They got themselves to this point by overpricing their hunting
There's an overpopulation of elk in RMNP, not the rest of CO. Since hunting is not legal in National Parks, the notion that they are overpopulated because people cannot afford licenses is wrong.
I could see them issuing limited archery tags, but I don't think we'll see a rifle season. I could be wrong though. I'd definitely put in for a draw there.