Why elk and deer herds are declining in Southwest Colorado
 

Learned this after a meeting with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe Refuses to modify their hunting regulations and limits. The the deer and elk herds winter on the reservation hence the results. Each tribe member can take 7 animals per their regs. They can also hunt US Forest service lands off the reservation. For the website containing these regs:

www.southernute-nsn.gov/wrmweb/hunting/



Southern Ute Tribal Season Dates and Bag Limits (Enrolled Southern Ute Tribal Members Only, unless specified)
Open Areas
Open areas for huntable species shall include all lands within the exterior boundaries of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. For private, assigned and allotted lands, hunters must first obtain written access permission from the landowner. For USFS
lands and Navajo State Park lands contact the respective agencies for information pertaining to access restrictions. Closed Areas
Closed areas shall include all grounds immediately surrounding the Lake Capote Recreation Area including the campground. For precise boundaries contact the Wildlife Division.
Mule Deer and Elk
Season Dates: Archery: August 26th through September 8th, 2017
General: September 9th through December 31st, 2017
Permits Issued: Beginning August 14th, 2017
Bag Limits: 3 Mule Deer (1 Buck and 2 Does**)
4 Elk (1 Bull and 3 Cows**)
** Tribal Members must have their first doe or cow validated to receive their second
doe or cow tag and have their second cow validated to receive their third cow tag.