I hunted opening day in Unit 85. I left my 4 wheeler at home due to the mud on the ATV trails. I watched a herd of 8 or 9 with a bull following cross a private ranch and on into the burn area. I have not yet found a legal way to get into that burn area. I think that outfitter may have exaggerated the 12" of snow. There was 2 or 3 long horse trailers parked on CO12 atop Cuchara Pass on opening morning and 6 or 7 other trucks and rigs. Too crowded for me. No trailer camping allowed there but there were spaces available for big campers at Blue Lakes and at Purgatoire. I was surprised the campers and fishermen outnumbered the hunters in those areas. Hunted there again Tuesday and had Cuchara Pass all to myself. Tried again today. Hiked up the Apishapa and I would have been able to see into NM if the smoke hadn't been so thick. I should have been on a north slope somewhere but that access was problematic for me. I'll try once more before the season ends.
