Hunters considering Unit 38 in Colorado for an archery tag will find mixed reviews based on population and pressure, with some noting low elk numbers and high competition. There is some confusion about the availability of late season information, particularly for antlerless elk, with clarification that specific details may be missing on certain platforms. Experienced hunters suggest success requires persistence and hard work, given the crowded conditions. Additionally, some hunters are exploring other areas like the Green Ranch and Centennial Cone Park, often exchanging insights on potential game presence and hunting strategies. Overall, accessing updated data and reaching out to fellow hunters for firsthand advice seem to be beneficial strategies for a successful hunt in this unit.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 260"+ |
High
Low
North of Interstate 70 west of Golden is James Peak Wilderness and Arapaho National Forest. About three quarters of the unit is private land or county open space. Elk, deer and a small moose population are present.
Trophy class bulls or bucks are difficult to find. There is a small moose population is in the area, which makes it tough to harvest a bull moose. There are very few antelope.
Clear Creek near Westminster, foothills west of Golden, open parks, canyons and drainages all leading to alpine basins surrounded by high mountains along the Continental Divide.
Alpine areas consist of lichens and mosses, wild flowers, barren ground willows, bristlecone pine. Below timberline are Engelmann Spruce, Doulas fir and open parks covered in lush grasses. Aspen, ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, blue spruce, and grasses cover mountain slopes. Foothills have sagebrush, pinyon/juniper, oak brush, mountain mahogany and cottonwoods and willows along creeks.
Roughly 456 square miles
40.9% public land
Elevations from 5,173-10,900 feet
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest over 20,000 acres west of Colorado Route 119 to the eastern boundary of James Peak Wilderness is home to elk, deer and moose. Many county and forest service roads allow travel to and within the national forest. James Peak Wilderness Area about 17,000 acres east of the Continental Divide from Cone Mountain to Rollins Pass. Motorized equipment or mechanized transportation is prohibited, including motorcycles, chain saws, bicycles or carts. Wheelchairs are exempt. Campfires are prohibited. Camp stoves are allowed. Group size is limited to12 people or a combined total of 12 people and livestock. Pets must be on a hand-held leash at all times. Camping is prohibited within 100 feet of lakes, streams, and trails. Stock: Hobbled, tethered, or picketed livestock are prohibited within 100 feet of lakes, streams, or trails. Grazing livestock within 100 feet of lakes, streams, or developed trails is prohibited. Certified weed-free forage is required. Only pelletized or steam-rolled feed grains, or certified weed-free hay, straw, or mulch are allowed in the Wilderness.
Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge 3904 has been closed to the public since 2007. State lands: Ralston Creek 2,100 acres off Golden canyon Road west of Golden on Crawford Gulch. Elk and Deer are present. Parking allowed in designated area. Golden Gate Canyon State Park 11,000 acres Interstate 70 to exit 58, north to Colorado Highway 93 head north 1.5 miles to Golden Gate Canyon Road, turn left and travel 13 miles to visitor center. Hunting restricted to Jefferson County and 35 people per day. Jefferson County Open Space Centennial Cone Park allows hunting during December 1 through January 31 of each year. The Park is closed to all other use during this season.
Arapaho National Forest Campground, Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers Cabins and Yurts, camping at Reverend's Ridge and Aspen Meadows and backcountry camping.Urban communities of Westminster, Arvada, Golden and mountain towns Idaho Springs and Georgetown along Interstate 70 provide motel, restaurants, cafes, gas, diesel and medical facilities.