II believe moving the season earlier and a shorter season but not to an extreme might be a good starting point. Archery season could be shortened as well, it’s time to come to grips with the fact archers are having a significant impact on the wildlife resource that wasn’t the case 30 or 40 years ago.
I couldn't agree more. Archery equipment in the last 15 years has allowed hunters to take game effectively up to 60-70 yards. Elk hunting during the peak of the rut through mid-Oct definitely increases the odds for hunters. I think the opening of the rifle season in late Oct, increases the odds for survival of bulls, and can be a rather tough time to find a bull elk. And allowing archery hunters to hunt another five weeks if they don't fill their A tag, seems rather generous.