Because CPW does not receive general tax dollars, hunters fund conservation programs for elk and other species throughout Colorado. Educating members and the public about habitat conservation, the value of hunting, hunting ethics and wildlife management. From these meager transplants, and through decades of conservation programs, elk populations have soared to the abundant herds for which Colorado is now famous.ĬPW, in cooperation with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and other conservation groups, continues to conduct research, protect key winter range and migration corridors and improve habitat to ensure Colorado’s elk herds remain abundant for future generations. These projects have protected or enhanced more than. To date, RMEF and its partners have completed nearly 400 conservation and hunting heritage projects with a combined value of more than 23.5 million. Sportsmen also called for regulated hunting seasons to protect and manage elk populations. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) has been working to build a bright future for Pennsylvania’s elk herd for almost a quarter-century. The elk were transported and released in Idaho Springs and in the Greenhorn Mountains in Pueblo County. The elk’s dramatic demise was attributed to unregulated market-hunting.Ī century ago, Colorado Parks and Wildlife imported 350 elk from Wyoming to re-establish dwindling herds. But did you know that elk were near extinction at the turn of the century? In fact, fewer than 1,000 elk remained in Colorado during the early 1900s. After all, Colorado is home to nearly 280,000 animals - the largest elk population in North America. Living in Colorado, it’s easy to take for granted our enormous elk herds.

Rocky mountain elk range