CO Archery Elk for DAU E-14 to Limited Draw?

sacox31s

FNG
Joined
Oct 5, 2018
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CO
Article - https://www.nbc11news.com/2022/09/1...3JpbCX8vb4tFCTYsQSsMw1X64bRk9nthGpFEEKmN_nhH4

From CPW,

"
Data Analysis Unit E14 Archery Poll
The Grand Mesa Elk Data Analysis Unit (DAU) E-14 includes GMUs 41, 42, 421, 52, 411 and 521. E-14 has traditionally been managed for maximum hunter opportunity where either-sex archery elk licenses, and bull-only licenses for the 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons are available to hunters on an unlimited, “Over-The-Counter” basis. Wildlife managers have intentionally reduced the E-14 elk herd from a high of over 20,000 elk in the early 1990s to a 2021 post-hunt population estimate of approximately 14,000 elk. The current population objective for this herd is 15,000-19,000 elk.

Participation in the elk archery season has increased significantly in E-14, with the number of archery hunters approximately doubling over the last 10 years. Increased crowding during the archery season paired with reduced elk numbers has led to discussion of limiting archery licenses in GMU 521, which has experienced a high degree of pressure. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is considering the implications of limiting E-14 archery licenses as a whole versus limiting just GMU 521.

This poll is intended to gauge the level of support or opposition for limiting elk archery licenses in E-14. The intent behind potential archery limitation is not 'trophy' bull management. Rather it would be to address hunter crowding issues, provide an enhanced hunting experience, and acknowledge that elk distribution between public and private lands is influenced by increasing hunting pressure."

Probably a good idea, but there'd be a lot of displaced OTC hunters crowding other OTC units.
 
Joined
Mar 4, 2014
Messages
2,053
They have been closing units every year. Nonresident OTC is most likely on its way out. The hunting numbers are putting a hurt on the elk heard. For whatever reason Colorado restricts archery hunters and not too many rifle hunters. The North American Model was left a long time ago in the chase of money.
 
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