Interesting article on elk kill off near Vail

[Carr5vols]

Americans' love of hiking has driven elk to the brink, scientists say

Trail use near Vail, Colorado, has more than doubled since 2009. It’s had a devastating impact on a herd of elk

www.theguardian.com

 

[kiddogy]

there you have it . better ban walking.

 

[All American Boy]

The population of CO had doubled in 30 years and the recreation industry has soared as well. It's effects on wildlife has been profound.

 

[Carr5vols]

there you have it . better ban walking.

Yuppies kill more than we do.

 

[kiddogy]

Yuppies kill more than we do.

speak for yourself, Padawan.

yes , I am ashamed that I know that reference.

 

[ElkElkGoose]

This is the #1 threat to wildlife besides winter habitat development.

The majority of impactors are blissfully ignorant but will violently fight curing their ignorance so they can maintain their bliss.

 

[elkduds]

...resulting in loss of either sex archery and rifle elk tags throughout the Vail valley, along w bull tag reductions. Elk calves that survive to August of their birth year are very resilient, compared to deer fawns and other wild infants. They just need a secure nursery for their first summer, every summer.

 

[87TT]

We just need more wolves to help the herd, right?

 

[String&stick]

I say to combat the issue we start with a multi pronged approach

1. Excise taxes on all hiking and backpacking equipment that flows directly into a fund similar to the pitman Robinson fund to support habitat.

2. A restrictive backpacking season. Extremely limiting trails to be used during the spring and summer.

3. A backpacking license, and of course for non residents that license will cost 10x what the resident pays.

4. Possibilty of a draw system, with preference point (for sale of course) to allow limited access to trails during those amazing wildlife times. There can still be come OTC hiking units but we will assess their crowding and impact at a later date!

I believe this is a solid formula to limit access and pressure, while also giving the people opportunity!



(Yes that is all sarcasm font! But it would be amazing if they would do some of those things and make the hikers and bikers actually respect wildlife and pay a share of management)

 

[IdahoElk]

Yuppies kill more than we do.

Ban Yuppies!

 

[Akwoodchuck]

Agree that non-consumptive users need to get a LOT more skin in the game....and the rampant development in and adjacent to prime habitat needs to stop....

 

[silasbowhunter]

That’s a profound conclusion. Simply astounding the impact that hiking is having on them


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JWP58]

Ban Yuppies!

You mean doper hippies right?

 

[Nickofthewoods]

I would bet that any comprehensive study on wildlife disturbance caused by human recreation would show that DOGS create an exponential jump in stress to Elk and deer. Everyone with a Bike, Skis and a Tacoma has a couple of dumb dogs that they feel are such exceptional creatures that they never need to be under control. My observations are that elk and deer will usually freeze until human hikers walk by, but their off-leash dogs 100 yards away are the ones pressuring the animals.

 

[Okhotnik]

We just need more wolves to help the herd, right?

Yep the wolf introduction will bring back those elk. As k Buzzh

 

[JWP58]

Yep the wolf introduction will bring back those elk. As k Buzzh

Of course the all knowing grand poobah

 

[RojoGrande]

I think the wolves are to reduce the population of the yuppie doper hippie hikers.....

 

[street]

Driving up I 70 from Denver is really depressing. The amount of development is becoming out of control. Knowing what to do about it is the real challenge.

 

[Fatcamp]

I would bet that any comprehensive study on wildlife disturbance caused by human recreation would show that DOGS create an exponential jump in stress to Elk and deer. Everyone with a Bike, Skis and a Tacoma has a couple of dumb dogs that they feel are such exceptional creatures that they never need to be under control. My observations are that elk and deer will usually freeze until human hikers walk by, but their off-leash dogs 100 yards away are the ones pressuring the animals.

Here here! If it doesn't heel it is a nuisance. Hate untrained dogs.

 

[tdhanses]

Agree that non-consumptive users need to get a LOT more skin in the game....and the rampant development in and adjacent to prime habitat needs to stop....

Really, so do you also want them to have a voice in management?