State may expand hunting to manage Aspen-area elk herds
ASPEN — The sizes of two elk herds in the Roaring Fork Valley are larger than Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers prefer, so the agency will consider selling more hunting licenses to reduce the numbers or increase the management goal.
The Avalanche Creek elk herd has been managed since 1988 with an objective of having about 3,300 animals. An estimated 4,450 elk remain in the herd, according to Parks and Wildlife officials. That herd generally ranges south of Highway 82, from Glenwood Springs to Independence Pass, including the Redstone, Marble and Maroon Bells areas. That comprises game hunting units 43 and 471.
The Fryingpan River herd numbers at about 7,100, and the agency’s objective is 5,100 animals. That herd ranges north of Highway 82, up the Fryingpan Valley and over to Gypsum and Vail. The range comprises game management units 44, 45, 47 and 444.
You can share your opinions by completing an online survey or attending a meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 24 at the Carbondale firehouse.
