Greetings elk hunters! The snow pack in most of Colorado is above average and still 2 weeks of March and all of April- big snow months- to go.
Lots of things could affect the season- fast snow melt early due to hot unseasonable weather, a dry summer, or both. We could get heavy small fuels from all the wet and then a dry summer- never good in regards to fires if a dry summer.
One thing to consider for those of you new to hunting here is the increasing amounts of deadfall and blow down from beetle kill trees.
There is a LOT of standing dead timber, some of it several years dead- keep your wits about you hunting in the wind and when you make a camp. I have found trees across trails on the return trip that were open only hrs earlier.
In many areas you should plan on having to walk over deadfall almost constantly. That means lots of high stepping. (get in shape)
Be super careful with fires. No excuses for one getting away from you. Please err on the side of caution.
Even in moderate conditions the risk is great with all the fuels dead and on the ground.
-Don't build a fire in gusty winds.-
I predict a great year for elk here. Plenty of forage, cool and wet afternoons through the summer in the high country- perfect for elk.
I have already started making the camp master list and scoring maps, organizing gear (again). Can't wait to take that first hike in the timber over old snow drifts and mushy ground swells of snow melt.
Joshua
Topic: Colorado elk season prospects (Read 184 times)
