Colorado’s elk population increased by approximately 10,000 animals to 282,000 from a year ago yet the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission reduced the number of available elk tags in 2018 by 4 percent or 5,600.
According to a report in Daily Sentinel, the reason is two-fold. First, the state is basing license numbers on a smaller population size and more herds that are at or near management objectives. And second, to address a decline in calf-cow ratios particularly in southwest Colorado where herds are struggling.
“That’s a very big concern we’ve been watching,” Andy Holland, Colorado Parks and Wildlife big game species manager, told the Daily Sentinel.
The commission approved 127,600 elk licenses for 2018.
Colorado is offering more deer, antelope, black bear and moose licenses than a year ago.
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(Photo source: Scott Mutchler)