Newspaper Column

This week marks the beginning of the Big Game seasons in Colorado and there is already a buzz in the air over the influx of hunters to the area. These hunters -- whether local or out-of-state -- bring in much needed revenue to the San Luis Valley. Although the first bow season opens this Friday, last week saw hunters arriving in preparation for their hunts.

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Rain, rain and more rain

Bow season has been one wet boggy mess. The roads are wet and slick and the forest damp and cold. With the seemingly record rainfall since June, the waterholes and even dry creeks are running over and the elk and other animals don't have to travel far nor on regular paths to their feeding and water areas.

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Elk and Bear Season in Southern Colorado

Had the opportunity to travel about 50 miles of back roads yesterday and talked to lots of hunters both bow and muzzle loaders. NO ONE is seeing anything and people are starting to go home. I have been in the mountains in this area for many years and never have I seen such low numbers. Long time locals cannot seem to find the elk and there is concern about the long term prospects of seasons and being able to attract hunters and the money they spend while here.

I went out this morning and did find really fresh elk sign but people had been in there driving ATV's off road against the law and of course, will ruin that area. People don't care anymore and just do what they want regardless of anyone else.  

The rain drove me out of there today again. Its rained ever since the fire in June and has not quit since. Heavy rains too, not the intermittent mountain showers we are used to. Of course the lakes and rivers are over full and ash run off from the fire is a real issue. The river has about 5 more feet to where it will be of major concern but the way its raining today, that could come in one rain honestly.  

Bow Season Continues.

I am still hunting and its tough out there. There have been some elk killed but the rains every day and night are sure hard on everyone. The numbers of animals just are not there this year and there is real concern. Attached, find some trail cam pics of a coyote dancing around an elk carcass. Must be a bear close by. Weird little gremlin in the middle of the pic. you can make anything out of a stump if you try hard enuff. hah. click on pics to see gallery.

Blackpowder Season Opens in Colorado

The season opened here in the SW with heavy clouds and rain in the mountains. This makes for some miserable hunting but with the proper gear you can still get out there and hunt. There is some great wet weather gear out there which makes if bearable. I will post some results and pics as they become available. kk

Bear in the RV Park

I had just settled in when Paula texted me that I had left my glasses at her house. Even though I was exhausted and didn't need them, I got up and walked over to retrieve them. I took a tiny flashlight with dimming batteries along and made the walk in mostly darkness, talking to myself all the way about what good the light was actually doing.

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Hiking with Dennis

Dennis takes us all on a hike today with his great pictures and story.

Wayne led 15 of us up the Middle Alder Cr.  trail; a couple went about 2 miles, 8 went 2.5 miles and 5 went 3.2 miles to an  old cabin for lunch.  The 2.5 mile mark was the designated lunch  stop.....before the creek became the only trail to use.  The creek was the  only trail for about a quarter of a mile.  When we reached the cabin we had  crossed the same creek 13 times!

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