Site search
sponsored by
News
HUNTING
Elk: Reports from the Uncompahgre River and Mesa County areas say there are isolated spots of heated ruts during the day, but that was the exception more than the rule. I spent some days on the Flat Tops Wilderness on horseback archery hunting only to find the elk active between 11 p.m. to a couple hours before sunrise. Even then, the rut was not strong with more talking going on than gathering cows.
A few in the party could get some bulls to come out of their beds, but calling back or even trying to locate a bull calling back was seldom. The few that have scored so far has all been due too relentless glassing with spotting scopes and high-powered binoculars.
Getting close and taunting them out of their beds with cow calls was the most successful method during this period. Many great bulls have been taken in our area already and as September closes the best is yet to come. Archery season closes Sept. 28.
Deer: Deer range from area river bottoms, in the desert, close to town and as high as timber line in the mountains.
Most all High Country bucks have rubbed and are sporting new antlers. A few lucky early-season hunters have scored some tremendous animals in full velvet. Those that have done their preseason scouting have gotten some excellent bucks.
Bear: The Uncompahgre to Dove Creek area is loaded with an ever-increasing bear population. Even in higher elevations in the wilderness area seeing three to six bears a day is not uncommon. As the freeze continues upward, bears will move down and go to scavenger mode.
Watching the sky is one of the best ways to find bears. If birds are circling a carcass from deer, elk, cow or horse, there is probably a bear or bears in the immediate vicinity. It won’t be long and those living in bear country will be securing their doors and paying special attention to their trash and grills.
****
FISHING
Local Rivers: The Colorado, Gunnison, Yampa and Roaring Fork are about as good as it gets. Clear, clean water, high metabolism and beautiful colors all make this time of year the best there is.
Blue Mesa: Fall time is brown time, and the big bruiser browns the lake is famous for is starting to take off. Crank baits and jigs seem to be doing the best right now as the browns are starting to hang in tight to the rocks and structure. Still a little early for the macks to start picking up.
Rifle Gap: Fishing is excellent for all species with the exception of walleye, which are slower than normal. Pan fishing, trout and pike are all still doing strong.
Harvey Gap: Fishing is excellent for crappie and perch and pike. Stocker trout are hitting fair on all typical baits.
Elk: Reports from the Uncompahgre River and Mesa County areas say there are isolated spots of heated ruts during the day, but that was the exception more than the rule. I spent some days on the Flat Tops Wilderness on horseback archery hunting only to find the elk active between 11 p.m. to a couple hours before sunrise. Even then, the rut was not strong with more talking going on than gathering cows.
A few in the party could get some bulls to come out of their beds, but calling back or even trying to locate a bull calling back was seldom. The few that have scored so far has all been due too relentless glassing with spotting scopes and high-powered binoculars.
Getting close and taunting them out of their beds with cow calls was the most successful method during this period. Many great bulls have been taken in our area already and as September closes the best is yet to come. Archery season closes Sept. 28.
Deer: Deer range from area river bottoms, in the desert, close to town and as high as timber line in the mountains.
Most all High Country bucks have rubbed and are sporting new antlers. A few lucky early-season hunters have scored some tremendous animals in full velvet. Those that have done their preseason scouting have gotten some excellent bucks.
Bear: The Uncompahgre to Dove Creek area is loaded with an ever-increasing bear population. Even in higher elevations in the wilderness area seeing three to six bears a day is not uncommon. As the freeze continues upward, bears will move down and go to scavenger mode.
Watching the sky is one of the best ways to find bears. If birds are circling a carcass from deer, elk, cow or horse, there is probably a bear or bears in the immediate vicinity. It won’t be long and those living in bear country will be securing their doors and paying special attention to their trash and grills.
****
FISHING
Local Rivers: The Colorado, Gunnison, Yampa and Roaring Fork are about as good as it gets. Clear, clean water, high metabolism and beautiful colors all make this time of year the best there is.
Blue Mesa: Fall time is brown time, and the big bruiser browns the lake is famous for is starting to take off. Crank baits and jigs seem to be doing the best right now as the browns are starting to hang in tight to the rocks and structure. Still a little early for the macks to start picking up.
Rifle Gap: Fishing is excellent for all species with the exception of walleye, which are slower than normal. Pan fishing, trout and pike are all still doing strong.
Harvey Gap: Fishing is excellent for crappie and perch and pike. Stocker trout are hitting fair on all typical baits.
