CO Officials Look to Attract Elk Hunters

Nels

2009 was my last year in Colorado for elk. Last year they jacked up the cow tag by about $105, which put it just out of our reach. We (me and my 4 buddies) won't be going this year either because of the tag increases. We're all meat hunters going for cows, and the extra $550 is simply too much to justify. We're all on a budget. I can't believe the DOW is serious about attracting more hunters because they drastically raised prices in the middle of the Great Recession. Either that, or the commissioners are downright dull of common sense. I figure that the loss of our group of 5 cow hunters cost Colorado at least $4,000 last October. We used to buy lots of groceries and supplies in Cortez and Durango. We could count on 1-2 cows per year to split. And if that doesn't sound like good hunting, it really is not, but it is much better than average for Colorado. Our unit, according to DOW statistics, had a 16 percent success ratio for cows. Elk hunting in Colorado is a lot of fun, but the success is generally only about 20 percent statewide, including the prime hunts. So, it is far from a bargain, especially with the new jacked up tag fees. Last fall we all drove to Wisconsin for deer instead of going to Colorado. The trip cost about half the price and we brought back a LOT more meat. It was awesome. See you in Wisconsin next November!