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Data contained in this report include big game harvest projection for <br />• each species by type of season, and are considered to be as accurate as possible <br />under the current limitations of survey technology and economics. The details <br />of the sampling techniques used, and projections of data, can be found on pages <br />13 to 31 of the 1974 Colorado Big Game Harvest Report. Otherwise, the methods <br />used in projecting the numbers of hunters, the harvest, success ratios, and <br />related data for each species and game management unit are indicated briefly in <br />the Methodology Section of this 1978 report. <br />The information presented in this report is the summarized data supplied <br />[o Division field personnel on computer print-out tables to assist in the <br />eastablishment of 1979 herd management objectives. The information is listed <br />by species for the appropriate big game management units. The sequence of <br />harvest data for each species is as follows: (1) historical summary of seasons, <br />(2) map of management units, (3) 1978 open areas, bag restrictions and season <br />dates, (4) archery season data where applicable, (5) muzzleloading firearm <br />season data where applicable, (6) regular season data, and (7) harvest data <br />by county. Specific information tan be readily located through the Table of <br />Contents. <br />Weather; The separate deer season was dry and warm with dusty conditions and <br />and extremely high fire danger. A major storm system developed over the state <br />on Saturday, the opening day of the separate elk season and substantial amounts <br />of rain and snow were reported from all of the major elk hunting areas. Ac- <br />cumulations of eight to twelve inches of snow was common in many areas. <br />During the combined deer and elk season weather conditions remained on <br />the cold side with tempatures dropping to near zero in some areas. This early <br />start into winter in the high country continued on and proved to be the coldest <br />winter in 50 years, with abnormally deep snow conditions throughout the western <br />slope of Colorado. <br />Heavier than normal winter losses of deer occurred throughout the western <br />slope, mainly in the Gunnison Valley, Roaring Fork Valley south of Glenwood <br />Springs and in the Middle Park area. <br />Elk wintered fairly well except in the San Juan Basin where a heavier than <br />normal loss occurred along the Hermosa Creek drainage. A feeding program <br />brought the elk through in nine other trouble areas on the western slope. <br />A significant winter loss occurred (SO percent or more) on bighorn sheep <br />• in the Taylor River area. <br />