Hey deercorn, how are you? I lived in Cortez Colorado for several years and hunted both deer and elk while living there from north of Dolores up through Durango towards Pagosa Springs.. May I ask what part of the country you live in now? I only ask because a lot of hunting in Colorado is above 10,000'. Will you be archery hunting? As much as I love Colorado, I would take a long hard look at Idaho. In either case, simply call the Game & Fish and ask them to put you in contact with a wildlife biologists that works the area your planning to hunt. These guy's are honest and can give you very detailed information about specific basins ridges etc. Feel free to e-mail me directly at [email protected]