Legacy in the Crosshairs: Colorado's 'Mule-Deer Factory'

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Steamboat Springs Our recommendations going forward: Home of Colorado’s White River herd Glenwood Springs Denver • State and federal land managers and biologists must work together to conserve mule deer habitat and help increase populations. Grand Junction Colorado’s White River herd is in portions of Rio Blanco, Moffat, Routt and Gar COLORADO field counties. The area has long been known as Colorado’s “mule-deer factory” • The Bureau of Land Management should develop and implement strategies to avoid harmful impacts to deer herds as it and has some of the country’s largest herds but the population has been declining considers uses of public lands. If development or activities can’t be avoided or directed elsewhere, the BLM should do all for years and now is below the goal set by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. it can to minimize the effects on deer and their habitat. • The BLM should consult with Colorado Parks and Wildlife during planning to ensure that it uses the latest deer population estimates and information about the habitat. It needs to consider the potential cumulative impacts on deer when writing management plans and considering projects on public lands. • The BLM should continue and expand its use of master leasing plans and other tools to address the potential impacts on deer herds before energy leases are offered on federal lands. AN AREA RICH IN WILDLIFE – AND MINERAL RESOURCES • The BLM must fulfill its conservation commitments and not proceed with projects if habitat conditions and deer popula Northwest Colorado is home to large mule deer herds and other wild tion targets aren’t met or if the agency fails to conduct promised monitoring or mitigation. life. It’s also the site of significant oil and natural gas deposits as well • CPW needs adequate staffing and funding to conduct research to con as some of the world’s largest oil shale formations. The area where the tinue producing the best deer population and other information. White River mule deer herd is found has been a drilling hot spot in • We recommend that CPW set priorities for recovery of the deer popula recent years. The previous decade’s rush of activity subsided as natural tion in at least one area where biologists can examine the interplay of gas prices dropped and the national recession hit. However, the Bureau factors, such as habitat quality, and design a research and recovery pro of Land Management is considering a plan that could add up to 15,000 gram. We recognize CPW will need cooperation and coordination from wells in the area. Meanwhile, there is activity and traffic associated other agencies, such as BLM, private landowners where possible, and with the existing wells, pipelines, processing plants and roads. commitment by funders. ISTOCK.COM The current number of wells in the counties where the White River • Wildlife enthusiasts, hunters and other conservationists must actively herd roams and the number of wells each added from 2005 to 2012: participate in CPW’s ongoing development of a strategy to boost mule • Garfield County – 10,751 total. Number added 2005-2012: 7,842 deer populations and participate in the BLM’s planning processes. • Moffat County – 620. Number added 2005-2012: 259 Contact Colorado BLM, 303-239-3600, Legacy in the Crosshairs: • Rio Blanco County – 2,926. Number added 2005-2012: 848 or http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/contact_us.html. • Routt County – 44. Number added 2005-2012: 16 Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife: 303-297-1192 or cpw.state.co.us ISTOCK.COM Colorado’s ‘Mule-Deer Factory’ on the Decline Source: Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission The story of Colorado can’t be told without focusing on its likely many causes for the drop in numbers, one looms large: natural beauty, wide array of natural resources – and their habitat loss. Oil and gas drilling and new roads and buildings

Roan Plateau in back with gas well in foreground, JUDITH KOHLER (top) economic benefits and appeal for residents and visitors alike. have fragmented and covered over habitat. Western Colo Drill pads in former mule deer range in Wyoming, CAMERON DAVIDSON (bottom) Colorado’s world-class wildlife populations have drawn rado’s overall estimated deer population of about 300,000 in RESOURCES: hunters, anglers, photographers and wildlife watchers from 2012 was more than 110,000 short of the state’s objective. across the country and globe for more than a century. CPW, Colorado’s Mule Deer Story, http://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/CO-MuleDeerStory.aspx. More than Colorado’s bragging rights for having the biggest But for more than two decades, one of the American West’s herds are at stake. Hunting and other wildlife-related recre POST-HUNT POPULATION SIZE White River Deer Herd The Economic Contributions of Outdoor Recreation in Colorado, Southwick Associates, signature species – the mule deer – has been on the decline ation is worth at least $5 billion to the state’s annual economy. Source: Compiled by John Ellenberger based 120,000 http://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/Commission/2014/May/ITEM21-2013COEconImpactReport.pdf on estimates by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. in Colorado and throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Colorado Parks and Wildlife, with public input, is developing For more information, go to Our Public Lands, www.ourpubliclands.org, and the Colorado Wildlife Federation, Wildlife managers, hunters and other conservationists are a plan to boost mule deer numbers across western Colorado. 100,000 *The 2013 population estimate of http://www.coloradowildlife.org/. working to understand and reverse this trend. 80,000 32,000 is based on a change in the Colo At the same time, the federal Bureau of Land Management rado Parks and Wildlife’s modeling that CONTACTS: In Colorado, the plummeting numbers of “muleys” is particu is considering a plan that could add up to 15,000 new oil and 60,000 factors in recent monitoring of deer in larly noticeable in an area dubbed the “mule-deer factory.” gas wells in the part of the Piceance Basin where the White Judith Kohler, National Wildlife Federation, the herd. CPW says it appears the pop- The White River herd in western Colorado’s Piceance Basin River herd roams. There are now at least 1,000 active wells. 40,000 [email protected], 303-441-5163; ulation remained stable from 2012 to has ranked among the country’s largest, estimated at more than This fact sheet by the National Wildlife Federation and the Numbers of Deer 20,000 2013 and fluctuations in numbers dur Suzanne O’Neill, Colorado Wildlife Federation, 100,000 deer in the early 1980s. The area was said to be home Colorado Wildlife Federation examines what is at stake for 0 ing that period is due to the modeling [email protected], 303-987-0400. to the largest migratory mule deer herd in North America. the White River herd to raise awareness of the challenges 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 change. However, the overall popu- facing the state’s renowned deer populations and help point lation trend is down. That might no longer be the case. The herd’s estimated, post- Years PRINTED LOCALLY ON RECYCLED FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER. hunting-season size in 2013 was 32,000. While there are the way to possible responses. The lore and decline of Colorado’s

ISTOCK.COM ‘Mule-Deer Factory‘

John Ellenberger believes Arch Andrews, the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s former public affairs manager, was the first to popu Western Colorado mule deer at larize the phrase “Colorado’s mule-deer factory” to describe the Kent Ingram has been hunting deer for at 40 years and north gist Darby Finley in a report this year. Colorado’s human animals that make up the White River herd in the northwest part west Colorado’s Piceance Basin, home to the White River herd, population increased from 4.3 million in 2000 to 5.18 mil of the state. The renamed Colorado Parks and Wildlife estimates a crossroads: route to recovery used to be a frequent destination. But Ingram, the Colorado lion in 2012. More people and development “contribute to a the population was more than 100,000 in the early 1980s. The lat Wildlife Federation board chairman, opted to hunt elsewhere direct loss of mule deer habitat,” Finley wrote. Widespread, unregulated hunting along with habitat loss due to “mule-deer factory,” includes portions of Rio Blanco, Moffat, est estimate, based on computer models, monitoring of deer and when drilling and road-building picked up in the Piceance. He a surging human population reduced Colorado deer numbers so Routt and Garfield counties in northwest Colorado. The herd’s Research has shown that two aerial surveys, puts the post-hunt population at roughly 32,000. is concerned about the stresses the White River herd faces. dramatically that by the early part of the last century state wildlife estimated post-hunt population for 2013 was 32,000. mule deer herds in western “I don’t want to hunt places where the deer populations are Wyoming, parts of which have The area was said to be home to the largest migratory mule deer officials feared the herds might go the way of the Plains bison. Wildlife biologists believe the population remained stable low,” Ingram added. “I support reducing tags if it helps the been heavily drilled the last herd in North America, although Chuck Anderson, CPW’s mam Thanks to the efforts of state wildlife managers, hunters between 2012 and 2013, but the current estimated popula- herds. We have to listen to the biologists.” decade or so, have shrunk by mals research leader, said that wasn’t scientifically documented. and other conservationists, that didn’t happen. Among the tion is less than half of CPW’s goal for the herd – 67,500. at least 30 percent. Research But no one doubts the herd was among the largest, if not the changes noted by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Division Starting in the early 1980s, a review of the White River herd’s ers don’t pin all the decline on largest, in the country. in its recently issued “The Story of Colorado’s Mule Deer” population estimates, all made after the hunting seasons, show SPORTSMEN/WOMEN: PAYING THE BILLS energy development, but note “Back when the population was at 100,000, 75,000 to 80,000, I were better regulation of hunting and the generation of funds a continuing decline with minor fluctuations. John Ellen FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION that deer avoid well sites. don’t think there would have been any arguments with any other for conservation and research from fees and excise taxes paid berger, the state’s former big game manager and a wildlife ISTOCK.COM The part of the Piceance Basin states whether that was true. That’s not the case anymore,” said by hunters. By the middle of the 20th century, Colorado’s consultant, recently reviewed the population estimates and Declines in hunting due to fewer licenses being STEVE TORBIT that’s home to the White River Ellenberger, formerly the state’s big game manager and now a consultant. deer numbered in excess of 600,000. hunting opportunities. offered or fewer hunters in the field can have ripple herd has seen increased oil and gas drilling and accompa For years, the Piceance Basin produced so many deer that it seemed almost automatic. Ellenberger said the “mule-deer More than 50 years later, Colorado’s mule deer are at another effects on overall wildlife programs. Much of the Severe winters, droughts, and disease can explain some of the nying development, including new roads, pipelines and gas factory” moniker gained traction when the herd started recovering from the severe winter of 1983-84. “Arch Andrews, crossroads. No one’s talking about deer going extinct. Colo funding for wildlife management, habitat conserva ups and downs. CPW estimated the White River herd’s size at processing plants. Northwest Colorado’s natural gas drilling who was the voice of the Division of Wildlife, said ‘The deer factory is back.’ And that kind of stuck.” rado still has some of the country’s largest mule deer herds tion and access for recreation comes from hunting more than 100,000 in 1982-83, which sunk to slightly above boom of the last decade has leveled off, due in part to low and draws hunters from across the country. and fishing license fees and federal excise taxes on Wildlife biologist and Colorado native Steve Torbit remembers growing up reading stories in Colorado Outdoors maga 80,000 for the 1983-84 count. prices, but the Bureau of Land Management is considering a firearms, ammunition, fishing gear, archery equip zine about “the world’s largest migratory deer herd and most productive deer herd.” But the population trend the last several years has been “That winter, ’83-84, was the hardest winter I’d been through proposal that could add up to 15,000 new wells over 20 years. ment and motorboat fuel. Revenue from the taxes, “The herd has been famous at least nationally for decades,” said Torbit, former executive director of the National Wildlife Fed down. CPW says the post-hunt, statewide total in 2012 was during my career,” says Ellenberger, a member of the Colo The BLM’s preliminary proposal erroneously put the White licenses and other fees paid by hunters and anglers eration’s Rocky Mountain office. “It was long recognized as a highly productive area. It was just such fertile ground for deer.” an estimated 408,000 deer – far short of the goal of 525,000 rado Wildlife Federation. “Researchers from Colorado State River herd’s current size at more than 100,000. The BLM to 575,000. In western Colorado, home to some of the coun University had radio-collared fawns out here. None of their make up a significant part of state wildlife budgets. In says its final plan, due soon, will contain updated numbers. Early in his career as a wildlife researcher, Torbit said it wasn’t uncommon to see thousands of deer while driving the back try’s largest mule deer herds, the 2012 post-hunt estimate 2011, states received nearly $749 million in hunter/ fawns survived that winter.” The Piceance Basin is also home to some of the world’s larg roads in the Piceance Basin during winter. Although there are many reasons for the herd’s continuing decline, he said the was roughly 300,000. CPW’s target population is 410,000 to angler excise taxes – $364 million for conserving and Does’ survival rate also dropped significantly. It takes a num est, richest oil shale deposits. Companies continue to look for impacts of development and increasing human population are undeniable. 450,000 deer for the area. restoring fisheries and $384 for other wildlife proj ber of years to rebuild herds. ways to commercially mine and process the shale into oil. “We’ve pushed the mule deer to the edge of the cliff and that’s all that’s left for them,” Torbit said. The declines affect opportunities for hunters and wildlife ects. Nearly all the funds for state wildlife programs What’s worrisome, Ellenberger says, is that even with favor “If you want to continue to have deer populations you’re watchers. It affects the state economy because wildlife-related in Colorado come from the excise taxes, licenses and able weather, the numbers aren’t recovering. going to have to protect important habitat,” Ellenberger says. recreation produces at least $5 billion in benefits yearly, other fees paid by hunters and anglers. “You’re going to have to try to limit the amount of motorized according to a study released this year by Southwick Associ THE EFFECT ON HUNTING Sources: Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the National Shooting use, human occupation and utilization of those areas. You ates. Wildlife conservation is affected because nearly all the Sports Foundation and American Sportfishing Association. Fewer deer can translate into fewer opportunities for hunters can’t ride and go everywhere you want and expect to have ANTLERED DEER RIFLE HUNTING LICENSES funds for state wildlife programs come from taxes and fees and fewer available licenses. Colorado began limiting all deer everything hunky-dory.” paid by hunters and anglers. In response to the dwindling pop 14,000 licenses in 1999, making a specific number of licenses avail For years, CPW has conducted extensive research into a ulation, the state has reduced the number of hunting licenses, THE REASON THERE ARE FEWER DEER 12,000 able for defined areas called game management units. The number of factors affecting deer, including predation, the White River Deer Herd which means less revenue for state wildlife programs. 10,000 number of licenses offered for the White River herd fell as the While there might be many influences on deer populations, condition of forage and weather extremes. Research is under CPW has launched a statewide initiative to gather public Source: Compiled by John Ellenberger from Colorado population dropped. Ellenberger broke out the buck licenses one has been an overriding concern for years – habitat, its way in a portion of the White River herd into the effects of oil 8,000 input into what’s happening with mule deer and determine Parks and Wildlife figures on the number of hunting licenses for rifle seasons to illustrate the trend because that is the big quality and quantity. “I think habitat is probably the biggest and gas operations on deer behavior as well as the impacts of 6,000 what can be done. The agency is developing a “West Slope gest group of hunters and other types of licenses show similar issue, but there are other kinds of issues that are interre offered for bucks during rifle seasons. The 2012 total of improvements to vegetation. 4,000 Mule Deer Strategy.” patterns. (See graph at right "Antlered Deer Rifle License") lated,” Ellenberger says. 2,025 licenses is just 17 percent of the 11,760 licenses CPW has identified the following as possible issues affecting License Numbers 2,000 offered in 2005 and reflects the declining deer population. A CASE STUDY: COLORADO’S `MULE-DEER FACTORY’ Reduced hunting opportunities have economic consequences. One pressure on mule deer populations is the human popula- mule deer populations: habitat conditions; migration barri Southwick Associates’ study found that wildlife-related tion – more people moving into wildlife habitat, recreating in 0 In the early 1980s, the estimated population of the White River ers; predation; drought and other weather extremes; highway 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 the hills and forests where deer live, building homes, fences herd was more than 100,000. The herd’s home, dubbed the recreation in northwest Colorado generates $693 million deaths; disease; impacts from recreation; hunting demands; in economic benefits annually and supports 6,978 jobs. and roads on or near wildlife habitat, as noted by CPW biolo- and competition with elk. Years The lore and decline of Colorado’s

ISTOCK.COM ‘Mule-Deer Factory‘

‘Mule-Deer Factory‘ ISTOCK.COM ‘Mule-Deer ‘Mule-DeerISTOCK.COM Factory‘

John Ellenberger believes Arch Andrews, the Colorado Division Division Colorado the Andrews, Arch believes Ellenberger John John Ellenberger believes Arch Andrews, the Colorado Division popu to first the was manager, affairs public former Wildlife’s of of Wildlife’s former public affairs manager, was the first to popu Western Colorado mule deer at the describe to factory” mule-deer “Colorado’s phrase the larize larize the phrase “Colorado’s mule-deer factory” to describe the at deer mule Colorado Western Kent Ingram has been hunting deer for at 40 years and north gist Darby Finley in a report this year. Colorado’s human human Colorado’s year. this report a in Finley Darby gist north and years 40 at for deer hunting been has Ingram Kent animals that make up the White River herd in the northwest part part northwest the in herd River White the up make that animals animals that make up the White River herd in the northwest part west Colorado’s Piceance Basin, home to the White River herd, population increased from 4.3 million in 2000 to 5.18 mil mil 5.18 to 2000 in million 4.3 from increased population herd, River White the to home Basin, Piceance Colorado’s west of the state. The renamed Colorado Parks and Wildlife estimates estimates Wildlife and Parks Colorado renamed The state. the of of the state. The renamed Colorado Parks and Wildlife estimates a crossroads: route to recovery used to be a frequent destination. But Ingram, the Colorado lion in 2012. More people and development “contribute to a a to tribute “con development and people More 2012. in lion Colorado the Ingram, But destination. frequent a be to used recovery to route crossroads: a lat The 1980s. early the in 100,000 than more was population the the population was more than 100,000 in the early 1980s. The lat Wildlife Federation board chairman, opted to hunt elsewhere direct loss of mule deer habitat,” Finley wrote. wrote. Finley habitat,” deer mule of loss direct elsewhere hunt to opted chairman, board Federation Wildlife Widespread, unregulated hunting along with habitat loss due to “mule-deer factory,” includes portions of Rio Blanco, Moffat, and deer of monitoring models, computer on based estimate, est est estimate, based on computer models, monitoring of deer and Moffat, Blanco, Rio of portions includes factory,” “mule-deer to due loss habitat with along hunting unregulated Widespread, when drilling and road-building picked up in the Piceance. He He Piceance. the in up picked road-building and drilling when a surging human population reduced Colorado deer numbers so Routt and Garfield counties in northwest Colorado. The herd’s Research32,000. hasy shownroughl at that two population post-hunt the puts surveys, aerial aerial surveys, puts the post-hunt population two that at roughlshown yhas 32,000. Research herd’s The Colorado. northwest in counties Garfield and Routt so numbers deer Colorado reduced population human surging a is concerned about the stresses the White River herd faces. faces. herd River White the stresses the about concerned is dramatically that by the early part of the last century state wildlife estimated post-hunt population for 2013 was 32,000. mule deer herds in western western in herds deer mule 32,000. was 2013 for population post-hunt estimated wildlife state century last the of part early the by that dramatically “I don’t want to hunt places where the deer populations are Wyoming,deer mule parts of whichmigratory havelargest the to home be to said was area The The area was said to be home to the largesthave migratorywhich of parts mule deerWyoming, are populations deer the where places hunt to want don’t “I officials feared the herds might go the way of the Plains bison. Wildlife biologists believe the population remained stable stable remained population the believe biologists Wildlife bison. Plains the of way the go might herds the feared officials low,” Ingram added. “I support reducing tags if it helps the been mam heavily CPW’s drilled theAnderson, last Chuck although America, North in herd herd in North America, although Chuck last Anderson, the drilled CPW’s heavily mam been the helps it if tags reducing support “I added. Ingram low,” Thanks to the efforts of state wildlife managers, hunters between 2012 and 2013, but but 2013, and 2012 between hunters managers, wildlife state of efforts the to Thanks the current estimated popula- herds. We have to listen to the biologists.” decade or so,documented. have shrunkscientifically by wasn’t that said leader, research mals mals research leader, said that wasn’t by scientificallyshrunk have documented.so, or decade biologists.” the to listen to have We herds. - popula estimated current the and other conservationists, that didn’t happen. Among the the Among happen. didn’t that conservationists, other and tion is less than half of CPW’s goal for the herd – 67,500. at leastthe not 30 if percent.largest, Researchthe among was herd the doubts one no But But no one doubts the herd was among theResearch largest,percent. if 30 not theleast at 67,500. – herd the for goal CPW’s of half than less is tion changes noted by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Division Division Wildlife and Parks Colorado the by noted changes Starting in the early 1980s, a review of the White River herd’s ers don’t pin all the decline on country. the in largest, largest, in the country. on decline the all pin don’t ers herd’s River White the of review a 1980s, early the in Starting in its recently issued “The Story of Colorado’s Mule Deer” Deer” Mule Colorado’s of Story “The issued recently its in population estimates, all made after the hunting seasons, show SPORTSMEN/WOMEN: PAYING THE BILLS energyI development,80,000, to 75,000 but note100,000, at was population the when “Back “Back when the population was at 100,000,note but 75,000 to 80,000,development, Ienergy BILLS THE PAYING SPORTSMEN/WOMEN: show seasons, hunting the after made all estimates, population were better regulation of hunting and the generation of funds funds of generation the and hunting of regulation better were a continuing decline with minor fluctuations. John Ellen FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION that deerother any avoid with well sites.arguments any been have would there think don’t don’t think there would have been any argumentssites. well with avoid any otherdeer that CONSERVATION WILDLIFE FOR Ellen John fluctuations. minor with decline continuing a for conservation and research from fees and excise taxes paid berger, the state’s former big game manager and a wildlife ISTOCK.COM ISTOCK.COM wildlife a and manager game big former state’s the berger, paid taxes excise and fees from research and conservation for states whether that was true. That’s not the case anymore,” said The said part of the Piceanceanymore,” case the Basin not That’s true. was that whether states states whether that was true. That’s not Basin the case anymore,”Piceance the of part said The by hunters. By the middle of the 20th century, Colorado’s consultant, recently reviewed the population estimates and Declines in hunting due to fewer licenses being STEVE TORBIT TORBIT STEVE being licenses fewer to due hunting in Declines and estimates population the reviewed recently consultant, Colorado’s century, 20th the of middle the By hunters. by that’sconsultant. a homenow toand the Whitemanager Rivergame big state’s the formerly Ellenberger, Ellenberger, formerly the state’s big gameRiver managerWhite the andto nowhome a consultant.that’s deer numbered in excess of 600,000. hunting opportunities. offered or fewer hunters in the field can have ripple ripple have can field the in hunters fewer or offered opportunities. hunting . 600,000 of excess in numbered deer For years, the Piceance Basin produced so many deer that it seemed almost automatic. Ellenberger said the “mule-deer “mule-deer the said Ellenberger automatic. almost herdseemed it has that seen deer increasedmany so oil and produced gas drillingBasin andPiceance accompathe years, For For years, the accompa Piceance and Basin drilling gas produced and oil so many increased deer seen that has it seemedherd almost automatic. Ellenberger said the “mule-deer More than 50 years later, Colorado’s mule deer are at another effects on overall wildlife programs. Much of the the of Much programs. wildlife overall on effects another at are deer mule Colorado’s later, years 50 than More Severe winters, droughts, and disease can explain some of the Andrews, “Arch 1983-84. of winter severe the from nying development,recovering started herd including the when new roads,traction pipelinesgained andmoniker gas factory” factory” gas monikerand gainedpipelines tractionroads, new when the including herd started recoveringdevelopment, nying from the severe winter of 1983-84. “Arch Andrews, the of some explain can disease and droughts, winters, Severe crossroads. No one’s talking about deer going extinct. Colo funding for wildlife management, habitat conserva conserva habitat management, wildlife for funding Colo extinct. going deer about talking one’s No crossroads. ups and downs. CPW estimated the White River herd’s size at stuck.” of kind that And back.’ is processingfactory deer plants.‘The said NorthwestWildlife, of Colorado’s Division naturalthe of gasvoice drillingthe was who who was thedrilling voicegas of thenatural Division Colorado’s of Wildlife,Northwest said ‘Theplants. deer factoryprocessing is back.’ And that kind of stuck.” at size herd’s River White the estimated CPW downs. and ups rado still has some of the country’s largest mule deer herds tion and access for recreation comes from hunting hunting from comes recreation for access and tion herds deer mule largest country’s the of some has still rado more than 100,000 in 1982-83, which sunk to slightly above boom of the last decade has leveled off, due in part to low low to part in due off, leveled has decade last the of boom above slightly to sunk which 1982-83, in 100,000 than more and draws hunters from across the country. and fishingmaga licenseOutdoors fees and Colorado federalin excisestories taxesreading up on growing remembers Torbit Steve native Colorado and biologist Wildlife Wildlife biologist and Colorado native Steve Torbit remembers growing on up readingtaxes storiesexcise infederal Colorado and fees Outdoorslicense magafishing and country. the across from hunters draws and 80,000 for the 1983-84 count. prices, but the Bureau of Land Management is considering a a considering is Management Land of Bureau the but prices, count. 1983-84 the for 80,000 firearms, ammunition, fishing gear, archeryherd.” deer equip productive most and herd deer migratory largest world’s “the about zine zine about “the world’s largest migratory deer herd and most productive equip deer herd.”archery gear, fishing ammunition, firearms, But the population trend the last several years has been “That winter, ’83-84, was the hardest winter I’d been through proposal that could add up to 15,000 new wells over 20 years. years. 20 over wells new 15,000 to up add could that proposal through been I’d winter hardest the was ’83-84, winter, “That been has years several last the trend population the But ment andFed motorboatWildlife fuel.National Revenuethe of fromdirector the taxes,executive former Torbit, said decades,” for nationally least at famous been has herd “The “The herd has been famous at least nationally for decades,” said Torbit, former executive taxes, the director from of the Revenue National fuel. Wildlife motorboat Fed and ment down. CPW says the post-hunt, statewide total in 2012 was during my career,” says Ellenberger, a member of the Colo The BLM’s preliminary proposal erroneously put the White White the put erroneously proposal preliminary BLM’s The Colo the of member a Ellenberger, says career,” my during was 2012 in total statewide post-hunt, the says CPW down. licensesdeer.” andfor otherground fees paidfertile bysuch huntersjust was It and anglersarea. productive highly a as recognized long was “It office. Mountain Rocky eration’s eration’s Rocky Mountain office. “It was long recognized as a highly productive area. anglers and It was just hunters such by fertile paid fees ground other for and deer.” licenses an estimated 408,000 deer – far short of the goal of 525,000 rado Wildlife Federation. “Researchers from Colorado State River herd’s current size at more than 100,000. The BLM BLM The 100,000. than more at size current herd’s River State Colorado from “Researchers Federation. Wildlife rado 525,000 of goal the of short far – deer 408,000 estimated an to 575,000. In western Colorado, home to some of the coun University had radio-collared fawns out here. None of their make upback a significantthe driving partwhile of statedeer of wildlife budgets.thousands see to In saysuncommon its finalwasn’t it plan,said dueTorbit soon, willresearcher, contain wildlife updateda as numbers.career his in Early Early in his careernumbers. as aupdated wildlife contain researcher,will soon, Torbitdue saidplan, it wasn’tfinal its uncommonsays In to see thousandsbudgets. wildlife of deerstate of whilepart driving thesignificant a backup make their of None here. out fawns radio-collared had University coun the of some to home Colorado, western In 575,000. to try’s largest mule deer herds, the 2012 post-hunt estimate 2011, states received nearly $749 million in hunter/ hunter/ in million $749 nearly received states 2011, estimate post-hunt 2012 the herds, deer mule largest try’s fawns survived that winter.” the said he decline, continuing herd’s the for reasons Themany Piceanceare there Basin isAlthough also homewinter. to someduring ofBasin the world’sPiceance the larg in roads roads in larg the Piceanceworld’s the Basinof duringsome to winter.home also Althoughis Basin there arePiceance manyThe reasons for the herd’s continuing decline, he said the winter.” that survived fawns was roughly 300,000. CPW’s target population is 410,000 to angler excise taxes – $364 million for conserving and and conserving for million $364 – taxes excise angler to 410,000 is population target CPW’s 300,000. roughly was Does’ survival rate also dropped significantly. It takes a num niable. est,unde richestare oil shalepopulation deposits.human Companiesincreasing and continue to lookdevelopment of for impacts impacts for of developmentlook to continue and increasingCompanies humandeposits. populationshale oil arerichest undeest, niable. num a takes It significantly. dropped also rate survival Does’ 450,000 deer for the area. restoring fisheries and $384 for other wildlife proj proj wildlife other for $384 and fisheries restoring area. the for deer 450,000 ber of years to rebuild herds. said. Torbit them,” for left that’s waysall tothat’s commerciallyand cliff the of mine edge and the processto deer the shalemule the into oil.pushed “We’ve “We’ve pushedoil. into the muleshale the deer toprocess the and edge mine of the cliff andcommercially that’sto allways that’s left for them,” Torbit said. herds. rebuild to years of ber The declines affect opportunities for hunters and wildlife ects. Nearly all the funds for state wildlife programs programs wildlife state for funds the all Nearly ects. wildlife and hunters for opportunities affect declines The What’s worrisome, Ellenberger says, is that even with favor “If you want to continue to have deer populations you’re you’re populations deer have to continue to want you “If favor with even that is says, Ellenberger worrisome, What’s watchers. It affects the state economy because wildlife-related in Colorado come from the excise taxes, licenses and and licenses taxes, excise the from come Colorado in wildlife-related because economy state the affects It watchers. able weather, the numbers aren’t recovering. going to have to protect important habitat,” Ellenberger says. says. Ellenberger habitat,” important protect to have to going . recovering aren’t numbers the weather, able recreation produces at least $5 billion in benefits yearly, other fees paid by hunters and anglers. anglers. and hunters by paid fees other yearly, benefits in billion $5 least at produces recreation “You’re going to have to try to limit the amount of motorized motorized of amount the limit to try to have to going “You’re according to a study released this year by Southwick Associ Associ Southwick by year this released study a to according THE EFFECT ON HUNTING Sources: Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the National Shooting use, human occupation and utilization of those areas. You You areas. those of utilization and occupation human use, Shooting National the Wildlife, and Parks Colorado Sources: HUNTING ON EFFECT THE ates. Wildlife conservation is affected because nearly all the Sports Foundation and American Sportfishing Association. Association. Sportfishing American and Foundation Sports the all nearly because affected is conservation Wildlife ates. Fewer deer can translate into fewer opportunities for hunters can’t ride and go everywhereLICENSES youHUNTING wantRIFLE and DEER expect to haveANTLERED ANTLEREDhave to expect DEER and RIFLEwant HUNTINGyou LICENSESeverywhere go and ride can’t hunters for opportunities fewer into translate can deer Fewer funds for state wildlife programs come from taxes and fees fees and taxes from come programs wildlife state for funds and fewer available licenses. Colorado began limiting all deer everything hunky-dory.” hunky-dory.” everything deer all limiting began Colorado licenses. available fewer and paid by hunters and anglers. In response to the dwindling pop 14,000 14,000 pop dwindling the to response In anglers. and hunters by paid licenses in 1999, making a specific number of licenses avail For years, CPW has conducted extensive research into a a into research extensive conducted has CPW years, For avail licenses of number specific a making 1999, in licenses ulation, the state has reduced the number of hunting licenses, THE REASON THERE ARE FEWER DEER 12,000 12,000 DEER FEWER ARE THERE REASON THE licenses, hunting of number the reduced has state the ulation, able for defined areas called game management units. The Herd Deer River numberWhite of factors affecting deer, including predation, the the predation, including deer, affecting factors of Whitenumber River Deer Herd The units. management game called areas defined for able which means less revenue for state wildlife programs. 10,000 10,000 programs. wildlife state for revenue less means which number of licenses offered for the White River herd fell as the While there might be many influences on deer populations, condition of forage and weather extremes. Research is under under is Research extremes. weather and forage of condition populations, deer on influences many be might there While the as fell herd River White the for offered licenses of number CPW has launched a statewide initiative to gather public Colorado from Ellenberger John by Compiled Source: Source: Compiled by John Ellenberger from Colorado public gather to initiative statewide a launched has CPW population dropped. Ellenberger broke out the buck licenses one has been an overriding concern for years – habitat, its way in a portion of the White River herd into the effects of oil8,000 8,000oil of effects the into herd River White the of portion a in way its habitat, – years for concern overriding an been has one licenses buck the out broke Ellenberger dropped. population input into what’s happening with mule deer and determine licenses hunting of number the on figures Wildlife and Parks Parks and Wildlife figures on the number of hunting licenses determine and deer mule with happening what’s into input for rifle seasons to illustrate the trend because that is the big quality and quantity. “I think habitat is probably the biggest and gas operations on deer behavior as well as the impacts 6,000 of of 6,000 impacts the as well as behavior deer on operations gas and biggest the probably is habitat think “I quantity. and quality big the is that because trend the illustrate to seasons rifle for what can be done. The agency is developing a “West Slope gest group of hunters and other types of licenses show similar issue, of but total there 2012 are otherThe kindsseasons. of issues rifle that during are interre bucks for offered offered for bucks interre are during that rifle issues of seasons. kinds The other are 2012 there total but of issue, similar show licenses of types other and hunters of group gest Slope “West a developing is agency The done. be can what improvements to vegetation. 4,000 4,000 vegetation. to improvements Mule Deer Strategy.” patterns. (See graph at right "Antlered Deer Rifle License") lated,” Ellenberger licenses says. 11,760 the of percent 17 just is licenses 2,025 2,025 licenses is just 17 percent of the 11,760says. licensesEllenberger lated,” License") Rifle Deer "Antlered right at graph (See patterns. Strategy.” Deer Mule offered in 2005 and reflects the declining deer population. deer declining the reflects and 2005 in CPWoffered has identified the following as possible issues affecting 2,000 License Numbers License Numbers 2,000 ing affect issues possible as following the identified has offeredCPW in 2005 and reflects the declining deer population. A CASE STUDY: COLORADO’S `MULE-DEER FACTORY’ Reduced hunting opportunities have economic consequences. One pressure on mule deer populations is the human popula- mule deer populations: habitat conditions; migration barri barri migration conditions; habitat populations: deer mule - popula human the is populations deer mule on pressure One consequences. economic have opportunities hunting Reduced FACTORY’ `MULE-DEER COLORADO’S STUDY: CASE A Southwick Associates’ study found that wildlife-related tion – more people moving into wildlife habitat, recreating in 0 0 in recreating habitat, wildlife into moving people more – tion wildlife-related that found study Associates’ Southwick In the early 1980s, the estimated population of the White River ers; predation;2012 drought2011 2010 and other2009 weather2008 2007 extremes;2006 2005 highway highway 2005 2006 extremes; 2007 2008weather 2009other and 2010 2011drought 2012 predation; ers; River White the of population estimated the 1980s, early the In the hills and forests where deer live, building homes, fences fences homes, building live, deer where forests and hills the herd was more than 100,000. The herd’s home, dubbed the recreation in northwest Colorado generates $693 million deaths; disease; impacts from recreation; hunting demands; demands; hunting recreation; from impacts disease; deaths; million $693 generates Colorado northwest in recreation the dubbed home, herd’s The 100,000. than more was herd in economic benefits annually and supports 6,978 jobs. and roads on or near wildlife habitat, as noted by CPW biolo- and competition with elk. Years Years elk. with competition and - biolo CPW by noted as habitat, wildlife near or on roads and . jobs 6,978 supports and annually benefits economic in FRONT COVER FRONT fold INSIDE FLAP BACK fold fold BACK FLAP INSIDE fold FRONT COVER

Steamboat Springs forward: going recommendations Our Our recommendations going forward: Springs Steamboat Home of Colorado’s White River herd herd River White Colorado’s of Home State and federal land managers and biologists must work together to conserve mule deer habitat and help increase populations. populations. Glenwood Springsincrease help Denverand habitat deer mule conserve to together work must biologists and managers land federal and State • • State and federal land managers and biologists must work together to conserve mule deer habitat andDenver help increaseSprings Glenwood populations. Grand Junction Colorado’s White River herd is in portions of Rio Blanco, Moffat, Routt and Gar Gar and Routt Moffat, Blanco, Rio of portions in is herd River White Colorado’s Junction Grand The Bureau of Land Management should develop and implement strategies to avoid harmful impacts to deer herds as it it as herds deer COLORADOto impacts harmful avoid to field counties.strategies Theimplement areaand has longdevelop beenshould known as Colorado’sManagement Land of “mule-deerBureau The factory” • • factory” The Bureau“mule-deer of Land ManagementColorado’s as known shouldbeen developlong has andarea implementThe strategiescounties. field to avoid harmful impacts toCOLORADO deer herds as it considers uses of public lands. If development or activities can’t be avoided or directed elsewhere, the BLM should do all all do should BLM the elsewhere, directed or and hasavoided somebe ofcan’t the country’sactivities or largest herdsdevelopment If but thelands. populationpublic of hasuses been decliningconsiders considersdeclining been useshas of publicpopulation lands.the but If developmentherds largest or activitiescountry’s the can’tof besome avoidedhas and or directed elsewhere, the BLM should do all for years and now is belowhabitat. the their goal and set bydeer Coloradoon effects Parksthe and Wildlife.minimize to can it it can to minimizeWildlife. and theParks effects onColorado deerby set and goal their the habitat.below is now and years for The BLM should consult with Colorado Parks and Wildlife during planning to ensure that it uses the latest deer population population deer latest the uses it that ensure to planning during Wildlife and Parks Colorado with consult should BLM The • • The BLM should consult with Colorado Parks and Wildlife during planning to ensure that it uses the latest deer population estimates and information about the habitat. It needs to consider the potential cumulative impacts on deer when writing writing when deer on impacts cumulative potential the consider to needs It habitat. the about information and estimates estimates and information about the habitat. It needs to consider the potential cumulative impacts on deer when writing management plans and considering projects on public lands. lands. public on projects considering and plans management management plans and considering projects on public lands. The BLM should continue and expand its use of master leasing plans and other tools to address the potential impacts on on impacts potential the address to tools other and plans leasing master of use its expand and continue should BLM The • • The BLM should continue and expand its use of master leasing plans and other tools to address the potential impacts on deer herds before energy leases are offered on federal lands. lands. federal on offered are leases energy before herds deer deer herds before energy leases are offered on federal lands. ANpopula AREAdeer and RICH INconditions WILDLIFEhabitat if – ANDprojects with MINERAL proceed RESOURCESnot and commitments conservation its fulfill must BLM The • • The BLM must fulfill its conservation commitments and notRESOURCES proceed MINERAL with projectsAND – if habitatWILDLIFE conditionsIN RICH and deerAREA populaAN Northwest Colorado is home to largemitigation. or mule deer herdsmonitoring and promised other wildconduct to fails agency the if or met aren’t targets tion tion targets aren’t met or if the agency fails to conductwild other promised and monitoringherds deer mule or mitigation.large to home is Colorado Northwest life. It’s also the site of significant oil and naturalcon to gas depositsresearch asconduct wellto funding and staffing adequate needs CPW • • CPW needs adequate staffing and funding towell conductas researchdeposits gas to connatural and oil significant of site the also It’s life. as some of the world’s largest oil shale formations. The area whereinformation. theother and population deer best the producing tinue tinue producing the best deer population and otherthe information.where area The formations. shale oil largest world’s the of some as White River mule deer herd is found has been apopula drillingdeer the hotof spot inrecovery for priorities set CPW that recommend We • • We recommend that CPW set priorities for recoveryin spot ofhot the deerdrilling populaa been has found is herd deer mule River White recent years. The previous decade’s rush of activityof subsidedinterplay the as naturalexamine can biologists where area one least at in tion tion in at least one area where biologists can examinenatural as the interplaysubsided ofactivity of rush decade’s previous The years. recent gas prices dropped and the national recession hit.pro However,recovery and the Bureauresearch a design and quality, habitat as such factors, factors, such as habitat quality, and design a researchBureau the and recoveryHowever, prohit. recession national the and dropped prices gas of Land Management is considering a plan thatfrom could add upcoordination to 15,000and cooperation need will CPW recognize We gram. gram. We recognize CPW will need cooperation and15,000 to coordinationup add could fromthat plan a considering is Management Land of wells in the area. Meanwhile, there is activity and and trafficpossible, where associated landowners private BLM, as such agencies, other other agencies, such as BLM, private landowners associated where possible, traffic and and activity is there Meanwhile, area. the in wells with the existing wells, pipelines, processing plants and roads. funders. by commitment commitment by funders. . roads and plants processing pipelines, wells, existing the with ISTOCK.COM ISTOCK.COM The current number of wells in the counties where actively the must White River conservationists other and hunters enthusiasts, Wildlife • • Wildlife enthusiasts, hunters and other conservationists River White mustthe activelywhere counties the in wells of number current The herd roams and the number of wells each addedmule fromboost to 2005 tostrategy 2012:a of development ongoing CPW’s in participate participate in CPW’s ongoing development of a2012: strategyto 2005 to boostfrom muleadded each wells of number the and roams herd • Garfield County – 10,751 total. Number added 2005-2012:processes. 7,842planning BLM’s the in participate and populations deer deer populations and participate in the BLM’s planning7,842 processes.2005-2012: added Number total. 10,751 – County Garfield • Legacy in the Crosshairs: the in Legacy • Moffat County – 620. Number added 2005-2012: 259 303-239-3600, BLM, Colorado Contact Contact Colorado BLM, 303-239-3600, 259 2005-2012: added Number 620. – County Moffat • Legacy in the Crosshairs: • Rio Blanco County – 2,926. Number added 2005-2012: 848 http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/contact_us.html. or or http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/contact_us.html. 848 2005-2012: added Number 2,926. – County Blanco Rio • Colorado’s ‘Mule-Deer Factory’ on the Decline the on Factory’ ‘Mule-Deer Colorado’s • ISTOCK.COM Routt County – 44. Number added 2005-2012: 16 cpw.state.co.us or 303-297-1192 Wildlife: and Parks Colorado Contact Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife: 303-297-1192 or cpw.state.co.us 16 2005-2012: added Number 44. – County Routt ISTOCK.COM • Colorado’s ‘Mule-Deer Factory’ on the Decline Source: Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Commission Conservation Gas and Oil Colorado Source: likely many causes for the drop in numbers, one looms large: large: looms one numbers, in drop the for causes many likely its on focusing without told be can’t Colorado of story The The story of Colorado can’t be told without focusing on its likely many causes for the drop in numbers, one looms large: habitat loss. Oil and gas drilling and new roads and buildings buildings and roads new and drilling gas and Oil loss. habitat their and – resources natural of array wide beauty, natural natural beauty, wide array of natural resources – and their habitat loss. Oil and gas drilling and new roads and buildings

Colo Western habitat. over covered and fragmented have alike. visitors and residents for appeal and benefits economic Roan Plateau in back with gas well in foreground, JUDITH KOHLER (top) (top) KOHLER JUDITH foreground, in well gas with back in Plateau Roan economic benefits and appeal for residents and visitors alike. have fragmented and covered over habitat. Western Colo rado’s overall estimated deer population of about 300,000 in in 300,000 about of population deer estimated overall rado’s drawn have populations wildlife world-class Colorado’s Drill pads in former mule deer range in Wyoming, CAMERON DAVIDSON (bottom) (bottom) DAVIDSON CAMERON Wyoming, in range deer mule former in pads Drill Colorado’s world-class wildlife populations have drawn rado’s overall estimated deer population of about 300,000 in 2012 was more than 110,000 short of the state’s objective. state’s the of short 110,000 than more was 2012 from watchers wildlife and photographers anglers, hunters, RESOURCES: RESOURCES: hunters, anglers, photographers and wildlife watchers from 2012 was more than 110,000 short of the state’s objective. across the country and globe for more than a century. a than more for globe and country the across across the country and globe for more than a century. More than Colorado’s bragging rights for having the biggest biggest the having for rights bragging Colorado’s than More . http://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/CO-MuleDeerStory.aspx Story, Deer Mule Colorado’s CPW, CPW, Colorado’s Mule Deer Story, http://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/CO-MuleDeerStory.aspx. More than Colorado’s bragging rights for having the biggest recre wildlife-related other and Hunting stake. at are herds West’s American the of one decades, two than more for But But for more than two decades, one of the American West’s herds are at stake. Hunting and other wildlife-related recre POST-HUNT Associates, POPULATION outhwick S SIZEColorado, in Recreation WhiteOutdoor of River Deer HerdContributions Economic The The Economic ContributionsHerd Deer River of OutdoorWhite Recreation in Colorado,SIZE Southwick POPULATION Associates, POST-HUNT ation is worth at least $5 billion to the state’s annual economy. economy. annual state’s the to billion $5 least at worth is ation decline the on been has – deer mule the – species signature signature species – the mule deer – has been on the decline ation is worth at least $5 billion to the state’s annual economy. Source: Compiled by John Ellenberger based based Ellenberger John by Compiled Source: 120,000 http://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/Commission/2014/May/ITEM21-2013COEconImpactReport.pdf http://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/Commission/2014/May/ITEM21-2013COEconImpactReport.pdf 120,000 Colorado Parks and Wildlife, with public input, is developing developing is input, public with Wildlife, and Parks Colorado region. Mountain Rocky the throughout and Colorado in on estimates by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Wildlife. and Parks Colorado by estimates on in Colorado and throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Colorado Parks and Wildlife, with public input, is developing a plan to boost mule deer numbers across western Colorado. western across numbers deer mule boost to plan a are conservationists other and hunters managers, Wildlife Federation, Wildlife Colorado the and , www.ourpubliclands.org Lands, Public Our to go information, more For For more information, go to Our Public Lands, www.ourpubliclands.org, and the Colorado Wildlife Federation, Wildlife managers, hunters and other conservationists are a plan to boost mule deer numbers across western Colorado. 100,000 *The 2013 population estimate of of estimate population 2013 *The 100,000 working to understand and reverse this trend. this reverse and understand to working . http://www.coloradowildlife.org/ http://www.coloradowildlife.org/. working to understand and reverse this trend. At the same time, the federal Bureau of Land Management Management Land of Bureau federal the time, same the At 80,000 32,000 is based on a change in the Colo Colo the in change a on based is 32,000 80,000 At the same time, the federal Bureau of Land Management is considering a plan that could add up to 15,000 new oil and and oil new 15,000 to up add could that plan a considering is particu is “muleys” of numbers plummeting the Colorado, In rado Parks and Wildlife’s modeling thatCONTACTS: CONTACTS:that modeling Wildlife’s and Parks rado In Colorado, the plummeting numbers of “muleys” is particu is considering a plan that could add up to 15,000 new oil and gas wells in the part of the Piceance Basin where the White White the where Basin Piceance the of part the in wells gas factory.” “mule-deer the dubbed area an in noticeable larly 60,000 factors in recent monitoring of deer in in deer of monitoring recent in factors 60,000 larly noticeable in an area dubbed the “mule-deer factory.” gas wells in the part of the Piceance Basin where the White Federation, Wildlife National , Kohler Judith Judith Kohler, National Wildlife Federation, River herd roams. There are now at least 1,000 active wells. wells. active 1,000 least at now are There roams. herd River Basin Piceance Colorado’s western in herd River White The the herd. CPW says it appears the pop- - pop the appears it says CPW herd. the The White River herd in western Colorado’s Piceance Basin River herd roams. There are now at least 1,000 active wells. 40,000 303-441-5163; [email protected], [email protected], 303-441-5163; 40,000 This fact sheet by the National Wildlife Federation and the the and Federation Wildlife National the by sheet fact This than more at estimated largest, country’s the among ranked has ulation remained stable from 2012 to to 2012 from stable remained ulation has ranked among the country’s largest, estimated at more than This fact sheet by the National Wildlife Federation and the Numbers of Deer 20,000 20,000 Numbers of Deer Colorado Wildlife Federation examines what is at stake for for stake at is what examines Federation Wildlife Colorado home be to said was area The 1980s. early the in deer 100,000 Federation, 2013 andWildlife fluctuationsColorado , inO’Neill numbersSuzanne dur dur Suzannenumbers O’Neillin , Colorado fluctuations Wildlife and 2013 Federation, 100,000 deer in the early 1980s. The area was said to be home Colorado Wildlife Federation examines what is at stake for the White River herd to raise awareness of the challenges challenges the of awareness raise to herd River White the America. North in herd deer mule migratory largest the to 0 ing that303-987-0400. period is due to the modeling [email protected], [email protected], ing model the to due is period 303-987-0400. that ing 0 to the largest migratory mule deer herd in North America. the White River herd to raise awareness of the challenges facing the state’s renowned deer populations and help point point help and populations deer renowned state’s the facing 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 change. However, the overall popu- - popu overall the However, change. 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 facing the state’s renowned deer populations and help point That might no longer be the case. The herd’s estimated, post- estimated, herd’s The case. the be longer no might That lation trend is down. down. is trend lation That might no longer be the case. The herd’s estimated, post- the way to possible responses. possible to way the are there While 32,000. was 2013 in size hunting-season Years PAPER. FSC-CERTIFIED RECYCLED ON LOCALLY PRINTED PRINTED LOCALLY ON RECYCLED FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER. Years hunting-season size in 2013 was 32,000. While there are the way to possible responses. INSIDE FLAP fold BACK fold FRONT COVER