Every year, Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) big-game biologists compile data on the state’s deer, elk and pronghorn herds by data analysis units (DAU). These DAUs encompass several of the game management units (GMU) that hunters are more familiar with.
The reports include data on male-to-female ratios, birth and winter survival rates of newborn animals, overall herd size and health. The information is collected throughout the entire winter and summer range of each herd, and used in models to estimate population size and trends, and to establish annual hunting quotas for the GMUs.
Hunters may increase their odds for a successful Colorado hunt by adding this tool to their individual hunt-planning database.
3 Responses
What/who is the best resource for elk population per unit. I have hunted extensively in Unit 521 and noticed a decline in elk sightings and the decline of available cow tags. I’d like to research current elk populations and try to figure out a pattern. Also, are there units that don’t see enough hunting pressure that I should consider for future hunts?