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+--- Thread: NORTHERN MOFFAT AND ROUTT COUNTY ELK MANAGEMENT MEETING SCHEDULED (/showthread.php?tid=357860)
NORTHERN MOFFAT AND ROUTT COUNTY ELK MANAGEMENT MEETING SCHEDULED - FishNews - 08-21-2007
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is interested in hearing from the public about management of two important elk herds in northwest Colorado. Public input is critical in helping revise these management plans, called Data Analysis Unit or DAU plans. DAU plans establish population objectives and set goals for male-female ratios within populations.
Interested members of the public are invited to attend a DAU planning meeting for DAU E-1 and E-2 on Thursday, Aug. 23. The meeting will be held at the Moffat County Fairgrounds Pavilion (640 East Victory Way) beginning at 6 p.m. Discussions about DAU E-2 will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. while DAU E-1 will be discussed from 7 to 8 p.m.
DAU E-1 covers the Cold Springs and Douglas Mountain herd, which occupies the extreme northwest corner of the state. The E-1 DAU plan will guide management in quality Game Management Units (GMU) 2 and 201. These quality units have some of the most sought after elk tags in Colorado with elk hunters waiting years for a bull elk tag.
The management plan for DAU E-2 guides population and ratios for the Bears Ears herd, which stretches from northeast of Steamboat Springs to northwest of Craig. The unit is home to the second largest migratory elk herd in North America and encompasses seven popular game management units for hunters (GMUs 3, 301, 4, 5, 441, 214, and 14).
"The E-2 DAU plan was rewritten last year, but a new population assessment was conducted early this year and so we're going back to the public to determine what adjustments should be made in elk numbers in these units," explained Area Wildlife Manager Bill deVergie.
An assessment of the Bears Ears herd by the DOW determined that elk numbers are higher than previously modeled in the unit. To reach the population objective that was set using the old population estimate last year, the DOW would have to dramatically reduce the elk herd. While possible, such a reduction in elk population would also dramatically reduce hunting opportunity in the area.
"Herd size is a function of biology, but it is also a function of what the public desires for a population," added Ron Velarde, regional manager for northwest Colorado. "While the DOW is well suited to make biological decisions, we need public input to determine if larger or smaller herds would be acceptable."
Sportsmen, outfitters, business owners and landowners all have a vested interest in the big game populations in an area. Sportsmen may want larger herds for increased opportunity or male-female ratios that create bigger bucks but less hunting opportunity. Outfitters and hunting-tourism dependent businesses like hotels and restaurants may want increased hunting opportunity that brings hunters to an area. Landowners may want decreased herd sizes to limit damage to haystacks and fences. Large landowners may also want herd gender ratios that promote bigger bulls and result in more desirable private land bull licenses.
DAU plans are based on wildlife management principles and public input and are revised approximately every 10 years. To aid the public in discussion, several management alternatives will be presented at the public meetings. The alternatives cover increasing or decreasing overall herd size and male-female ratios or leaving the populations and gender ratios at their current levels. The benefits and drawbacks to each alternative will be presented.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife is the state agency responsible for managing wildlife and its habitat, as well as providing wildlife related recreation. The Division is funded through hunting and fishing license fees, federal grants and Colorado Lottery proceeds through Great Outdoors Colorado.