Unit 28, Colorado, presents challenging hunting conditions largely due to difficult terrain, marked by dense blow-downs that significantly slow travel. Despite a high bull-to-cow ratio, hunters note low success rates, likely due to the fitness and physical preparedness required to navigate the steep and dense landscape where elk typically reside. The unit is heavily accessible with a strong presence of hunters, being one of the closest over-the-counter areas to Denver, making a strategic approach crucial for success. Recommendations for hunters include targeting less frequented areas and ensuring sufficient physical readiness to tackle the rigorous demands of the environment, particularly if pursuing elk at higher elevations where they often congregate away from hunting pressures.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 310"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-65" | 65"+ |
High
Low
South of Hot Sulphur Springs and bounded on the east by the Continental Divide, this mostly public unit has good numbers of mule deer and elk. Hunters can buy elk tags for the second or third rifle seasons.
Large parcels of private land, wilderness and dense cover allow some mule deer and elk to survive enough hunting seasons to reach trophy size.
This unit includes the eastern slope of the Williams Fork Mountains south of Kremmling, the west slope of the Continental Divide south of Lake Granby and the mountains, flatlands and foothills between them. Most land is in the Arapaho National Forest, including all of Byers Peak and Vasquez Peak wilderness areas and part of Indian Peaks Wilderness. Thousands of acres of private land are along U.S. Highway 40 south of Granby and south of Williams Fork Reservoir.
Some peaks range from 10,000 feet to more than 13,000 feet above sea level, including Byers Peak at 12,703 feet, James Peak at 13,294 feet, Parry Peak at 13,391, Mount Flora at 13,146 feet and Mount Eva at 13,130 feet. Elk are throughout the mountains until snow gets too deep. Deer live at all elevations, but many migrate to low land in late October and early November.
County roads give access to public land. Roads are not maintained once snow falls and trucks need tire chains. To avoid crowded hunting, get away from roads. No vehicles are allowed in the designated wilderness acreage in this unit. Some of the many access points include Kinney Creek, Lake Evely and Keyser Ridge roads.The south half of the unit end of the unit has ample amount of forest and BLM for hunters to hunt.
Bark beetles have killed many lodgepole pines in some middle to high-elevation mountains, leaving forests filled with blowdowns and standing dead trees. Dense vegetation grows in infested areas. Much of the high country is above timberline. The steepest parts are rugged mountains with big rock slides and much exposed rock with alpine tundra in basins. Most of the unit is thickly forested with primarily conifers on high slopes and aspens at middle elevations.
Engelmann spruces mingle with lodgepole pines and lush high elevation meadows in the high country. Douglas firs, aspens, grass meadows and sagebrush grow at middle elevations, while pinyon/juniper woodlands, sagebrush, oak brush, grasses and other browse grow in the low places. There are many springs, small lakes and perennial streams.
Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling and Granby have lodging, gas, groceries and other supplies. Camping is permitted on most public land.
Roughly 664 square miles
69.5% public land
Elevations from 6,300-13,391 feet
Well-maintained roads at low and middle elevations
ATVs are recommended but not necessary
Snow and rain can impede travel
Much remote wilderness terrain