Really??

When you think of Highlands Ranch, if you’re like most people you see a vast sea of rooftops.

Highlands Ranch is a thriving residential community in the south Denver metro suburbs. Houses and rooftops make up only a part of what lies in Highlands Ranch. Shopping, parks, trails, recreation centers, golf courses and so much more make this community one of the most sought after locations in the country. Close to Denver and most major urban comforts, one would consider Highlands Ranch another large suburb, albeit an awesome one.

But elk hunting? What, are you serious? How can that be and where?

BackCountry Wilderness Area, that’s where. Yes, one of the many treasures of this community and this area of Denver. BackCountry is truly a beautiful area and hunting here is actually not a new development.

The Colorado Division of Wildlife had actually recommended hunting in Backcountry as early as 2001 as a way to manage overpopulation of the elk herd. The land owners have conducted hunts in Backcountry since 2002. Today, this land is owned by the Highlands Ranch Community Association and the HRCA continues to follow the recommendation of the Colorado Division of Wildlife to manage the elk herd.

Beginning July 1, HRCA members can sign up for the chance to hunt in Backcountry. There will be 20 hunters that will get the chance to hunt elk on more than 3,000 acres of the 8200 acre BackCountry Wilderness Area, plus a few thousand acres of adjoining private land. HRCA will distribute six bull tags and eight cow tags after a random drawing July 23. There will be an additional 3 youth and 3 women tags available as part of the division of wildlife’s hunter outreach program. The applications will be accepted beginning July 1. Tags are limited to HRCA members unless there are still open spots as of July 15.

This is the first year that the Highlands Ranch Community Association will oversee the hunt.
Since 2002, Shea Homes has conducted herd-thinning hunts and an estimated 300 elk have been hunted. If this is concerning to you, just know that the division of wildlife had noticed that the herd had become unhealthy. Antlers weren’t growing, not enough food to feed them and so hunting can actually help. It can help prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease, which can wipe out the entire herd as well as prevent destruction of natural resources.

There have been informational meetings and information disbursed out for public reaction and concern.
Currently there are 300-500 elk in the area with an optimum number at around 250. Hunting will only take place more than one mile from homes and major roadways, significantly reducing the risk to public safety. However, there are recreation trails within a third of a mile of the northernmost hunting territory. The elk typically migrate between the BackCountry, Cherokee Ranch, Castle Pines Village and Daniels Park.

The hunting begins Sept. 11. The HRCA is requiring all hunters to attend a mandatory orientation and follow 28 strict rules.
The hunts will not be supervised. I’m not a hunter, so I can’t offer any specific advice. But, who would have thought that along with all the other wonderful things to do in Highlands Ranch that we would also have the ability to hunt 10 minutes from home?

If I can help you understand or explore more of Highlands Ranch and the Highlands Ranch real estate market, please let me know I would love to help.

You may also be interested in these related posts:

BackCountry Wilderness Trail Opening
Spring Gulch Trail Connects to BackCountry
BackCountry Community Highlands Ranch
Best Neighborhoods in Highlands Ranch

Click Here to Search All Denver Real Estate

Steve Scheer, REALTOR®

Denver Realty Partners –

For More Info on Denver & The Suburbs:

Highlands Ranch Real Estate
Greenwood Village Real Estate
Denver Real Estate
Lone Tree Real Estate

If you would like more information on the Denver area or more information on Denver real estate, contact Steve at 720-849-6101.