"Sorry if i sound a bit confused. I'm just not sure what formula was used to say that 1,000 is enough but 800 or 700 or 500 is not. OR that it shouldn't be 1,500"

What did the Colorado Division of Wildlife say when you asked? If you did not ask, the link to post your question directly to them is below.

https://wildlife.state.co.us/askdowspecificform/

BTW, the S&W shot you described is an illegal take of game and thus, poaching.