Hunters discussing Unit 17 in Colorado generally find the area intriguing, especially for OTC archery and rifle seasons. However, many express concerns about high hunter pressure and difficulty finding secluded hunting spots, with increased activity from other hunters, hikers, and overlapping hunting seasons being common. For those considering high-altitude hunting, advice includes being in good physical condition to manage the elevation challenge, with some suggesting preparation through HIIT workouts even if living at sea level. Moose sightings are reportedly frequent in river beds and thickets, with a guide recommended for antlerless hunts, although some hunters suggest exploring other units for a quieter experience.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 300"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
High
Low
From the Continental Divide in the Rabbit Ears Range to Walden, this unit supports good numbers of elk, deer and antelope on private and public land. Hunters should be in good shape to hunt the high country, much of it 10,000-11,000 feet above sea level.
There are plenty of bull elk. There is a late September deer rifle season.
The southern boundary is the Continental Divide as it runs through the Rabbit Ears Range, which features several rugged peaks and ridges from 11,000-12,296 feet above sea level. Between 11,000-foot Arapahoe Ridge and Green Ridge are the drainages of Buffalo and Lost creeks, which flow north through narrow, brush-choked canyons. A number of small lakes dot the landscape along the northern boundary of the national forest. Between 9,000 and 11,000 feet in elevations are steep, rocky slopes, high alpine basins and windswept saddles. North of Rand are high, arid plains with rolling hills, gulches and creek bottoms.
Routt National Forest Service Roads 106 and 715 travel to Green Ridge while Road 700 heads toward Arapahoe Creek. Colorado Route 14 from Muddy Creek Pass intersects with County Road 28 about five miles south of Walden, crossing the unit and meeting Colorado Route 125 near the southern end of MacFarlane Reservoir State Trust land.
Travel on MacFarlane Reservoir State Trust Land is restricted. Roads are closed from Oct. 15 to the end of regular big game rifle seasons. To retrieve game, hunters may travel on designated routes between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 30 minutes after sunset until midnight.
Near Walden, which is just off the northern tip of the unit, are flats and hills that support sagebrush, buckbrush and bitterbrush with some willows along creeks and irrigation ditches. As the land rises south into foothills, there are juniper/pinyon, cottonwood, oak brush and some pines and aspens. Hayfields are visible from Colorado Highway 125 near Rand. On ridges grow Gambel oaks, sagebrush, ponderosa pines and aspens. Dark timber on north slopes is a mixture of lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce, Douglas fir and blue spruce.
Camping is allowed at Seymour Lake State Wildlife Area, in the Routt National Forest and on BLM land. Several motels, including North Park Inn and Suites, are in Walden, where hunters also can buy fuel or enjoy eating at restaurants, such as local favorite Red Rock Cafe.
Roughly 850 square miles
62.9% public land
Elevations from 8,027-12,296 feet
Good access to Routt National Forest
Private land prevents access to some BLM land
Four wheel drive needed in bad weather