©iStockphoto.com/Scott Cramer

The key word in this year's elk forecast is -- challenge. In 2006, elk and elk hunters face challenges on several fronts.

Drought appears to be continuing across the Southwest, and unless decent rains improve habitat conditions soon, elk herds could be stressed. Antler growth on bulls in arid regions is tied to moisture conditions, and during dry years antlers generally do not grow as large as during wet years.

Predators have more of an impact on elk populations than some people seem willing to admit. In a recent study of elk predation in Montana, researchers found that black bears were the hardest on elk calves, accounting for over 50 percent of calf mortality.

A wolf predation study in Idaho's Clearwater National Forest showed 32 percent of cow elk mortality was due to wolves. Idaho is prepared to reduce wolf numbers significantly in that region once the federal government turns over wolf management to the state.

Mountain lion populations are healthy and expanding all across the West, and the big cats are major predators on elk. In some parts of elk country, bears, wolves, and lions are usurping hunters' role as game managers. Only one group is happy about that -- antihunters.

Hunter management has been a major challenge in recent years as demand for elk licenses far exceeds supply. Drawing odds are decreasing -- getting worse -- and license fees are going up, along with the costs of drop camps, outfitted hunts, and even do-it-yourself hunts as gasoline surpasses $2.50 per gallon. Elk hunting is not cheap.

In some states, elk licenses are being shifted from archery seasons to rifle and muzzleloader seasons, re-ducing opportunities for bowhunters. The logic escapes me, but I suppose it's the result of the "squeaky wheel" phenomenon. Bowhunters must watch their state wildlife agencies closely and make certain hunting archers' voices are heard.

Then comes the continent-wide concern over chronic wasting disease (CWD) and brucellosis in elk herds. Thank goodness for dedicated state and federal biologists who are monitoring these diseases and taking appropriate actions. (I'd personally like to thank all the biologists and data technicians who took the time to respond to our survey.)

If all that isn't enough, talk keeps surfacing of selling off federal lands. As of now that involves only small, landlocked parcels, but it could develop into a trend and expand to larger parcels. I'm very protective of my land, and you should be too. Stay informed and stay involved.

Despite these challenges, elk hunting flourishes. Herds are stable or increasing, and any bowhunter with the desire can spend time in elk country armed with his bow and arrows, elk calls, and a good pair of boots. It's the pinnacle of bowhunting.

View the 2006 Bowhunter Elk Forcast table (PDF format -- to download, right-click on PCs or option-click on Macs). For more specific state/provincial information on coming elk seasons, continue reading this article.

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