April 5, 2023 Niki Turner County, Features 

40% reduction in licenses expected

RBC | Big game hunters will feel the chill of the winter of 2022-23 this fall. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is recommending a 40% reduction in limited licenses for elk, deer and pronghorn herds across northwest Colorado in response to higher than usual winter mortality.

“Fawn survival at this point is in the low 30th percentile,” said Area Wildlife Manager Bill deVergie of the mule deer population. “We would hope for high 40s and 50s, but could get down into the 20th.” Elk calf survival is “probably a little higher, 35-40%,” while pronghorn antelope have been hardest hit. “If we have 10% fawn survival I think we’ll be doing good.”

While areas north of Rio Blanco County have had a harder winter, with deeper…