Arriving just hours apart, the two messages spoke volumes about the fragile nature of Colorado’s deer herds and of the fortunes of hunters who hang their recreational hopes upon them.
One Division of Wildlife report spoke glowingly of the 2007 deer harvest, the best in a decade. Another held the seeds of drastically reduced numbers for the coming hunt in the anticipation of widespread winter mortality. In releasing its 2007 harvest statistics Tuesday, DOW revealed that hunters bagged 45,026 deer, the highest number since 1997. By contrast, elk success plummeted dramatically, 8,000 fewer than in 2006. What a difference a short few months can bring for deer prospects.
The most brutal winter in a quarter century has caused widespread mortality of deer in western Colorado, particularly in the Gunnison River Basin. An almost certain result will be a reduction in hunt opportunity for a species managed exclusively by limited licenses. That leads to the second announcement of a March 28 Gunnison meeting to discuss license availability in five key game management units where deep snow and brutal cold killed an undetermined number of deer and pronghorn while prompting a widespread feeding program now into its third month.
DOW will continue to feed an estimated 9,000 deer through March, then evaluate the need on a weekly basis. Although precise numbers elude them, officials fear a significant loss in the Gunnison herd. Other areas of concern include the Eagle Valley, the Yampa River Basin and parts of Middle Park.
The Gunnison country poses the greatest worry both for the uncommon and continuing severity of the winter and the impact on what perhaps had been the state’s most glowing big game success story. The Gunnison area had emerged among the most desirable destinations for deer in the entire country for its high density of quality bucks.
The degree to which this reputation can be salvaged will be the prime point of discussion at a two- part meeting at the Holiday Inn Express, 910 E. Tomichi Ave. DOW officials will offer information and receive comment on game management units 66 and 67 from 10 a.m. until noon. Then, from 1-3 p.m., the emphasis will shift to units 54, 55 and 551. Written comment may be submitted by April 4 to Brandon Diamond, 300 Elk Ave., Gunnison 81230.
In allocating licenses, the agency factors last season’s harvest, post-hunt aerial surveys and mortality estimates. The Colorado Wildlife Commission will make the final determination of all limited licenses at its May meeting in Grand Junction.
Application deadline is April 1. More good news: 2007 deer statistics also revealed a rousing success rate of 46 percent among 98,283 hunters, highest participation since 1999. Elk numbers took a sharp dive. The 49,012 animals collected by 227,262 hunters — 22 percent success — marked the first dip below the 50,000 benchmark since 1999.
Bruce Watkins, DOW’s terrestrial analyst, cited a number of potential factors: warm, dry weather during the third and fourth season segments; an overall decline of elk numbers related to efforts toward a statewide population balance; 10,000 fewer hunters than the previous year, a decline tied in part to economic conditions; 5,000 fewer cow licenses issued. By contrast, pronghorn hunters experienced a banner season. The 8,492 animals harvested was highest since 1997 and success rate registered a robust 67 percent.
Expo in Loveland.
The second Colorado Outdoor Expo is scheduled March 29-30 at the First National Bank Building at The Ranch in Loveland. The 10 a.m.-5 p.m. event will showcase a broad array of outdoor activities. Check it out at .
Wright on.
A belated recognition to Sandy Wright, who was omitted from a reference to women competing in the National Fly Fishing Championship. In 56th place among 70 total competitors, Wright was the highest finisher among the three women in the event.
