Chapter 2 - Big Game - Colorado



FILING – 1/29/2019

Basis and Purpose

Chapter W-2 - Big Game

Basis and Purpose:

These regulations amend Chapter 2 – Big Game – of the Parks and Wildlife Commission Regulations and implement 2019 bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and mountain lion license numbers/harvest limits.  They also amend season dates for the 2019 big game seasons. These regulations are designed to manage statewide big game herds at herd objective levels and provide a diversity of hunting recreation opportunities for resident and nonresident hunters throughout Colorado; to minimize or control local game damage situations; and to provide opportunity for landowners to cooperatively manage wildlife with the Division.  These modifications are the result of extensive public involvement and application of biological information on deer, elk, pronghorn, bear, lion, and moose. All regulation changes are based on the best available biological information and are designed to manage big game herds towards stated objectives and to ensure long-term viability. Specific changes include:

Changing the Big Game Leftover Draw to a Big Game Secondary Draw

Historically, the Big Game Leftover Draws were only available to customers who were unsuccessful in the primary elk or deer draw and had marked “Leftover Draw” as their unsuccessful option. This resulted in a limited amount of hunter participating in the leftover draw, and many licenses remaining unsold after the leftover draw. Bear and pronghorn leftover licenses were also not included in the leftover draw. Allowing a Leftover “Secondary” Draw to include Bear and Pronghorn licenses would have added in 222 hunt codes or 12,506 licenses in 2018.

Changing the Leftover Draw to a Secondary Draw starting in 2020 will create opportunity. The change also grants customers the ability to plan their hunts earlier instead of waiting for leftover day or for the reissue program to begin, and gives customers a fair chance at any leftover or returned license.

Changing the Leftover Draw to a Secondary Draw also alleviates load on Leftover Day and the reissue program. By giving more opportunities to obtain a license prior to Leftover Day, there would be less need for a customer to participate on Leftover Day. This makes the lines smaller, the call times shorter, and internet loads easier to manage. The reissue program would only have to deal with any license that was returned or reversed after the Secondary Draw.

Finally, changing the Leftover Draw to a Secondary Draw provides enhanced predictability. The Secondary Draw will allow CPW to publish draw statistics much like the primary draw. Customers will have the ability to see exactly what licenses are available and sold through the Secondary Draw every year giving them the opportunity to track and plan for the year to come.

Modifying Big Game Application Deadlines

Based on concerns with the historic draw application deadlines, CPW staff recommended that in lieu of set application deadlines, the Parks and Wildlife Commission instead approve application deadlines annually. This modification will ultimately provide customers with more time between application opening and the deadline, and will provide staff more flexibility and time to coordinate the draw. Approval will occur on the same schedule as approval of license pricing to allow sufficient time to publish the deadline dates in the big game brochure.

Modifying Youth Outreach Hunting License Private Land Preference Point Restriction

Youth Outreach Licenses (YOL) were created so qualified organizations could have a route to introduce youth to hunting, as part of CPW’s retention and recruitment efforts. Although YOL tags are available, they are not widely used.

Part of the reason current YOL licenses are not fully used is the associated preference point restriction rules. There are many interested landowners who are willing to host organizations, yet their property is ineligible for YOL tags since the unit they own land in has a hunt code that requires more than six preference points. Some of these ranches have hosted YOL hunts in the past but are no longer able to due to the more preference points being required to draw a license.

Without a preference point restriction for private land only hunts, these partnering organizations and landowners have an avenue to host hunter outreach programs without needing to find AWM tags when vouchers and leftovers are not available.

Sheep

Adding a Second Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunting Season in Waterton Canyon

The Waterton Canyon herd occupies the range along the South Platte River from Strontia Springs dam to the mouth of the Waterton Canyon on Forest Service lands, Denver Water property and private property.

Bighorn population estimates since the 1950s have fluctuated between 20-80 animals with one all-age disease related die-off occurring when population levels were at their highest in 1980 at about 80 animals. CPW closed bighorn hunting after the all-age die-off in 1980 and no licenses were allocated in S42. As the bighorn population began increasing, both CPW and Denver Water agreed upon the need for active herd management. In partnership with Denver Water, CPW reopened bighorn hunting in 2015, with minimal licenses allocated. There is now need to further increase harvest.

Previously there was a five-day season for one ram and one ewe hunting license with a harvest success rate of 100%. Increasing licenses during this season could have created hunter crowding due the concentrated herd distribution. In addition, conflicts between recreationalists could have increased if CPW added additional hunters to a single season. Instead, a second season has been added in S42 for both ram and ewe hunting with the same requirements as the original season, which are weekday only hunting and a mandatory GMU-specific hunter orientation for all bighorn sheep hunters. The second season opens the Monday following the closure of the first season and runs for five days.

Bear

List C Private Land Only and List B Bear Licenses

CPW previously categorized four bear Data Analysis Units (DAUs) as List B license status. A hunter may possess only one license in the List A type, but may have two in the List B category or one List A and one List B. Changing DAU license status from List A to List B often helps to sell additional licenses that may go unsold otherwise. Staff and stakeholders have had discussions around the topic of increasing bear harvest in units that are not selling out and have not been meeting harvest objectives. The best available tool to increase harvest is to reclassify DAUs with significant proportions of unsold licenses so that all bear licenses in those units are List B.

Besides the four DAUs previously categorized as List B, six additional bear DAUs are now classified as List B. These six units had a significant portion of licenses unsold in most, or all OTC bear license hunt codes in 2017. Making this change is expected to help reach harvest management goals.

Mountain Lion

Regular Lion Season

Staff is recommending a statewide harvest limit of 647 lions for the April 2019- March 2020 season. This represents a decrease of 30 lions from the statewide harvest limit of 677 lions approved this past September for the period of November 2018-March 2019. No change in harvest limits are recommended for 14 of Colorado’s 19 lion management areas, known as Data Analysis Units (DAUs). Harvest limit increases are recommended for portions of 2 DAUs (L-19 and L-23) and harvest limit decreases are recommended for portions of 3 DAUs (L-6, L-7 and L-11).

April Lion Season

An April season was established in 2014 to provide for additional lion hunting opportunity in DAUs where harvest, total mortality and female composition objectives were not being met or exceeded and where an April season wasn’t in conflict with other local resource issues. For 2019, the April 1-30 lion season will be open in the following DAUs: L-4, L-11, L-12, L-17, L-23 and L-24. Units without an open April season will open in November 2019.

Summary of Lion Harvest and Mortality

A summary of 3-year averages (2015-2017) for harvest, total mortality, female composition and game damage is presented below for each lion DAU (Table 1). These metrics are evaluated annually against the respective DAU objectives and are used as the basis for harvest limit recommendations. 2 In the most recently-concluded lion season (April 2017- March 2018), hunters in Colorado harvested 471 lions, including 277 males and 194 females. The proportion of females in statewide harvest increased slightly to 41% in 2017. This does not exceed the 45% female harvest composition limit used as a maximum threshold in nearly all “stable” management strategy DAUs. Additionally, statewide harvest mortality and total mortality totals are not exceeding objectives.

Nearly all Lion Management Plans (LMPs) are 14 years old, which is why it is an agency priority to either update all LMPs or adopt a statewide lion management plan. New lion management plan development at any spatial scale will allow the use of the most recent scientific information from the lion literature, incorporate developments in habitat modeling, and potentially integrate results from recent and current work in Colorado. Incorporating more recent science and experience will increase the rigor of lion management and harvest limit decisions.

Deer

GMU 9 Antlered Rifle Deer Hunts

Currently, GMU’s 9, 19, and 191 are grouped together for the antlered rifle seasons. During these rifle seasons, the majority of hunters are harvesting bucks in GMU’s 19 and 191, which contain US Forest Service and State Wildlife Area lands.

CPW staff recommended an increase in buck harvest in GMU 9 in order to reduce the buck to doe ratio down to the herd management plan objective and to help reduce chronic wasting disease (CWD) prevalence. In 2017, the mandatory CWD check showed that GMU 9 came in at the highest CWD prevalence rate (9.1%) compared to GMU 19 (5.4%) and GMU 191 (3.7%). In addition, annual aerial composition surveys shows GMU 9 has the highest buck to doe ratio compared to other GMU’s in the DAU and the data shows the sex ratio in GMU 9 is also increasing. The high buck to doe ratio in GMU 9 is causing the buck to doe ratio in the entire DAU D-4 to be over the herd management plan objective of 25-30 bucks to 100 does.

Separating the hunt codes for GMU 9 will maintain hunting opportunity in GMU’s 19 and 191, increase buck harvest in GMU 9, work to keep the sex ratios within the herd management plan objective range, and will help decrease CWD prevalence in GMU 9. Allowing the buck season in GMU 9 to run through Nov. 30th will give hunters the opportunity to harvest mature bucks, which may also help reduce CWD prevalence within the GMU and DAU D-4 as a whole.

Canon City Deer Hunt Licenses

Year-round deer densities in the area surrounding the town of Canon City have increased in recent years. Therefore, a new hunt code has been designed to target urban deer and alleviate damage complaints related to high densities in these specific areas. The hunt code is valid Sept 1 – Oct 31 and are “List C” licenses, allowing hunters to possess them in addition to their regular deer license. All legal hunting methods will be allowed, but only crossbows and archery equipment would be allowed within city limits.

Adding a Late Antlerless Rifle Deer Season in D-4

The deer population in D-4 has grown towards the upper end of the new proposed population objective. To maintain the population within the draft Herd Management Plan’s proposed population management objective in 2018, CPW increased the number of antlerless rifle deer licenses. Antlered deer licenses were also increased. A late antlerless rifle deer season has also been added to decrease crowding during the 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons within D-4. Furthermore, adding a late season may increase hunter harvest because it provides an additional hunting opportunity.

Elk

Eliminating Late Antlerless Elk Seasons in the San Luis Valley

CPW initiated late antlerless elk seasons in 2001 to address burgeoning elk populations in most units in the San Luis Valley (SLV). At the time, elk populations were high, and game damage issues were occurring at historically high levels. In response CPW increased antlerless elk licenses throughout the SLV units. CPW also created a new month-long December late season for antlerless elk. These hunts were very effective in decreasing the overall populations of elk in these units. In spite of this, over time it became apparent that elk distribution on the valley floor required other measures to mitigate game damage effectively. CPW then established numerous innovative methods which included summer seasons, landowner vouchers, dispersal hunt options on private land and targeted culling efforts.

In 2006, CPW achieved a successful reduction elk numbers and reduced late season hunt codes to the minimum number possible. CPW kept the late season hunt codes as a possible tool if it became necessary to utilize this season again in the future. That reality has not materialized.

CPW managers concur with the local public sentiment that the late December hunt is no longer necessary given the reality of our elk populations in the SLV. CPW, through updated herd management plans, is working to increase elk numbers, especially on public lands. Eliminating these hunt codes and seasons should help move elk populations in that direction. Game damage by elk still occurs, but Area 17 personnel have other tools to manage it effectively. Therefore, all late antlerless elk seasons and hunt codes in GMU’s 68, 681, 79, 80, and 81 have been eliminated.

GMU 79 Inclusion in the San Luis Valley Damage Elk Seasons

The San Luis Valley is home to the largest concentration of center-pivot irrigated crop circles in the world with over 3,500 circles. In the early 2000’s large numbers of elk expanded their range onto the valley floor in areas with high value crop circles, which created the potential for extremely expensive game damage situations. To manage the growing elk population and to mitigate game damage on high-value agricultural crops, a new elk DAU (E-55) was created on the San Luis Valley floor with an elk population objective of zero, the only such population objective in Colorado.

The summer bull and fall bull/cow hunts in E-55 have largely been successful in decreasing the elk population on the valley floor and mitigating game damage on private land. However, several large, resident elk herds have expanded their range west from GMU 791 and into GMU 79. This area is entirely private property and is comprised of thousands of acres of pasture and alfalfa fields, where elk have caused extensive damage to crops and fences. Many landowners between Monte Vista and Del Norte along the Rio Grande River have voiced their concerns that the elk population is growing too quickly and that something must be done to decrease the population.

Therefore, CPW is now including that portion of GMU 79 south of Hwy 112 in the San Luis Valley Damage Elk Hunts. No other seasons will occur on private lands in this portion of GMU 79.

GMU 82 Private Lands Inclusion in the San Luis Valley Damage Elk Seasons

The elk population numbers residing year round on the valley floor in GMU 82 have dramatically increased over recent decades. With drought conditions worsening annually as well as the lack of consistent hunting pressure, (due to season dates and large tracts of non-accessible land), more and more elk are being habituated to residing year round on the valley floor of GMU 82 and no longer utilizing the higher elevation summer range.

The growing number of elk and the location of their year-round residency has both increased the game damage conflicts with agricultural producers, and lengthened the time frame when game damage is occurring. Elk are present and damaging crops as early as the beginning of June and continuing throughout the growing season, extending until February. Under the current hunting season structure within GMU 82, the private land voucher season and distribution management hunts are not available until mid-August of each year.

CPW has been unable to reduce the herd or even slow its increase due to large refuges where no hunting occurs. The geographic layout of these large tracts of land, as well as the habituation of residential elk have aided in the elk population increase without the option of utilizing current hunting methods to manage the population. Therefore, CPW has extended the bull and cow seasons on private lands in GMU 82 from August 15 through February 28 annually, as well as established an early bull season on private lands in GMU 82 from May 15 through July 31 annually. No other additional seasons will be available on private lands in GMU 82. Public lands in GMU 82 will continue to have all current seasons.

Removing Private-Land-Only designation from limited elk licenses in GMU 83

Previously, all limited elk licenses issued in GMU 83 were Private Land Only (PLO) licenses. These licenses include cow licenses and first and fourth rifle season either-sex licenses. CPW recently entered into a partnership with Costilla County to manage over 17,000 acres of county land as a State Wildlife Area, SWA (San Luis Hills State Wildlife Area). This agreement provides the first significant public land hunting opportunity for hunters in GMU 83. However, under the historic system, PLO licenses would not be valid on this property. Therefore, the PLO designation has been removed from all limited season elk licenses for GMU 83 and making these hunt codes List A licenses.

DAU E-16 1st and 4th Season and Over-The-Counter Archery Licenses

Elk DAU E-16 has declined to about 40% of the peak population size in the 1990s. To attempt to curb these population declines, limited antlerless licenses in both DAUs have been reduced significantly over the past 5 years. In E-16, either-sex limited licenses have also been reduced in the past 3 years but have not been specified by sex. However, archery cow and either-sex licenses were previously over-the-counter (OTC)/unlimited. This created a fairness issue in the distribution of antlerless elk harvest between rifle and archery hunters in DAU E-16.

Either-sex licenses and OTC archery licenses (both either-sex and antlerless) contributed a combined 24% of E-16’s cow harvest. With these either-sex and OTC licenses, CPW lacked the ability to fine-tune anticipated antlerless harvest when setting annual license quotas. Therefore, the 1st and 4th rifle season either-sex licenses in DAU E-16 have been separated into antlered and antlerless hunt codes to better control antlerless harvest and antlerless and either-sex PLO licenses have been eliminated. Additionally, E-16 has been excluded from the statewide OTC either sex and cow archery hunt codes that allow antlerless harvest, to limit archery hunting in DAU E-16 to antlered only. Instead, an unlimited archery bull hunt code was created for this DAU.

Converting late season antlerless licenses and general rifle antlerless licenses in GMU 38 to List B

During the rifle seasons, the majority of elk in GMU 38 occur in the eastern portion of the GMU on private land and open space. Elk have also started to use refuge areas more frequently in the Jefferson County and City of Golden portions of the GMU. However, hunters complain about the lack of elk on public land in the western portion of the GMU. Changing the hunt code EF038L1R to List B will provide more flexibility for resident landowners and local hunters to purchase more late antlerless licenses and harvest more antlerless elk. Additionally, all general antlerless licenses in the GMU must be the same List designation, so have also been changed to List B.

Converting Antlerless Licenses in DAUs E-12 and E-16 to List A licenses

Antlerless licenses in elk DAUs E-12 and E-16 were previously List B. However, these elk herds have declined to about 40% of their peak population sizes in the 1990s. As of the 2017 draw, many antlerless licenses in these units are being drawn as first or second choice because quotas have been significantly reduced. Because these licenses are now in demand relative to the quota available, there is no longer a need for them to be List B licenses.

Changing GMU 55 And 551 Fourth Season Either-Sex Rifle Elk Licenses to Bull Only

Either-sex elk tags were implemented in various seasons throughout the Gunnison Basin over the past two decades to help increase the harvest on a burgeoning elk population. More recently, the elk population in these units have been at or under population size objective. Additionally, fourth season cow-only tags are already available. Converting these either-sex tags to bull only tags will allow a simpler set of hunt codes for hunters to choose from and simplify the management of these units for CPW staff.

Deletion of Select Late Season Licenses in E-20

The post-hunt population estimate for the Uncompahgre elk herd in 2017 was at the bottom end of the population objective range. CPW reduced antlerless licenses across all seasons throughout recent years to stabilize the population decline. CPW established the public land late season in GMU 61 in 2015 to harvest additional cow elk in GMU 61 to meet population objectives, decrease pressure by antlerless hunters in the regular rifle seasons and to push elk off lower elevation elk and mule deer winter ranges. The population is now at the lower end of the objective range and over the last 2 years elk have not been on lower elevation winter ranges due to the lack of snow at higher elevations. Elk populations in GMU 62 have also declined to the point where game damage conflict is minimal and can be addressed in the future with damage hunts on an as needed basis.

Splitting GMUs 53 and 63 for First Season Hunt Codes

CPW initially created a combined license for GMUs 53 and 63 to provide hunters with the opportunity to hunt both GMUs during the first rifle elk season. In recent dialogue, GMU 53 stakeholders generally desired an increase in elk population size, while GMU 63 stakeholders did not want a substantial increase in elk population size. GPS collar movement studies in DAU E05 indicate that the distribution of elk underlies many of the issues regarding elk management. Allowing elk license allocations to differ between GMU 63 and GMU 53 during the first rifle season will allow more control over hunter and elk distribution.

Elimination of either-sex private land only elk licenses in GMU 54

CPW initially created either-sex private-land-only licenses in GMU 54 to increase hunting pressure on private lands at a time period when elk populations were much higher across the unit. Various law enforcement issues, both intentional and unintentional, have arisen from these either-sex private-land-only licenses. Removing these hunt codes will simplify the license application process for hunters in GMU 54 by reducing the total number of hunt codes to choose from.

The recently approved herd management plan for the West Elk Mountains elk population calls for a small growth in the elk population. Ideally, this increase in the elk population will occur mostly on public land, as the segment of the elk population using private land is too high in localized areas. The harvest of bulls with either-sex tags on private lands does little to nothing in shifting this population from private land to public lands. It would be more beneficial to the overall elk population’s distribution if private land elk hunters are targeting cows.

Deletion of the Late Season Public Land Antlerless Hunt Code in GMU 70

The post-hunt population estimate for the Disappointment elk herd in 2017 was near the middle of the population objective range. CPW has reduced antlerless licenses across all seasons over the last few years to stabilize the population decline. The public land late season in GMU 70 was established in 2016 to harvest additional cow elk and to shift elk distribution up in elevation off of low elevation winter ranges. Over the past 2 years, mild weather conditions with little snow fall has not pushed elk down to the lower winter ranges negating the need for the public land season to affect elk distribution, thus it has now been removed.

GMU 13 Antlerless Elk Licenses

Previously, GMU 13 was a standalone unit during the second, third, and fourth rifle cow elk seasons. GMU 13 is limited in public land opportunities both from an access standpoint and overall huntable acreage. The majority of elk harvested are killed on private lands. Over the past several years many public hunters have voiced concern about how limited they are in both access and opportunity. There have also been enforcement issues with GMU 13 hunters leaving GMU 13 and hunting in surrounding units. More often than not the GMU 13 hunters must camp in GMU 12 because of the lack of suitable camp sites in GMU 13. Including GMU 13 into the current second, third, and fourth season GMU 12 hunt codes will increase opportunity for those hunters that have historically hunted GMU 13.

Suspending Early Cow Season in GMU 45

GMU 45 has had an early cow season since 1991. CPW instituted this season at a time when the population was at its peak and well above the objective. Since then, E-16’s population has dropped to about 40% of its highest size in recent decades and is now below objective. CPW has reduced licenses in response to the population decline. Success rate for this season has varied widely from 5% to 30%. With the herd being below its population objective, there is no longer a need for an early cow season in GMU 45 for population management purposes.

Creation of a Separate First Rifle Cow License for GMUs 25, 26, and 34

Although current estimates show the elk population in DAU E-6 to be slightly above the long-term population objective range, herd segments in the southern portion of the DAU have been declining. Creating a separate 1st season hunt code for GMUs 25, 26, and 34 by removing these units from hunt code EF011O1R will allow managers to better allocate license numbers and address concerns with elk numbers within these units. Harvest in these units during the 1st season is negligible and should not affect achievement of harvest management objectives.

Creating an Extended Private-Land-Only Season in E-7

CPW utilizes Private-Land-Only Licenses in E-7 to assist in reducing landowner conflicts with elk and in the distribution of elk from private property. Over the past ten years these PLO licenses have been set at sufficient numbers to ensure that landowners have sufficient opportunity to harvest conflict elk. However, CPW sells minimal licenses and harvest has been low during these PLO seasons.

CPW personnel are concerned that hunter densities during many of the public seasons may be reaching levels that will begin to affect hunting success and increase landowner conflicts earlier in the season. Extending the season dates of the antlerless only PLO licenses will help with additional harvest on antlerless elk within this DAU and provide increased hunting pressure from private property, potentially redistributing elk and providing increased opportunity for the public hunter.

Pronghorn

Reopening Pronghorn Hunting in GMU 10

Pronghorn hunting in GMU 10 was suspended in 2010 due to a declining pronghorn population across the unit as a result of drought and severe winter conditions during the 2007-2008 winter. Since the closure, the pronghorn population has shown a slightly increasing trend. Public land is limited within GMU 10 where pronghorn typically reside. Pronghorn are relatively abundant on private lands in GMU 10, and creating an additional private land only license will allow for additional opportunity and reduce demand for the limited license quotas available.

Expanding the GMU 551 Pronghorn Archery License to include GMU 55

Pronghorn recently colonized GMU 55 in the Gunnison Basin during a recent extreme weather event. Some of the newly colonizing pronghorn have remained in GMU 55 with little attempt made to move back across HWY 50 to the core herd in GMU 67. CPW staff recently documented reproduction to be occurring within this colonizing group. Currently, GMU 55 is part of the unlimited statewide over-the-counter archery hunt code, which allows for bucks or either-sex harvest depending on the dates. CPW area staff and local public are concerned that over-the-counter archery status of GMU 55 could reduce the chance for the founding pronghorn to expand across suitable pronghorn habitat.

Neighboring to the east, GMU 551 currently has a low density of pronghorn and thus sustains low limited license hunting archery pressure (AM551O1A). Including GMU 55 as an additional available unit to hunt under the GMU 551 archery hunt code would allow for limited hunting of pronghorn bucks without impacting the few adult female pronghorn currently residing in GMUs 55 and 551.

Creating a separate license for GMU 142

Due to the quality of pronghorn in GMU 142, hunters are willing to use several preference points to acquire a rifle pronghorn license. However, residents can draw a muzzleloader license as a second choice, allowing them to access and hunt in the area earlier than the rifle hunters. This has led to concerns regarding the fairness of allocation. If left unchecked, the quality of pronghorn will diminish, causing hunters to apply for other trophy units. For this reason, GMU 142 has been separated from the hunt codes AM12801M and AF12801M into its own stand-alone hunt codes for the muzzleloader season.

Adding GMU 12 Hunt Codes to AM023P5R and AF023P5R

Pronghorn densities are relatively low on public land within GMU 12, however, pronghorn are relatively abundant on private lands. Adding GMU 12 to the existing PLO hunt codes AM023P5R and AF023P5R would allow for additional hunting opportunity and reduce demand for limited license quotas under hunt codes AM012O1R and AF012O1R. In addition, adding GMU 12 to the existing PLO hunt code will provide managers with a tool to more dependably manage growing numbers of antelope on private lands.

Adding Late Season Private-Land-Only Licenses to Portions of PH-13

The Tobe pronghorn DAU (PH-13) currently has a late doe season that runs the entire month of December. The late season pronghorn licenses are valid on both private and public lands. In recent years, wildlife managers have observed that the majority of late season hunters are hunting on public lands, while most pronghorn are located on private lands. This has created a situation where most late season hunters encounter few to no pronghorn on their hunt. Therefore, CPW has added late season PLO hunt codes to the GMU 137/138/144 and 136/143 hunt code groupings, so that CPW can better distribute hunters across both private and public lands.

Moose

Opening GMUs 53, 54, and 63 for Limited Bull Moose Hunting

Following moose transplants to the Grand Mesa in the mid-2000’s, CPW staff and the public have witnessed the expansion and colonization of moose into suitable habitats adjacent to core transplant areas, including GMU 54 in the Gunnison Basin. Moose hunting opportunity is currently offered in four of the five Gunnison Basin GMU’s, as well as most GMUs adjacent to the Gunnison Basin. Although no formal inventory of moose has been conducted in these GMUs, observations by CPW staff, outfitters, and the public indicate that a resident moose population is established in GMU 54 and parts of GMU 53, with other anecdotal observations in GMU 63 growing in frequency. These units likely have several dozen moose present. The population will likely support a very limited bull harvest. Moose hunting in GMU 53/54/63 will be subject to modification or cessation in successive years based on population performance.

The statements of basis and purpose for these regulations can be viewed and copies obtained from the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife, Office of the Regulations Manager, Policy and Planning Unit, 1313 Sherman, Room 111, Denver, CO 80203.

The primary statutory authority for these regulations can be found in § 24-4-103, C.R.S., and the state Wildlife Act, §§ 33-1-101 to 33-6-209, C.R.S., specifically including, but not limited to: §§ 33-1-106, C.R.S.

EFFECTIVE DATE - THESE REGULATIONS SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE MARCH 2, 2019 AND SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT UNTIL REPEALED, AMENDED OR SUPERSEDED.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY THE PARKS AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO THIS 9TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2019.

APPROVED:

John V. Howard

Chairman

ATTEST:

James Vigil

Secretary

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