海角社区

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. — As aspen trees transition into the golden backdrop of fall, we at Straightline Sports in Steamboat Springs look forward to supporting hunters on the quest to harvest big game in the beautiful Yampa Valley.

Make no mistake, the winter of 2022-2023 significantly reduced elk, deer, and antelope herds throughout the northwest corner of Colorado due to above-average snowfall amounts, the density of the snow, and the rapid rate at which storms passed through during the winter months. The population shrinkage led to a curtailment of tags available for all three species and a higher-than-average rate of hunter dissatisfaction. Despite a milder winter in 2023-2024, many of those tags still remain reduced in quantity.

That said, hunters still have ample opportunities to come home successful. To fill a tag, hunters must be willing to go the extra mile (literally) and dedicate themselves to longer hours in the field.

Straightline Sports co-owner Brett Lee has been hunting the region for over 30 years and thinks this year might be the beginning of a trend toward the better.

鈥淚t seems, after what we went through last year, that we have reason to look up a little bit with the season coming ahead,鈥� said Lee. 鈥淚 have talked with quite a few people out in the field, and they are seeing a lot of good elk calf numbers.鈥� Lee continued that his own scouting trips have also yielded increased sightings of deer fawns.

One species has seen a consistent increase in the quantity and quality of animals. Bear hunting throughout the area, especially surrounding Steamboat Springs, continues to rank from very good to excellent. Hunting bears is encouraged, as it contributes to managing their population and reduces conflicts between humans and bears.

鈥淥n the bear scene鈥� every year there seems to be more and more of them,鈥� said Lee. 鈥淚 think we have some great bears in the field around Steamboat these days. The numbers are just as high as ever.鈥�

Despite the healthy population of bears, Lee explained that they have become accustomed to hunters over the years, making it more difficult to harvest a mature, trophy-class bear.

For other species, Lee recommended that hunters focus on sitting water, especially during warmer months and long, dry weather stretches. He also explained that the weather pattern over the last six years has been hotter than average, making water sources, particularly elk wallows, prime areas to focus hunting attention.

鈥淚f you can find the water that these animals are using and pattern that, it seems that success is more assured,鈥� said Lee.

However, if the weather is not hot and dry, Lee cautioned hunters to avoid sitting in one location and to strive to cover as much ground as possible.

鈥淵ou need to get yourself in good physical condition,鈥� said Lee. 鈥淭he more ground you can cover, the better your success will be.鈥�

Additionally, watching the weather is critical, especially during the first through third rifle seasons. Lee explained that weather is one of the biggest influences on a successful hunting season. Early snow and cold fronts can provide hunters with great opportunities, as tracks become more visible and animals are more accessible and concentrated in lower elevation areas. The snow-based white background also makes it easier to spot animals at a longer distance by getting on a high vantage point and glassing (using binoculars or spotting scope).

Stop by Straightline Outdoor Sports (744 Lincoln Ave.) in downtown Steamboat Springs for the most up-to-date information.

Happy hunting!

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