Big Game Hunting in Northeast Colorado

Transcription

1 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE Big Game Hunting in Northeast Colorado COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE Northeast Regional Office 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO (303) cpw.state.co.us

2 2 ABOUT THIS BOOKLET This book is NOT a legal document. For specific details on regulations, restrictions, licenses and applications, please refer to the 2017 Colorado Big Game brochure. For a full legal document, you can view general and big game regulations on our web site at The data in this booklet is provided to help hunters with making hunting decisions. While this data is also used in management of game populations, it is not the ONLY data the Colorado Parks & Wildlife uses. For example, aerial survey data varies widely based on factors such as weather conditions, time spent in the air, and time of day. That s why biologists use harvest data, game damage claims, landowner reports, advanced computer modeling, on-the-ground knowledge, and other information in establishing herd objectives and population estimates. Good luck with your hunt and remember: Safe hunting is no accident! If you have questions about this booklet or suggestions to make it better contact: Jennifer Churchill NE Region, Public Information Officer (303) jennifer.churchill@state.co.us ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Information and guidance for this booklet was provided by the District Wildlife Managers, Area Wildlife Managers, Area Biologists and Customer Service Representatives of the northeast region. Their hard work and dedication to the wildlife resource make northeast Colorado a popular hunting destination. Thanks to all of them for doing what they do and for telling us about it, so we could tell you. Thanks also to the GIS unit for providing the maps used in this booklet. Information depicted is for reference purposes only and is compiled from the best available sources. Reasonable efforts have been undertaken to assure the accuracy of all maps.

3 CONTENTS ANTLER POINTS and UNLIMITED ELK UNITS... 4 NEW FOR HUNTING THE NE REGION OF COLORADO... 6 UNDERSTANDING HARVEST STATISTICS... 6 ELK AND DEER UNITS AND HARVEST STATISTICS CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE INFO HUNTER S CHECKLIST KNOW YOUR PHYSICAL LIMITS CARING FOR YOUR CAMPSITE PLAINS ELK INFORMATION PRONGHORN, MOOSE AND BEAR INFO & STATISTICS...47 COMMON VIOLATIONS VISITOR INFO, USEFUL WEBSITES, ETC...60 Moose can be found throughout northeastern Colorado! Know your target! Moose spend considerable time in forested areas, as well as along streams. The fine for illegally killing & abandoning a moose starts at $1,370. Take care not to mistake a moose for an elk. Cow Moose Bull moose Cow elk Bull elk Moose have: Overhanging snouts Bulbous noses Dark, black-brown bodies Whitish-gray inner legs Palmated antlers Elk have: Slender snouts Pale yellow rumps Reddish,lighter brown bodies Darker legs Branched antlers 3

4 ANTLER POINT RESTRICTIONS All bull (antlered) ELK harvested in northeast Colorado must have at least one antler 5 long. brow tines Legal bull in shaded limited units must have 4 points or more on 1 antler, or a brow tine over 5. 4 Note: All deer licenses are limited and issued through the drawing. Landowner permission is required to hunt deer and elk on private land.

5 NEW FOR CPW LICENSING SYSTEM CHANGES CPW is in the process of transitioning to an upgraded licensing, pass, registration and reservation system in 2017/18. All customers will need to have an individual address and password to apply for or purchase CPW products with the new system; make sure your contact information and are correct now when you apply for your license. CPW is also in the process of going paperless for hunting license applications in The final year for paper hunting license applications is Please take a moment to correct your phone, and mailing address information while applying or buying this year. cpw.state.co.us/updateinfo CHANGES TO LICENSE REFUND, REISSUE AND EXCHANGE POLICIES All license exchanges will be charged a fee of fifty percent of the cost of the original license, not to exceed $25. Read the license exchange policy in full at cpw.state.co.us/lcpolicy. MANDATORY CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE (CWD) TESTING IN SELECT GMUs In order to better gauge the presence of CWD in select deer herds, CPW will require mandatory submission of CWD test samples from some hunter-harvested bucks and does during the 2017 archery, muzzleloader and rifle seasons. Any notified hunter that harvests a deer in the hunts specified will be required to present their deer for testing at a CPW facility. Get more information about where and how to sumbit a CWD sample at cpw.state.co.us/bg/cwd. DEER LATE ANTLERLESS DEER RIFLE SEASON IN GMUs 87 & 88 REINSTATED See hunt code table on page 27 of Big Game brochure SHOW YOUR PRIDE, COLORADO STYLE Display your pride and support for wildlife conservation by purchasing a Colorado Sportsmen s License Plate for your vehicle. The plates may be ordered at statewide DMV offices. For further information, visit: cpw.state.co.us/sportsmen-plate 5

6 HUNTING THE NORTHEAST REGION OF COLORADO pursuing game in the northeast region must contend with a highly populated area, a multitude of private lands, and differing viewpoints and values when it comes to hunting. Being a good representative for the sport is imperative if hunting is to continue in these communities. Do your part by bringing your best practices and ethics with you into the field. A True Hunter Will: 1) Only take a 100% safe shot. 2) Respect private property by obtaining permission to hunt. 3) Not hunt in densely populated neighborhoods. 4) Get permission to pursue a wounded animal onto private property can t pursue without permission either. 5) Abide by the rules of fair chase and ethical hunting. 6) Communicate with and mentor other hunters. 7) Not shoot an animal that is out of range or take a shot that is bad or unmanageable. 8) Follow and obey laws of federal, state, and local governments. 9) Practice good hunting ethics. 10) Respect non-hunters do not display game. UNDERSTANDING HARVEST STATISTICS & HERD RATIOS Ever see a baseball player with a.125 batting average hit a home run? Ever see a can t miss stock take a plunge? Ever hunt a unit with a 100% success rate and not see any deer? If you re nodding your head to any of these scenarios then you re one of the people who know that statistics are a good guide, but they aren t a guarantee. So, here s a guide to help make sense of these statistics. AGE & SEX RATIOS DAU# Herd Units Sex Ratio (Males/100 Females) Modeled Sex Ratio (Males/100 Females) Objective Population Modeled Population Objective 6 A B C D E F G

7 A The Data Analysis Unit (DAU) is the geographic area that represents the year-around range of a big game herd and includes all of the seasonal ranges of a specific herd. Each DAU usually is composed of several Game Management Units (GMUs), but in some cases only one GMU makes up a DAU. B A herd area is generally defined as the area where a group of animals spends the entire year. A herd area includes winter range, transition range, migratory corridors, fawning and calving areas and summer range. C Geographic areas within a herd area are called Game Management Units. Herds may use many GMUs or a single GMU. Because herd areas and the booklet chapters don t always overlap cleanly on a map, you may see that an area in this booklet may have multiple herds or herds may be split by multiple areas in the booklet. D The ratio of male animals to female animals, reported as the number of bucks or bulls to every 100 does or cows. E The ratio of male animals to female animals that the CPW is trying to obtain. This is the goal that optimizes the herd as a quality herd (producing more trophy type bucks and bulls), an opportunity herd (producing more hunting opportunity) or something in between. F This is the current year estimate of the size of the herd. As it is impossible to physically count every animal, the estimate is derived through computer modeling, on-the-ground observation, harvest data and other factors. To account for data fluctuations, the CPW is moving to expressing these estimates as a range instead of an exact number. G This is the population that the biologist is trying to achieve. This number is based on herd plans (called DAU Plans internally) that are developed through a public participation process. The herd objective is set to try and balance concerns of interested parties, which may range from agricultural damage to hunter preference. Also keep in mind that past performance doesn t necessarily guide future success. Warm weather during the previous year may have limited harvest. Cold and snowy weather may have sent hunters home early the previous year, limiting the harvest. You may have better conditions. A forest fire or other event may have disrupted an area the last year. Don t automatically assume that poor previous results mean a unit is a bad place to hunt, and vice-versa. To compensate for some of those factors that might skew harvest dramatically higher or lower in a unit, we ve added a five-year hunter success average column. 7

8 ARICKAREE GMUs101, 102 Chronic wasting disease has been found in unit 102. LOCAL OFFICE Brush (970) Note on units: Over 97% of this DAU is private property. are encouraged to visit the area and to contact landowners well in advance of the hunt to be successful. Do not wait until the day of the hunt to make first contact with a landowner! Know before you go--district Wildlife Managers cannot set up these introductions for you. There are several habitat types within the DAU, including dry cropland, irrigated cropland, short-grass prairie, sandsage/mid-grass prairie, cotton-wood-riparian bottoms, dry canyons, and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands. Over 50% of the DAU is comprised of sandsage/ mid-grass prairie sandhills. Habitat quality has increased across large portions of the DAU due to CRP lands, managed grazing systems within the sandsage rangelands, and changing cropping practices that emphasize dryland corn and domestic sunflowers as an alternative to a wheat-fallow system. There are 4 primary riparian systems within the DAU; the North Fork of the Republican River, Dry Willow Creek, Black Wolf Creek, and the Arikaree River. The climate in the DAU is characterized by hot, dry summers and recently, relatively mild winters. Annual precipitation ranges from inches, which occurs primarily during intense summer thunderstorms. Snowfall can be variable in the area, but recent winters have been dry with moderate temperatures. Land ownership patterns within the Arikaree DAU are typical of eastern Colorado with the majority of the area being in private ownership. Public lands comprise less than 3% of the DAU and are owned by CPW. 8

9 Land use within the DAU is almost completely based on agricultural production. Grazing by livestock is the primary influence on short-grass and sandsage/mid-grass prairie condition. Center pivot irrigation occurs throughout the DAU. Corn, wheat, and alfalfa are the primary crops under pivot irrigation. AREA MAPS Wray BLM Quad Wray Assessor s Office (970) USGS Topo Map AREA INFO DEER Both mule deer and white-tailed deer live throughout the DAU. Mule deer are commonly found in all habitat types in the DAU, although densities are highest in sandsage rangeland/irrigated cropland settings and within large complexes of CRP lands. White-tailed deer can also be found in any habitat type, although concentrations are highest along the Arikaree River and its tributaries and the North Fork of the Republican River Post-Hunt Deer Herd Statistics Sex Ratio DAU# Herd Units (Males/100 Females) 55 Arickaree 101, 102 Population 43v. 40 2,380 v. 2, Deer Statistics Unit Season Buck Doe Fawn Last Year 5 Year 101 SC Archery Muzzle Rifle Late SC Archery Muzzle Rifle Late

10 BIG THOMPSON/ST. VRAIN GMU 20 Chronic wasting disease has been found in this unit. LOCAL OFFICE DENVER (303) Note on unit: 49% of this GMU is private land. There is no hunting in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Elevation ranges from about 5,000 feet along the eastern border to over 14,000 feet along mountain peaks on the western and southern borders. Climate varies across the DAU as a function of elevation. Conditions on the eastern edge are standard for the foothills/short-grass prairie interface, with relatively mild winters, smaller snow accumulations and hotter summers. The higher elevation portions in the west experience a harsher climate, with cold winters, abundant snowfall and mild summers. Vegetation on the eastern side of the DAU bordering I-25 is composed of shortgrass prairie shrubs and plants. Native grasses, non-native grasses, croplands and residential developments dominate much of the landscape, with areas of rabbitbrush and cacti. Land ownership in D-10 is broken into 3 main categories which each compromise a relatively contiguous block of the DAU. The largest single land class is private land, which encompasses 577 sq. miles, or 49% of the DAU, mainly throughout the eastern half and surrounding the town of Estes Park. The United States Forest Service (USFS) manages much of the mid-elevation portions of D-10 with stewardship over 297 sq. miles (25% of DAU), mostly in the central part of the unit. RMNP encompasses 260 sq. miles along the western portion of D-10, accounting for 22% of the DAU. Boulder County Parks and Open Space covers 41 sq. miles (3%) with most lands 10

11 in or near the foothills. Slightly more than 1% of the DAU is made up of various state lands, with State Land Board areas making up the largest proportion. AREA MAPS Estes Park BLM quad US Forest Service Arapaho/ Roosevelt National Forest USGS Topo Map National Geographic Trails Illustrated AREA INFO DEER Deer summer throughout much of D-10, but with the onset of winter temperatures and snows at higher elevations, they usually move to winter ranges below 8,000 feet. Wind and typically mild and sunny conditions on deer winter range keep southern and western exposures virtually snow free during the winter. Along the D-10 foothills, where a large proportion of deer winter range occurs, temperatures are comparatively mild and winter weather moderate, punctuated with several snowfall events, followed by quick warming and melting of snow. Weather-related winter deer mortality is not a major factor in D-10. ELK Most of the elk range is located in the western ¾ of the DAU. Most of the elk summer in the western half of the unit above 8,000 feet, although there are elk year round at lower elevations near the foothills. Summer range is comprised mostly of RMNP, National Forest land and private land. During the winter months, most of the elk move to winter ranges below 9,000 feet, where they concentrate at mid elevations (especially in the Estes Valley) and lower elevations (especially in the foothills). A small number of elk winter at high elevations within RMNP on windswept alpine mesas. Land ownership on winter range includes RMNP, National Forest, private and city and county open space. Approximately 2/3 of the elk winter in the Estes Valley and the lower elevations of RMNP. The other 1/3 of the elk are distributed throughout the remainder of the DAU, with the highest concentrations wintering on private lands and on city and county open spaces near Lyons and Loveland. Approximately 15% of the herd spends a majority of the winter on National Forest lands. The E-F-020-L3-R late season hunt is established to handle elk damage issues in that portion of Boulder County. There is no public land open for hunting in this sub-unit. Therefore it is advisable to obtain landowner permission to hunt before obtaining an elk license for this portion of GMU

12 BIG THOMPSON/ST. VRAIN 2016 Post-Hunt Deer Herd Statistics Sex Ratio Population DAU# Herd Units (Males/100 Females) 10 Big T v. 25 7,200 v. 5, Deer Statistics Unit Season Buck Doe Fawn Last Year 5 Year 20 Archery Muzzle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle Post-Hunt Elk Herd Statistics Sex Ratio DAU# Herd Units (Males/100 Females) Population 9 St. Vrain v. 43 2,460 v. 2, Elk Statistics Unit Season Bull Cow Calf Last Year 5 Year 20 Archery Muzzle Early st Rifle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle Late

13 BRUSH SOUTH GMUs 99,100 Chronic wasting disease has been found in unit 99. LOCAL OFFICE Brush (970) or Denver (303) Notes on unit: The majority of this DAU is private property. are encouraged to visit the area and to contact landowners well in advance of the hunt to be successful. Do not wait until the day of the hunt to make first contact with a landowner! Know before you go--district Wildlife Managers cannot set up these introductions for you. Short-grass prairie comprises 10 15% of the area. The largest blocks of short-grass prairie are located in the central portion of the area. Habitat quality has increased across large portions of the area due to CRP lands, managed grazing systems within the sandsage and shortgrass rangelands, and changing cropping practices that emphasize dryland corn and domestic sunflowers as an alternative to a wheatfallow system. The climate in the area is characterized by hot, dry summers and recently, relatively mild winters. Annual precipitation ranges from inches with most occurring during intense summer thunderstorms. Snowfall can be variable in the area, but recent winters have been dry with moderate temperatures. Land ownership patterns are typical of eastern Colorado, with the majority of the area being in private ownership. Land use within the area is almost exclusively agricultural based. Center pivot irrigation occurs throughout the area. On the western end of the area residential development is encroaching into GMU 99, although to this point, impacts to deer habitat have been insignificant. 13

14 AREA MAPS AREA INFO USGS Topo Map National Geographic Trails Illustrated DEER Both mule deer and white-tailed deer can be found within the area. Mule deer are commonly found in all habitat types, although densities are highest in irrigated cropland settings, and within large complexes of CRP lands and often concentrate in the juniper breaks, canyons, and riparian areas during winter. White-tailed deer are far less numerous than mule deer and are typically found in areas adjacent to the South Platte River area, although, it is not uncommon for white-tailed deer to be found throughout. While some white-tailed deer are residents, many move into the area from the South Platte River, just prior to fawning season. As corn crops are harvested and winter approaches, most of these white-tailed deer leave and return to the South Platte River corridor Post-Hunt Deer Herd Statistics Sex Ratio DAU# Herd Units (Males/100 Females) 54 South Tablelands Population 99, v. 40 3,090 v. 3, Deer Statistics Unit Season Buck Doe Fawn Last Year 5 Year 99 SC Archery Muzzle Rifle Late SC Archery Muzzle Rifle Late

15 CENTRAL FRONT RANGE GMUs 29, 38, 39, 391, 46, 461, 51 Chronic wasting disease has been found in all units except 46. LOCAL OFFICE DENVER (303) Notes on unit: Reservation hunting takes place on Centennial Cone (Jefferson County Open Space) and Green Ranch (Colorado State Parks). using Highway 5 near Mt. Evans need to be aware there is no hunting within a ½ mile of either side of CO 5 above the junction with CO 103. Special restrictions, including closures, can be found for firearm use in Boulder and Jefferson counties be sure to check county websites. The majority of these DAUs are private property. are encouraged to visit the area and to contact landowners well in advance of the hunt to be successful. Do not wait until the day of the hunt to make first contact with a landowner Know before you go --District Wildlife Managers cannot set up these introductions for you. Land use has changed significantly over time as more land has been developed. This has resulted in loss of habitat and loss of recreational opportunities for hunters. The increasing traffic and number of roads in the area are sources of mortality and possible barriers to deer movement. The area ranges in elevation from about 5,100 feet in the east to over 14,000 feet in the west. The western part of the area is mountainous and includes many heavily forested areas, high alpine tundra, rocky 15

16 outcroppings, shrubs, and open grasslands. The southern part is midelevation grasslands, shrubs such as scrub oak and mountain mahogany, and open ponderosa pine forest. Willows are found in riparian areas throughout the area. The eastern part of the area is urban, including the Denver metropolitan area and surrounding areas. These areas are experiencing increasing residential and commercial development. Several high speed roads and highways are found within the area. These roads are sources of mortality and possible barriers to deer movement. The climate varies greatly from east to west across the area, depending on elevation. The eastern portion has comparatively warm summer temperatures and mild winters. The western portion is much colder with snow covering timbered areas and north facing slopes from November through May. Much of the area has relatively mild winters and is influenced by Chinook winds. These warm north slope winds melt snow quickly. Snow seldom stays for more than a few days on south-facing slopes below 9,000 feet. Alpine ridges usually stay open due to wind. There are 3 USFS wilderness areas in the DAU; Mount Evans (116+ sq. mi.), Indian Peaks (119+ sq. mi. in E-4), and James Peak Wilderness (21+ sq. mi.). Outdoor recreation on public lands is substantial. Hiking, four wheeling, horseback riding, motorbike riding, mountain bike riding, angling, hunting and wildlife viewing are primary uses. Hunting is not currently allowed on open space lands except on Jefferson County Open Space s Centennial Cone property ( AREA MAPS AREA INFO USGS Topo map BLM: Denver West, Estes Park US Forest Service Arapaho/ Roosevelt National Forest, Pike National Forest National Geographic Trails Illustrated DEER There are migratory and residential deer herds. Migratory deer winter at low elevation areas often mixing with residential deer. In summer and fall, migratory deer move up in elevation to forests and alpine areas above 9,000 feet and will remain on summer range until mid-october. 16

17 ELK Elk herds within the Central Front Range GMUs are either residential or seasonally migratory. Residential herds are found year-round at low to moderate elevations. Migratory herds generally winter below 9,000 feet taking advantage of snow-free south facing slopes and windblown ridges and meadows. Migratory herds summer in high elevation meadows and on alpine tundra from July through September and October depending on weather. Hard frosts that brown-out tundra and high meadows along with accumulating snow initiate elk movements to lower elevations. However, a few hardy herds winter on open wind-blown ridges even above timberline. A note to hunters: most low to mid elevation elk ranges are on private land or parks and open space lands that are generally are not open to hunting. Most public land hunting is at the mid to high elevation ranges Post-Hunt Deer Herd Statistics Sex Ratio DAU# Herd Units (Males/100 Females) Population 27 Boulder 29, v. 27 8,000 v. 7,000 CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a neurological disease that can be found in some deer, elk and moose, and is fatal to these animals. The disease has been found throughout northern Colorado, and in a number of other states and provinces. If you have questions about CWD and public health, contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at (303) PRECAUTIONS Do not shoot, handle or consume any animal that appears sick. Wear disposable rubber gloves when field dressing and processing animals. Bone out the meat from your animal. Minimize the handling of brain, spinal tissues, and viscera. Wash hands and instruments thoroughly after field dressing is completed. Avoid consuming brain, spinal cord, eyes, spleen, tonsils, pancreas and lymph nodes of harvested animals. Normal field dressing, coupled with boning out a carcass, will remove most, if not all, of these body parts. Do not consume meat from animals known to be infected with CWD. Knives, saws and cutting table surfaces can be disinfected by soaking in a solution of 50 percent unscented household bleach and 50 percent water for an hour. Afterward, rinse thoroughly and allow them to air dry. Submit harvested animals for testing at a CPW-CWD testing station. 17

18 CENTRAL FRONT RANGE 2016 Post-Hunt Deer Herd Statistics Sex Ratio DAU# Herd Units (Males/100 Females) 17 Bailey 39, 391, 46, 461, 51 Population 44 v. 25 8,470 v. 7, Deer Statistics Unit Season Buck Doe Fawn Last Year 5 Year 29 Archery Muzzle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle Archery Muzzle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle Late Archery Muzzle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle Archery Muzzle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle

19 CENTRAL FRONT RANGE 2016 Deer Statistics Unit Season Buck Doe Fawn Last Year 5 Year 46 Archery Muzzle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle Archery Muzzle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle Archery Muzzle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle Post-Hunt Elk Herd Statistics Sex Ratio DAU# Herd Units (Males/100 Females) 38 Clear Creek 29, 38 Population 23 v. 35 1,410 v. 1,200 Sex Ratio DAU# Herd Units (Males/100 Females) 39 Mt Evans 39, , 461, 51 Population 36 v. 45 2,120 v. 2,400 19

20 CENTRAL FRONT RANGE 2016 Elk Statistics Unit Season Bull Cow Calf Last Year 5 Year 29 Archery Muzzle Early st Rife nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle Archery Muzzle Early st Rifle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle Archery Muzzle Early st Rifle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle Archery Muzzle Early st Rifle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle

21 Unit Season Bull Cow Calf Last Year 5 Year 46 Archery Muzzle Early st Rifle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle Archery Muzzle Early st Rifle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle Archery Muzzle Early st Rifle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle Attention hunters: The proximity of these units to the Metro area and amount of private land, mixed public and private land make it very important to know where you are and have permission to use private land. Keep in mind that there are many other recreational users; you can show them that hunters are good people by practicing good hunting ethics. It is important to use Forest Service, Nat GEO Trailed Illustrated, County Assessors and topography maps to make sure of private boundary lines. LATE SEASON BIG GAME COUNTS CPW conducts big game counts with planes and helicopters in late seasons. The counts must occur at this time and may disperse animals. 21

22 NORTHERN FRONT RANGE AND LARAMIE RIVER GMUs 7, 8, 9, 19, 191 Chronic wasting disease has been found in all units. LOCAL OFFICE FORT COLLINS (970) Notes on area: Hunting in this DAU can be very weather dependent. There are many wilderness areas here that can only be reached by foot or horse no vehicle access. must know where they are in this DAU as there are many public lands locked on all sides by private land. Don t risk access unless you have received permission well in advance of the hunt. The Laramie River GMU s are located in Larimer County in north central Colorado. They are bounded on the north by the Wyoming state line, on the west by Jackson County, and on the east by I-25. Elevations range from 12,795 feet at the highest point in the southwestern part of the area to 4,921 feet along the eastern edge near Fort Collins. The GMU s cover much of the northern part of the Arapaho/Roosevelt National Forest. The overall climate in this area is relatively dry with low humidity. Climate varies across the area as a function of elevation. The higher elevation portions in the west experience a harsher climate, with long, cold winters, abundant snowfall, and short, cool summers. Deer summer range generally includes both GMU s, from elevations of 5,000 to 11,500 feet. The higher range usually becomes available to deer as snowlines recede in mid to late May. The majority of deer winter at elevations below 8,000 feet. Many west and south-facing slopes are typically clear of snow all year, with occasional spring and late winter storms depositing accumulations which quickly melt off. 22

23 Weather-related winter deer mortality is usually not a factor in these GMU s. Human occupation is limited, particularly in the western (Laramie River valley) and south-western portions of the area (upper Poudre, Joe Wright Creek). To the east, especially in portions of eastern GMU 8, rural developments are more common. Irrigated hay and ranching form the main landscape use in the western part of the area however, increased fragmentation due to home construction, small acreage pasturing and hobby livestock ranching is occurring, particularly on the eastern side. AREA MAPS USGS Topo BLM: Fort Collins quad National Geographic Trails Illustrated US Forest Service Arapaho/Roosevelt National Forest AREA INFO DEER In most DAUs in Colorado, mule deer and white-tailed deer are managed together, with population estimates, harvest and licensing focusing on the entire deer herd, with no species distinctions. In these GMU s mule deer are by far the predominant species; however occasional whitetailed deer have historically been observed in the area for at least the last years. In recent years however, localized white-tailed deer herds have become established in the area, most notably in the Laramie River drainage, the area surrounding Fort Collins and in some drainages of the North Fork of the Cache la Poudre River. These small localized herds are currently not a large concern for hybridization or competition with mule deer, but any expansion will be evaluated. Since white-tailed deer are harvested along with mule deer on general deer licenses, harvest pressure and habitat may act together to limit their range. ELK Elk summer range generally includes areas between 9,500 and 11,500 feet in elevation. These areas usually become available to elk as snowlines recede in mid to late May. The majority of elk in this area winter at elevations between 7,000 and 9,500 feet. A large proportion of the elk herd in the northern GMUs winter along the Colorado/Wyoming state line, and as such are often not in Colorado during the winter months. Many west and south-facing slopes are typically clear of snow all year, with occasional spring and late winter storms depositing accumulations which quickly melt off. Weather-related winter elk mortality is usually not a factor here. Elk in GMU 9, which is the eastern-most unit, rarely 23

24 venture east into the shortgrass prairie community, but rather stay in the mixed ponderosa pine/mountain mahogany complexes along the north-central parts of that area. Elk habitat is spread across a wide range of land ownership categories. The largest single land manager is the United States Forest Service (USFS), followed closely by private landowners. The vast majority of USFS land is National Forest or designated wilderness. There are 4 USFS wilderness areas in the DAU; Cache La Poudre Wilderness (14 sq. mi.), Comanche Peak Wilderness (96 sq. mi. in E-4), Neota Wilderness (15 sq. mi.) and Rawah Wilderness (113 sq. mi.). There are some small areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Among state lands, those managed as State Wildlife Areas (C) or State Land Board holdings account for almost all of the total area. Many of these state properties provide elk hunting opportunities. Outside of private land, USFS, BLM and C lands receive almost all elk hunting pressure. Human occupation is limited, particularly in the western (Laramie River valley) and southwestern portions of the area (upper Poudre, Joe Wright Creek). Irrigated hay and ranching form the main landscape use in the western part of the GMU s, however, increased fragmentation due to home construction, small acreage pasturing and hobby livestock ranching is occurring, particularly on the eastern side Post-Hunt Deer Herd Statistics Sex Ratio DAU# Herd Units (Males/100 Females) 4 Red Feather 7, 8, 9, 19, 191 Population 25 v ,610 v. 12, Deer Statistics 24 Unit Season Buck Doe Fawn Last Year 5 Year 7 Archery Muzzle Early nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle

25 2016 Deer Statistics Unit Season Buck Doe Fawn Last Year 5 Year 8 Archery Muzzle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle Archery Muzzle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle Archery Muzzle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle Archery Muzzle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle Post-Hunt Elk Herd Statistics Sex Ratio DAU# Herd Units (Males/100 Females) 4 Poudre River 7, 8, 9, 19, 191 Population 17 v. 33 4,210 v. 4,200 25

26 NORTHERN FRONT RANGE AND LARAMIE RIVER 2016 Elk Statistics Unit Season Bull Cow Calf Last Year 5 Year 7 Archery Muzzle Early st Rifle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle Archery Muzzle Early st Rifle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle Archery Muzzle Early st Rifle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle Archery Muzzle Early st Rifle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle

27 2016 Elk Statistics Unit Season Bull Cow Calf Last Year 5 Year 191 Archery Muzzle Early st Rifle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle HUNTER S CHECKLIST Preparing for a hunting trip is a major effort. Be sure to leave information about where you ll be hunting and camping, license plate numbers and cell phone numbers with folks at home. Listed below are a few common items that hunters often forget as they get ready to go into the backcountry: First aid kit, sunscreen, toilet paper. Compass and maps. Flashlight, lantern, extra batteries. Rain gear. Knife sharpener, bone saw, game bag. Blaze orange vest and cap. Extra camp-stove fuel. Tire chains. Cleaning supplies, trash bags, shovel. Water bottles. Hunting license and Hunter Education card List of family/friends phone numbers. 27

28 28 NORTHERN PRAIRIE/PAWNEE GMUs 87*, 88*, 89, 90, 95 Chronic wasting disease has been found in all units. LOCAL OFFICE *FORT COLLINS (970) BRUSH Notes on unit: The majority of this DAU is private property. are encouraged to visit the area and to contact landowners well in advance of the hunt to be successful. Do not wait until the day of the hunt to make first contact with a landowner! Know before you go --District Wildlife Managers cannot set up these introductions for you. There are several habitat types within the North Prairie/Pawnee area, including dry cropland, irrigated cropland, mid-grass prairie, short-grass prairie, rolling juniper breaks and canyons, and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands. The short-grass prairie is concentrated in the northern half and extends across the entire area. The short-grass prairie has remained stable with little being broken out for farming. However, residential development is encroaching into the short-grass prairie on the western side of the GMUs. Habitat quality has remained stable or is increasing due to CRP lands, managed grazing systems within the short-grass rangelands, and changing cropping practices that emphasize corn and alfalfa. There are 3 small riparian drainages within the area; Crow Creek, Pawnee Creek, and Wildcat Creek. The climate in the area is characterized by hot, dry summers and recently, relatively mild winters. Annual precipitation ranges from inches with most occurring during intense summer thunderstorms. Snowfall can be variable in the

29 area, but recent winters have been dry with moderate temperatures. However, during the winter of , the GMUs experienced below average temperatures and above average snowfall. Land ownership patterns within the North Tablelands area are typical of eastern Colorado, with the majority of the area being in private ownership. The most notable exception is the Pawnee National Grasslands, which encompasses 193,000 acres scattered across a large portion of GMUs 87 and 88. Others include State Land Board, of which, nearly 10,000 acres are administered under the State Trust Lands Program and several smaller parcels owned by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Land use within the GMUs is primarily agricultural based. Center pivot irrigation occurs throughout the area. Corn, wheat, and alfalfa are the primary crops under irrigation. On the western end of the area, residential development is encroaching into the short-grass prairie of GMU 87, although impacts to deer habitat have not been significant. AREA MAPS AREA INFO USGS Topo map BLM Map: Eaton BLM Map: Sterling BLM Map: Greeley US Forest Service Pawnee National Grasslands DEER Both mule deer and white-tailed deer can be found within the DAU. Mule deer are commonly found in all habitat types, although densities are highest in irrigated cropland settings, and within large complexes of CRP lands and often concentrate in the juniper breaks, canyons, and riparian areas during winter. White-tailed deer are far less numerous than mule deer and are typically found in areas adjacent to the South Platte River GMUs, although, it is not uncommon for white-tailed deer to be found throughout the area. While some white-tailed deer are residents, many move into the GMUs from the South Platte River, just prior to fawning season. As corn crops are harvested and winter approaches, most of these white-tailed deer leave the area and return to the South Platte River corridor. 29

30 NORTHERN PRAIRIE/PAWNEE 2016 Post-Hunt Deer Herd Statistics Sex Ratio DAU# Herd Units (Males/100 Females) 5 Tablelands North 87, 88, 89, 90, 95 Population 36 v. 40 2,460v. 2, Deer Statistics Unit Season Buck Doe Fawn Last Year 5 Year 87 Archery Muzzle Rifle Late Archery Muzzle Rifle Late SC Archery Muzzle Rifle Late SC Archery Muzzle Rifle Late SC Archery Muzzle Rifle Late

31 SANDHILLS GMUs 93, 97, 98 LOCAL OFFICE Brush (970) Notes on area: GMU 97 is all private land do not attempt to hunt here without permission well in advance of the hunt. Scout early and know before you go -- District Wildlife Managers cannot set up these introductions for you. There are several habitat types within these GMUs, including dry cropland, irrigated cropland, tall-grass prairie, sandsage/mid-grass prairie, short-grass prairie, and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands. The sandsage/mid-grass prairie is part of two sandhill complexes that run through the area. One extends along the entire northern boundary of the area and the other is located in the southeastern portion of the GMU adjacent to the Nebraska border. The sandsage/ mid-grass prairie has remained stable with little being broken out for farming or development. The largest blocks of short-grass prairie are located in the central and extreme northeast portions of the area. Habitat quality has increased across large portions of the GMUs due to CRP lands, managed grazing systems within the sandsage and shortgrass rangelands, and changing cropping practices that emphasize dryland corn and domestic sunflowers as an alternative to a wheat-fallow system. There are 3 small riparian drainages within the area; Beaver Creek, Bijou Creek, and Frenchman Creek. The climate in the area is characterized by hot, dry summers and recently, relatively mild winters. Annual precipitation ranges from inches with most occurring during intense summer thunderstorms. Snowfall can be variable in the area, but recent winters have been dry with moderate temperatures. 31

32 Land ownership patterns are typical of eastern Colorado, with the majority of the area being in private ownership. Notable exceptions include the South Tamarack State Wildlife Area, and several smaller parcels owned by the CPW which comprise <1% of the GMUs. Land use within the area is almost exclusively agricultural based. Center pivot irrigation occurs throughout the DAU, including the sandhill complexes, with the majority occurring on the eastern end of the GMUs. Corn, wheat, and alfalfa are the primary crops under pivot irrigation. AREA MAPS USGS Topo BLM: Julesburg BLM: Fort Morgan BLM: Wray AREA INFO DEER Both mule deer and white-tailed deer can be found within the area. Mule deer are commonly found in all habitat types in the GMUs, although densities are highest in sandsage rangeland, irrigated cropland settings, and within large complexes of CRP lands. Whitetailed deer can also be found throughout the area, with the highest concentrations occurring in GMU 98 on the east end of the GMUs Post-Hunt Deer Herd Statistics Sex Ratio DAU# Herd Units (Males/100 Females) 54 Tablelands South Population 93, 97, v. 40 3,090 v. 3, Safe Hunting is No Accident!

33 2016 Deer Statistics Unit Season Buck Doe Fawn Last Year 5 Year 93 SC Archery Muzzle Rifle Late SC Archery Rifle Late SC Archery Muzzle Rifle Late KNOW YOUR PHYSICAL LIMITS Hunting in the mountains of Colorado is physically demanding. Even if you are in good shape you will still feel the effects of the altitude. Consider these tips as you head to the high country: To acclimate, plan to arrive at your hunting area a couple of days before hunting season begins. Drink lots of water. Dehydration can cause severe headaches, muscle cramps and loss of energy. Carry water purification tablets so that you can refill your bottles at creeks. Limit alcohol it causes dehydration. If you experience severe headaches or find it difficult to breathe, move to lower altitude as soon as possible. These symptoms could be signs of pulmonary edema or cerebral edema--both of which can be fatal. When hunting, move slowly and stop to rest often. Accidents are more likely to occur when you are tired. If you are feeling very tired and you are far from camp, unload your gun before continuing to walk. Discuss any health issues with your hunting partners. 33

34 SOUTH PLATTE RIVER GMUs 91, 92, 94, 951*, 96 Chronic wasting disease has been found in all units. LOCAL OFFICE Brush (970) *FORT COLLINS (970) Notes on this unit: The majority of this DAU is private land and has very limited access. are encouraged to visit the area and to contact landowners well in advance of the hunt to be successful. Do not wait until the day of the hunt to make first contact with a landowner! Know before you go --District Wildlife Managers cannot set up these introductions for you. Three habitat types, irrigated cropland, sandsage/mid-grass prairie, and cottonwood riparian, dominate the landscape, comprising 65%, 20%, and 10% of the habitat composition, respectively, in the DAU. Other habitat types that can be found include dry cropland, short-grass prairie, and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands. In GMUs 91, 92, and 96 in the central and eastern portions of the DAU, cottonwood riparian and associated irrigated cropland comprise 85-90% of the habitats. In the western GMUs of 94 and 951, irrigated cropland and sandsage/mid-grass prairie are the dominant habitat features, comprising 60% and 25% of the habitats, respectively. The South Platte River is the primary riparian drainage and extends throughout the area. Other drainages include Big Thompson and Cache La Poudre Rivers, Bijou Creek, Lost Creek, and St Vrain Creek. The climate in the GMUs is characterized by hot, dry summers and relatively mild winters. Annual 34

35 precipitation ranges from inches with most occurring during intense summer thunderstorms. Snowfall can be variable in the area, but recent winters have been dry with moderate temperatures. The exceptions were the winters of and when colder temperatures and above average snowfall were recorded. The majority of land in the South Platte River area is in private ownership. Most of the public land is managed by the CPW, with the State Land Board and Bureau of Reclamation also having several small holdings. Public lands comprise about 2% of the GMUs, with 89% of the acreage being located in GMUs 91, 92, and 96 in the eastern half of the area. Land use is a combination of agriculture and recreation and it continues to shift farther towards recreation than agricultural production, predominantly on forested lands adjacent to the South Platte River. Frequently, private land is purchased or leased for deer and waterfowl hunting, often to the exclusion of other uses. Both center pivot and flood irrigation occur throughout the area. Corn, alfalfa, and sugar beets are the primary crops under irrigation. In GMU 94, both commercial and residential development are impacting deer habitat. AREA MAPS USGS Topo BLM: Julesburg BLM:Sterling BLM: Greeley AREA INFO DEER Prior to 1960, Colorado s eastern plains were almost exclusively populated by mule deer. White-tailed deer became reestablished in the South Platte River corridor during the middle of the last century and have slowly increased in numbers and distribution. The decline in the amount and duration of livestock grazing and changes in river flows (reduced spring flows and associated scouring) over the past 30 years has dramatically increased the amount of cover within the South Platte River riparian corridor, which likely created the mechanism for whitetailed deer to proliferate and expand throughout the area. Although, both species are found throughout the GMUs, mule deer are more prevalent in the open habitat settings found in the western GMUs of 94 and 951, while white-tailed deer are most numerous in the central and eastern GMUs of 91, 92, and 96, which primarily encompass just the South Platte riparian corridor. Based on 2006 and 2007 aerial surveys, a ratio of nearly 9:1 whitetail to mule deer was observed in GMUs 91, 92, and 96, while the ratio in the western GMUs of 94 and 951 was about 1:1 whitetail to mule deer. 35

36 SOUTH PLATTE RIVER While most white-tailed deer are residents of the South Platte river corridor, some move out of the area into adjacent uplands, just prior to fawning season. As corn crops are harvested in the fall and winter approaches, most white-tailed deer return to the South Platte River corridor Post-Hunt Deer Herd Statistics Sex Ratio DAU# Herd Units (Males/100 Females) 44 South Platte River 91, 92, 94, 951, 96, Population 43 v. 40 3,810 v. 3, Deer Statistics Unit Season Buck Doe Fawn Last Year 5 Year 91 SC Archery Muzzle Rifle Late SC Archery Muzzle Rifle Late Archery Muzzle Rifle Late

37 Unit Season Buck Doe Fawn Last Year 5 Year 951 Archery Muzzle Rifle Late SC Archery Muzzle Rifle Late CARING FOR YOUR CAMPSITE Camping can cause significant impacts on lands. You can minimize much of your impact with some advanced planning. Please, follow these guidelines: Use established camping areas that are visible along forest roads. Occupy as small of an area as possible. Avoid trampling grass and shrubs. Campsites must be at least 100 feet from streams, lakes or riparian areas. Do not dig a trench around your tent site. Check for fire restrictions that might be in place on public lands. Keep fires small, do not leave unattended, and put fires out every night. Use a stove for cooking to reduce impacts on the land. Collect all cooking grease in a can and carry it out. Do not dump. If possible, bring firewood or collect deadfall for campfires. Do not cut down trees. After shopping, attempt to minimize the amount of packaging materials brought to camp. Bringing less material in means you ll have less garbage to store and pack out. Only burn paper items. Do not burn trash, plastic or anything lined with aluminum foil or that contains any sort of metal material. When you leave camp for the day, store all food and garbage securely in bear proof containers or inside a vehicle. Leaving food and garbage out will attract animals including bears. 37

38 DENVER/KIOWA GMUs 104, 105, 106 (These GMUs cross regional boundaries they are in the northeast and southeast region.) LOCAL OFFICE DENVER (303) Notes on units: 100% of this DAU is private property. are encouraged to visit the area and to contact landowners well in advance of the hunt to be successful. Do not wait until the day of the hunt to make first contact with a landowner! Know before you go --District Wildlife Managers cannot set up these introductions for you. There are several habitat types in the Denver/Kiowa area, including urban, shortgrass prairie, ponderosa pine woodland, cottonwoodwillow riparian, dryland agricultural, and irrigated agricultural. In the eastern part of the GMUs, the most common native habitat type is shortgrass prairie interspersed with ephemeral streams supporting cottonwood-willow riparian habitat. There is a small amount of shrub habitat type, particularly in the southwest portion. The cottonwoodwillow riparian habitat is especially important for deer at all times of the year. In addition to providing food, water, cover, and thermal protection, riparian areas provide movement corridors for both mule and whitetailed deer. Much of GMU 104 is densely populated metropolitan land, especially the central-western part of the unit which includes Denver and associated suburbs. The unit also includes lower density residential developments around Parker and Elizabeth. Portions of GMU 104 that are farther away from Denver are used for grazing or cropland. Land uses in GMUs 105 and 106 are primarily ranching including large pastures and cropland, although residential development has increased 38

39 in parts of GMU 105. Recently wind energy projects have been proposed for parts of the area, particularly in GMU 106. Climate is semi-arid, with average annual precipitation of approximately 14 to 18 inches per year. Typically there are a few large snow events, mostly in the late winter or early spring. The snowiest months are March and April. A wide range of temperatures and conditions can be experienced during the winter. Warm sunny days are not uncommon, but severe winter storms can occur. Blizzards often have little impact on deer survival if warm sunny weather allows rapid snowmelt. However, if multiple storms and/or prolonged cold follow a storm, negative impacts on deer survival may occur. Summers in this area tend to be hot and dry. Summer days are often hot, with daily high temperatures reaching the mid- to upper-90s. Daily monsoon rains as afternoon thundershowers are not unusual, but this pattern does not occur in all years. Seventy to eighty percent of annual total precipitation falls during the period of April through September. AREA MAPS National Forest: Pike BLM: Bailey, Leadville & Pikes Peak BLM maps: 104/105: Castle Rock BLM 105: Limon BLM 106: Last Chance & Limon AREA INFO DEER Deer in this area are concentrated in the cottonwood-willow riparian areas throughout GMUs 104 and 105. Unit 106 is primarily upland habitat, but East Bijou Creek and Middle Bijou Creek run through the northwest corner of the unit. Concentrations of deer are also found in GMU 106 among the ponderosa pine and juniper woodlands northwest of Limon, in ponderosa pine forests 9 in the southern part of GMUs 104 and 105, and near suburban or residential areas, particularly lowdensity developments like Parker and Elizabeth. Most of the deer in upland habitat are mule deer, but a mix of mule deer and white-tailed deer inhabit some of the riparian areas. The proportion of mule deer and white-tailed deer varies geographically and temporally. In some drainages, white-tailed deer make up a high proportion of the deer present, while others contain few white-tailed deer. Big Sandy Creek, in the southern part of GMU 105, and the South Platte River in the northern part of GMU 104, have particularly high numbers of whitetailed deer, but the species also occupies other major drainages in the DAU. It is possible that the proportion of white-tailed deer to mule deer has increased in recent years, but this is not clear from survey data. 39

40 DENVER/KIOWA ELK Elk use occurs on private land with the highest numbers occurring in the southern portion of GMU 104. Elk are highly mobile and often move out of GMU 104 to the south and into GMU 110 and to the west into GMU 51. Movements are not generally a migratory pattern, but more random in response to weather events. are advised to find landowner permission before applying for a license Post-Hunt Deer Herd Statistics Sex Ratio DAU# Herd Units (Males/100 Females) 49 Bijou Creek Population 104,105, v. 33 7,130 v. 6, Deer Statistics Unit Season Buck Doe Fawn Last Year 5 Year 104 Archery Muzzle Rifle Late Archery Muzzle Rifle Late Archery Muzzle Rifle Late

41 2016 Post-Hunt Elk Herd Statistics Sex Ratio DAU# Herd Units (Males/100 Females) 51 Castle Rock 104, 105, 106 Population 24 v. 40 1,500 v. 1, Elk Statistics Unit Season Bull Cow Calf Last Year 5 Year 104 Archery Muzzle Early st Rifle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle Plains Archery Early Plains Archery OPERATION GAME THIEF (OGT) OGT is a non-profit organization working with the CPW s law enforcement program. It pays rewards to citizens who report poachers or resource violators. Callers don t have to reveal their names, testify in court or sign a deposition. Rewards are paid if the information leads to the arrest of a poacher or a citation is issued. Rewards do not depend on a conviction but must be requested when a violation is reported COLO-OGT 41

42 SOUTH PARK GMUs 50, 500, 501 LOCAL OFFICE DENVER (303) Notes on this unit: A portion of GMU 501 was heavily burned during the Hayman fire. Valid buck tags available for 50, 500, 501; doe tags only in 501. The open forest has produced heavy pressure by hunters along the Forest Service roads. Many roads are not accessible by ATV --get off the pavement and get out on foot for good opportunities! GMU 461 is almost all private property if you don t know somewhere to hunt, don t apply. The area comprises the center and northern half of South Park, as well as the mountains making up the northern and eastern boundaries of the park. GMU 50 includes the flats of South Park east and south of Highway 285 to Highway 24. It also includes the Puma Hills which rise to make up the eastern boundary of the park itself. Unit 500 includes a small part of the flats of South Park north of Highway 285 and rises rapidly to the top of the Park Range of mountains which make up the northern boundary of the park. Unit 501 includes the Tarryall and Kenosha Mountain Ranges and descends to the South Platte River valley to the east. Elevations range from 13,822 feet at Mount Silverheels, north of Fairplay, north to 6,100 feet at the confluence of the North Fork of the South Platte River with the main stem of the South Platte River where the river leaves the northeast corner of the DAU. The DAU includes much of the headwaters of the South Platte River drainage. The bottom of South Park ranges from 8,800 to 10,000 in elevation. The northern border of the DAU, along with portions of the Tarryall and Kenosha 42

43 Mountains, is in the alpine tundra life zone (above 11,500 ) and is characterized by sedges, forbs, and willows. As the elevation drops, subalpine forest is the next lifezone (9,000-11,500 ) dominated by subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, aspen and bristlecone pine forests with interspersed mesas. The montane forest (5,600-9,000) contains primarily ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine, and aspen. Riparian areas along most rivers and streams include narrowleaf cottonwood, willow, cinquefoil, current and an understory of sedges, forbs and grasses. The shortgrass prairie of South Park supports grasses and forbs with fringed sage and rabbitbrush creating a low overstory. Agricultural cropland in the DAU is now very limited and what remains consists of native grass hay fields in South Park and along some tributaries of the South Platte River. Most historically irrigated croplands have been dried up by transfer of the water rights to municipal uses downstream along the Front Range. As with all of mountainous Colorado, the climate varies significantly with season, elevation and aspect. Elevations below 7,500 feet are typically warm in the summer and the south slopes generally remain snow free during most of the winter. Elevations between 7,500 feet and 9,500 feet have somewhat cooler and wetter summers with persistent snow cover on north aspects during the winter. South-facing slopes normally remain open or have minimal snow cover throughout the winter. Above 9,500 feet elevation the climate is much cooler and wetter during the summers and north slopes are snow covered all winter except for windswept ridges above timberline. DEER South Park contains good summer range for mule deer even above timberline where alpine willow occurs. Deer can also be found on subalpine slopes with mixed timber, aspen and shrubs in summer and fall. Deer leave the higher elevations in early to mid October and migrate to lower elevations in units 50 and 501 and even outside the South Park area. Deer densities are low in most of the South Park area during late fall and winter. ELK Elk occupy all habitats and areas of the DAU at some time of the year. Densities are low in the open portions of South Park elevation habitats year-round, but especially during the summer when most elk move up to traditional calving and summering areas at higher elevations. During the winter, most elk move to lower elevation winter ranges as snow accumulates on the higher elevations and northern aspects. Because of the relatively mild and dry winters, winter ranges often extend to above 10,000 feet in elevation. Some elk, especially bulls, will use windswept ridges at even higher elevations during the winter. Approximately 40% 43

44 of the DAU can and does serve as winter range in normal winters with some concentration occurring in preferred habitats. During severe winter periods, which are unusual in this DAU, habitat utilization can be reduced to approximately five percent of the overall range. Radio collar studies over the last 10 years have shown significant immigrations of elk from adjacent GMUs outside of this DAU. Recent estimates range from 200 to 300 elk (10% to 15% of the population) entering the DAU each winter with historical estimates reaching as high as 700 elk (30%). Deeper snow conditions during the 2006/2007 winter may have increased immigration to levels above recent norms. In 2004 approximately 500 additional elk entered the DAU from GMU 49, to the west, for the first time, but returned to 49 in late winter. Elk from GMU 37, south of Interstate 70, and GMU 46 east of Kenosha Pass join herds originating in the DAU during the winter. Normally, this immigration occurs after the four regular rifle hunting seasons. Since 1997 the winter population estimate for this DAU has included these migrants with the exception of the onetime immigration from GMU 49. Wintering herds of elk can number 200 to 400 animals with these groups occasionally aggregating into a herd exceeding 1000 elk for short periods of time. The largest herds routinely break up into the smaller 200 to 400 animal groups within a few days as they disperse into different areas of winter range. The groups of 200 to 400 are often short lived, as well, since smaller groups of elk are continuously joining and separating from these herds Post-Hunt Deer Herd Statistics Sex Ratio DAU# Herd Units (Males/100 Females) 38 South Park Population 50, 500, v. 28 2,730 v. 2, Deer Statistics 44 Unit Season Buck Doe Fawn Last Year 5 Year 50 Archery Muzzle nd Rifle rd Rifle

45 2016 Deer Statistics Unit Season Buck Doe Fawn Last Year 5 Year 500 Archery Muzzle nd Rifle rd Rifle Archery Muzzle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle Post-Hunt Elk Herd Statistics Sex Ratio DAU# Herd Units (Males/100 Females) 18 Kenosha Pass 50, 500, 501 Population 38 v. 35 2,060 v. 2, Elk Statistics Unit Season Buck Doe Fawn Last Year 5 Year 50 Archery Muzzle Early st Rifle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle (continued) 45

46 SOUTH PARK 2016 Elk Statistics Unit Season Buck Doe Fawn Last Year 5 Year 500 Archery Muzzle Early st Rifle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle Archery Muzzle Early st Rifle nd Rifle rd Rifle th Rifle PLAINS ELK INFORMATION Although there are tags available for elk hunting on the eastern plains, hunters should keep in mind the low probability of having a successful hunt due to the lack of ideal elk habitat. Licenses are available, but as always, hunters should know before they go--district wildlife managers cannot set up introductions with landowners and most landowners prefer to hear from interested hunters well in advance of the hunting season. 46 Field Dressing Tutorial You ve harvested an animal, taken the pictures to show your friends...now what? Learn how to field dress an elk in our online tutorial. CPW Officer Conrad Albert shares tips in this step-by-step video at