Hunters considering Unit 30 in Colorado often find it challenging, especially for using high point draws like 11 points for deer. Many report that the odds of encountering trophy-sized bucks aren't strong, as most deer spotted are smaller, and the unit's terrain, reminiscent of Utah's Book Cliffs, can be challenging to navigate. E-scouting and contacting local BLM offices for road closures have been useful for preparation due to limited access and road conditions during wet weather. For elk hunters, particularly during the archery season, competition from local hunters can be intense around accessible areas, so considering hunting in more secluded, difficult-to-reach places around private lands might offer better opportunities.
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Located on the extreme western side of the state, this unit borders Utah and sits north of the town of Grand Junction. Good deer numbers are found here along with a decent population of elk. Hunting pressure tends to be fairly high, though, and locating mature animals can be a chore.
This unit was largely burned during the 2020 Pine Gulch Fire. Hunters should be aware that the landscape will be vastly different in areas and animal movements and habits may have changed. Hunters and biologists have reported a dip in quality over the past five years, but hunters who hunt hard usually find trophy class deer in almost all BLM land except for lowlands near Interstate 70 and scattered small parcels. Many elk hunters purchase over-the-counter tags. Some outfitters have prime private leases and private access to isolated BLM land.
Most of this unit is rocky and steep with rugged places, long mesas with cliffs around the edges and drainages that mostly run from east to west. Most of the best hunting territory for elk and deer is between 7,500 and 8,800 feet above sea level. This unit borders Utah’s famous Book Cliffs for about 25 miles and is almost all BLM land except for about 40 scattered parcels, most of them less than half a square mile each, and a 30 mile long swath of private farmland that averages about four miles wide north of Interstate 70. There are creeks and pockets of water at middle levels. Hunters can benefit from finding water sources and hunting around them.
Maintained roads lead to BLM property at all elevations, with most roads branching off of Highway 139, which runs north and south through the middle of the unit. Some roads are unimproved and rough and are ideal for ATVs or side by sides. Deeded land blocks road access to some public land.
High elevation land is timbered with mostly pines, firs and aspens with some meadows. Middle elevations are primarily canyon with pockets of aspens, meadows, sagebrush and scrub oak. Lower terrain is primarily composed of pinyon and juniper woodlands, sagebrush slopes and expanses of oakbrush. Above the farmland near Interstate 70 is a 40 mile crescent of badlands that are almost devoid of vegetation, especially in drought years.
Fruita and Grand Junction provide lodging, grocery, and gear needs on the southern end of the unit. Camping is permitted on almost all federal land.
Roughly 867 square miles
74.8% public land
Elevations from 4,450-8,980 feet
Well-maintained roads in the north and south ends
A GPS unit with land ownership overlay is recommended
ATVs are recommended but not necessary to drive most roads
No vehicles allowed in Demeree Wilderness Study Area
Four-wheel drive and chains are recommended, especially in late seasons