Unit 123 in Colorado presents a complex landscape for hunters, with discrepancies in public vs. private land percentages causing initial confusion. Users noted that despite appearing to have a significant portion of state land, much of it is leased out, meaning only leaseholders can hunt there. Clarity has been provided indicating that state trust land in Colorado may technically be public but requires leases for individual access, typically on a long-term basis. Hunters are advised to verify land access independently, perhaps through contacting the Department of Wildlife, and consider securing private land permissions for an effective hunting experience in Unit 123.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 130"-150" | 150"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-65" | 70"+ |
High
Low
Close to Pueblo and Colorado Springs, this unit is 91 percent private with no public access to Fountain and Chico creeks and the Arkansas River. You must get permission to hunt the creek and river bottoms for deer or pay a landowner or outfitter to hunt.
Competition is high for hunting access to deer and pronghorns and whitetails commonly reach trophy size. Look for whitetails along creek and river bottoms. There are good numbers of pronghorns in the northern two-thirds of the unit.
Flat to gently rolling hills with creek and river bottoms with only 11 square miles of BLM land.
Good county roads throughout the unit. The Pueblo airport and the Pueblo Chemical depot are in the south. No access near and around these facilities.
Primarily shortgrass prairie with some farmland and cottonwoods and willows along creek and river bottoms.
There are no campgrounds. Camping facilities such as KOA are in Pueblo and Colorado Springs along with motels, restaurants and other services.
Roughly 545 square miles
9% public land
Elevations from 4,528-5,151 feet
The BLM land is on the eastern edge of the unit along Boone Rd.
Wet weather causes county roads to be slick.