FILING - 1/31/2012
Basis and Purpose
Chapter 2 - Big Game
Basis and Purpose:
These regulations amend Chapter 2 – Big Game – of the Wildlife Commission Regulations and
implement 2012 bighorn sheep and mountain goat license numbers. 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. 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. In addition, the following substantive changes have been
made:
Landowner Pilot Program
The Landowner Pilot Program has been extended through the 2012 big game season. The Landowner
Voucher Working Group is currently discussing various issues related to the landowner licensing program
in its entirety. Recommendations from that group are expected soon. These regulations extend the pilot
program for one more year pending Commission action pursuant to recommendations from that working
group.
BIGHORN SHEEP
New Ewe Harvest Opportunities:
Bighorn sheep populations in S11, S12, S17, S35 and S66 are currently stable or increasing. While
these population sizes are not exceptionally large for ungulate populations, the traditional areas used by
these herds are fairly small, resulting in high densities. Moreover, large portions of these populations
winter on windswept alpine ridges where available habitat is limited. It is difficult to predict what
population size would result in density dependence causing lower juvenile survival, and whether these
populations are near or exceeding that threshold. It is also not clear if bighorn sheep in these units are at
carrying capacity or if a disease epidemic will occur in the near future, but studies and history show that
sheep populations are often at risk for disease events and limited juvenile survival. A small number of
ewe licenses may not make any noticeable difference with either. However, establishing conservative
ewe harvest could proactively help maintain the health and viability of these herds by reducing
intraspecific competition, increasing juvenile survival, lowering age at first reproduction, increasing hunterattained herd information, encouraging use of new habitats/dispersal, and possibly reducing the risk and
severity of disease outbreaks.
MOUNTAIN GOAT
New Rifle Season in G-10:
These regulations initiate regular harvest in G10 within the Tenmile range of Summit and Lake Counties.
Mountain goats have expanded their range into this area over the past decade to a level that can sustain
hunting opportunity. In addition, harvest of this population is intended to minimize emigration from this
area into the surrounding Mosquito Range bighorn sheep GMUs (Buffalo Peaks and Mount Silverheels).
BEAR
DAU Realignment in B3 and B19:
DAUs B3 and B19 in the Northern Front Range and South Park areas have been realigned. In addition,
GMU groups have been compiled into specific hunting areas within those DAUs. This effort is a result of,
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and is in compliance with, the revised B3 DAU Plan (2011) and the revised B19 DAU Plan (pending
Commission review). Bear-human conflicts tend to be greater in the more heavily populated GMUs within
these DAUs, and these regulations aid managers’ ability to focus hunting pressure where necessary
and/or desired.
DEER
Separating GMU 33 From GMUs 23 and 24 for Archery and Muzzleloader:
Traditionally, archery and muzzleloader deer licenses in GMUs 23, 24, and 33 have been combined,
despite the fact that GMU 33 is a separate deer DAU (D-42) from GMUs 23 and 24 (D-7). These
combined early seasons are a result of common summer range for these two deer herd units. Harvest in
regular and late rifle seasons are split by DAU, and these regulations follow suit, making management in
this area consistent across all seasons. By restricting these deer licenses, harvest can be targeted to the
appropriate DAU while allowing for management of crowding and early season pressure with the intended
result being more accurate and effective management of both deer herds.
Increase in Antlerless Harvest in and Around the Town of Salida:
The revised D-15 (Cottonwood Creek Deer Herd) DAU plan was approved by the Commission in
December of 2010. As this population has increased gradually over the past decade, nearing the
population objective of 6,300 – 7,700 animals, game damage and urban deer conflicts around the towns
of Salida and Buena Vista have increased. These regulations institute antlerless deer hunting during the
archery and muzzleloading seasons in this DAU, and establish a late antlerless PLO hunt code in a
portion of GMU 56 to target urban deer around the town of Salida. These modifications are intended to
allow for a sustainable increase in hunter opportunity, stabilize the D-15 population at or near population
objectives, and mitigate private land and urban deer conflicts.
High Country Antlered Hunt in D15:
These regulations establish an early-season (September) high-country rifle antlered deer hunt in D-15.
The western boundary of the D-15 DAU is the Continental Divide and the DAU includes substantial alpine
summer habitat for deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, moose, and other wildlife species. Such a
hunt would allow a limited number of hunters to pursue bucks on public land summer alpine habitats prior
to their migrations to lower elevations, often on private lands, during the general rifle seasons. D-15
buck:doe ratios have steadily increased since the mid-1980s and it is estimated the proposed early hunt
would have little noticeable impact on buck ratios in the DAU. Early season high country buck hunts
currently occur in DAUs D-2, D-3, D-4, D-7, D-8, D-13, D-14, D-34, D-37, D-52, and D-53. These hunts
are highly valued by hunters, generally requiring multiple preference points to draw. D-15 includes a
substantial amount of alpine habitat along the Continental Divide that is heavily utilized by deer during the
summer and fall months, and has the potential to provide increased opportunity for a limited number of
early season high country buck licenses.
Fourth Season Antlered Hunt Closed in GMU 10:
In 2006, in an effort to provide a high quality buck hunting opportunity for mule deer during the rut, a 4 th
season buck hunt was established in DAUs across the Northwest Region with buck ratios of 25
bucks:100 does or above and mule deer populations that were at or above long-term population
objectives. DAU D-6 (GMU 10) was one of the Units where a 4th season buck hunt was established.
Prior to 2006, buck ratios averaged between 40 – 50 bucks: 100 does. Since that hunt code was
established the hunt has been populated with five buck licenses per year with only two licenses being
issued for the 2011 hunting season. Additionally, reductions to 2 nd and 3rd season buck licenses have
also been made since 2008. Buck ratios since 2007 have steadily declined in the Unit to a low of 21.5
bucks:100 does post hunt 2010. This is largely a result of poor fawn recruitment the past three years,
averaging 27 fawns:100 does. The deer herd in GMU 10 has experienced a steady decline in total
numbers since 2001 from an estimate of 7000 animals, to approximately 3900 animals post-hunt 2010.
The current long-term population objective for the DAU is 7000 animals. Due to a steadily declining deer
herd, declining sex ratios, poor fawn recruitment, and minimal buck hunting opportunities during the 4 th
season the 4th season buck hunt code has been discontinued.
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Season Choice White-Tailed Deer Management in D54 and D55:
In 2003, whitetail-only (WTO) licenses were first implemented within Colorado in these two DAUs to
reduce the increasing white-tailed deer numbers. From 2003-2007, WTO licenses were issued as eithersex or antlerless licenses for a single December season. In 2008, these licenses were further expanded
to include archery, muzzleloader, regular and late-plains rifle seasons which required the addition of
several hunt codes and the division of harvest and licenses between the varied methods of take. As a
result, some hunters have expressed disfavor with the increased regulation complexity of deer hunting in
these units. Moreover, in some units the addition of multiple seasons and hunts has resulted in reduced
opportunity for regular (either species) licenses, especially for antlered deer. Season Choice deer
licenses were introduced along the South Platte River in GMUs 91, 92, and 96 in 2009 to increase
harvest of antlerless deer on private lands. This strategy has proved successful with harvest rates
increasing by 5-10% compared to PLO antlerless licenses used previously. Observed harvest increases
are likely due to the flexibility and extended timeframe offered by Season Choice licenses. Season
Choice licenses allow hunting during any and all deer seasons within a GMU until the license is filled and
a hunter is only restricted by method-of-take and associated regulations valid during each specific
season. These regulations intend to more effectively manage white-tailed deer numbers in D54 and D55
by applying the season choice concept to WTO licenses.
ELK
Restriction in Participation of Late Youth Unfilled License Participation in E2 and E6:
In 2000, a regulation was approved which allows any youth hunter with an unfilled cow or either sex
license to hunt in Game Management Units (GMUs) with late antlerless elk seasons, regardless of the
valid GMUs of the original license. As many elk Data Analysis Units (DAUs) approach long-term
population objectives across the state, CPW personnel are reevaluating the management tools that have
been used to achieve these long-term objectives, including late seasons, List B licenses, and youth
hunting during late seasons. Antlerless seasons in December and January were originally created to help
manage growing elk populations. These late seasons are an effective management tool because elk
concentrate in large groups on winter ranges and are more vulnerable to hunter harvest with high
success. For this reason, the late season hunts have become very popular with the public and many
require preference points to draw a license. However, as DAUs approach long-term objectives the
potential for youth harvest to be additional to the annual antlerless harvest objectives set for these
seasons needs to be considered more closely. Many youth are taking advantage of this opportunity and
hunting cow elk during the late seasons by purchasing a leftover license, List B license, over-the-counter
(OTC) archery, or a license from an undersubscribed GMU. It is not uncommon for DWMs during the late
seasons to contact a disproportionate number of youth hunters in E-2 and E-6 compared to hunters that
have drawn a limited license for the late season. Based on field contacts with youth hunters in E-2 and E6, many have never hunted the GMU in which the license was originally allocated, but instead, pick up an
OTC, List B license, or a license from an undersubscribed unit with the intent of only hunting in E-2 or E6. While the harvest from youth hunters is accounted for at the DAU level, the overall participation in the
late season opportunity and the accuracy as to which seasons participation is occurring is unknown due
to the numerous varieties of opportunity available to youth hunters. Currently, the potential pool of youth
with unfilled licenses that will participate in any one DAU with a late season is unknown. As a result,
additional antlerless harvest is occurring in E2 and E6. Thus, as these DAUs move nearer to long-term
population objectives, accounting for some level of youth participation is now desirable during the licensesetting process, as such youth hunting is impacting the number of limited late-season and regular-season
licenses being issued in order to account for potential additional harvest by youth that may participate in a
late season with an unfilled license from outside these DAUs. As a result, these regulations require
youths participating in late seasons in these DAUs to hold a license that was originally valid for these
DAUs.
E10 Reversion of First and Fourth Season Either-Sex Licenses to Antlered-Only:
Either-sex elk licenses were created to increase antlerless harvest at a time when elk populations were
extremely high and new avenues were being created to bring these populations to objective. In this
GMU, these licenses have been very effective at increasing antlerless harvest. As a result, these
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regulations revert first and fourth season licenses to antlered-only, maintaining antlerless opportunity in
the second and third seasons, while allowing for more quality elk hunting opportunity overall in the Yellow
Creek DAU.
GMU 31 Antlerless Late Season:
The elk population within DAU E10 is currently within acceptable social and biological levels. During the
DAU planning process in 2005, a population size objective was selected that reflected general
satisfaction with the then-current population size. Due to model updates, the population estimate is
higher than previous estimates, and outside of the DAU population size objective. However, the
population is only slightly higher (~4%) than 2005 levels and remains within biological and social
tolerance. Although the population is currently at a generally acceptable level, recent land use changes,
including oil and gas development, have resulted in disproportionately higher harvest in GMUs 21 & 22.
Thus, the herd is decreasing dramatically in these GMUs, and is stable to increasing in GMUs 31 & 32.
Current licenses and seasons are not adequate to address the issue in GMU 31. These regulations allow
for increased harvest in GMU 31 on both public and private land, improve hunter opportunity, particularly
for youth hunters, while effectively targeting the harvest within E10.
Adding GMU 14 to the Existing Adjacent Private-Land-Only Hunt:
During October and early November most of the elk in GMU 14 are difficult to harvest because they are
deep in the National Forest and/or landlocked by subdivisions. When elk are eventually forced to lower
elevations (into private land) by snow in late November the regular seasons are over. Many landowners
allow hunting in October and November during regular seasons but hunter success is poor unless there
has been significant snow. EF-214-P5-R runs December 1 to December 31 in GMUs 214 and 441.
Adding unit 14 to this hunt code is intended to increase antlerless harvest in this herd.
GMU 82 Late Antlerless Season Discontinued:
Late seasons are intended to help control elk numbers, especially for populations over objective. This
late season has been in place for over 10 years in GMU 82. As such, the elk are habituated to the
hunting pressure. GMU 82 is a unique situation because the elk have ample places to escape from
hunting including the Baca Wildlife Refuge and the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Several elk travel
onto Baca and the Sand Dunes, making them inaccessible to hunters. Furthermore, elk concentrate on a
few riparian areas within Baca and the Sand Dunes, damaging native vegetation. Hunting pressure
during this late season occurs mainly on public land in the northern portion of the GMU. This pressure
forces the elk south, onto refuges. Elimination of this season is intended to maintain a more equal
distribution of elk throughout the GMU rather than force their concentration on Baca and the Sand Dunes.
Low numbers of elk have been consistently harvested during the late season in this GMU. As such, this
hunt has been relatively ineffective in addressing the problem of being over objective by more than 1,000
animals. Wildlife managers are actively working with the Baca and Sand Dunes for cooperation on this
issue. The Baca National Wildlife Refuge is developing a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP)
outlining their strategy for elk management. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is promoting coordinating hunts
on refuge property as a mechanism to break up the elk concentrations. These hunts will advance both
the quality and quantity of public hunting in the GMU. Creative, interagency partnership are intended to
help solve the elk overpopulation in lieu of the public land late season.
GMU 85 Early Antlerless Season Eliminated:
Several years ago an early season was added in the Huerfano County portion of GMU 85. This season
was implemented to increase antlerless elk harvest and address elk conflicts with hayfields prior to the
regular rifle seasons. Over the last number of years concerns have been raised that elk numbers in GMU
85 have declined. Given these concerns, these regulations eliminate that early-season hunt.
PRONGHORN
GMU 107 and 109 Doe Licenses “List B”:
The Last Chance pronghorn DAU (A-19) includes GMUs 106, 107, and 109. The 2010 post-hunt
modeled population estimate of 3,100, which included adults, yearlings, and fawns, was well above the
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population objective of 2,000 pronghorn. This modeled estimate was corroborated by a distance estimate
conducted in 2009 that found an estimated pre-production (i.e., only adults and yearlings) spring
population size of 2,600 pronghorn. The DAUs (A-35 & A-6), which are west and south of the Last
Chance DAU, are above objective as well. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officials have received
complaints from landowners in GMUs 105 (A-35) and 106 about the number of pronghorn present on
their crops. In response to the high population size estimates and associated potential game damage
issues, various measures have previously been implemented, including increasing licenses and
classifying various doe licenses in the area as “List B.” List B licenses provide a management tool for
targeting doe harvest in units that are over objective since hunters can hold both a buck and doe license
or two doe licenses. This is a particularly important tool in units that are primarily comprised of private
land since hunter access is limited by landowners. Hunters who gain access to private property have the
opportunity to harvest two pronghorn in List B units. These regulations make rifle doe licenses List B in
GMUs 107 and 109 in an effort to bring the population closer to objective.
Measures in A13 to Manage Pronghorn Population:
Pronghorn DAUs A-5, A-6, A -7, A-8, A-12, A-18, and A-19, in the SE region, are currently over their
respective long-term population objectives. Recent population estimates suggest A-13 is also over the
long-term objective of 1,400-1,700 pronghorn. The modeled 2010 postseason estimate is 4,117
pronghorn with projected postseason 2011 population estimate of 3,574. At the current population size,
there is concern about agricultural damage in the DAU. While substantial license increases in 2011
should help to slow the growth of this population, these regulations implement three additional measures
in A13 aimed at further moving the population towards the long-term objective and reducing the potential
for game damage. They implement a late-season doe, make all licenses in the DAU “List B,” and
combine GMUs into three hunt codes to allow greater opportunity for hunters across GMU boundaries.
Standardizing Late Doe Private-Land-Only (PLO) Seasons in GMUs 9, 87, 88 and 191:
These regulations modify late doe pronghorn seasons in the Fort Collins area, which are currently at longterm population objectives. While game damage claims are currently not significant across these units,
very localized concentrations of pronghorn in winter can create significant losses for individual
landowners. Therefore, late seasons continue to be desirable in the area. These regulations provide a
consistent structure to PLO seasons in both DAUs and provide landowners/managers with an option for
redistributing/harvesting pronghorn on private land that may be causing damage after the regular rifle
seasons have concluded.
GMU 105 Late Doe Pronghorn Season Established:
Recent developments in survey methods have provided an improved population estimate that is
significantly above the current population objective for pronghorn data analysis unit A35, which includes
GMU 105. There have also been game damage concerns in recent years in which pronghorn congregate
on winter wheat fields and reduce yield creating significant losses for individual landowners. Although no
game damage claims have been filed recently, field staff has assisted landowners with hazing pronghorn
and several game damage/dispersal hunts have been conducted in an attempt to redistribute pronghorn.
Doe licenses in GMU 105 were previously made “List B,” and although more licenses will likely be added
to bring the population closer to the desired objective, a late season doe hunt is intended to provide
managers with more flexibility in reducing the herd and alleviating landowner concerns
A5 Population Management:
Pronghorn DAU A-5 (Game management units 120, 121, 125 and 126) is located in south-central
Colorado and surrounds the town of Haswell. This DAU has a pronghorn population objective of 2,4003,000 and a population target of 2,700. Current post hunt population estimates for 2010 place the
population at 6,012 with an anticipated 2011 post-hunt population of 5,626. In an effort to reduce
regulation complexity and allow hunters greater access to the pronghorn population these regulations
combine both the regular and late season huntcodes for GMUs 120, 121, 125 and 126 into a single hunt
code per season, one each for bucks and another for does. Allowing hunters to hunt all the GMUs in the
DAU during both the regular and the late season is intended to create more flexibility to improve harvest
rates.
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A27 Hunting Seasons Closed:
The pronghorn population in DAU A-27 (Delta) has been decreasing steadily since the late 1980s. The
drought years of 2001-2003 and persistent low fawn:doe ratios have not allowed this population to
rebound. Numerous factors could be causing the low fawn/doe ratios, including poor habitat conditions,
drought, winter domestic sheep grazing removing quality forage, poor cover conditions for fawning cover,
predation associated with lack of quality cover, Highway 50 improvement from two-lane to four-lane
highway, poor water availability, and disease. Currently, the population estimate in A-27 is around 100
pronghorn. In addition, the A-27 hunts are currently taking 14 and 15 points for two archery buck licenses
and two rifle buck licenses, yet there has been some discontent with hunters not recognizing the small
herd size and quality of the herd, only the preference points required. Managers are very interested in
trying to maintain this population as a viable, watchable, and huntable population. However, these
regulations recognize that continuing a hunt in A-27 may not be the best for a declining population at this
time. If the population begins to grow again in the future, it is the intent of local staff to be able offer
hunting opportunity again in the future.
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 2, 2012 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 12th DAY OF JANUARY, 2012.
APPROVED:
Tim Glenn
Chairman
ATTEST:
Mark Smith
Secretary
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