Three of us Oregonians are going on a self guided ML Cow hunt in unit 62. All of our research has been via the internet and we are basically going cold. We know how to get there and that's about it. If anyone has information that they don't mind sharing I would sure appreciate it. Thanks, Ken
It's been a bit wetter than normal, and a bit cooler than normal. Elk will be more scattered in elevation--don't forget to check the oakbrush country down low--lower than you would expect. They also won't be as concentrated around water, although during the rut they will tend to hang around water sources more.
Archery hunting pressure will push some elk into the canyons by mid-September. Dry Creek Canyon, Beaver Dams, Spring Creek, and every canyon in between, will have elk in the bottom. I've seen some pretty good size harems in the canyon bottoms at times. It's your choice if you want to kill one down there, 'cause roads in the canyons are either non-existent or only accessible from the valley on private land. Although there's a plethora of roads populating the mesas between the canyons. As usual, there will be elk herds concentrated on the lower private ground once the archery pressure starts.
Cows are a dime-a-dozen on the Uncompahgre Plateau. Be patient and one will show up. Next door is Unit 61 (everything on the west half of the Plateau) and it's an entirely limited license unit for all seasons for both deer and elk (except for private land only cow tags wich can be easily had during rifle season) but the elk cross back and forth from 61-62 frequently.
That time of year it can still be warmish during the day (one reason I don't hunt the Plateau during September unless I draw a Unit 61 bull tag--which is taking 6-10 years currently).
Of course, you still have 6 weeks to go, and the weather may turn hot and dry, and the lower elk may start up to higher ground and everybody may start hanging closer to water in the next month or so........
Casey