The feedback on Colorado's Unit 33 offers valuable insights for hunters planning a trip there. For first rifle elk, the rut is largely over, so expect to find elk transitioning to winter ranges, with glassing and mobility being key strategies. Hunters noted the importance of scouting areas like Colter, Clinetop Mesa, or Parker Ridge and recommended finding high glassing points for better spotting opportunities. Deer hunting, especially during the 4th season, can be challenging, with competition from both local elk hunters and other deer hunters, but persistence and a willingness to cover significant ground can lead to success. Additionally, hunters should be aware of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the unit and consider testing their harvest before consumption. The draw odds and availability of tags may vary; understanding local nuances, such as the impact of seasonality on animal movements and using mapping tools to navigate public and private land boundaries, is essential for success.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 300"+ |
High
Low
This large unit is located on the west side of the state and lies just northeast of the town of Rifle. A decent population of deer and elk is found here along with a respectable distribution of public lands. Hunters will find an attractive array of timbered and open sage slopes making for great hunting conditions for hunters of all backgrounds.
Good populations of deer and elk can be found here although the trophy potentials tend to be slightly lower Hunters will find a healthy mixture of public land to hunt on.
This unit features a large distribution of topography features from mesas and open landscapes to aspen-covered slopes. Hunters can definitely encounter some steep and otherwise difficult hunting conditions but in general, this unit is not too terribly physically demanding.
A good number of roads dot the landscape and hunters will generally not find too much issue in reaching hunting locations. Roads can become difficult to travel during inclement weather and four-wheel drive, tire chains, and/or ATV's can be very beneficial.
Lower elevation consists of grasses, irrigated fields of alfalfa, sagebrush, oakbrush, bitter bush, cottonwood, willow, and areas of pinion/juniper. Higher elevations have aspen, mountain mahogany, ponderosa pine, lodgepole, Douglas fir, blue spruce, lush open parks.
Several campgrounds can be found throughout the unit and camping is permitted on federal lands. Modern lodging options can be found along I-70 on the southern side of the unit along with gear and supplies.
Roughly 416 square miles
75.4% public land
Elevation from 5,323-11,000 feet
4WD is necessary on all county and secondary roads
You may encounter heavy ATV traffic on secondary roads
Snow storms and high winds possible beginning late October
Carry chains, extra gas, water and food