s.w Colorado elk survey

[antler chaser]

The Dow is having a meeting Monday,I plan to attend. What are your opinions on the elk heard? numbers,sex ratio,draw, hunting pressure,quality.

[Big Sneaky]

I haven't hunted CO for the last 2 yrs so my opinion may be somewhat dated.  I have hunted elk there 3 times.  2 times in the West Elk Wilderness, and once in the South San Juan Wilderness.    Didn't have any trouble finding elk in either place, but did have trouble getting away from people.  I think if CO would make the entire state a draw to limit the # of hunters and increase the number of mature bulls would be a step in the right direction.  I for one would rather go on a quality hunt every 2-4 yrs than a poor hunt every year.  I realize this probably won't happen because it would cause the DOW to lose some serious money, but you asked for my opinion.  

[Bill Kissner]

I have hunted many years in OTC unit 73. The elk numbers are definitely down significantly there. I am glad they stopped selling discounted cow tags.

[motorhead7963]

I hunted unit 74 this year and I have been enjoying my backstraps since my hunt, as for the number of hunters and game, the Elk numbers were very good and the hunter numbers were low(which is even better)in my unit.Seen many many animals.

[Txnrog]

Not sure if Gunnison basin falls into that DAU, but I haven't had issues getting into elk. I think the winter a couple years ago had a worse impact on the elk than was publicized (most of the focus was on deer). BUT, I think they've already done enough in that area, there were quite a few hunters around this year, but it was a bit easier to ditch the crowds since the archery draw started.

"I think if CO would make the entire state a draw to limit the # of hunters and increase the number of mature bulls would be a step in the right direction." Not to be argumentative, but this is understandable as a NR, but Residents, such as I would be screaming. I'd rather hunt every year with the off chance of mature bull (which is possible in even the most heavily hunted OTC units) than hunt once every 2-3 years with a slightly better chance. I just watched my unit go to a draw, and imagine I'll be able to pull it for a couple years, but will be going to another OTC after that.

[Txnrog]

BTW, if you want a draw, the option exists. with 2-4 points, you can already get into some decent units with managed pressure.