Like I said in my previous post...not new to Colorado. Rocky Mountain National Park is simply overrun with elk. I am sure the park officials and naturalists are right that they are doing damage to the trees, shrubs and habitat. In RMNP's case the park officials said wolves would help solve the problem and there was a huge uproar and they backed off. They decided to hire "professional hunters" (whoever the hell they are!) to shoot some of the elk. RMEF, Colorado State Wildlife and lots of hunting groups protested. Several other proposals for real hunters to to buy tags and take the surplus were put forth, actually making the park $$$. But for not... as the "no hunting in NPs" mandate prevailed. I am sure similiar cases of NPs being overrun with game are out there. IMHO the only way to solve this is at the national level. As much as I hate Washington DC, they are the ones we have to get to. RMEF, NRA and your local representatives to Congress is the place to start. If I remember correctly, it is not law that we cannot hunt in NPs, it tradition and by directive from the Dept of Interior head (very political!!) Caveat....I am recalling this situation from a 70 year old's prospective and my memory might be a little fuzzy on some of the exact facts...but generally thats what happened!
