Quick Tips
- Bull elk scoring around 300 B&C are a possibility
- Rafting and fishing in Yampa River
- Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs
- Bring a camera to photograph fall colors
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 280"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
On The Ground
This unit is comprised of approximately 80% private land that lies between the Yampa and Williams Fork rivers. It is known for large numbers of elk along with some mule deer and antelope. Elk hunting is excellent on private land as well as on state sections that are landlocked by ranches or otherwise closed to the public. Mule deer and antelope are found in smaller densities here but some hunting opportunities do exist.
Hunters who pay to hunt on private land consistently enjoy high success in killing what locals call "Routt County" bulls. Mule deer and antelope populations are rebounding after a few hard winters but some good hunting can still be had for either species.
Terrain
The Yampa River in the North and the Williams Fork River in the South frame the Williams Fork Mountains. Steep, rocky and dry gulches border the southern region. Around the main ridge of the range, the terrain is generally hilly and steep. The northern slopes are typically less steep and gradually give way to rolling hills and flattened lowlands.
Roughly 700 square miles
23.3% public land
Elevations from 6,280-7,964 feet
Vegetation
Yampa and Williams Fork rivers are lined with willows and cottonwoods. Dry-farmed and irrigated crops, sagebrush and short grass cover the flats. Rolling foothills are covered with short grass, junipers, pinyons, serviceberries, oak brush and sagebrush. The southern slopes of the Williams Fork Mountains consist of dry ground with juniper, pinyons, sagebrush, oak brush and short grasses, while the northern slopes have a mixture of aspens, oak brush and open land.
Access
Moffat and Routt County roads provide access to private land. A 20-mile-long band of BLM land runs parallel to Colorado Hwy 317 and Williams Fork River from Hamilton east to Lone Gulch. State lands are near county roads.
Use GPS or topographic maps to identify BLM and state lands
County roads become slick with light rain
Heavy snow or rain requires four-wheel-drive traction and chains
Camping and Lodging
The Yampa River State Park between Hayden and Craig offers RV and tent camping. Craig offers grocery shopping, restaurants, hospital, banking, lodging and repair shops as well as the Hampton Inn, the Holiday Express and other motels. Hayden, which is located further east, offers basic services.
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