RE: Need Help & Info CO lease
I can give you some information on unit 71.
Elevation: Ranges form 14,000 feet at the north end of the unit to 7,000 feet in the south.
Terrain: Most of the unit is a broad south-facing plateau, broken by Dolores River and it's tributaries
Vegetation: Varies form ppinons and jumnipers at the south edge of the unit, to poderosa pines, aspens, spruce-fir, and alpine tundra as you move north and gain elevation.
Weather: The potential exists to encounter temperatures from 85 degrees to as cold as 30 degrees. Generally, there is no snow until second season, but be prepared for extreme temperatures at all times.
Land Status: Mostly national forest with some private land.
Hunter Access: Readily accessible by Forest Service roads, logging and secondary roads. Major access points are just off U.S. Hwy. 145, the Dolores-Norwood Road and West Fork Road.
Deer: The chance for a mature buck is fair to good. In the early seasons, deer are evenly distributed above 8000', and move to lower elevations with hunitng pressure.
Elk: Elk are distributed throughout the unit with 71 better in early seasons and 711 better in the later seasons. During the seasons the elk move from north to south; from upper elevations to lower elevations (and private land).
Bear: Fall concentrations from Ground Hog Res. to the north, and just below Nimble to the south and west to border of unit.
Comments: Hunters should make certain they have and up-to-date copy of a forest map and observe road clousres and motor vehicle restrictions. Part of this unit is in the Lizard Head Wilderness where only travel by foot or horseback is allowed.
I'm still new to hunting, but from what I understand when it snows that is the time most people get their game. They all hope for the snow and love it when it comes. I hope this info helps. Good luck on the hunt.