Bear in 1st Rifle Season

[MtnMike2]

What do you think the chances are of there being bear out and about during 1st rifle season (elk only) in NW CO (GMU 441, 301, 3)?
Dan says a cold front is coming in up there, but I think it's been pretty mild up until now.
Reason for the question is that I'll be hunting elk up there (can't wait) and wondering whether it might be worthwhile to get a bear tag.

[M.T. Pockets]

How much is a resident tag ? If you can buy one over the counter for $20 or so I sure would.

[Dan Morris]

Mike, the Steamboat/Craig area is good, I agree that it will warm up before season. Hey, for the cost of a res, I'd go for it!
$41 plus SR..... if you see one, you got it. If not, you were covered.
Dan

Hey, what area in Co are you from?

[MtnMike2]

Hi Dan,
I live near Elizabeth, but spend a lot of time in the mountains. I've got in-laws on the Grand Mesa, so I'm over there quite a bit. In fact, the only elk hunting I've done up to now was on the Grand Mesa. This will be my first time backpacking for elk and in new place. I've scouted it and I'm looking very intently at topo maps.
Temps up there have already been below freezing of course and could be a little snow for us. I'm hoping for a little cold so the elk are moving about.

Good hunting,
Mike M

[Dan Morris]

Good area, you should get some cold....backpacking...just remember one thing, what goes down has got to come out...LOL
Good luck.
Dan