The following extract from "The Flume" was provided by Kurt F.
By Lora Abcarian
Editor
JEFFERSON, Colo. — After more than two years of closure, Corrigan’s Stagestop Saloon is making a comeback. The establishment reopened its doors officially on Oct. 1, and is ready for action. Stagestop is located at 53 Stagestop Road, approximately seven miles from the junction of U.S. 285 and CR 77.
A unique jukebox “with a little of everything on it” provides musical ambience, and the clink of balls at the pool table provides background punctuation.
Joe Corrigan said he and his wife, Cindy, were left with little choice but to close Stagestop after wildland fires and the draining of Tarryall Reservoir drove clientele away from the area. Despite the decision to close, the Corrigans stood fast and decided to roll out the Philly Joe’s Cheesesteak wagon until signs of an economic recovery made themselves known.
Corrigan’s signature sandwich — and a summertime catering business — kept the couple afloat. Corrigan was asked about the secret ingredient for his popular sandwich, and his answer came easily. “It’s made by a Philadelphian,” he laughed.
Corrigan understands only too well the kind of impact a location can have on a business. The enterprising couple has spent time in a remote part of Alaska. “We were closer to the Russians than we were to a McDonald’s,” he confided.
Stagestop has expanded its standard menu with some new specialty items. Customers can still get their fill of traditional burgers and fries, but may opt for the lesser known but equally tasty shepherd’s pie.
The Corrigans operate both a restaurant and bar, and are working to make Stagestop a place everyone can enjoy. “We have a responsible adult eating and drinking establishment that invites minors for meals before 6 p.m.”
A rumor is already circulating that Santa will be making some unscheduled guest appearances at Stagestop between now and Christmas to delight children of all ages. Corrigan said New Year’s festivities are also being planned, and he hopes to have live music on hand to welcome in 2004.
12/16/03
12/7/03
L1 Season
12/07 The L1 season ends today.
The daytime temperatures this week were in the 30s and 40s night time 14 to 8, no snow or moisture. The coldest night was 12/3-4, it got down to 4 below zero that night.
About 50 head on the Columbine Ranch, North of 56, , they may have come from 500.
Saturday the 29th of November Ketter and I seen four bulls in the Redtail Ranch (hunting club) area, only had cow licenses. The Redtail is West of Dunlap and on the west side of the JV Ranch.
Seen about 25 head at a hundred-fifty yards the morning of the 6th, couldn't get a shot. They were about 3/4 mile from 39 on 190. This afternoon, about 16:45 three cows ran across 39 near the pens, they were close enough, about 50 feet, but got in the timber too fast, it was getting to dark to go after them. The weather has been warm and no snow, even the Cones and Tarryall mountains don't have snow, don't believe the migration has started. Checked Reese, Hall and Graveyard Gulch areas and no sign at all. Met the Game Warden in the Old House Parks. He said the season was about as bad as the prior seasons. Plenty of elk but they are still up high.
12/07 The L1 season ends today.
The daytime temperatures this week were in the 30s and 40s night time 14 to 8, no snow or moisture. The coldest night was 12/3-4, it got down to 4 below zero that night.
About 50 head on the Columbine Ranch, North of 56, , they may have come from 500.
Saturday the 29th of November Ketter and I seen four bulls in the Redtail Ranch (hunting club) area, only had cow licenses. The Redtail is West of Dunlap and on the west side of the JV Ranch.
Seen about 25 head at a hundred-fifty yards the morning of the 6th, couldn't get a shot. They were about 3/4 mile from 39 on 190. This afternoon, about 16:45 three cows ran across 39 near the pens, they were close enough, about 50 feet, but got in the timber too fast, it was getting to dark to go after them. The weather has been warm and no snow, even the Cones and Tarryall mountains don't have snow, don't believe the migration has started. Checked Reese, Hall and Graveyard Gulch areas and no sign at all. Met the Game Warden in the Old House Parks. He said the season was about as bad as the prior seasons. Plenty of elk but they are still up high.
11/24/03
11/18 Checked with the Forest Service Ranger Station in Fairplay (719-836-2031) on camp fires and they said there are no bans at this time, but please be careful and do no leave the fire unattended.
11/19 Another great day in the Tarryalls, not a cloud in the sky.
Called Henry and he said he didn't think he was going to make this hunting season. He fell while trying to get into his motorhome, said he was not hurt and everything is OK, he might try and make it up for the late December season (L2).
Coyotes still howling at night, sure must be a bunch of them. Spent the day bore sighting and cleaning my rifle.
11/20 Drove the north area again today. The only track I seen were about a mile above the Miller ranch on the LP road, it looked like they were headed for the black timber above Dunlap.( Bob Z- take note - they will be waiting for you).
Lot of firewood gatherers, they park just about anyplace, look out for them on the blind curves. Seen a bad accident last year on the LP road about 3 miles east from the summit of LP pass. A logging truck hit a New Toyota SUV on a blind curve. The SUV was still there, could have been some serious injuries or death, the top on the drivers side was crushed.
11/21 Low last night was 18 the high today was 43. Got a screw in left front tire and went into Fairplay to get it fixed. That garage next to the NAPA store took care of it right away. Took them about thirty minutes to fix it and check the other tires. A good place to do business.
11/22 It snowed about 4 inches last night. Jill and Kurt stopped by, had a good visit with them. Kurt was full of new hunting stories.
11/23 Paul H Called and said his dad John was in the hospital and would not make the hunting trip this year. He went in last Thursday, and is home now ( the 23rd). Paul was going to try and make it, he has a licenses for the L1 season.
Drove the 39 and LP road areas and no sign of elk tracks, about 2 inches or so of new snow. No tracks on the LP road. One guy had a couple coyotes in the back of his truck.
Not much snow on the Cones or the Tarryalls, can still see lot of rock, just not enough snow or cold weather to bring them down.
It was about 14 below last night, that's about 45 below zero considering the chill factor and never got above zero all day today. Sure need more snow. (Didier you'll have to do the conversion, I don't think I remember the formula to convert to Celsius, you'll have to do the conversion, but 45 below F is cold.)
11/19 Another great day in the Tarryalls, not a cloud in the sky.
Called Henry and he said he didn't think he was going to make this hunting season. He fell while trying to get into his motorhome, said he was not hurt and everything is OK, he might try and make it up for the late December season (L2).
Coyotes still howling at night, sure must be a bunch of them. Spent the day bore sighting and cleaning my rifle.
11/20 Drove the north area again today. The only track I seen were about a mile above the Miller ranch on the LP road, it looked like they were headed for the black timber above Dunlap.( Bob Z- take note - they will be waiting for you).
Lot of firewood gatherers, they park just about anyplace, look out for them on the blind curves. Seen a bad accident last year on the LP road about 3 miles east from the summit of LP pass. A logging truck hit a New Toyota SUV on a blind curve. The SUV was still there, could have been some serious injuries or death, the top on the drivers side was crushed.
11/21 Low last night was 18 the high today was 43. Got a screw in left front tire and went into Fairplay to get it fixed. That garage next to the NAPA store took care of it right away. Took them about thirty minutes to fix it and check the other tires. A good place to do business.
11/22 It snowed about 4 inches last night. Jill and Kurt stopped by, had a good visit with them. Kurt was full of new hunting stories.
11/23 Paul H Called and said his dad John was in the hospital and would not make the hunting trip this year. He went in last Thursday, and is home now ( the 23rd). Paul was going to try and make it, he has a licenses for the L1 season.
Drove the 39 and LP road areas and no sign of elk tracks, about 2 inches or so of new snow. No tracks on the LP road. One guy had a couple coyotes in the back of his truck.
Not much snow on the Cones or the Tarryalls, can still see lot of rock, just not enough snow or cold weather to bring them down.
It was about 14 below last night, that's about 45 below zero considering the chill factor and never got above zero all day today. Sure need more snow. (Didier you'll have to do the conversion, I don't think I remember the formula to convert to Celsius, you'll have to do the conversion, but 45 below F is cold.)
11/23/03
From DOW Insider
Despite being home to the largest elk herd in North America and offering plenty of additional opportunity through additional licenses, preliminary results would indicate that harvest rates during Colorado’s 2003 big game season didn’t reach the high expectations of both hunters and biologists. Never the less, there will be no special post season hunts offered to adult hunters who didn’t fill their tags during their designated season.
Unseasonably mild weather lasting through the first three of Colorado’s four rifle seasons gave the state’s elk herd the upper hand allowing them to avoid hunting pressure from most of the state’s nearly 300,000 hunters. While Division of Wildlife (DOW) biologists worked hard to offer as much opportunity to hunters as possible in the form of additional either-sex and cow tags, as always, weather was the major factor for success.
Last year, by emergency regulation, the DOW opened the entirety of game management units 54 and 55 to late season hunters and those who had not filled their antlerless elk licenses to hunt those areas during the late season. This change in regulations along with several other regulation changes throughout the state allowed hunters to harvest significant numbers of elk in those units, bringing the population down to the long-term objective. Consequently, the DOW will not be allowing hunters who did not fill a tag during the regular seasons to hunt during the late season, with the only exception being those with unfilled youth licenses. And only the original portions of these units outlined in the big game regulation brochure will be open for hunting.
Those who applied for and received a license for the late season hunts during the draw last April will have the opportunity after Nov. 12. Also, the late season youth hunts will continue this year. This allows any hunter holding an unfilled youth cow elk tag or either sex elk tag to hunt during any late season cow elk hunt (those hunts that begin after Nov. 12). If the youth holds an unfilled either sex license, the license must be brought to a DOW office and exchanged for a cow elk license.
There are still some leftover licenses left for both deer and elk, but hunters should be aware that many of these are only good for hunting on private land. Please consult the DOW Web site at http://wildlife.state.co.us/LeftoverLicenses/ or call a DOW customer service representative at (303) 297-1192 for additional information.
John Ellenberger, state big game coordinator for the DOW, said he expects the elk harvest to be similar to 2001 levels when just over 42,000 elk were harvested. Ellenberger believes that while low harvest numbers will keep the elk population over objective for the time being, strides will be made in the future. The effort to get elk numbers closer to objective is one that both hunters and the DOW will have to work toward over several seasons. Over the past several years a season with low success rates has been followed by a record year, such was the case in both the 2000 and in 2002 seasons.
“The results from the harvest this year will be factored into next year’s season setting process,” said Ellenberger. “We are in the process of planning that right now and if we have to include more licenses with different seasons that is what we’ll do.”
Despite being home to the largest elk herd in North America and offering plenty of additional opportunity through additional licenses, preliminary results would indicate that harvest rates during Colorado’s 2003 big game season didn’t reach the high expectations of both hunters and biologists. Never the less, there will be no special post season hunts offered to adult hunters who didn’t fill their tags during their designated season.
Unseasonably mild weather lasting through the first three of Colorado’s four rifle seasons gave the state’s elk herd the upper hand allowing them to avoid hunting pressure from most of the state’s nearly 300,000 hunters. While Division of Wildlife (DOW) biologists worked hard to offer as much opportunity to hunters as possible in the form of additional either-sex and cow tags, as always, weather was the major factor for success.
Last year, by emergency regulation, the DOW opened the entirety of game management units 54 and 55 to late season hunters and those who had not filled their antlerless elk licenses to hunt those areas during the late season. This change in regulations along with several other regulation changes throughout the state allowed hunters to harvest significant numbers of elk in those units, bringing the population down to the long-term objective. Consequently, the DOW will not be allowing hunters who did not fill a tag during the regular seasons to hunt during the late season, with the only exception being those with unfilled youth licenses. And only the original portions of these units outlined in the big game regulation brochure will be open for hunting.
Those who applied for and received a license for the late season hunts during the draw last April will have the opportunity after Nov. 12. Also, the late season youth hunts will continue this year. This allows any hunter holding an unfilled youth cow elk tag or either sex elk tag to hunt during any late season cow elk hunt (those hunts that begin after Nov. 12). If the youth holds an unfilled either sex license, the license must be brought to a DOW office and exchanged for a cow elk license.
There are still some leftover licenses left for both deer and elk, but hunters should be aware that many of these are only good for hunting on private land. Please consult the DOW Web site at http://wildlife.state.co.us/LeftoverLicenses/ or call a DOW customer service representative at (303) 297-1192 for additional information.
John Ellenberger, state big game coordinator for the DOW, said he expects the elk harvest to be similar to 2001 levels when just over 42,000 elk were harvested. Ellenberger believes that while low harvest numbers will keep the elk population over objective for the time being, strides will be made in the future. The effort to get elk numbers closer to objective is one that both hunters and the DOW will have to work toward over several seasons. Over the past several years a season with low success rates has been followed by a record year, such was the case in both the 2000 and in 2002 seasons.
“The results from the harvest this year will be factored into next year’s season setting process,” said Ellenberger. “We are in the process of planning that right now and if we have to include more licenses with different seasons that is what we’ll do.”
11/17/03
11/10 Arrived TEC 7:15 PM - clear - no snow - temp 30
11/11 Drove the area this morning - one camp at the top of the hill on 844 near "Cole's" camp, that makes three camps in the area, the other two are on 39. Still no indication of elk. Temp 32 - gusty wind. Picked up some more wood over at "Walt's" camp on 140, nobody camped there at this time.
Jason called and said the Pearson's got three elk over in the Flat Tops.
11/12 All area camps have left -- no indication that any elk have been harvested. Temp got down to 18 above lat night, high today was 34. This was the last day for the fourth rifle season.
11/13 Snowed about 2 inches last night, all, had melted by noon. Two sled dog teams in the area working their dogs (pulling ATVs). Watch for them on the roads, they use both sides. They seem to use the area Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. I have seen them on Sundays also.
11/14 low 15 - high 28 -no snow
11/15 Drove into Fairplay -- Forest Service Ranger Station is closed, will call them Monday or Tuesday to see what the status is on having camp fires-- 719-836-2031.
11/16 Must be camped rear a Coyote den, they sang all night. Swear I heard an elk bull bugle early this AM. Don't know what else it could have been.
Low last night was 5 above -- high today was 38.
11/17 Going into COS today, Glaser Gas has propane for $8 per 20 pounder. From the way the coyotes are carrying on there must be lots of rabbit's. Seen Bighorn Sheep in the same area again, they were in about 4 bunches, also seen a couple buck deer on the way out, still no elk. They say the weather might change tonight, with snow and high winds, maybe that will drive them down from the high country.
11/11 Drove the area this morning - one camp at the top of the hill on 844 near "Cole's" camp, that makes three camps in the area, the other two are on 39. Still no indication of elk. Temp 32 - gusty wind. Picked up some more wood over at "Walt's" camp on 140, nobody camped there at this time.
Jason called and said the Pearson's got three elk over in the Flat Tops.
11/12 All area camps have left -- no indication that any elk have been harvested. Temp got down to 18 above lat night, high today was 34. This was the last day for the fourth rifle season.
11/13 Snowed about 2 inches last night, all, had melted by noon. Two sled dog teams in the area working their dogs (pulling ATVs). Watch for them on the roads, they use both sides. They seem to use the area Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. I have seen them on Sundays also.
11/14 low 15 - high 28 -no snow
11/15 Drove into Fairplay -- Forest Service Ranger Station is closed, will call them Monday or Tuesday to see what the status is on having camp fires-- 719-836-2031.
11/16 Must be camped rear a Coyote den, they sang all night. Swear I heard an elk bull bugle early this AM. Don't know what else it could have been.
Low last night was 5 above -- high today was 38.
11/17 Going into COS today, Glaser Gas has propane for $8 per 20 pounder. From the way the coyotes are carrying on there must be lots of rabbit's. Seen Bighorn Sheep in the same area again, they were in about 4 bunches, also seen a couple buck deer on the way out, still no elk. They say the weather might change tonight, with snow and high winds, maybe that will drive them down from the high country.
From DOW Insider
Unseasonably warm, dry weather over much of Colorado this fall has substantially reduced the big-game harvest and the number of animals submitted for testing for chronic wasting disease.
By the end of the third rifle season, hunters had submitted more than 11,000 deer, elk and moose for testing at Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) collection sites, compared to 18,000 last year at the same time. So far, less than 1 percent of the animals have tested positive for CWD. The tests are conducted by Colorado State University’s diagnostic laboratory.
The positive animals have been found in areas where the disease was found last year. No animals have tested positive for CWD in the southern part of the state.
“The poor hunting conditions are clearly reducing hunter harvest and, as a result, the number of animals submitted for testing,” said Kathi Green, the DOW’s disease coordinator.
Reports from area biologists around the state underscore the poor harvest.
“Although we have had some significant snowfall at higher elevations the elk have been slow to move into areas where they can be harvested,” reported Darby Finley, the DOW’s area biologist in Meeker.
“The weather is warm again and the elk and deer harvest are below normal,” said Aaron Linstrom, the area biologist in Denver. “We were hoping that the weather would bring hunters and animals together, but that does not seem to be the case.”
Last year, more than 26,000 animals were submitted for testing, about a quarter of the 100,000 deer and elk hunters took during a season where favorable weather led to a record elk harvest.
“This year we were prepared to test as many as 40,000 animals,” Green said. “It appears we will test far fewer animals than that, and perhaps fewer than we tested in 2002.”
Hunters may submit animals at more than two dozens locations around the state. Testing is free for deer and elk and mandatory in the portion of northeastern Colorado where the disease has been established for decades. In the rest of the state, testing is voluntary and hunters pay $15 to have their animals tested.
“Our goal is to have test results back to hunters in less than two weeks and so far, we’ve been able to meet that goal for nearly all the animals that have been tested,” Green said.
A key factor has been the use of a fast, accurate test by CSU’s diagnostic laboratory. Lab Director Barb Powers and her staff first used the ELISA test on a large basis in 2002, winning U.S. Department of Agriculture certification for the procedure.
Of the 83 deer and elk that have tested positive, 59 have been found in the portion of northeastern Colorado where the disease has been established for decades. Past tests have found that about 5 percent of deer and about 1 percent of elk taken by hunters in the northeastern established area test positive for CWD.
In northwestern Colorado where the disease was first found in wild deer and elk in 2002, prevalence in deer and elk from units with sufficient sample sizes averages less than 1 percent.
Submission of moose for CWD testing was mandatory throughout the state this year. Hunters submitted 102 moose for testing this year and 33 in 2002. No moose have ever tested positive for CWD.
Animals that tested positive for CWD have been found in four new game management units, near units that had positive animals in 2002. The new positive units are 17, 24, 27 and 521.
“None of these are surprises because we’ve already found CWD in animals in adjacent units,” said DOW Veterinarian Mike Miller, one of the nation’s top CWD experts.
Chronic wasting disease is a fatal neurological disease of deer and elk. The disease has been found in portions of northeastern Colorado and southeastern Wyoming for more than two decades. It has recently spread to wild animals in western Colorado, central Wyoming, as well as Wisconsin, Nebraska, South Dakota, New Mexico, Illinois, Utah and the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. The disease has been found in captive elk herds in the United States, Canada and South Korea.
Health experts at the Colorado Department of Health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization have found no connection between CWD and human health. As a precaution, they recommend that diseased animals should not be eaten, especially the brain and the nervous and lymphatic systems, meat that is not normally eaten by humans.
Unseasonably warm, dry weather over much of Colorado this fall has substantially reduced the big-game harvest and the number of animals submitted for testing for chronic wasting disease.
By the end of the third rifle season, hunters had submitted more than 11,000 deer, elk and moose for testing at Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) collection sites, compared to 18,000 last year at the same time. So far, less than 1 percent of the animals have tested positive for CWD. The tests are conducted by Colorado State University’s diagnostic laboratory.
The positive animals have been found in areas where the disease was found last year. No animals have tested positive for CWD in the southern part of the state.
“The poor hunting conditions are clearly reducing hunter harvest and, as a result, the number of animals submitted for testing,” said Kathi Green, the DOW’s disease coordinator.
Reports from area biologists around the state underscore the poor harvest.
“Although we have had some significant snowfall at higher elevations the elk have been slow to move into areas where they can be harvested,” reported Darby Finley, the DOW’s area biologist in Meeker.
“The weather is warm again and the elk and deer harvest are below normal,” said Aaron Linstrom, the area biologist in Denver. “We were hoping that the weather would bring hunters and animals together, but that does not seem to be the case.”
Last year, more than 26,000 animals were submitted for testing, about a quarter of the 100,000 deer and elk hunters took during a season where favorable weather led to a record elk harvest.
“This year we were prepared to test as many as 40,000 animals,” Green said. “It appears we will test far fewer animals than that, and perhaps fewer than we tested in 2002.”
Hunters may submit animals at more than two dozens locations around the state. Testing is free for deer and elk and mandatory in the portion of northeastern Colorado where the disease has been established for decades. In the rest of the state, testing is voluntary and hunters pay $15 to have their animals tested.
“Our goal is to have test results back to hunters in less than two weeks and so far, we’ve been able to meet that goal for nearly all the animals that have been tested,” Green said.
A key factor has been the use of a fast, accurate test by CSU’s diagnostic laboratory. Lab Director Barb Powers and her staff first used the ELISA test on a large basis in 2002, winning U.S. Department of Agriculture certification for the procedure.
Of the 83 deer and elk that have tested positive, 59 have been found in the portion of northeastern Colorado where the disease has been established for decades. Past tests have found that about 5 percent of deer and about 1 percent of elk taken by hunters in the northeastern established area test positive for CWD.
In northwestern Colorado where the disease was first found in wild deer and elk in 2002, prevalence in deer and elk from units with sufficient sample sizes averages less than 1 percent.
Submission of moose for CWD testing was mandatory throughout the state this year. Hunters submitted 102 moose for testing this year and 33 in 2002. No moose have ever tested positive for CWD.
Animals that tested positive for CWD have been found in four new game management units, near units that had positive animals in 2002. The new positive units are 17, 24, 27 and 521.
“None of these are surprises because we’ve already found CWD in animals in adjacent units,” said DOW Veterinarian Mike Miller, one of the nation’s top CWD experts.
Chronic wasting disease is a fatal neurological disease of deer and elk. The disease has been found in portions of northeastern Colorado and southeastern Wyoming for more than two decades. It has recently spread to wild animals in western Colorado, central Wyoming, as well as Wisconsin, Nebraska, South Dakota, New Mexico, Illinois, Utah and the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. The disease has been found in captive elk herds in the United States, Canada and South Korea.
Health experts at the Colorado Department of Health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization have found no connection between CWD and human health. As a precaution, they recommend that diseased animals should not be eaten, especially the brain and the nervous and lymphatic systems, meat that is not normally eaten by humans.
11/10/03
TEC
11/7 Arrived TEC 12:30 AM -- about 10,000ft - 30 degrees - no snow.
Seen 30-40 head of Bighorn Sheep on the way up - at the usual place by the big rock.
The weather is dryer than a popcorn puffball. Seen a couple rigs on their way out that had a cow each.
11/8/ Temperature got up to about 38 today - last night it got down to 5 above. No hunters came past camp today - the 4th season started today, no camps in the area that I'm aware of. Made several calls on the cell from inside the camper -- works great (digital service). No indication the migration has started -- we need some snow and colder weather.
TJ will be up tomorrow and I'm going to ride back with him to get my truck. I'll be able to check more of the area once I get the truck up here. Still wont be able to tell much unless we get some snow -- it's on its way I'm sure.
11/9 TJ and Lea made it up, we cut a load of fire wood and drove most of the area. Only two other camps in the area one by the pens and the other about a mile on 39 from where I turn off. We checked some of the Ranch area around Jefferson and no indication of any elk herds. Will talk to my "ole buddy" in Jefferson when I get the truck here. Seen a couple Deer near Tarryall on the way out.
The low temp last night was 5 above but the sun has been out most of the day - as usual snow flurries swirling around the tops of the distant 12,000 Ft mountains, the typical great Colorado weather. Leaving this PM and will return in the morning.
11/7 Arrived TEC 12:30 AM -- about 10,000ft - 30 degrees - no snow.
Seen 30-40 head of Bighorn Sheep on the way up - at the usual place by the big rock.
The weather is dryer than a popcorn puffball. Seen a couple rigs on their way out that had a cow each.
11/8/ Temperature got up to about 38 today - last night it got down to 5 above. No hunters came past camp today - the 4th season started today, no camps in the area that I'm aware of. Made several calls on the cell from inside the camper -- works great (digital service). No indication the migration has started -- we need some snow and colder weather.
TJ will be up tomorrow and I'm going to ride back with him to get my truck. I'll be able to check more of the area once I get the truck up here. Still wont be able to tell much unless we get some snow -- it's on its way I'm sure.
11/9 TJ and Lea made it up, we cut a load of fire wood and drove most of the area. Only two other camps in the area one by the pens and the other about a mile on 39 from where I turn off. We checked some of the Ranch area around Jefferson and no indication of any elk herds. Will talk to my "ole buddy" in Jefferson when I get the truck here. Seen a couple Deer near Tarryall on the way out.
The low temp last night was 5 above but the sun has been out most of the day - as usual snow flurries swirling around the tops of the distant 12,000 Ft mountains, the typical great Colorado weather. Leaving this PM and will return in the morning.
11/7/03
11/5/03
Wyoming Update
Talked to Kenney, Don S got a cow south of Rock Springs, Kenney got a shot at a bull, but missed, the weather was unusually hot for this time of the year and the elk haden't moved into that area yet. That was the only elk they seen. Said he's going to have to get his elk in Colorado this year. He drew a Colorado tag for the season after Christmas. Said everybody else was doing just fine, Don still recovering from his bout with the West Nile and Swede was doing OK. Kenney said after a summer of arrowhead hunting he was able to throw his walking stick away and is doing OK without it. He found several nice arrowheads.
He said they got about a foot of snow about a week or so ago and it has been snowing off and on since, they have about ten inches on the ground now.
Talked to Kenney, Don S got a cow south of Rock Springs, Kenney got a shot at a bull, but missed, the weather was unusually hot for this time of the year and the elk haden't moved into that area yet. That was the only elk they seen. Said he's going to have to get his elk in Colorado this year. He drew a Colorado tag for the season after Christmas. Said everybody else was doing just fine, Don still recovering from his bout with the West Nile and Swede was doing OK. Kenney said after a summer of arrowhead hunting he was able to throw his walking stick away and is doing OK without it. He found several nice arrowheads.
He said they got about a foot of snow about a week or so ago and it has been snowing off and on since, they have about ten inches on the ground now.
11/4/03
Leah,
Sounds good to me, I may want to ride back down with you guys Sunday if I don't find somebody to drive my Ranger up when I leave Friday or Saturday
Glenn
---------------------------------------
Glenn,
TJ will be driving the school bus Saturday,so, count on us being there Sunday. If there is a change in plans, please let us know.
Leah
Sounds good to me, I may want to ride back down with you guys Sunday if I don't find somebody to drive my Ranger up when I leave Friday or Saturday
Glenn
---------------------------------------
Glenn,
TJ will be driving the school bus Saturday,so, count on us being there Sunday. If there is a change in plans, please let us know.
Leah
11/3/03
Mama bear inherited thieving way from mother
Fairplay: A black bear has been raiding residences in Park County, and wildlife officers say she might be the daughter of the "coffee creamer bear" that was shot and killed two years ago for ransacking more than 30 dwellings in search of her favorite treat.
"A sow with three cubs is breaking into trailers using the same M.O. as the coffee creamer bear that also had three cubs," Division of Wildlife spokesman Todd Malmsbury said Tuesday.
The coffee creamer bear started raiding cabins and trailers east of Como, a small town 60 miles southwest of Denver.
In 1999 she was responsible for 30 break-ins, sometimes tearing off doors, overturning refrigerators, ripping cupboards from walls and ransacking the contents in search of the powdered creamer.
Wildlife officials trapped and shot her in September 2000.
"At first I was angry at her for not staying out of trouble. Then I got mad at the people here for refusing to clean up their trash, hummingbird feeders, dog food and barbecue grills that attracted her," district wildlife officer Mark Lamb said.
Lamb thinks the bear might have taught her habit to three cubs, one of which might be on the rampage now with her own three cubs. Wildlife officers haven't decided how to handle them.
Bears that are trapped and removed from populated areas are tagged, and if they have to be captured a second time, they are killed.
Wildlife officials are concerned about a black bear that has been following joggers and hikers near Chautauqua Park in Boulder.
"This is pretty obviously an animal that has been fed by people and is habituated," Division of Wildlife area manager Mark Leslie said.
____________________
AP story from the Gazette
The Mama Bear referred to above made a couple raids on Grant M's camper and trailer causing some serious damage. I guess the moral of this story must be: the way the bears are proliferating and trained by their mothers you better not have coffee creamer packets in your camper or you might have an unwanted visitor. Grants cabin is a short distance from the Stagestop Bar and Restaurant.
Fairplay: A black bear has been raiding residences in Park County, and wildlife officers say she might be the daughter of the "coffee creamer bear" that was shot and killed two years ago for ransacking more than 30 dwellings in search of her favorite treat.
"A sow with three cubs is breaking into trailers using the same M.O. as the coffee creamer bear that also had three cubs," Division of Wildlife spokesman Todd Malmsbury said Tuesday.
The coffee creamer bear started raiding cabins and trailers east of Como, a small town 60 miles southwest of Denver.
In 1999 she was responsible for 30 break-ins, sometimes tearing off doors, overturning refrigerators, ripping cupboards from walls and ransacking the contents in search of the powdered creamer.
Wildlife officials trapped and shot her in September 2000.
"At first I was angry at her for not staying out of trouble. Then I got mad at the people here for refusing to clean up their trash, hummingbird feeders, dog food and barbecue grills that attracted her," district wildlife officer Mark Lamb said.
Lamb thinks the bear might have taught her habit to three cubs, one of which might be on the rampage now with her own three cubs. Wildlife officers haven't decided how to handle them.
Bears that are trapped and removed from populated areas are tagged, and if they have to be captured a second time, they are killed.
Wildlife officials are concerned about a black bear that has been following joggers and hikers near Chautauqua Park in Boulder.
"This is pretty obviously an animal that has been fed by people and is habituated," Division of Wildlife area manager Mark Leslie said.
____________________
AP story from the Gazette
The Mama Bear referred to above made a couple raids on Grant M's camper and trailer causing some serious damage. I guess the moral of this story must be: the way the bears are proliferating and trained by their mothers you better not have coffee creamer packets in your camper or you might have an unwanted visitor. Grants cabin is a short distance from the Stagestop Bar and Restaurant.
11/2/03
Glenn
Stagestop is open, I had lunch there during 2nd rifle. ( drinks, the good kind and food ) I will work on weather reports and game reports. Light snow and colder temps today.
I am taking a 15 year old elk and deer hunting this season, at dusk today a big bull and two cow moose stood up about a 100 yards out in front of us in some willows at dusk outside Breckenridge, his first moose in the wild.
Kurt
Stagestop is open, I had lunch there during 2nd rifle. ( drinks, the good kind and food ) I will work on weather reports and game reports. Light snow and colder temps today.
I am taking a 15 year old elk and deer hunting this season, at dusk today a big bull and two cow moose stood up about a 100 yards out in front of us in some willows at dusk outside Breckenridge, his first moose in the wild.
Kurt
11/1/03
Weather
I'm going to try and con Kurt F into giving us an occasional weather & snow report during hunting season, this would be especially useful a day or to before the different seasons start. This could include general weather and road condition information for the South Park area. The weather can be real spotty in the area and any report should be used carefully. Sometimes the roads can be especially slick without much snow or real cold weather. If Kurt goes along with this he can send the reports via email and I'll post them. I can show him how he can post an item the next time I'm up there. Any hunting information or elk migration information would also be greatly appreciated.
I have had several ask if the Stagestop Bar and Restaurant is open. I'll try to find out and post that information in the next few days.
I'm going to try and con Kurt F into giving us an occasional weather & snow report during hunting season, this would be especially useful a day or to before the different seasons start. This could include general weather and road condition information for the South Park area. The weather can be real spotty in the area and any report should be used carefully. Sometimes the roads can be especially slick without much snow or real cold weather. If Kurt goes along with this he can send the reports via email and I'll post them. I can show him how he can post an item the next time I'm up there. Any hunting information or elk migration information would also be greatly appreciated.
I have had several ask if the Stagestop Bar and Restaurant is open. I'll try to find out and post that information in the next few days.
10/31/03
10/30/03
Change in Plans
I'm not going to leave for Elk Camp till sometime this next week. Henry didn't feel like he should go at this time, maybe later. He has the Deer licenses. Considering the fire situation and the change in weather this might be the best thing to do for now, my Elk licenses is for the season after Thanksgiving. I should still be able to get up there early enough to check and report on the migration. I intend to take my Laptop with me and can access the Internet from Kurt's or while in Fairplay. My Cell is 719 650-0340, feel free to call, I have plenty of air time, the cell works good inside the camper, that is, if we camp in the same area we did last year. I'll have it on most of the time and leave it on all night while in the camper.
Glenn
I'm not going to leave for Elk Camp till sometime this next week. Henry didn't feel like he should go at this time, maybe later. He has the Deer licenses. Considering the fire situation and the change in weather this might be the best thing to do for now, my Elk licenses is for the season after Thanksgiving. I should still be able to get up there early enough to check and report on the migration. I intend to take my Laptop with me and can access the Internet from Kurt's or while in Fairplay. My Cell is 719 650-0340, feel free to call, I have plenty of air time, the cell works good inside the camper, that is, if we camp in the same area we did last year. I'll have it on most of the time and leave it on all night while in the camper.
Glenn
10/28/03
10/25/03
Alma Report
Glenn,
Fridays are good, I will be hunting with a friend that has a buck tag good for 50, 500 and 501 and a cow tag for 49 that both start on 11/1. I am currently hunting buck in 50, 500 and 501 and have only seen does, it ends on Sunday 10/26. I also have a muzzleloader tag for a doe antelope that ends 10/29.
Kurt
Glenn,
Fridays are good, I will be hunting with a friend that has a buck tag good for 50, 500 and 501 and a cow tag for 49 that both start on 11/1. I am currently hunting buck in 50, 500 and 501 and have only seen does, it ends on Sunday 10/26. I also have a muzzleloader tag for a doe antelope that ends 10/29.
Kurt
Wyoming Report
Talked to Kenney S today and he got his Antelope and Deer. Hasn't see any elk yet, he's going back in the morning with Donnie S, they are hunting south of Rock Springs. Swede's holding off for that big buck, had a chance for a couple spikes but passed them up. Kenney said Steve and his group got four nice bulls in the Shirleys. David got a real nice buck out by Swede's place. Kenney said it was the biggest one he has seen taken in that area.
Talked to Kenney S today and he got his Antelope and Deer. Hasn't see any elk yet, he's going back in the morning with Donnie S, they are hunting south of Rock Springs. Swede's holding off for that big buck, had a chance for a couple spikes but passed them up. Kenney said Steve and his group got four nice bulls in the Shirleys. David got a real nice buck out by Swede's place. Kenney said it was the biggest one he has seen taken in that area.
10/22/03
Kurt,
The plan now is for Henry and I to leave for camp the 31st of October. Henry has a Deer licenses for the 1st of November, my Elk season starts after Thanksgiving and Henry's starts after Christmas. We plan to stop by while up there, are Fridays still a good day?
__________________________________________
Cole,
Sorry to hear about losing your mother. Does your Dad still have a place in town?
Henry said you were down -- bragging about the big Antelope!
I got your pictures but had a computer problem and lost them, if they are handy send them again. Still have some issues to resolve with the computer but nothing preventing me from using it for now. ( It wont accept the scanner or printer drivers)
Glenn
The plan now is for Henry and I to leave for camp the 31st of October. Henry has a Deer licenses for the 1st of November, my Elk season starts after Thanksgiving and Henry's starts after Christmas. We plan to stop by while up there, are Fridays still a good day?
__________________________________________
Cole,
Sorry to hear about losing your mother. Does your Dad still have a place in town?
Henry said you were down -- bragging about the big Antelope!
I got your pictures but had a computer problem and lost them, if they are handy send them again. Still have some issues to resolve with the computer but nothing preventing me from using it for now. ( It wont accept the scanner or printer drivers)
Glenn
10/21/03
9/29/03
Good to hear from you Cole!
Are you going to hunt Antelope in the South Park area? Still see them in 501 in the early part of the elk rifle season, but not often, they seem to hang out in 50 in the Turner Gulch area. They have a large range in South Park.
Henry and I probably wont set camp up till after the 15th of October. I have to make a trip to California to see my brother, should get back about the 10th or so.
Most of our bunch have tags for 501 in the L 2 season, Henry has a Deer tag for late Oct. My elk tag is for L 1, after Thanksgiving. Henry's deer tag is good for 50, 500 and 501.
My cell phone number is: 719 650-0340. It's on most of the time sometimes out of range, if you don't get me try again. I threatened Kurt with a visit from Henry and me, but never did hear from him. I guess he's in the same place, we might just surprise him with a rig or two parked in his driveway. I'll keep my eye on Henry so he doesn't pee in his yard.
Glenn
Are you going to hunt Antelope in the South Park area? Still see them in 501 in the early part of the elk rifle season, but not often, they seem to hang out in 50 in the Turner Gulch area. They have a large range in South Park.
Henry and I probably wont set camp up till after the 15th of October. I have to make a trip to California to see my brother, should get back about the 10th or so.
Most of our bunch have tags for 501 in the L 2 season, Henry has a Deer tag for late Oct. My elk tag is for L 1, after Thanksgiving. Henry's deer tag is good for 50, 500 and 501.
My cell phone number is: 719 650-0340. It's on most of the time sometimes out of range, if you don't get me try again. I threatened Kurt with a visit from Henry and me, but never did hear from him. I guess he's in the same place, we might just surprise him with a rig or two parked in his driveway. I'll keep my eye on Henry so he doesn't pee in his yard.
Glenn
8/11/03
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CAMP
Tarryall Elk Camp is located in the South Park area of Colorado. In most hunting seasons the camp is located in the Rock Creek drainage area at about an elevation of 10,000 to 11,000 feet. The Camp consists of the third and fourth generation of a group that is loosely related that have been hunting the area for over 70 years. The Spielman's, Brough's and Sutter's worked cattle ranches in the Tarryall's, worked with the Forest Service, CCC Camps, owned and operated sawmills, prospected and mined in the area from the early 1900s to the 1940s. In the 1930s Roy Vorhees grandparents had a home and raised potatoes near the current town of Tarryall. It's possible Correl Creek near Goose Creek and the Platte River is named after that family. Glen Brady worked for the Pike National Forest from about the 1940s to the 1960s. Some of the other oldtimers names that come to mind are Walter Zanzig, Ray Dunaway, John Crouch, Norm Steinberg, Bernie, Curtis and Ryan . This is not an outfitter sponsored group but a group that has enjoyed Colorado's God given breathtaking beauty and camaraderie only experienced by devoted hunters, and those that have a love affair with "Colorado's Winter Wonderland" and a nice warm tent. Well, most, nowadays that is, have their Motor Homes and Campers and all the creature comforts and gadgets that come with them. I sure don't hear much yearning for the good old days from that bunch. They prefer their GPS's and ATV's over the old compass and packhorses. If that's what it takes to enjoy this great outdoors so be it. The most important thing is just being there and enjoying the hunt with your good friends and relatives.
<
CAMP
Tarryall Elk Camp is located in the South Park area of Colorado. In most hunting seasons the camp is located in the Rock Creek drainage area at about an elevation of 10,000 to 11,000 feet. The Camp consists of the third and fourth generation of a group that is loosely related that have been hunting the area for over 70 years. The Spielman's, Brough's and Sutter's worked cattle ranches in the Tarryall's, worked with the Forest Service, CCC Camps, owned and operated sawmills, prospected and mined in the area from the early 1900s to the 1940s. In the 1930s Roy Vorhees grandparents had a home and raised potatoes near the current town of Tarryall. It's possible Correl Creek near Goose Creek and the Platte River is named after that family. Glen Brady worked for the Pike National Forest from about the 1940s to the 1960s. Some of the other oldtimers names that come to mind are Walter Zanzig, Ray Dunaway, John Crouch, Norm Steinberg, Bernie, Curtis and Ryan . This is not an outfitter sponsored group but a group that has enjoyed Colorado's God given breathtaking beauty and camaraderie only experienced by devoted hunters, and those that have a love affair with "Colorado's Winter Wonderland" and a nice warm tent. Well, most, nowadays that is, have their Motor Homes and Campers and all the creature comforts and gadgets that come with them. I sure don't hear much yearning for the good old days from that bunch. They prefer their GPS's and ATV's over the old compass and packhorses. If that's what it takes to enjoy this great outdoors so be it. The most important thing is just being there and enjoying the hunt with your good friends and relatives.
8/10/03
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Midge Harbour's Book "The Tarryall Mountains and Puma Hills"
Several have asked if I knew where they could get a copy of Midge Harbour's book "The Tarryall Mountains and Puma Hills". I checked Barnes and Noble used book section on the Internet and found they have four copies listed as available. Let me know if you can't find them and I'll take another look.
<
Midge Harbour's Book "The Tarryall Mountains and Puma Hills"
Several have asked if I knew where they could get a copy of Midge Harbour's book "The Tarryall Mountains and Puma Hills". I checked Barnes and Noble used book section on the Internet and found they have four copies listed as available. Let me know if you can't find them and I'll take another look.
8/8/03
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Lost Park Mountain Man Rendezvous
August 9th, 2003
August 2nd to 9th 2003
Lost Park, Colorado (in the Pike National Forest)
9600 feet elevation
Presented by the Colorado State Muzzle Loading Association, the Rocky Mountain College is the rendezvous to attend before any others! Come on out and learn the ways of the early 19th century mountain men, such as:
Primitive camping and cooking skills
Making clothing
Flint knapping
Firemaking
Knife and tomahawk throwing
Shooting muzzle loading rifles and pistols
Setting up a tipi
Telling lies..er, I mean, stories
And much more!
http://www.bigwolfs-lair.com/rmc.htm
<
Lost Park Mountain Man Rendezvous
August 9th, 2003
August 2nd to 9th 2003
Lost Park, Colorado (in the Pike National Forest)
9600 feet elevation
Presented by the Colorado State Muzzle Loading Association, the Rocky Mountain College is the rendezvous to attend before any others! Come on out and learn the ways of the early 19th century mountain men, such as:
Primitive camping and cooking skills
Making clothing
Flint knapping
Firemaking
Knife and tomahawk throwing
Shooting muzzle loading rifles and pistols
Setting up a tipi
Telling lies..er, I mean, stories
And much more!
http://www.bigwolfs-lair.com/rmc.htm
8/6/03
TJ's Finishes
800-342-8328
719-634-3962
TJ (Tom) Sutliff from TJ's Finishes said to let everybody know that now is the time to get that expert gun finishing taken care of before the hunting season rush. TJ and his son Ken (when he's home from the Navy) have been hunting with us for a number of years now. Ken can't make it this year, he's taking Seal training with the Navy, but looking forward to the 2004 season. You can contact TJ at 800-342-8328. He also indicated he can arrange to have just about any of your gunsmithing needs taken care.
800-342-8328
719-634-3962
TJ (Tom) Sutliff from TJ's Finishes said to let everybody know that now is the time to get that expert gun finishing taken care of before the hunting season rush. TJ and his son Ken (when he's home from the Navy) have been hunting with us for a number of years now. Ken can't make it this year, he's taking Seal training with the Navy, but looking forward to the 2004 season. You can contact TJ at 800-342-8328. He also indicated he can arrange to have just about any of your gunsmithing needs taken care.
7/24/03
7/22/03
This is a works-in-progress that could have some interesting potential for recording stories and historical data on our hunting escapades in the Tarryall Mountains and Lost Park area. Most of us have a long history of hunting in ths area and a good many stories that should be recorded. This could eventually include photos, links to other sites of interest, and short bios of some of our friends and relatives that are no longer with us. This could be used to post current information as to who will be in camp and at what season, and any special needs, I can think of one right off the bat, a new fifteen gallon barrel for the outhouse.
John Hill and I put a fireplace ring together with cooking facilities that will be available again this year. It was very useful this past season, especially the early seasons. We also built an outhouse out of PVC pipe that worked out rather good. Not quite as plush as Terry's mobile can, but it had plenty of ventilation, and there is always a question as to who has a block and tackle and rope to hang the game. Our harvest expectations for this season are excellent, the herds have prospered to the point where a good harvest is becoming essential to maintain a healthy herd.
If you have something you would like to post on the "Tarryall Elk Camp" blog send it to me via email for the time being and I'll post it, eventually it could be set up where anybody in our group could post whatever they want.
John Hill and I put a fireplace ring together with cooking facilities that will be available again this year. It was very useful this past season, especially the early seasons. We also built an outhouse out of PVC pipe that worked out rather good. Not quite as plush as Terry's mobile can, but it had plenty of ventilation, and there is always a question as to who has a block and tackle and rope to hang the game. Our harvest expectations for this season are excellent, the herds have prospered to the point where a good harvest is becoming essential to maintain a healthy herd.
If you have something you would like to post on the "Tarryall Elk Camp" blog send it to me via email for the time being and I'll post it, eventually it could be set up where anybody in our group could post whatever they want.
Winter
Harems break up when the rut ends. Bulls of all ages may gather in "bachelor herds" or go off on their own to feed and gain strength for the winter. Feeling weak from the rut and knowing their antlers make them stand out, the bulls stand a better chance against predators by hiding out in their own or in small groups, cows and calves regroup in herds led by older, experienced cows. The mature, "lead cow" usually barks alarms and leads the rest of the group away from dangers like hungry bears,mountain lions and coyotes. In the western United States lead cows also guide the herd from their summer range, such as the Kanosha Mountains to winter range, like the Ranching area of South Park, and back on established migration routes.
Not all elk have to migrate like they do in the Tarryalls and Rocky Mountains. If they have enough food , water, shelter and space, elk will stay in the same area year around.
Harems break up when the rut ends. Bulls of all ages may gather in "bachelor herds" or go off on their own to feed and gain strength for the winter. Feeling weak from the rut and knowing their antlers make them stand out, the bulls stand a better chance against predators by hiding out in their own or in small groups, cows and calves regroup in herds led by older, experienced cows. The mature, "lead cow" usually barks alarms and leads the rest of the group away from dangers like hungry bears,mountain lions and coyotes. In the western United States lead cows also guide the herd from their summer range, such as the Kanosha Mountains to winter range, like the Ranching area of South Park, and back on established migration routes.
Not all elk have to migrate like they do in the Tarryalls and Rocky Mountains. If they have enough food , water, shelter and space, elk will stay in the same area year around.
7/21/03
Summer
Many elk spend the summer where they find green grasses, cool breezes and shady resting areas. Elk do not like too much heat, they will often soak in rivers and streams to cool down and keep the insects away.
All summer long, the bull elk's antlers grow larger, still covered in fuzzy velvet. They like to wander the hills by themselves, while the cows and calves spend the summer together in herds. The calves usually all stay close to one cow who is their "baby-sitter" and if danger comes near, the calves follow their babby-sitter to safety. Their mothers will look for them after the danger goes away.
Calves spend the summer months eating and growing, mostly in the higher elevations of the Kanosha Mountains, because when winter comes, they will need to be very healthy and strong to withstand the cold and snow in the lower levels of the South Park area. The adult elk also need to gain weight for the coming winter. They must have lots of fat for energy and insulation to keep them warm.
Many elk spend the summer where they find green grasses, cool breezes and shady resting areas. Elk do not like too much heat, they will often soak in rivers and streams to cool down and keep the insects away.
All summer long, the bull elk's antlers grow larger, still covered in fuzzy velvet. They like to wander the hills by themselves, while the cows and calves spend the summer together in herds. The calves usually all stay close to one cow who is their "baby-sitter" and if danger comes near, the calves follow their babby-sitter to safety. Their mothers will look for them after the danger goes away.
Calves spend the summer months eating and growing, mostly in the higher elevations of the Kanosha Mountains, because when winter comes, they will need to be very healthy and strong to withstand the cold and snow in the lower levels of the South Park area. The adult elk also need to gain weight for the coming winter. They must have lots of fat for energy and insulation to keep them warm.
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