Unit 36 in Colorado elicits a range of opinions and experiences from hunters, highlighting some confusion and challenges regarding tag availability and access. Hunters seeking elk tags were initially confused by misinformation about over-the-counter availability, though regulations confirm these tags are indeed OTC for the 3rd season. Discussions reveal terrain variability and migration patterns influence hunting success, emphasizing the importance of understanding seasonal game movement, especially in areas with high country and transitional ranges. Access debates point to the importance of knowing landownership, as some public roads traverse private properties with mixed access conditions, urging hunters to verify access on a case-by-case basis. Seasoned hunters suggest avoiding areas that look too attractive on satellite imagery to reduce competition, noting that success often comes from moving away from crowded regions and seeking less obvious locations.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Elk | 270"-310" | 320"+ |
High
Low
North of Vail and south of the Colorado River, this Eagle County unit offers hunting opportunities for elk and mule deer hunters. Elk tags are sold over the counter for some seasons. Deer tags valid in mid-to late November are hard to draw with applications almost tripling in the past three years.
Eagle County historically has produced many record book mule deer and those who hunt hard and are patient in the last November season have good chances of taking big bucks. Most of the big bulls come from the Eagle Nest Wilderness or on private land where they migrate. Private property impedes access in some areas and hunting pressure can be frustrating.
North of the ski resort town of Vail, this unit contains the high and steep Eagle Nest Wilderness along its eastern boundary with topography dropping to the west. The highest ridges and peaks are above timberline, which is at about 11,500 feet. Below that most land is heavily timbered except for two to three miles from the highways along the western and southern boundaries. Deep canyons descend rapidly to winter range. Large aspen patches are at middle elevations. The west boundary is Colorado Route 131 between Wolcott and State Bridge on the Colorado River. Deep aspen canyons are on the south end of the unit along Interstate 70.
Private land impedes access in much of the unit. You need a good land ownership map and a GPS unit to avoid trespassing. A large network of ATV trails covers much of the south. Some are closed during hunting seasons.
Lower elevations consist primarily of pinyon pines, junipers and sagebrush. High elevations are heavily timbered, mostly with firs and spruces, while middle elevations have Douglas fir, aspens, grass meadows and sagebrush. Water is scattered with many springs, small lakes and perennial streams.
Eagle is the nearest city with lodging and also has a small sporting goods store and places that sell groceries, supplies and fuel. At State Bridge a small store sells limited supplies and some lodging seasonally. Camping is allowed on federal land.
Roughly 275 square miles
83.8% public land
Elevations from 7,170-13,370 feet
Limited road access
Private land, the Colorado River and Interstate 70 limit access
ATVs are recommended
In 2013 many roads were closed to ATVs
Four-wheel-drive and tire chains are recommended
Most access roads to high elevations pass through private land