April 12, 2023 |
Photo – Mule Deer – Bigfoot99 file photo
In northern Colorado, big game animals have been struggling to survive the late spring storms just as their counterparts are in southern Wyoming.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Area Wildlife Manager Kris Middledorf said last week that the mortality rate for deer, elk and pronghorn across Northwest Colorado will likely be high this winter due to abundant snow. Officials are especially concerned about the heavy snow late in the season at lower elevations, where the animals normally find winter refuge and food.
As Wyoming big game officials did this week, Parks and Wildlife staff have proposed large reductions in Colorado hunting licenses this year. The State Parks and Wildlife Commission must still approve any rule changes.
Mortality is expected to be high this year in Colorado. State Wildlife Manager Kris Middledorf said district wildlife managers in Routt County “have euthanized or picked up more dead animals this winter than any of the past winters” since 2016.
The biggest concern in northern Colorado is for mule deer fawn. A collaring study shows 35-40% of the fawns may survive to adulthood compared to the normal rate of 64%. The average survival rate for an adult doe is 82%.
Colorado wildlife officials say they have seen an increase in mortality rate since mid-March when the big spring snows came.
