Hunters discussing Unit 16 in Colorado offer valuable insights into varying experiences and strategies. Many emphasize the importance of securing a bear tag alongside an elk tag, noting significant bear evidence in the area. The unit is known for heavy hunting pressure, particularly during overlapping muzzleloader and archery seasons, making it challenging to escape crowds, though some hunters suggest archery bear hunting later in September. Draw odds for different seasons reflect game movement patterns, with the second rifle season presenting better odds despite challenging hunts due to pre-rut conditions. For moose, adapting to timber conditions rather than traditional marshes proved essential, while several hunters noted the impact of winter kill on game populations, advising others to venture far off-road in search of elk, especially in high meadows if the weather is mild.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 270"-300" | 300"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
High
Low
Southwest of Walden are large sections of BLM and thousands of acres of Routt National Forest/Mt. Zirkel Wilderness that are home to herds of deer, pronghorn antelope and elk as well as a substantial population of moose.
A once-in-a-lifetime moose tag produces bulls that reach both Pope and Young and Boone and Crockett minimums. Sanctuaries are created by private ranches.
An area of flat prairie, foothills, buttes, long draws, deep canyons, ridges and valleys, open parks rising up to the Park Range along the Continental Divide and headwaters of North Platte River. Rabbit Ears Peak is a distinctive sight from US Highway 40.
Open prairie with sagebrush, hay fields, willow lined creeks, some cottonwoods, oak brush, ponderosa pine, aspen, spruce and fir.
Roughly 320 square miles
52% public land
Elevations from 7,972-11,932 feet
Routt National Forest and Mount Zirkel Wilderness can be reached off of County Road 24 south of Walden which connects with 45 and 47. Motor Vehicle Use Maps http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ohv/ohv_maps.shtml BLM land can be reached by taking County Road 12W southwest of Walden to County Road 5 a few miles west of the North Platte River and heading south. State lands some 9,000 acres that included fishing areas, Red Canyon is southwest of Walden off County Road 12W to 18 then 4.5 miles west to CR 5 connecting with CR 20 west into oil well area then follow two track about 1 mile. Ridge Road 320 acres located on County Road 5 southwest of Walden. Delaney Butte Lakes on County Road 5 southwest of Walden elk, deer and moose are present during the year. Rabbit Ears 5,000 acres west of Walden on Colorado Route 14 to mile marker 5.9 turn north for .6 mile to parking lot.
Prepare for snow during your hunt
Four-wheel-drive recommended with chains
Wilderness Area is non-motorized
BLM lands offers dispersed camping; Mt. Zirkel Wilderness and Routt National Forest offers improved and dispersed camping. Please refer to following links for specific information http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbr/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=80838&actid=34 , http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/mbr/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=22482&actid=29 Delaney Butte Lakes improved campsites are available. Walden off Colorado Route 14 and Steamboat Springs on U.S. Highway 40 are the closest towns providing motels, restaurants, cafés, gas, diesel and medical care. Steamboat Springs has a regional hospital and airport.