Western Colorado Winter Conditions

littlebighorn · Jan 27, 2011

I am just curious if anyone can tell me about how the deer are doing this year on the Western Slope of Colorado. I am hearing some gentle rumblings about another bad winter for deer. Anyone live over that way that can give me an update? I know there is a lot of winter left, but just curious.
I have "boo-koo" points and I am trying to determine if this is a good year to cash them in?

coloradoman · Jan 27, 2011

The Western Slope is a huge area....Can you dial it in a little better??

bonedaddy · Jan 27, 2011

Everywhere I've been there is not as much snow as last year. A lot fewer deer than I usually see though

Kayak_to_hunt · Jan 27, 2011

LAST EDITED ON Jan-27-11 AT 05:15PM (MST)[p]The Gunnison basin has a bunch of snow.

132% of average - right about the same spot as we were in the 07 - 08 winter.. Most of colorado has had more snow than usual. Who knows what will happen the rest of the year but we have seen a lot of snow many places here in colorado.

Below is the link to the gunnison basin gunnison graph.

ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/CO/Snow/snow/watershed/daily/basinplotgun11.gif

Bocephus · Jan 27, 2011

A friend and I just returned last week from a scouting trip in unit 21 trying to pinpoint a few bucks to pick up their sheds here shortly. The range looked good and the deer looked better. Saw a few bruisers that had made it through and a lot of nice bucks and even a few elk. It could be a boomer year this coming fall in 21 if any of you have the points to draw it, I wish I had a tag. Just my two cents worth.

PleaseDear · Jan 27, 2011

I wonder if my 9 Colo deer points could get me a # 21 Bow Buck tag in 2011?

I guess I will just roll the dice and find out....

Robb

califhuntn · Jan 27, 2011

PleaseDear your 9 points should easily land you a bow tag. I drew this year with 5 NR points. I don't know that I would burn 9 years of points on that tag but it's your call. Good luck.

JR

Bocephus · Jan 28, 2011

Pleasedear, I agree your 9 points should be a lock for an archery tag. I believe you could have a great hunt in 21 regardless of the season. If you are an archery guy go for it. I went to school in Rangely a few years back and have spent a lot of time in 21. After what I saw this past week, 21 is back strong! I believe 21 to still be the best unit on the western slope. If I had the points to draw a 3rd season rifle tag, 21 is where I would want to be come this November....

tailchasers · Jan 28, 2011

bonedaddy summed it up pretty well. Even in town there are fewer deer than normal and with a drive out north of south of town you'll see lower numbers than in the past. Although the deer I am seeing are all looking strong and healthy.

littlebighorn · Jan 28, 2011

I was specifically thinking of 21 or maybe 61. I have 17 points but I was still not drawn this year for 21. Bocephus, I may have to pick your brain if I go for it this year!

PleaseDear · Jan 28, 2011

Well----lbh.....

Ya wanna dust of your ole mzzy loader and apply together as a group for 21....

Your 17 and my 9 pts.....averaged----- just might put us into a mzzy 21 big buck!

What I lack in matching points----I will make up for in pack-out endurance! ha

A couple of Graybeards chasing big ole muleys in 21......haha

Robb

tailchasers · Jan 28, 2011

LAST EDITED ON Jan-28-11 AT 07:27PM (MST)[p]>Well----lbh.....
>
>Ya wanna dust of your ole
>mzzy loader and apply together
>as a group for 21....
>
>
>Your 17 and my 9 pts.....averaged-----
>just might put us into
>a mzzy 21 big buck!
>
>
>What I lack in matching points----I
>will make up for in
>pack-out endurance! ha
>
>A couple of Graybeards chasing big
>ole muleys in 21......haha

>
>Robb

Sorry Robb but the Colorado bonus point doesn't work that way...

littlebighorn · Jan 29, 2011

Robb,
"What I lack in matching points---I will make up in pack out endurance?"
That sounds like you are calling me an old fat man!
I don't quite know how to take that, given I just lost 20 lbs of excess Christmas candy! ha

Anyway, nice try! But I am already hooked up with another guy up your way who has Boo Koo points.
We probably still can't draw!