Jim Aragon, Salida wildlife manager, says that overall, elk seem to be doing really well in this region. Numbers are right at objective in most areas, and this year's above-average snow should make for really good range conditions come spring.

He expects the hunters who work hard and glass a lot of country will get into the elk. Those who go the extra mile will do as good as, maybe even better than hunters did last year.

Hunters wanting to punch their tag on an older-class bull need to spend some time in units 49, 48 and 56. In these rugged areas, elk thrive and grow large.

Wildlife biologist Janet George is also confident about the upcoming seasons to the north. Because almost all of these units offer only limited licenses, there are excellent numbers of elk, and the bull-to-cow ratio is high as well. Latest CDOW surveys show nearly 40,000 elk populating the hills here and a ratio that averages 40:100. With a ratio that high, you can bet that older class bulls do roam this rugged range.

No matter which area you decide to pull the trigger in, you're sure to see elk when you visit this fall.

Success, however, depends on your willingness to work hard and hunt deep. Good luck!