Colorado’s early big game seasons are showing signs of recovery, and wildlife officers are cautiously optimistic as they watch herds grow and harvest statistics climb. Jared Lamb, Colorado Parks and Wildlife District Wildlife Manager for the Craig North District, reported increasing opportunities for hunters targeting elk, deer, pronghorn, and bear following a harsh winter that devastated Northwest Colorado two years prior. His management area spans a significant part of Routt and Moffat counties, which has been directly impacted by wildlife dynamics over the last few hunting seasons.
Lamb’s inaugural season in the area followed the devastating winter of 2022-2023, during which he noted, “It was pretty slim pickings out there.” The severe conditions notably affected older elk populations, causing a scarcity of legal bulls. Mike Swaro, assistant area wildlife manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife based out of Meeker, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We estimate we lost close to half of our elk population after that severe winter.” Yet, as of September this year, many are sensing a turnaround.
With muzzleloader season closing on September 23 and archery season on September 30, reports indicate that conditions improved noticeably. Lamb observed “lots of bugling, even throughout the day,” during the muzzleloader period, leading to a satisfactory harvest. Elk checks revealed many young bulls alongside signs of herd growth, with animals being spotted across a wide range of terrains.
Notably, the Bears Ears herd is estimated to include around 16,000 elk, although still below the management objective. However, this increase is promising after two mild winters have positively influenced calf survival rates. In a strategic approach to hasten recovery, many rifle tags in the region have been switched to bull-only specifications.
The expanding habitat for elk, deer, and other game species is a mixed result of dry summers and a robust push to manage population dynamics effectively. Lamb indicated that while deer numbers are improving, they are doing so slowly due to challenges like chronic wasting disease (CWD). On a brighter note, hunters are noticing a higher quality of bucks compared to previous years, signifying better opportunities ahead.
Pronghorn populations have taken a hit but are starting to show signs of resilience. In contrast, bear hunting faces challenges due to unexpected dispersal following September rains, complicating harvest dynamics. Lamb mentioned that while demand for bear tags remains steady, actual harvest numbers reflect a need for strategy adjustments.
As hunters prepare for the upcoming rifle seasons commencing October 15, Lamb suggests that opportunities for young bulls are abundant. However, mature elk are scarce after years of hunting pressure and the effects of winter die-offs. With rut activity showing signs of varying intensity, hunters could be in for surprises this season.
Lamb also stressed the importance of regulatory compliance, especially regarding the handling of firearms. Mistakes such as carrying loaded firearms in vehicles are prevalent, a fact that merits continued education. The enforcement of laws regarding modern technology in hunting—like cellular trail cameras and drones—adds another layer of complexity to hunters' experiences this season.
This rebound in hunting conditions marks a vital shift for the region, especially after a bleak couple of years. Lamb reassured, “People were shell-shocked thinking that we have no critters left in Craig after that winter. That’s not the case. We’re rebounding, and there’s definitely opportunity in our area still.” As hunters now turn their attention to the rifle seasons, they can look forward to good prospects, especially concerning legal bulls and improving deer numbers. With the first rifle season on the horizon, the anticipation builds for a positive outcome in this critical hunting period, as both locals and visitors eye the wonders that northwest Colorado has to offer.
In light of the recent improvements in wildlife populations and regulations, it appears that Colorado hunters are poised for a promising season ahead. While there are still concerns regarding overall herd health, especially with chronic wasting disease lingering, the current trends indicate a resurgence that may restore confidence among both seasoned and novice hunters. Observers should closely monitor the developments as the rifle season kicks off. What we know is heartening; however, the long-term impacts of recent winters remain to be fully realized.