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The elk normally remain in areas from upper Taylor Creek to several <br />areas in the permit area moving further downslope into Axial Basin <br />only when snows become deep and foraging becomes difficult. <br />However, a few scattered elk are normally observed within the study <br />permit area regardless of snow depth. <br />Data collected to date indicate that both deer and elk herds using <br />the site and surrounding areas are in good condition, with a young <br />age structure and good reproduction. This is especially evident in <br />the fall, when high numbers of young bucks and bulls have been <br />observed. <br />Initial observations indicated the presence of suitable, <br />traditional elk habitat located adjacent to the southwest of the <br />Colowyo minesite in an area dominated by aspen and serviceberry as <br />shown on the Big Game Use Information Map (Map 13). Information <br />presented in the CDM report, as well as CDOW information indicates <br />this limited area located in the upper reaches of Taylor Creek is <br />on the fringe of a much larger elk calving, nursery and summer <br />range. The area is located in the west fork of Goodspring Creek, <br />east fork of Wilson Creek and the Hole-in-the-Wall Gulch. Based on <br />• the data presented in the CDM report for the 1983 and 1984 <br />calving/rearing seasons, this adjacent area likely provides habitat <br />requirements for less than 0.1 percent of the White River herd. <br />In personal conversations with CDOW personnel, there is some <br />indication that due to the expanding range of elk into non- <br />traditional summer ranges, a trend is developing for elk to calve <br />wherever they happen to be located at the time. Another surprising <br />trend is occurring on elk winter ranges. Elk appear to be <br />selecting reclaimed mine lands, reseeded Conservation Reserve <br />Program (CRP) croplands etc. as an important, if not essential, <br />component of the winter range needed for the expanding elk <br />population in northwest Colorado. <br />It is important that the reader be aware that many traditional <br />concepts regarding elk are becoming outdated as elk populations <br />change their habits in response to increased hunting pressures, <br />increased elk populations and improvements on winter ranges. <br />• <br />2.04.11-11 <br />