| According to the Colorado Division of Wildlife, elk | | | | National Monument. |
| hunting in Colorado during 2008 across all seasons | | | | Division of Wildlife data estimates the post 2008 |
| and methods of take produced an elk hunter | | | | elk hunting season statewide elk population to be |
| success rate of 20%. A total of 45,271 elk were | | | | approximately 283,210. DOW information relative |
| harvested in Colorado in 2008. Traditionally | | | | to elk populations is examined with respect to |
| success rates for elk hunting in Colorado have | | | | herds that may traverse more than one gaming |
| hovered around the 25% range, so 2008 was a | | | | unit. With respect to the aforementioned hunting |
| somewhat less productive year compared to | | | | units, estimates from DOW suggest that |
| years past. | | | | approximately 21,430 elk are in or about unit 851. |
| Data regarding the 2008 hunting seasons are | | | | In addition, estimates show unit 61 with a herd of |
| available. A review of the data reveal a handful of | | | | approximately 10,680 elk roaming through or |
| gaming units that have enjoyed a higher than | | | | about the area. Units 40 and 682 have markedly |
| average hunter success rate. Unit 61, a unit on | | | | smaller herds, at 4400 and 300 elk respectively. |
| the Western slope encompassing portions of the | | | | As any elk hunter will concede, if you show up in |
| Uncompahgre National Forest, harvested a total | | | | the middle of a herd of elk you will have a much |
| of 677 elk in 2008 producing a hunter success | | | | easier time harvesting an elk. Inasmuch as this is |
| rate of 49%. Hunter success rates were 50% in | | | | true, it is also true that many other aspects of |
| units 40 and 851. Unit 40, where 920 elk were | | | | elk hunting preparation produce success. Knowing |
| harvested in 2008, is also on the Western slope | | | | where elk are abundant and success rates are |
| adjacent to the Utah boarder in Mesa County. Unit | | | | high may assist in future elk hunting success, but |
| 851, where 286 elk were harvested, runs along | | | | any astute elk hunter should be wary of the |
| Colorado's southern boarder and is southwest of | | | | difference between the correlation of data, and |
| Trinidad. The highest noteworthy elk hunting | | | | its causation. There may be other circumstances |
| success rate was 67%, found in unit 682. Unit | | | | inherent in some gaming units that produce higher |
| 682 is in the south central portion of the state | | | | success rates than others. |
| slightly northwest of the Great Sand Dunes | | | | |