Colorado 851 basque del oso s.w.a.

[fngTony]

Looking for general info. Hunt is early Nov. We have made calls and emails but getting some dead ends so any help is greatly appreciated.
1. Weather, stats. say daily average of 27-53 degrees. Can't find any info on precipitation.

2. Backpacking in is allowed but the lady I confirmed with was discouraging it because of high bear population. Is this typical bear country or high incidents of bear problems?

3. Accessibility. We've been told vehicle access is only allowed in the designated camping spots but are allowed at certain time of day to use vehicle to recover game (truck still must remain on road). We have not gotten a straight answer from CPW, just transferred to different agents. Website is vague saying check postings on site.

4. Terrain, from what I see on Google earth its rolling hills with about 2500 ft of elevation gain. Mix of thick and thin timber. How accurate is this?

5. Oil/gas operations. looks like a lot of this in the area. Wondering if they may be shut down during this time of year? Map makes it look like these operations may hinder safe shooting since there is roads and structures every half mile or so.

6. Decent cell service for emergencies? ( Verizon, at&t). or rent a sat phone

Again thanks for any info. We didn't expect our f-inlaw to draw this tag this year so we are scrambling to find time to scout during an already busy summer.

 

[Colorado Bighorn]

Call Allen Vitt @ the Pueblo Office of CPW, he can help you out.

 

[browtines1961]

In GMU's #140, #85, & #851 Bob Holder is the Senior District Wildlife Officer operating out of Trinidad; Work (719) 680- 1410; (719) 561- 5300.

a) Weather - sounds about right even though it can be considerably warmer dependent on the year .
b)don't let the black bears bother you, we get them in our back yard most of the year round. Pack in and camp like you would in any other bear habitat, carry bear spray if you feel the need but being generally "bear aware" will minimize issues. Bosque del Oso roughly translates to "home of the bear".
c)accessibility, last time I was in there hiking around it was pretty much as you have it. The signage lays out the rules, including retrieval.
d)terrain - rocky, scrub oak, pinon, pine and of course, buzz snakes through mid October or so before they pit or den up.
e)Oil/Gas Operations - currently scaled back to almost being shutdown. When things were hopping the elk, bear and deer adapted to the traffic pretty well.
f)Cell service if you climb to a high spot to get out of the rocks. AT&T for me.