Colorado late Sept camping help

[pine nut]

Planning a trip to Colorado third week of Sept. likely San Juans.  This is a wife trip to see the color and hopefully do some fishing and information gathering for possible future bow hunting there.  Planning to drive so I can take bows.  Just thought about it and bet I can't even go stumpin' or possess a bow during elk season &%$#@#$^&**()!  Man that is a bummer!  Will try to take some pics and do some calender fishing for trout.  First 10 day vacation in 12 yrs and I won't be able to hunt!  I may have to rethink this one as that will be at the height of the rut.  It will drive me crazy.  I'm getting crazy now just thinking about it.  Anybody have any ideas or thoughts on this?  I was going to ask specifically about camp site availability etc. Do camp grounds close up after Labor Day due to freezing temps?  I would think camping primative, which will suit me fine, can be done anywhere in the national forest where there is a flat spot, but I can just see trying to explain "I'm just stumpin'" to the MAN when he checks for your hunting license and fines you for not using proper broadheads as well as for hunting without a license!  I'm going to be sick.

[capt eddie]

Go grouse hunting.

[SCATTERSHOT]

September is beautiful in the high country. You may encounter snow, but it will be gone shortly. Days are warm, high 60's-low 70's maybe,but the nights are  cool, and may dip below freezing.

I don't think there would be a problem stump shooting, but I'd check with the DOW just to make sure. You could always get a small game license if that bothers you. Grouse should be in season.

A lot depends on just where you are, and elevation. Most USFS campgrounds will be open to accommodate hunters, so no worries there.

Fishing should be great, then, too.

If you can, drive the highway between Durango and Ouray (US550). Some of the most gorgeous scenery in the world, and I'm not kidding!

Have a great trip.

 http://wildlife.state.co.us/

[Elksong]

Buy a small game license and you can shoot all the stumps you want plus grouse and I think Pine squirrels, and coyotes!

[Gary Logsdon]

I like the scenery around Ouray as well plus Ridgway.  Ever seen True Grit?  I've photographed spots where a lot of the movie was filmed, including the big climatic shoot-out scene between John Wayne and "Lucky Ned Pepper" (Robert Duvall). That's "Deb's Meadow" near Owl Creek Pass and Chimney Rock E/NE of Ridgway.  Back in my public school days I taught American film history and after retirement have found a way to hunt elk each fall with side visits to some inspirational film locales.

[Sawtooth]

Good advice all around here.  Grouse hunting is fun!

[Missouri Sherpa]

You might even find some large hares in that area of the San Juans.  Small game permit is not too expensive.  You can camp anywhere you find a spot in the national forest.  Campgrounds will not be crowded if they are open.  You might spend a little time on the Colorado DOW website to try and garner a bit of specific information about what you are wanting to do.  You can purchase your hunting, fishing and habitat stamps online if you wish.  Allow at least a week for them to send them to you by mail if you purchase online.

[Whip]

My wife and I have done quite a bit of camping out west and we always prefer just finding a spot in the National Forest versus an established campground.  If your OK with the primitive part of it you will find much better sites on your own.  September in CO is my idea of what heaven must be like.  You will love it!!

[Steertalker]

Pine Nut,

I really don't think it is necessary to buy a small game permit if all you want to do is stump shoot.  I've been up scouting during the summer and carry my bow everywhere.  Just make sure you do not have any BH tipped arrows in your possession.  You can also carry a sidearm.....in the national forest, that is.

Brett

[ArkyBob]

If you decide to go grouse hunting make sure you take your hunter safety card with you.  You must have one to get a license in Colorado.  

BOB

[Tater 2]

Pine Nut,
        I believe steertalker is correct you can carry your bow and stump shoot all you want (just make sure no brown furry stumps).

[pine nut]

Thanks Guys i really appreciate the come backs.  I spoke with someone at the Colorado Division of Wildlife and was told the same thing that Steertalker said.  I meant to ask about a sidearm.  I am licensed to carry (CWP) in GA but need to be sure for there.  I'm gonna try to do some scouting and refamiliariziing  with some areas I'd like to revisit with a bow in hand.  Gonna try to do some trout fishing too.  Looking forward to going! Thanks again.

[smokin feathers]

Just got back from there sun, weather was great and game everywhere. Went to hang out with a outfitter friend of mine, and ended up with one of his private land bull elk in velvet depredation tag and had a bull on the ground shortly. Only bad thing was I used his rifle and not one of my sticks.We were in the SL valley and seen tons of game both high and low.

Plenty of nice places to hang out around the SL valley up in the mountains.

[SCATTERSHOT]

Colorado is technically an open carry state. i carry a pistol whenevr I'm out in the woods. (I wouldn't recommend trying it in Denver, though, LOL! Your Georgia permit should be good here as well.

Come on out and have a good time.

[pine nut]

Two areas I want to investigate are Pagosa Springs and The Lone Cone. Any body close there?

[SCATTERSHOT]

Bring a swimsuit to Pagosa. Great hot springs there.

[Smallwood]

I would most definitely cover your but, by buying a small game license and you'll need a habitat stamp too.
I would not count on trying to explain to a dow officer why you are just out stumping, when you can't prove your not hunting. Most dow officers are not that up on stump shooting or how different trad guys are, compared to compound shooters.
What i'm saying is, better safe than sorry.
You'll enjoy your trip much better, without taking a game citatiion that has a huge fine home with you.