With the easier winter and great summer feed selection, the elk did recover a bit this past year. In early August, all my cams were showing one to one ratios with cows and calves. (At least any cow I saw on cam, I could account a calf to) This year there was a definite increase in spike bulls. Always a good sign for next year.
I'm not sure populations are up up, but trending that way. I think the main obstacle we face is expectation. I believe Government want 8500 elk, while I'd prefer something in the 25,000 range.