Even accounting for the availability of unlimited over-the-counter bull licenses, the harvest of antlerless elk almost equals the entire bull harvest. Do it yourself, non-guiDeD hunts The license numbers signal a fine-tuning of hunting opportunities, including a lessening of the need for antlerless (cow) harvest as herds reach desired levels, adjusting for the success of the late-season youth elk hunt, and trying to balance license numbers with demand. Holland notes that, even accounting for the availability of unlimited over-thecounter bull licenses, the harvest of antlerless elk almost equals the entire bull harvest. “This illustrates the significant amount of hunting opportunity” these licenses offer, he says. Although 41 percent of the elk herds are above desired population numbers, some hunters and outfitters are complaining that certain elk herds are too low and hunting pressure should be reduced to allow them to grow. Statewide elk numbers peaked at about 300,000 in 2001 but since have declined to the 266,000 estimated post-hunt elk in 2012. “We’re still harvesting cows at a high rate, but it takes a lot of cow harvest to maintain herd size,” Holland says. Pronghorn license numbers were slashed by 21 percent, mostly in the southwest in response to a declining harvest even with more licenses available. Pronghorn harvest peaked at 12,300 in 2010, but subsequent years saw harvest declines, including 11,700 in 2011 and 9,900 in 2012. This year’s predicted harvest is 9,400 with a posthunt population statewide of 65,000 pronghorn.
• Great Prices • Quality Work • Fast Turnaround (2-3 months)
Choose from 10 Colorado Ranches for lease. One group per lease maximum of four to six hunters per lease. Leases border the Routt, White River, San Isabel and Uncompahgre forests. Leases are in hunting units 15, 25, 42, 65, 70, 78. 98% of leases have cabins or a lodge.
www.coloradoprivateranches.com Call Cecil Kaufman at (318) 435-5029 · email: coloradopr@bellsouth.net
The Alpiner Lodge Your Northwest Colorado Hunting Headquarters
Call for our Hunter’s Specials Clean Comfortable Rooms Cocktail Hour Easy Access to Wildlife Units Processor and Taxidermist Nearby Laundry Service Available 424 Lincoln Ave Steamboat Springs, CO (970) 879-1430 / (800) 340-9169
We deliver our elk shoulder mounts nationwide! (Saves our customers $$$ on shipping charges)
Learn how to mount big game animals in our 3-week course
Other subjects covered in class include: • Antler or horn repair • European mounts • Making crates • Pedestal and habitat construction • Business strategies • Scoring of antlers • and more
You will learn all the aspects of mounting including: • Skinning and fleshing • Salting • Tanning (your own) hides • Form preparation Class size is very limited so reserve your spot now! • Finish work including air brush techniques • How to make glues & maches Visit our website at: gunsmoketaxidermy.com or visit our showroom at 37399 N. HWY 13 Craig, CO 970-826-4293 2013 | colorado Hunter
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