If there’s one thing consistent about Colorado weather, it’s inconsistency. Colorado has seen one of the warmest winters on record this year, with snow levels well below average. Just a year ago, the state’s snowpack was around 250% of average in some areas, setting records for seasonal snowfall.
If you hunted elk or mule deer in Colorado last fall, you’re probably aware of the benefits and challenges that heavy snowpack presented. In September, the areas above the forest line still had the lush, moist grasses of June and July. Large game populations were able to accumulate a significant amount of fat during the summer and even fall months. There was plenty of food and water. Going into winter, the herds were in excellent condition.
The challenge for the hunters last year was to locate the animals. Elk herds stayed at lower elevations much later than usual. They waited for the late thaw to migrate back to their favorite summer haunts in the high mountains. When they finally reached these areas, it was already mid to late summer. Lush green conditions lasted through September and even into early October, instead of drying out and turning brown as often happens in late August. This allowed the elk to stay high and spread out for the first few hunting seasons, forcing hunters to work hard. Fortunately, cold weather and snow finally got the routine and migrations in motion, creating great hunting opportunities.
The story will be much different in 2012. Colorado typically sees its heaviest snowfall in March, adding about 20% of its annual snowpack during that month. This year there were good storms in February, but March was warm and dry. Currently, most areas of the state are well below 50% average snowpack. As in any situation, this will bring both benefits and challenges for the hunters.
On the bright side, the elk herds had an easy winter. They were fat at the start of the year and in most areas, they didn’t have to work as hard to survive. And unlike last year’s long runoff that kept them out of their summer ranks, this year’s runoff will be short and sweet. Most of the summer ranges should be clear of snow by early June.
We should expect to see elk and mule deer in their typical summer habitat during the warm months. Compared to last year, the patterns will be much more normal. When things start to dry out in August, perhaps even a few weeks earlier than usual, the animals will start concentrating on areas with remaining water and reliable sources of food. For hunters used to hunting in dry Rocky Mountain conditions, this could be an ideal year. Animals could be much more concentrated and easier to locate than last year.
Of course, the weather during hunting seasons this fall could do anything. Hunters must still be ready to adapt to any situation. For those who love elk and mule deer hunting in the Colorado highlands, the unpredictability of the weather is part of the excitement and challenge. But all things considered, we are coming out of a relatively mild winter and the herds should be in excellent health. We have a great hunt to look forward to in Colorado this year!
If you haven’t started preparing, don’t wait any longer! Get in shape and practice your weapon constantly (see our recent posts on these topics). The more prepared you are, the more fun you will have and the more chance of success you will have.
