87-1-323. Viable elk, deer, and antelope populations based on habitat acreage — reduction of populations as necessary. (1) Based on the habitat acreage that is determined pursuant to 87-1-322, the commission shall determine the appropriate elk, deer, and antelope numbers that can be viably sustained. The department shall consider the specific concerns of private landowners when determining sustainable numbers pursuant to this section.

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(2)Once the sustainable population numbers are determined as provided in subsection (1), the department shall implement, through existing wildlife management programs, necessary actions with the objective that the population of elk, deer, and antelope remains at or below the sustainable population. The programs may include but are not limited to:

(a)liberalized harvests;

(b)game damage hunts;

(c)landowner permits; or

(d)animal relocation.

(3)The department shall:

(a)manage with the objective that populations of elk, deer, and antelope are at or below the sustainable population number by January 1, 2009; and

(b)evaluate the elk, deer, and antelope populations on an annual basis and provide that information to the public.