It should be a great year for hunting.

[Skullworks]

I can't speak as to conditions in the mountains and wooded areas as I live out in the Yoder area. Game has been spotted all around in much higher numbers than I have seen since 2009.

Early this summer rabbit was going nuts, but a strong raptor presence seems to have balanced that out some. I have bands of Antelope crossing the property and they have not been spooked much. They have been coming right up to the house.

But the kicker is all the quail and other fowl. I'm out working in the shop with the garage doors open and group of 20 or so come marching in checking the place out. I'm standing there with machinery running and they just stare at me like they are daring me to chase them. Fearless.

I go to get into my car and there is another 20-30 all around and they only bother to move once the car gets in motion.

Hopefully this cold & wet spell won't kill off too many of the bugs... let those birds fatten up.

[Colorado Osprey]

The Spring and wetter than average Summer was kind to Colorado for a change.

I too have seen game numbers much higher than in past years.

[Hummer]

I think you guys are right. The wet spring and early summer promotes forage that increases production of everything from game birds to big game. I saw lots of Scaled Quail young at the Chico Basin Ranch in June, and Gambel's Quail are doing pretty well in the Grand Junction area (although they are seriously impacted by the exploding feral cat problems there). I also think there will be a lot of older bull elk available in the rifle seasons once the bigger snows hit the high country. I'm hoping to fill both cow and bull elk tags in the Flat Tops area where I've hunted for more than 30 years.

Last Sunday we saw our first moose of the fall/winter season move through the yard, a cow and two calves. Two calves to a cow is a healthy sign. Here's one of the calves I photographed here last week.

Perhaps I should title the pic, "Don't shoot this elk!"

[BladesNBarrels]

.....although they are seriously impacted by the exploding feral cat problems there....

Can't help mental images: