Quick Tips
- Don't skimp on binoculars or spotting scope
- Glassing is effective because terrain is mostly open
- Take extra spare tires, tire chains and fuel
- Carry plenty of water
Species | General Size | Trophy Potential |
---|---|---|
Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 180"+ |
Elk | 280"-320" | 350"+ |
Antelope | 70"-75" | 75"+ |
On The Ground
This unit is located in northwestern Colorado and lies along the Utah state line. Historically, this has been a great unit for both deer and elk although trophy potentials and populations have taken a slight dip in recent years. The state highly regulates tag numbers in this unit, though, and the hunting can still be excellent.
Deer and elk numbers are lower than historical numbers but with low tag numbers hunters can still expect a great hunt.
Terrain
Terrain mostly consists of rolling hills with rock outcroppings and mesas with long, gently sloping drainages and sagebrush-covered hills and rocky slopes. The northern half of the unit provides slightly more mountainous type country but the ground cover is still minimal. Overall, hunters will have little trouble in covering ground while hunting here.
Roughly 831 square miles
78.3% public land
Elevations from 6,000-9,000 feet
Vegetation
Oak brush, sagebrush, buckbrush and serviceberry grows in dense stands in the northern third of the unit. Vegetation is sparse along the southern border, where Indian grass and sagebrush are dominant and greasewood grows along the White River. Glassing conditions are favorable throughout the unit.
Access
Hunter access is good from Highways 64 and 40 to huntable BLM land in the south. Highway 40 also reaches BLM land that is good for hunting in the east. Bear Valley Road accesses the north, off of Highway 40 and countless other roads provide good access in much of the western, southern and southeastern sectors.
Well-maintained roads
ATVs are recommended but not a necessity
Hunters need four-wheel-drive vehicles
Snow and rain can impede travel
Lots of remote areas to hunt
Camping and Lodging
Hunters can camp almost anywhere on BLM land. Camping is also allowed at designated sites within Dinosaur National Monument. Some modern lodging options can be found in Rangely on the southern side of the unit.
Historical Temperatures
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