Fewer licenses available for some big game in Colorado

DENVER - If you hunt in Colorado there will be fewer licenses available this fall for most big game animals.

http://www.9news.com/news/local/article/267776/346/Fewer-licenses-available-for-some-big-game-in-Colorado-

PWC SETS HUNT LICENSE NUMBERS FOR 2012

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo., - The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission approved big game hunting license numbers on Thursday for the upcoming fall hunting seasons. Agency staff utilized herd population estimates to recommend reductions in license numbers for mule deer, elk and pronghorn while recommending increases in licenses to manage growing populations of moose and black bears. According to a 2008 study, big game hunting in Colorado provides more than $430 million per year in economic impact to the state and supports 4,660 jobs in the state.

Colorado is a national leader in big-game hunting opportunity. This year, Colorado will issue more than 240,000 limited licenses for the state's 'big three' species - elk, deer and pronghorn. Wildlife managers and biologists around the state recommended the issuance of 139,461 limited elk licenses, 79,800 limited deer licenses and 23,862 pronghorn licenses for the 2012 fall seasons.

Statewide, mule deer license quotas declined 5.8 percent from 2011.

"Mule deer populations are being intensively monitored and we've seen some declines, especially in the northwest part of the state," explained Andy Holland, Statewide Big Game Manager. "Between severe winters, increased development, habitat decline, migration corridor fragmentation and predation, most western states are seeing declines in mule deer populations. We adjusted license numbers accordingly."

In addition to issuing nearly 140,000 limited elk licenses, Colorado plans to issue an unlimited number of over-the-counter bull elk licenses in the archery, 2nd rifle and 3rd rifle seasons. The number of unlimited licenses available makes Colorado the top destination in the U.S. for elk hunting opportunity. The 2.2 percent decline in the number of limited elk tags offered this year is mostly related to elk populations reaching management objectives after several years of intentional efforts by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to reduce elk damage on private lands. Despite the elk license number reduction, Colorado remains the destination state for elk hunters, offering more elk licenses by far than any other state.

Black bear hunting license numbers will be increased in the state after biologists determined that the statewide population is larger than previously believed. New estimates show that approximately 16,000 to 18,000 black bears live in the state.

"The emergence and increased affordability of things like DNA, tooth cementum analysis and GPS tracking collars have given us new tools to know that Colorado's current black bear population is robust and larger than previously believed," said Jerry Apker, Carnivore Biologist for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Apker further explained to the Commission that the agency's black bear knowledge exceeds some other species because every hunter-harvested bear in Colorado is required to be checked by Parks and Wildlife personnel and significant historical harvest information about black bears is maintained by the agency. The historical harvest information coupled with new technology led to the increased population estimate and the increased number of hunting licenses approved for this coming fall.

I'd love to have a Colorado moose head and/or a bear skin rug in my trophy room, I'm a little less enthusiastic about eating the meat but I eat what I harvest. I would much rather have a freezer full of deer, antelope, and elk but I have rarely made use of the hides or paid to have a head mounted.

Moose is the best, and bear is not bad at all, the preperation and cooking is what makes a great bear roast.

I have had moose twice, both times in Maine, it wasn't great but it was random cuts grilled over a fire so I discount the taste of the meal to the method of preparation. Truth be told it still beat the hell out of the best fast food burger I ever had.

Never eaten bear but I have shot a few black bears in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and the Red Feather Lakes area, right after I win the lottery I'll take a week off from work and go to Alaska and set up a proper hunt for a couple of Kodiaks. Maybe I can get Uncle Ted to join me as a consultant?

Martin Ent Inc wrote: Moose is the best, and bear is not bad at all, the preperation and cooking is what makes a great bear roast.

I like the fat in the bear, makes for good roasting. Moose good too.

Surprised that mule deer have been limited. Plenty in this area but since so much private land maybe that is why. More for all the lions who are wandering around here. The mom with the two young adults split up but are still in the area.

otisptoadwater wrote: right after I win the lottery I'll take a week off from work and go to Alaska and set up a proper hunt for a couple of Kodiaks. Maybe I can get Uncle Ted to join me as a consultant?

Good luck with that.

Kodiak bears are protected by the federal government. Hunting is permitted, but strictly regulated. Alaska Fish and Game only issues 325 hunting permits annually out of about 5,000 Alaskan natives that apply. All non-residents are required to be accompanied by a professional guide. Non-residential hunting licenses are $10,000 to $15,000. Each year, about 160 bears are killed.

I didn't get an elk tag last year and now less of a chance this year.

OTC and build the points.

Any word on chronic wasting disease this year? I passed on more than on buck deer last fall strictly because they didn't look healthy.