasing over-the-counter with caps
regular rifle black bear licenses at license agents is now midnight proceeding the opening day of the
regular first rifle elk season. These licenses may still be purchased at Division service centers after the
effective cutoff dates.
Season Dates
To be more consistent with the overall season structure for other big game species, pronghorn
muzzleloader season was moved to open following pronghorn archery season instead of following
pronghorn rifle season. Pronghorn muzzleloader season now opens September 21 st and runs for nine
days.
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The archery black bear season was also extended to September 30th to extend bear hunting
opportunities.
Allowing the Use of Lighted Nocks and Recording Devices
This change was initiated by a citizen petition from the Colorado Bowhunters Association, which
requested that lighted nocks on arrows and recording devices on bows be allowed during the archery
season. The CBA argued that these technologies do not violate the principles of fair chase since they do
not assist the hunter in taking an animal, just enhance the hunting experience and aid in the recovery
process. CBA cited support from the majority of their constituents as well as the fair chase standards of
the Pope and Young Club to also support the change. Language from the Pope and Young fair chase
standards was used for drafting this regulation.
Change all B-11 September and Concurrent Rifle Bear Licenses to List B
Over the past decade, bear DAU B-11 (GMUs 35, 36, 43, 44, 45, 47, 361, 444, and 471) has had multiple
years of unprecedented numbers of human-bear conflicts in the mountain towns of Aspen, Basalt,
Glenwood Springs, Marble, Eagle, Edwards, Avon, and Vail. In 2010, 2012 and 2013, license quotas in B11 were incrementally raised to increase harvest mortality in the population. The goal has been to reduce
the bear population size and to indirectly reduce the number of human-bear conflicts. The percentage of
available license quota that was actually sold has dropped off as each successive license quota increase
has occurred, indicating that quotas have exceeded the demand for licenses under the current license
structure. Changing all B-11 hunt codes to List B licenses, allow hunters to have up to 2 bear licenses at
a time, which may help to increase bear harvest and achieve more complete sales of the annual license
quota.
Exempting Private Ram License from the 5-Year Waiting Period
The Trinchera Ranch and several Ranching for Wildlife properties have private land ram licenses that are
not obtained through the public draw. These private ram licenses do not fall specifically into any of the
previous exceptions stated in the regulation and CPW has not allowed successful ram hunters who have
purchased these special licenses to apply or participate in the drawing during the five year waiting period.
However, these licenses do not take away hunting opportunity from public hunters, thus should be
exempt similar to auction and raffle licenses. This regulation change specifically exempts these licenses
from the five-year waiting period.
Increase in Youth Preference for Antlerless Deer Licenses in the Gunnison Basin
Mule deer licenses are highly sought after in all five Gunnison Basin GMU’s (54, 55, 551, 66, and 67).
Increasing demand for these licenses makes it challenging for many youth hunters to engage in deer
hunting on a regular basis. This is of concern to local CPW managers because mule deer hunting is
viewed as a more pragmatic gateway into big game hunting. Whenever possible, Area 16 managers
want to promote youth big game hunting and create every possible opportunity for aspiring local youth
hunters to enjoy the mule deer resource in the Gunnison Basin. With changes to youth preference
according to the new 5-year Season Structure, regulations now allow managers to increase youth
preference when legitimate management needs arise and demand exists for antlerless youth licenses.
With the new youth preference regulation, managers would like to revert back to one huntcode per
season and set a higher preference for youth. This will reduce regulatory complexity and funnel
remaining licenses into the general drawing based on demand.
Antler Shed collection in the Eagle and Roaring Fork Watersheds
Antler collection both for commercial purposes and as a recreational activity has seen a dramatic
increase in the Eagle and Roaring Fork River valleys in the last several years. This activity begins as
early as January and continues through the spring months with antler collectors searching the winter
ranges, severe winter ranges and concentration areas of these big game animals searching for sheds,
disturbing and displacing wildlife from their optimal habitat. The purpose of this regulation is to minimize
the harassment and disturbance of big game animals when they are on their winter range and are most
vulnerable to stress or disturbance potentially causing movement to less productive habitat, decreased
body condition, decreased production, and increased mortality. Eagle and Roaring Fork River valley
GMUs were added to the existing closure, with the same stipulations as in the Gunnison Basin.
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Changing Season Dates for Deer, Elk, and Concurrent Rifle Bear on the Bosque del Oso SWA
Starting in 1998 when the Bosque del Oso SWA was purchased, a Management Advisory Committee
was created which developed a unique season structure for the property that minimized the overlap of
different hunting types and had different season start dates compared to the rest of the state. This
created a suite of problems with our hunting publics including several instances where hunters had
hunted outside of the Bosque-specific seasons but during the statewide season structure, resulting in
several citations being written to those hunters. This regulation changes the season dates on the Bosque
for deer, elk, archery and concurrent rifle bear, to match the season dates for big game west of I-25, for
clarification for our hunting customers.
Rocky Mtn. Bighorn Sheep:
Opening Ewe Harvest in S-6
The S-6 herd is currently managed through limited ram harvest during two rifle seasons and the last ewe
harvest occurred in 2008. Data collected during summer ground counts suggest that the herd has been
stable to increasing in size since 2010. Several sheep studies have shown that ewe harvest can have
positive impacts on population dynamics including lamb mass and winter survival, yearling female
survival, and age at first reproduction. This regulation adds a ewe season to the 2nd rifle ram season,
which retains a low density of hunters for both seasons and protects lambs from being orphaned too
early.
Opening Hunting in S-55 with an S-10 Ram License
Bighorn hunting has not occurred in S55 for over a decade. Recently S10, the GMU north of S55,
experienced a decline in hunter success with one rifle ram license. To expand hunter opportunity,
improve hunter success, and for disease management, this regulation opens hunting in S55 under the SM-S10-O1-R hunt code.
Allowing Hunting in S-26 with an S-13 Ram License
One resident ram license is currently issued in GMU S-13, while GMU S-26 has been closed to hunting
since 1998. Recent GPS collar data from bighorn rams captured on both sides of the boundary confirms
that rams cross freely between the S-13 and S-26 ridgeline boundary. Bighorn sheep could realistically
use either side of the current boundary throughout the hunting season, so there was a need to adjust the
area open to hunting to reflect the natural movements of these sheep. Future license holders in S-13 will
be afforded the opportunity to pursue S-13 rams across their range in both S-13 and the northern portion
of S-26.
Open Ram Hunting in S-24 and S-75
Both S-24 and S-75 are low elevation Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep herds that were previously not
hunted. These populations had been declining from loss of habitat and competition with elk. The current
populations appear to be stable with a high ram: ewe ratios. Staff feels that both populations can now
support minimal ram harvest. Desert Bighorn season dates were selected due to concerns that high early
season ambient temperatures may negatively impact meat care and hunting success.
Opening S-37 to any Manner of Take
Previously S-37 was only open to archery hunters. Archery harvest success since 1999 had been very
low. By opening S-37 to any method of take, CPW hopes harvest success will increase, the quality of the
hunt will improve, and it will provide other hunters the opportunity to participate. Creating a separate
method of take season, will also allow the archers a season to hunt on their own during the rut.
Opening S-42 to Ram and Ewe Archery Hunting in Waterton Canyon
Bighorn sheep hunting was allowed in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s in Waterton Canyon, but was closed after
the 1980 die-off. Waterton Canyon bighorn sheep population estimates remained low after the die off, but
have steadily increased during the last 5 years. In August 2014, Denver Water Board agreed to allow
limited bighorn sheep hunting on their property in Waterton Canyon and also to allow hunter access on
the Waterton Canyon Road. CPW agreed to set season structure, season dates, and manner of take to
reduce potential conflicts with other non-hunting Waterton Canyon users. This includes week day only
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hunting, a 200 yard no hunting buffer closure around the Waterton Canyon Road, and a mandatory GMU
specific hunter orientation for all bighorn sheep hunters planning to hunt within S42.
Opening Ewe Harvest in S-69
The bighorn sheep population in GMU S-69 has been increasing over the past ten years, with the most
recent estimate being approximately 100 sheep. Local managers are becoming increasingly concerned
with animal density within available habitat. Wild sheep populations occurring at high densities are likely
to experience density-dependent feedback and are increasingly susceptible to disease. Maintaining
bighorn sheep populations below their habitat’s carrying capacity is an all around best management
practice, and whenever possible, female harvest should be used for achieving harvest objectives. This
regulation initiates conservative ewe harvest during two separate rifle seasons and allows time for ram
hunters to hunt alone.
Mountain Goat:
Modification of Within-Unit Restrictions on G-5 Rifle Hunters
In 2006 CPW proposed to add a rifle hunt in G-05 to address the increasing population and expansion of
mountain goats into adjacent bighorn populations. At that time a rifle season was instated, only in the
northern portion of the unit where there were a limited number of mountain goats. The rifle hunt has been
successful in preventing expansion of the mountain goat population, to the point that rifle hunters were
having difficulty finding mountain goats in the portion of the unit they were restricted to. This change to
regulations opens up all of G-5 to rifle hunters starting the third weekend in September through the end of
October to provide more opportunity for a different method of take. The rifle season in G-5 also opens the
same day as the archery season, only rifle hunters are restricted to the northern portion of the until the
third weekend in September.
Splitting G-11 into two Sub-Units
The majority of mountain goats in G-11 reside in the Raggeds mountain range; however there are a huntable number of goats in the southern and southeastern portions of the unit as well. Nearly all of the
harvest over the last 10 years has come from two drainages in the Raggeds. Splitting the unit allows
managers to issue more licenses with less concern for hunter crowding and overharvest coming from
limited geographic areas.
Establishing Nanny-Only Licenses in G-12
G-12 has a large and growing population of mountain goats, currently estimated at 150 individuals. The
goat population has been increasing steadily and the distribution of goats been expanding within the unit
since the mid-1990s. Goats have encroached upon current core bighorn sheep habitats on Highlands
Ridge (S-13) and Gallo Hill/Elk Mountain (S-25), as well as areas that are very close to the core area of
S-25 sheep habitat (Avalanche Creek). The recovery of these two sheep herds could be hampered if their
historic habitat is occupied by a high density of mountain goats. Targeted harvest of female goats may
curb population growth and distributional expansion, which may help to reduce competition with the S-13
and S-25 bighorn sheep herds for forage and space. Opening a nanny huntcode will offer additional
hunting opportunity in G-12 and likely will require fewer preference points for those hunters interested in
harvesting a nanny.
Open G-18 to Either Sex Mountain Goat Hunting
Unit G-18 was established in 2011. An issue paper to open muzzleloader hunting within G-18 was written
in the fall of 2011. The preferred alternative was changed to a rifle hunt as a result of decisions made at
Regulation Review, but the issue paper was tabled due to continued differences of opinion regarding the
appropriate method of take for the hunt. The issue had remained dormant since 2011. Thus, G-18 had
not been opened for hunting in the three years since it was established. Establishing of a rifle hunt code
in G-18 provides the greatest opportunity for hunters to successfully hunt the unit, using the method of
take of their choice.
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Black Bear:
Creating Separate Bear Hunt Codes for Units 1, 2, 10, 201, 40, 61, and 76
Creating separate hunt codes to allow for separate bear license allocations within GMUs 1, 2, 10, 201
and 40, 61, and 76, allows managers to mitigate growing conflicts from bear hunting pressure within
these quality deer and elk units. In addition to managing the conflicts from hunter pressure this change
also allows for more targeted bear harvest in GMUs with higher bear densities, and address increasing
law enforcement concerns related to the potential for poaching trophy deer and elk in these GMUs by
limiting the number of potential bear hunters hunting these quality units.
Mountain Lion:
Require Lion Hunters to be Present when Hounds are Released
The intent of the original regulation #242.A.2 was to prevent mountain lions from being held for long
periods of time waiting for a client to arrive in the area. In addition, the regulation was attempting to limit
how long a lion could be held once the hunter did arrive at the tree, or place it is held at bay, while
choosing to take it or not. Several recent cases where lions have been held from 2 hours to 24+ hours
have brought the issue to light that there is no definition of what being “a member of the hunting party”
entails. Requiring the hunter be present when any dogs are released and to continuously participate in
the hunt until it ends, resolves this issue and helps the regulation match the original intention.
Deer:
Elimination of 2nd, 3rd, and Muzzleloader Hunt Codes for Antlerless Deer in GMUs 71, 72, 73, and
711, and Conversion of EE Archery Licenses in these Units to Antlered Deer Only
Deer populations in D-24 and D-29 are half to a third of what they were 30 years ago. The cause of this
decline is unknown. The management plans for both of these DAUs were revised earlier this year and
the public and CPW staff want to increase both herds. To accomplish this, these antlerless deer hunt
codes have been eliminated and the archery licenses have been changed to buck only licenses.
Removal of GMU 140 from Existing D-32 Huntcodes and Established New Hunt Codes for 140
Colorado state statute 33-4-103 (landowner vouchers) was recently amended and outlines many changes
for the landowner voucher program. One of the changes was in regards to the allocation of landowner
vouchers both east and west of Interstate 25. In game management units west of I-25, voucher allocation
is up to 20% of licenses that are totally limited for the rifle season. In game management units east of I25, landowner vouchers are up to 25% of limited licenses that are totally limited for the rifle season. GMU
140 has historically been managed with GMUs west of I-25 for deer and elk because of the connected
habitats and the movement of deer and elk between GMU 851 and GMU 140. With the new landowner
voucher system allocating different percentages between those units east of I-25 and those units west of
I-25, separation of GMU 140 from existing hunt codes is needed to make the new allocations work under
statute 33-4-103.
Change to the Within Unit Boundaries for DE041P5A and DF041P5A Hunt Codes
Two new hunts (DE041P5A and DF041P5A) were established in 2013 to minimize the damage to
orchards, vineyards, agricultural crops and homeowners’ landscaping in areas that are not accessible to
hunting due to county-mandated shooting closures. The original boundaries were intended to include all
areas receiving this type of damage. However, the area was not large enough and there are legitimate
producers who are receiving damage, but whose property lies outside the boundaries of the license. The
within unit boundaries were adjusted to include all areas within these units experiencing damage.
Addition of a High Country Antlered Deer Hunt in GMU 65
Creating an early high country season allows public land hunters to have access to quality bucks on
public land, before mule deer migrate to the lower private winter ranges. These high country buck hunts
are also highly valued and require numerous points to draw. License numbers will be very limited to
minimize interference with other big game hunters. A 9 day season beginning the second Saturday in
September was proposed to minimize interference with Labor Day recreationists and the beginning of
bighorn sheep seasons.
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New Second and Third Season Antlerless Hunt Codes for Deer in GMUs 55 and 551
The mule deer herd in DAU D-22 has increased following the severe winter of 2007-08 and can now
support some antlerless harvest. Mule deer licenses are highly sought after in the Gunnison Basin;
however no antlerless hunts were previously available in the northern GMU’s. Doe licenses provide an
outstanding big game hunting opportunity and contribute to recruitment and retention for youth hunters in
local communities.
Forth Season Antlered Deer Licenses for GMU 201 and GMUs 54, 55, 551, 66, and 67
Mule deer populations in GMU 201 have been steadily increasing over the past 5 years and the GMU has
a high fawn:doe ratio as well as buck:doe ratio. The intention of implementing a 4 th season antlered rifle
license is to allow for a very limited, high quality buck hunting opportunity.
Wildlife managers eliminated 4th season buck hunt codes in the Gunnison Basin following the severe
winter of 2007-08; however mule deer populations have been increasing since that time. There is
currently opportunity for limited 4th season buck hunting in the Gunnison Basin, and history has shown
that there is extremely high demand for these licenses. Not only is 4 th season buck hunting highly sought
after, but it is also a tool for mitigating preference point requirements during other seasons, particularly
the 3rd rifle season.
Addition of a Late Season Rifle Antlerless Deer License in GMUs 103 and 109
There is a substantial amount of damage (over $110,000) from deer to crops on properties surrounding
the South Republican SWA and conservation easements in both GMUs 103 and 109, especially on
irrigated corn circles. Deer management in GMUs 103 and 109 is complicated because of the publicprivate mixture. Also, with the demand for the buck rifle licenses, sportsmen have an expectation of a
quality hunting experience. CPW must attempt to balance the quality of the hunting opportunity with the
pressing need to mitigate game damage. Adding a late rifle doe season outside of the current season
dates for the regular hunts should attempt to address both needs. The within-unit boundaries will also
target harvest in portions of the GMUs where most of the game damage is occurring.
Removal of the Forth Season Antlerless Deer License in GMU 501
Doe deer hunting was initiated in 2009 in GMU 501 as the D-38 deer population was increasing due to
improved habitat conditions after several large fires. As a result, the deer population increased over the
population objective and doe harvest was needed to bring the population back down. The current
population estimate is within the proposed population objective for the D-38 DAU plan. Doe licenses are
expected to be stable to decreasing to keep the population within range. The fourth season doe license in
GMU 501 can now be eliminated because doe harvest objectives can be achieved in the second and third
rifle seasons and the public prefers a fourth season with a low density of hunters.
Shortening the PLO Antlerless Deer Seasons in GMUs 20, 29, and 38
Now that the D-10 and D-27deer populations are near or within objective range, less female harvest is
required to maintain the population. The 5 month long PLO doe season (September 1-January 31) is no
longer needed to keep the population at objective. This regulation change reduces the length of the PLO
doe season in GMUs 20, 29, and 30 to 3 months to coincide with the November 30th closing date of the
PLO buck season. An additional benefit to closing the deer season before December, is it will allow deer
classification surveys to be conducted after hunting seasons have closed. This will potentially improve
population model estimates that rely on posthunt sex and age ratio data as inputs. In addition, regulation
complexity will be reduced with consistent PLO deer season closing dates for bucks and does.
Change to Within-Unit Boundaries for Hunt Code DF075P5R
Previously DF075P5R was valid in GMU 75 south of Highway 160 and all of GMU 751. This hunt code is
designed to target deer on agriculture fields, reducing deer/agriculture conflicts. The majority of these
agriculture fields (primarily grass hay) are south of Hwy 160. To be consistent and remain true to the
original intent of the hunt code, this change makes the hunt code valid only south of Hwy 160 in both
units.
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Elk:
Creation of an Alternative Season Structure for Elk in GMU 128
Previously, GMU 128 was combined with the existing plains elk season whereby elk could be hunted with
an either-sex List C license from September 1st- January 31st annually. This was done to provide
landowners and sportsmen the maximum flexibility to manage elk within GMU 128 and also make it
consistent with the rest of the eastern plains where no aerial survey data is collected because of higher
priorities.
CPW was approached by a number of landowners within GMU 128 that had expressed concerns over
this extended either-sex season. They cited a number of factors driving their concern. First, landowners
and agricultural producers had experienced an increase in trespassing and conflicts. Second,
landowners had not seen a decrease in elk abundance within the GMU because the either-sex season
tends to lead to more bull harvest than cow harvest in the GMU. Landowners wanted to see more harvest
focused on cows within the GMU. Lastly, landowners had observed and were concerned about how the
increased bull harvest had reduced bull quality within this GMU.
Given these concerns, landowners requested a change in the elk season structure for GMU 128. Their
primary concern was associated with bull harvest and that they wanted to see some type of limitation
placed on bull hunting opportunity in GMU 128. The requested limitation was on the season dates and
list status, making bull tags list A and having the rifle season run from the beginning of first rifle through
the last day of forth rifle. They wanted cow rifle hunting to remain the same with the same season dates
(September 1st – January 31st) and continue to be list C. For the muzzleloader season, they wanted an
either-sex list A license with season dates consistent with those west of I-25. CPW complied with these
requests and made changes to the season structure for GMU 128.
Removal of GMU 70 from Previous Either-Sex E-24 Hunt Codes, with Creation of GMU 70 only
Hunt Codes
Two different management schemes have been developed within DAU E-24, more specifically between
GMU 70 and the southern GMUs (71, 72, 73, and 711). Currently the goal is to hold the overall
population at its current level, but to still decrease the number of elk in GMU 70 while allowing the number
of elk in the southern GMUs to slightly increase. The best way to accomplish this is through hunter
distribution using licensing. This required that GMU 70 have separate hunt codes from the southern
GMUs. Rifle cow elk licenses are already managed this way in the DAU as well as deer licenses.
Expansion of Hunt Code EF031P5R Boundaries to include all of GMU 22
Hunt code EF031P5R was previously valid in all of GMUs 31 and 32, but only that portion of GMU 22
east of Black Sulphur Creek and south of Piceance Creek. The boundaries were originally established to
focus pressure in the areas of greatest agricultural damage by elk. However, in recent years, damage
has increased outside the hunt boundaries, and multiple damage hunts are established annually to deal
with the issue. By removing the geographic restriction associated with EF031P5R, fewer damage hunts
will be created and hunter opportunity will be increased.
Expansion of Hunt Code EF391P5R Boundaries to Include Private Lands within Jefferson County
Portion of GMU 39
Effective management of the Evergreen Elk Herd was previously limited because private-land-only
antlerless elk licenses in GMU 391 were not valid on private land refuges within the Jefferson County
portion of GMU 39. Therefore, to focus harvest on the entire Evergreen Elk Herd and eliminate the private
land refuges, the private lands within the Jefferson County portion of GMU 39 were added to the GMU
391 private-land-only antlerless elk hunt code E-F-391-P5-R boundaries. This modification allows CPW to
more effectively manage the Evergreen Elk Herd by reducing conflicts, without increasing antlerless elk
licenses valid in all of GMU 39 and risking overharvest of elk in the western areas of DAU E-39.
Elimination of Hunt Codes EF054L2R and EF055P5R
Beginning in 2010, wildlife managers in the Gunnison Basin began aggressively working towards
reducing the elk populations in DAUs E-41 and E-43. Limited archery & muzzleloader licenses, either-
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sex licenses, list B & list C cow licenses, late seasons, and expanded private land opportunities were all
tools that were used as part of the effort to harvest elk in these DAUs. Currently, local managers feel like
elk numbers have been successfully reduced and certain hunt codes and strategies are no longer
necessary for elk management purposes. Harvest from these licenses have not reliably addressed game
damage concerns, and has consistently come from areas where managers never intended. Managers
have been more successful at managing game damage issues with targeted damage hunts.
Removal of the Two Late Antlerless Elk Seasons in E-18 and Addition of One Shorter Late
Antlerless Season
Previously there were two late cow seasons in GMUs 50, 500, and 501. The first late season occurred for
9 days in late November and the second season occurred for 9 days in late December. In 2002, the
second late season was added to increase cow harvest in order to reduce the elk population to the DAU
objective and to reduce game damage conflicts. Currently, this elk population is estimated to be at
objective and game damage conflicts have been minimal over the last 5 years. Population model
projections show that cow harvest can be achieved with one late season along with cow harvest in the
other existing early and regular elk seasons.
Creation of a Public Land Antlerless Elk Season for GMU 61
Although the E-20 population has been reduced over recent years, the population is still above objective
and the population has a distribution problem with more elk residing in GMU 61 than GMU 62 based on
the split management objectives of the DAU. Currently, GMU 61 is a limited/quality hunting unit, while
GMU 62 offers over-the-counter licenses for the archery, 2nd, and 3rd rifle seasons. As hunting pressure
has increased over the years in GMU 62, more elk are moving into GMU 61, which receives low hunting
pressure. To more effectively manage this herd, we need to harvest additional cows in GMU 61.
However, adding more antlerless licenses to archery, muzzleloader and the rifle seasons is not
acceptable to the bull hunters who have utilized numerous preference points for a quality hunt.
Therefore, the late season is where we can offer more antlerless hunting opportunity to achieve additional
harvest. Previously, GMU 61 only had a late antlerless season on private land. While this season was
effective at harvesting cows, the limitation to hunting private land put additional stress on land owners
while adjacent public land mule deer winter ranges were getting over utilized by elk. This change
increases antlerless harvest, alleviates demands on private landowners, and reduces grazing pressure
from elk on mule deer winter ranges.
Moose:
Creation of Stand Alone Moose Hunt Codes for GMUs 38 and 191
CPW opened moose hunting in GMU 38 in 2011 in combination with GMUs 20 and 29 based on
increasing moose populations in all 3 GMUs. At that time, moose densities in each GMU were not
sufficient to allow for GMU specific stand-alone seasons. To date with the multi-GMU seasons, no moose
have been harvested in GMU 38. This is largely a function of higher moose densities in GMUs 20 and
29. However, moose numbers have increased throughout all three GMUs. Currently, GMU 38 has
adequate moose numbers to support GMU specific licenses, and by creating stand alone huntcodes for
GMU 38, moose hunting (both cow and bull) opportunity will increase overall.
Similarly, only one moose has been harvested in GMU 191, which is open to moose hunting combined
with GMUs 7 and 8 with greater moose densities in GMUs 7 and 8. Units 7 and 8 also represent the
highest quality and quantity of moose habitat in the northern parts of the DAU, as well as the best public
access to those areas. While moose numbers and density are much lower in GMU 191, in certain areas
of the unit there are established moose populations that could support stand alone cow moose harvest.
Both of these hunt code changes create additional moose hunting opportunities, while also addressing
moose hunter distribution.
Open Antlered Moose Hunting Within GMUs 44 and 45
Moose have been increasingly seen in the Eagle River watershed, including the drainages in and around
Cross Creek, Homestake Creek, Camp Hale, East Lake Creek, and Gore Creek in GMU 45 and in East
Brush Creek in GMU 44. Moose are thought to be dispersing into these units from surrounding areas that
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have resident moose populations (e.g., GMUs 36 and 37, as well as 48 and 49). Riparian habitat is
readily available in GMUs 44 and 45, and as a result, moose seem to be exploring and establishing
patterns of use. Local CPW staff believes there are enough quality bull moose and
reproduction/recruitment of moose in these units to support very limited antlered moose hunting.
Open Antlered Moose Hunting Within Low Density Areas of the Southwest Region
Following transplants to the upper Rio Grande 25 years ago, and the Grand Mesa 10 years ago, core
resident herds of moose have become well established in GMUs 66, 67, and 76 where hunting is
currently allowed, as well as GMU 55. In the last 5 years, moose have expanded into many of the
surrounding units and appear to be establishing residence and are reproducing. Southwest Region staff
have discussed expanding moose hunting opportunity for several years to take advantage of the current
distribution and numbers. The objective of this regulation change is to allow sportsmen a unique bull
moose hunting opportunity, without impacting a very valuable watchable wildlife resource or inhibiting
population growth and increased distribution. Four sets of temporary hunt codes have been created for
bull hunting within the following GMUs: 48, 55, 56, 481, 551, and 561; 65; 68, 79, and 681; and 74 and
75.
Open Antlerless Moose Hunting in GMUs 66 and 67
Moose in the Southwest Region have expanded in both numbers and distribution. CPW managers agree
that in GMUs 66 & 67 there is currently opportunity for limited cow moose hunting. Antlerless moose hunt
codes in GMU 66 were eliminated in 2007 based on declining population trends at that time. Now that
these moose populations have increased, CPW can reinstate this hunting opportunity in GMU 66, and
create novel hunt codes for antlerless moose in GMU 67.
The primary 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: §§ 33-1106, C.R.S.
EFFECTIVE DATE - THESE REGULATIONS SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE MARCH 2, 2015 AND
SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT UNTIL REPEALED, AMENDED OR SUPERSEDED.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY THE PARKS AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF
COLORADO THIS 14TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2015.
APPROVED:
Robert W. Bray
Chairman
ATTEST:
Jeanne Horne
Secretary
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