Colorado Population and Management ArchiveColorado  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.

Colorado Deer Population and Management Archive

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

2018

2019

2020

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

2018

2019

2020

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