The hunting season vibe is in full throttle in Craig, bringing orange and camouflage colors into restaurants, retail stores and businesses across Moffat County.

Craig has been named the Elk Hunting Capital of the World, and we love the atmosphere that comes with the label.

Hunters come from around the world to experience Craig’s phenomenal hunting opportunities, and restaurants have hired extra help to keep up with the influx of business flowing into their establishments.

Some may not realize that hunters choose to take their vacation here in our special and vibrant county. We encourage businesses to make hunters feel special, because they are special. They feed our economy; they take advantage of our gorgeous area.

Let’s be good ambassadors of Northwest Colorado and show them a good time by smiling, providing top notch customer service and give them all the amenities needed to keep coming back year after year.

It’s also a prime time for Craig residents to find seasonal employment at restaurants, hotels, motels and fast food establishments.

If you’re looking to make extra cash for Christmas gifts, there’s no shortage in seasonal jobs in Craig right now. Residents have an opportunity to take advantage of the tourism.

Another positive is Northwest Colorado boasts strong herd numbers this year, with an increase in certain herds like the Bears Ears elk herd in Moffat County that has about 24,000 elk, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

The White River elk heard is about 40,000 to 45,000, according to CPW.

And let’s not forget about our area’s prime deer population. The Northwest corner of Colorado has about 40,000 to 45,000 deer at Bears Ears and roughly 35,000 to 45,000 at the White River.

Those herd numbers are a positive for Craig’s hunting business, and we’re happy to make hunters feel at home.

Hunters can get free donuts and chili at the Craig Chamber of Commerce each week, provided by generous businesses throughout Craig.

The Maybell Women’s Club offers a chili dinner at the start of each hunting season, keeping hunters’ bellies full and happy.

What our community does to make hunters feel welcome is important. Think of it as an opportunity to increase year-round tourism.