need for changes in management of elk herds in southwest Colorado

The elk herds in southwest Colorado are in a drastic decline, even more than what state management personnel are estimating. What we are finding in the field from multiple hunters covering hundreds of miles is that our herds are decreasing by the year. The quality of the hunts, the bull to cow ratios, the lack of mature bulls, are all causes for concern. Much of the consensus is that there are to many hunters for all methods of hunting, and too many predators decimating the calf crops. We believe that the foundational base of our herds will be lost if something isn't done very soon. We petition the Wildlife Commission to consider drastic actions to bring back our herds to a healthy, manageable , sustainable number.