Colorado Population and Management Archive - Colorado Page
View the archive by scrolling through the window below. Historic deer hunt data is below the Archive window on the left column with links to sources. A list of all articles in the Archive is below the Archive window.
Estimated Annual Deer Kill
2000: 38,000
2001: 31,500
2002* 36,000
2003: 37,602
2004: 41,743
2005: 41,665
2006: 44,800
2007: 45,000
2008: 35,500
2009: 33,922
2010: 34,768
2011: 33,217
2012: 33,486
2013: 32,941
2014: 27,492
2015: 34,005
2016: 36,824
2017: 37,761
2018: 38,303
2019: 36,389
2020: 38,899
2021: 40,561
Hunting and populations statistics.
Deer Population Estimates, Post-hunt
2004 600,900
2005 613,450
2006 623,760
2007 538,770
2008 466,750
2009 460,520
2010 430,390
2011 417,950
2012 408,010
2013 390,660
2014 424,190
2015: 435,660
2016: 418,560
2017: 418,800
2018: 433,140
2019: 418,000
2020: 427,570
2021: 416,426
Hunting estimates are based on surveys of hunters, not reported kills as used by some states.
*2000 to 2002 data estimated from graph
Poor survival for mule deer fawns. Results of the deer hunt are based on surveys of deer hunters. Whitetails increasing west of I-25. One half to one third of the herd size in the 1940s and far below the pre-settlement numbers.
Elk Hunt
2005 56,462
2006 56,933
2007 49,012
2008 45,271
2009 47,543
2010 48,018
2011 43,480
2012 43,490
2013 43,606
2014 41,900
2015: 44,852
2016: 39,306
2017: 38,555
2021:
Elk Population
2005 258,370
2006 271,840
2007 291,960
2008 283,210
2009 286,510
2010 283,430
2011 264,170
2012 266,300
2013 264,025
2014 278,490
2015 275,000
2016 277,750
2017 281,700
2021 308,901
Moose Hunt
2021: 411
Moose Population
2021 3,505
A list of articles in the Archive. Alphabetical Order by Year.
2021
Colorado Sand Dunes Deer Management Plan January, 2021
Grape Creek Elk Herd Management Plan Data Analysis Unit E-28 2019 Colorado
US state reports first litter of wolf pups in 80 years June 10, 2021 Colorado
2020
Colorado mountain lions hit with new hunting plan as people spread May 3, 2020 Colorado
From coronavirus to wildfires, Colorado's hunting season brings a slew of uncertainties December 9, 2020 Colorado
Why we hunt | Wildlife Matters October 27, 2020 Colorado
2019
1900-1930: Wildlife on the Brink January, 2019
Age‐specific foraging strategies among pumas, and its implications for aiding ungulate populations through carnivore control LM Elbroch, H Quigley - Conservation Science and Practice, 2019
BLM extends wildlife area winter closures to protect big game April 16, 2019 Colorado
Collared elk migrates over 250 miles through Steamboat and over Continental Divide to give birth July 1, 2019 Colorado
Collared elk migrates over 250 miles through Steamboat and over Continental Divide to give birth July 1, 2019 Colorado
Colorado has had 22 mountain lion attacks since 1990. There have been 3 already in 2019 August 24, 2019
Colorado Parks and Wildlife cracks down on illegal antler collecting April 4, 2019
CORE Act to protect over 400000 Colorado acres for conservation, recreation, outdoor economy January 26, 2019
CPW seeks to boost deer harvest March 29, 2019 Colorado
Plains deer season under scrutiny at Wildlife Commission meeting August 23, 2019 Colorado
Public opinion sought on deer management plan at Nov. 7 meeting in Trinidad October 23, 2019 Colorado
Public opinion sought on deer management plan at Nov. 7 meeting in Trinidad October 23, 2019 Colorado
San Juan Basin Mule Deer Herd Management Plan December, 2019 Colorado
Saving the elk through conservation and advocacy February 15, 2019 Colorado
To Control Forest Fires, Western States Light More of Their Own May 16, 2019 Colorado
2018
Biologist says western Colorado 'perfect habitat' for wolf reintroduction, ranchers protest February 9, 2018
Can we learn to live with wolves again? November 9, 2018 Colorado,
Colorado Draft Mountain Lion Plan 2018
Colorado officials increase limit for licenses on some big game May 4, 2018
Colorado Springs grappling with deer population problem May 1, 2018
CPW Commission approves shed antler restrictions January 12, 2018 Colorado
Draft Kenosha Pass Elk Herd Management Plan [posted January 11] Colorado, W By, S Schaller - December, 2018
Draft Kenosha Pass Elk Herd Management Plan, Colorado - December, 2018
Hunting, fishing licenses will cost more November 16, 2018 Colorado
No antler hunting allowed until May February 5, 2018 Colorado
Protecting sage-grouse habitat is good for big game in the West May 27, 2018 Colorado
Public Blasts Proposal for Oil and Gas Leasing Near Colorado National Park April 11, 2018
State boosts big-game licenses except for elk May 3, 2018 Colorado
Wilderness expansion bills will allow our wild spaces to remain wild February 10, 2018 Colorado
Wildfires initially tough on wildlife, but some can benefit long-term July 17, 2018 Colorado
Wildlife officials can't coax increase in Basalt, Glenwood deer herd population October 1, 2018 Colorado
Will Coloradans free wolves on the state's public lands? February 1, 2018 Colorado,
Wolf News 2018 Colorado
Wolf reintroduction expert returning to Aspen for presentation January 9, 2018 Colorado
Wolf Symposium left ranchers out in the cold December 6, 2018 Colorado
2017
'Shed Hunting' Becoming Dangerous To Colorado's Wildlife February 12, 2017 Colorado
BLM thinning pinyon-juniper stands near Rifle Gap August 10, 2017 Colorado
Colorado Parks and Wildlife considers funding mechanisms September 26, 2017
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Releases 2017 Hunting Forecast September 3, 2017
CPW looks at more expensive fees, licenses November 4, 2017 Colorado
CPW to commence 'baiting' operation January 17, 2017 Colorado
More people, more wildlife in Colorado, so expect more encounters July 12, 2017
Mule Deer Management Guidelines Data Analysis Unit D-3 July, 2017
Numbers Game March 9, 2017 Colorado
Public Comment Sought on Deer Management Plan November 8, 2017 Colorado
State officials look to reduce car collisions with animals November 16, 2017 Colorado
Summer-fall home-range fidelity of female elk in northwestern Colorado: Implications for aspen management AM Brough, RJ DeRose, MM Conner, JN Long - Forest Ecology and Management, 2017
2016
Archaeology, wildlife and funds stall Phil’s World expansion April 29, 2016 Colorado
Colorado land preservation: Racing to save nature amid growth March 29, 2016
Colorado land preservation: Racing to save nature amid growth March 29, 2016
Colorado Parks and Wildlife looks to raise hunting, fishing fees July 19, 2016
Colorado wildlife scrounging for food because of bad weather February 14, 2016
Colorado wolf advocates, wildlife managers again feud over reintroduction July 25, 2016
Colorado's harsh winter leaves some wild animals in a struggle to survive April 6, 2016
CPW to host license fee meeting Wednesday August 21, 2016 Colorado
Decline of Colorado Deer Population August 21, 2016 Colorado
Deer and elk aren't enjoying epic snowfall as much as people are February 4, 2016 Colorado
Developed Predator Management Plan to Save Mule Deer August 11, 2016 Colorado
Energy development is not impacting survival of deer in Piceance October 9, 2016 Colorado
Game Animal Management Efforts Give Mixed Results April 7, 2016 Colorado
Houses, drilling take toll on deer July 19, 2016 Colorado
How BLM Regulations Are Made—and Why It Needs to Change April 3, 2016 Colorado
How BLM Regulations Are Made—and Why It Needs to Change April 3, 2016 Colorado
Hunters, conservationist debate mountain lion numbers January 15, 2016 Colorado
Hunters, conservationist debate mountain lion numbers January 15, 2016 Colorado
Illegal hunts on the rise in Colorado February 19, 2016
Increases in residential and energy development are associated with reductions in recruitment for a large ungulate - Global Change Biology, 2016 Colorado
Moose flourishing in Colorado August 7, 2016
Moose flourishing in Colorado August 7, 2016
Parks and Wildlife votes to ban release of Mexican, gray wolves in state January 16, 2016 Colorado
Popularity of antler hunting leads to restrictions February 14, 2016 Colorado
Popularity of antler hunting leads to restrictions February 14, 2016 Colorado
Rocky Mountain Deer Forecast for 2016 October 11, 2016 Colorado
Snowed in April 3, 2016 Colorado
The Plight of the Mule Deer: Blaming Predators Instead of the Real Culprits August 17, 2016 Colorado,
The shambled state of Front Range wildlife rehabilitation March 12, 2016 Colorado,
The shambled state of Front Range wildlife rehabilitation March 12, 2016 Colorado,
Using Tailored Tranquilizer Combinations to Reduce Stress Associated with Large Ungulate Capture and Translocation Colorado, LL Wolfe, MW Miller - Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 2016
Using Tailored Tranquilizer Combinations to Reduce Stress Associated with Large Ungulate Capture and Translocation Colorado, LL Wolfe, MW Miller - Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 2016
Wildlife advocates concerned about management of Aspen-area public lands June 22, 2016
Wolf recovery impact debated in state, valley January 2, 2016 Colorado
2015
Attempts to Repopulate Mule Deer November 23, 2015 Colorado
Behavioral response of mule deer to natural gas development in the Piceance Basin July, 2015 Colorado
Big game hunting pours massive money into state, regional economy October 25, 2015 Colorado
Brothers from Kansas, Colorado pay hefty fines in Teller County poaching case January 30, 2015 Colorado
Colorado CPW approves big game regulations February 17, 2015
Colorado Hunters Cashing In on Sage-Grouse Protections November 5, 2015
Colorado offers variety, options, ease for hunters September 12, 2015 Colorado
Colorado Parks and Wildlife asks dog owners to keep pets from wildlife February 26, 2015
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission OKs new hunting regs February 8, 2015 Colorado
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has obtained new land for wildlife habitats January 17, 2015 Colorado
Colorado Parks and Wildlife warns owners not to let their dogs chase wildlife January 22, 2015 Colorado
CPW relies on science and process, mountain lion October 11, 2015 Colorado
Deer declining across Colorado and West May 14, 2015 Colorado
Deer, elk birth rates in Aspen area concern wildlife officers February 8, 2015 Colorado
Density dependence in mule deer: a review of evidence EJ Bergman, PF Doherty Jr, GC White, AA Holland - Wildlife Biology, 2015
Dogs chasing wildlife is nearly a constant problem in Colorado January 30, 2015
Elk, deer herds showing good numbers for 2015 hunting August 14, 2015 Colorado
Energy firm praised for funding wildlife research September 23, 2015 Colorado
Energy Production Impacts on Colorado Deer August 24, 2015
Forest Service does simultaneous controlled burns October 14, 2015 Colorado
Hunting and wildlife management in Colorado August 25, 2015
Hunting’s allure fades October 9, 2015 Colorado,
Long-term efforts saved Colorado wildlife August 11, 2015
Major Working Ranch Conservation Easement Protects Vital Sage Grouse Habitat in NW Colorado January 14, 2015
Man faces 18 charges in Jan. mule deer poaching April 14, 2015 Colorado
More Mountain Lions Could Be In The Crosshairs Next Year September 10, 2015 Colorado
New Colorado big game hunting regulations to take effect this fall February 15, 2015
New regulations limit shed antler collection in Colorado March 4, 2015 Colorado
Prescribed burn planned on Basalt Mtn April 10, 2015 Colorado
Proposal to allow hunters in Westcliffe to kill more mountain lions has been withdrawn October 25, 2015 Colorado
State Wildlife agents crack down on illegal hunters, poachers with rare I-70 checkpoint October 20, 2015 Colorado
To Avoid Running Out Of Hunters, Colorado Is Bringing More Women To The Sport September 29, 2015
Why are Colorado wildlife biologists apologizing for the energy industry? September 5, 2015
With big game population on rise, state adding licenses to help meet demand May 12, 2015 Colorado
2014
Appropriate vegetation indices for measuring the impacts of deer on forest ecosystems H Iijima, T Nagaike - Ecological Indicators, 2014
As Colorado's mule deer decline, so may conservation funding September 25, 2014
Big game hunting means big money for Colorado October 12, 2014
BLM conspicuous by absence at meetings to help mule deer August 13, 2014 Colorado
CO scales back deer licenses July 16, 2014 Colorado
Colder weather should benefit elk hunters in fourth season November 12, 2014 Colorado
Colo. prepping plan to stop mule deer decline August 8, 2014 Colorado
Colorado big-game hunting season structure approved October 28, 2014
Colorado deal protects most of wild plateau from drilling November 21. 2014 Colorado
Colorado man fined for harassing deer December 24, 2014
Colorado Parks and Wildlife looking for ways to solve financial strain December 18
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Recipient of $25,000 Mule Deer Association Partnership Grant March 5, 2014
Colorado Parks, Wildlife plans Aug. 9 public summit on mule deer declines June 16, 2014 Colorado
Colorado West Slope Mule Deer Strategy - Draft [PDF] August 9, 2014
Colorado's Mule Deer Story April 20, 2014
Colorado: Mule deer summit set for Aug. 9 July 30, 2014
CPW pitches plan to bring back deer numbers November 12, 2014 Colorado
CPW Seeking Public Input on Mule Deer Policy April 3, 2014 Colorado
Declining populations spur Colorado mule deer strategy summit April 30, 2014 Colorado,
Deer declining across Colorado and West July 14, 2014 Denver Post
Deer food January 20, 2014 Colorado
Downtown deer July 22, 2014 Colorado
Dry streak a lifesaver for deer? January 3, 2014 Arizona
Effects of male‐biased harvest on mule deer: Implications for rates of pregnancy, synchrony, and timing of parturition ED Freeman, RT Larsen, ME Peterson, CR Anderson… - Wildlife Society Bulletin, 2014
Elk, horses battle over water at Mesa Verde March 30, 2014 Colorado
Endearing deer endure winter December 1, 2014 Colorado
Energy industry, environmentalists compromise on Colorado's Roan Plateau November 29, 2014 Colorado
Evaluation of techniques to reduce deer and elk damage to agricultural crops HE Johnson, JW Fischer, M Hammond, PD Dorsey… - Wildlife Society Bulletin, 2014
Grisly acts, including beheadings, of illegally taking wildlife "major problem" in Colorado October 21, 2014
Habitat and herbivore density: Response of mule deer to habitat management EJ Bergman, PF Doherty, GC White, DJ Freddy - The Journal of Wildlife Management, 2014
Habitat management influences overwinter survival of mule deer fawns in Colorado EJ Bergman, CJ Bishop, DJ Freddy, GC White… - … of Wildlife Management, 2014
Meetings open for ideas to fix mule deer decline May 4, 2014 Colorado
Mule deer strategy topic of meeting August 1, 2014 Colorado
Mule Deer, Declining Population September 12, 2014 Colorado
Prescribed burn planned on Basalt Mountain October 29, 2014 Colorado
Relating the movement of a rapidly migrating ungulate to spatiotemporal patterns of forage quality, Colorado PE Lendrum, CR Anderson Jr, KL Monteith, JA Jenks
Roads closed longer for wildlife April 2, 2014 Colorado
S.W. Colorado mule deer populations suffer 15-year decline January 20, 2014
Sportsmen seek room for wildlife amid drilling push October 21, 2014 Colorado
State Hopes to Find Solution to Mule Deer Decline April 10, 2014 Colorado
These hikes aren't healthy for wildlife December 2, 2014 Colorado
West Slope Mule Deer Summit in Glennwood Springs August 1, 2014 Colorado
When climate change comes after even the most common species October 13, 2014 Colorado
Where have all the mule deer gone? May 13, 2014 Colorado
Why you should support hunting in Colorado November 18, 2014 Colorado
Wildlife Advocates Join Experts to Reverse Mule Deer Declines September 17, 2014 Colorado
Wildlife behavior to change with the weather November 3, 2014 Colorado
Wildlife officials warn dogs chasing animals may be shot February 15, 2014 Colorado
With Colorado's mule deer population declining, wildlife officials seek help August 13, 2014
‘Iconic species of West’ facing decline August 23, 2014 Colorado
2013
Antler Collectors Advised to Avoid Stressing Wildlife March 14, 2013, Colorado
Assessing Success of Mitigation Treatments for Deer and Elk Habitat Impacted by the Bull Mountain Pipeline [PDF] Danielle B. Johnston, 2013
Balance oil and gas with deer's best interest January 30, 2013 Colorado
Bear, mule deer have different problems, same solution May 12, 2013 Colorado
Colorado Buck to Doe Ratio March 16, 2013
Colorado Deer Season 2013: Hunting Forecast October 4, 2013
Colorado Deer Season 2013: Hunting Forecast October 4, 2013
Colorado Deer Season 2013: Hunting Forecast October 4, 2013
Colorado Hunter 2013: Grand County Grand for big game October 14, 2013
Colorado's Forgotten Wilderness: How Gas Leases in the Thompson Divide Gave Locals a New Backyard June 12, 2013
Colorado: Wildlife experts to offer update on mule deer studies, population decline May 21, 2013 Colorado
Deer antlers: A rack to show off December 3, 2013 Colorado
Deer study requires trapping December 8, 2013 Colorado
Don't let your dogs harass, chase or attack wildlife October 26, 2013 Colorado
Drone strikes coming to a neighborhood near you soon March 29, 2013 Colorado
Hunt for cash after tag-numbers cut June 8, 2013 Colorado
Knowing deer habits helpful, experts say, hunter success rate August 20, 2013 Colorado
Lessons Learned from Colorado's Roan Plateau Agust 6, 2013 Colorado
Middle Park Deer Herd, Wildlife biologist says big game prospects good in upcoming hunting season September 6, 2013 Colorado
Moose Thriving in Colorado August 17, 2013
Mule deer: A common sight in Colorado July 31, 2013
Northwest Colo. hunting improves in 2013 December 11, 2013 Colorado
Outdoor traditions must flourish as energy is developed July 21, 2013 Colorado
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Expands Conserved Elk Habitat in Colorado October 15, 2013
Season extension to benefit hunters of Colorado mountain lions January 13, 2013 Colorado
Spatial ecology of female mule deer in an area proposed for wind energy development SL Webb, MR Dzialak, D Houchen, KL Kosciuch… - Western North American …, 2013
Sportsmen Advocate Responsible Development in Colorado January 28, 2013
2012
Albino buck spotted in Vilas County September 9, 2012 Colorado
Antler collectors cautioned to protect wildlife February 7, 2012 Colorado
Area to see fewer deer licenses in 2012 May 19, 2012 Colorado
Betting on conservation November 8, 2012 Colorado
Big game herds do well through mild winter February 15, 2012 Colorado
Billionaire pledges 90,000 acres for conservation area in Colorado June 15, 2012
BLM must proceed with caution, 22 parcels in Delta and Gunnison counties February 9, 2012 Colorado
BLM oil shale proposal is an industry land grab May 2, 2012 Colorado
Climate change presentation focuses on habitat November 17, 2012 Colorado
Colorado among states struggling to stop decline of mule deer herds May 16, 2012
Colorado elk country to benefit from RMEF grants July 10, 2012
Colorado Parks and Wildlife conducting mule deer study in Piceance Basin November 27, 2012
Colorado Parks and Wildlife's online surveys create food for thought July 17, 2012
Colorado: Conservation groups say BLM gas-drilling plan for Piceance Basin threatens wildlife January 30 2012
Copter counts help estimate wildlife populations December 26, 2012 Colorado
Deer and other wildlife benefit from mild winter January 31, 2012 Colorado
Deer duel for the most desired does, decline of mule deer December 1, 2012 Colorado
Deer duel for the most desired does, decline of mule deer December 1, 2012 Colorado
Don't blame hunters for loss of deer population May 27, 2012 Colorado
Elk, deer hunting quotas may decline in Colorado May 9, 2012
Hearing on controversial uranium mill starts; conservation groups get formal party status October 15, 2012 Colorado
Hunters harvest estimated 43,400 Colorado elk in 2011 March 17, 2012
Hunting License Numbers Approved May 14, 2012 Colorado, Montrose Colorado New
Hunting, fishing, wildlife injects $3 billion into Colorado's economy November 26, 2012
Landowners can earn extra cash from hunting January 30, 2012 Colorado
Local elk and deer are getting a wee bit patchy August 24, 2012 Colorado
Piceance Basin, 100 years of energy, but at what cost? February 10, 2012 Colorado
Piceance Creek Deer Herd and BackCountry Conservation Area November 14, 2012 Colorado
Public Input Wanted for Powderhorn Mule Deer Management Plan July 14, 2012 Colorado
Ranch fronts $800,000 for wildlife, vehicle safety on north Hwy 9. May 25, 2012 Colorado
Scientists Trying To Solve Case of the Disappearing Mule Deer Colorado, December 12, 2012
Summit County elk move to bulk up for winter September 22, 2012 Colorado
Telluride prairie dog management receives praise February 5, 2012 Colorado
The Mule Deer Wars December 17, 2012 Colorado
US limits oil-shale development in Rocky Mountains November 9, 2012 Colorado
Weeks of trail use wins out over deer September 14, 2012 Colorado
Wildlife officials stress importance of winter closures February 16, 2012 Colorado
Wyoming's open hunting season on wolves could kill Colorado's chances of getting a pack of its own May 24, 2012 Colorado
2011
4 SC men plead guilty to hunting with poison arrows September 11, 2013 Colorado
A net gain for biologists November 6, 2011 Colorado
Biologists to investigate mysterious decline of native deer along Wyoming-Colorado border August 7, 2011 Colorado
BLM issues final decision for Little Snake management plan October 17, 2011 Colorado
Cololorado dealing with hungry, problem elk January 22, 2011
Colorado Parks and Wildlife hosting meeting on deer herd, predator management August 3, 2011, Colorado
Colorado wildlife panel affirms ban on predator-call devices to protect cougars November 12, 2011
Colorado: Wildlife officials release 2010 hunting stats March 22, 2011 Colorado
Decline in mule deer near Meeker June 22, 2011 Colorado
Deer and antelope in Colorado's northern mountains declining, study warns August 9, 2011
Deer and elk don't do borders: Groups fight to preserve protections along state, federal lines October 7, 2011 Colorado
Deer and elk harvest still strong in valley March 25, 2011 Colorado
Deer disappearance could be due to disease March 25, 2011 Colorado
DOW discusses options to improve declining White River deer herd June 21, 2011 Colorado
DOW plans mule deer study meetings in Granby, Kremmling (declining deer herds) 1/31/2011 Colorado
DOW plans mule deer study meetings in Granby, Kremmling (declining deer herds) 1/31/2011 Colorado
DOW seeks input on management of Boulder-area deer herd May 6, 2011 Colorado
Environmental groups host tour of shale-rich Piceasnce Basin November 10, 2011 Colorado
Midvalley habitat work is just the beginning October 24, 2011 Colorado
More People Take A Shot At Mule Deer Hunting July 24, 2011 Colorado
Mule Deer Declines with Oil and Gas Development August 3, 2011, Colorado
New Habitat For Deer And Elk On Battlement Mesa August 22, 2011 Colorado
Oh, deer: Alleged antler sales lead to felony charges August 17, 2011 Colorado
Park Service looks at ungulate plans November 15, 2011 Colorado
Poaching conviction nets thousands in fines for Douglas County family October 4, 2011 Colorado
Prescribed burns near Egnar, Dove Creek this week September 28, 2011 Colorado
Pricing of Private Hunts, Premier Hunting Adventures November 8, 2011 Colorado
Special regs for antler collecting in Gunnison Basin December 21, 2011 Colorado
Study: Coordination needed on drilling, mule deer May 25, 2011 Colorado
Study: Coordination needed on drilling, mule deer May 25, 2011 Colorado
Study: Energy boom hurting deer, antelope herds July 21, 2011 Colorado
Wildlife will benefit from forest habitat project July 11, 2011 Colorado
Colorado will kill bears and lions to boost deer herds August 9, 2016
Colorado: Can predator control stem mule deer herd decline? August 2, 201
Mule Deer Population Halved in Pinedale Anticline over 9 Years Due to Gas Well ... November 4, 2010 Colorado
Study shows how Colorado wildlife is impacted by bark beetle invasion killing trees in Colorado April 30, 2019