If I don't draw any of the tags I have applied for, which I'm sure will be the case again this year, I'm thinking about trying to get a left over cow elk tag in CO for unit 26. How does one go about getting a left over tag? Do I just call an operator? Can my friends and I apply as a group?

Has anyone ever hunted this early cow season? My main concern is the temp and my meat spoiling as this season is Sept 15-30. We camp about 2 miles from our trailhead in the wilderness area and the trailhead is a good hour drive to a processer (if necessary). Thanks.