There are trophys killed in the area every year! It's a very large area too. The deer herd is looking very good right now, lots of bucks. 2nd season will be this area's first "over the counter" bull Elk season as well,1st season is draw only for elk and there is no deer hunting the 1st season. So, there will be lots of folks in the woods, it is the biggest season, people wise in this area. I would hunt the edges of the grand mesa, north rim......if you hunt that season and you are coming off the top to hunt below the rim, get an elk tag for sure! Very steep and you'll be starting at 10,000 feet. Do you have a land owner tag? If so that may be a different situation all together!
I live in 41,421, Let me know if I can help in any other way.
What are you doing about lodging? I can point you in the right direction there as well. Not much avaiable during that season, if you don't already have reservations.
JJ