Unit 421 in Colorado presents both opportunities and challenges for archery elk hunters, particularly with its transition to a draw unit. Many hunters report a mix of success, noting the potential for encountering bulls and substantial bear activity, but caution about the rugged terrain and unmaintained roads, which could prove tricky, especially in adverse weather. The area's remoteness means limited cell service, hence communication devices like Garmin are recommended. Those interested in hunting this unit should prepare for varying draw odds and seek further insights into allocation numbers to better strategize their hunt. Additionally, areas such as Bull Creek or Coon Creek come recommended for scouting, with many hunters emphasizing the benefit of early, in-person scouting to familiarize with the terrain and potential game activity.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 290"+ |
High
Low
This unit is found in west-central Colorado and just east of the town of Grand Junction. Much of the central portions of this area are private, a fact that could prove a challenge for those with late season tags. Public lands can be found on the north and south sides of the unit in higher elevation locations, although a decent amount of trails and roads cover these areas. Good populations of animals can be found here but locating mature animals can be tough without private land access.
Hunter numbers can be high in this and locating unpressured animals can be a big ask. Many of the late season habitat types and areas are found in the lowest elevations where private land is very common. Trophy potentials are fairly normal for colorado, with the biggest bucks and bulls typically being found on private lands.
This unit can largely be characterized by a large river bottom that runs east and west through the unit with large mountains bordering it on the north and south. These mountains climb several thousand feet off of the valley floor and provide the best public land opportunities. Much of the lower elevation areas are comprised of private lands and hunters will need to pay close attention to their maps while hunting here.
Highway 330 runs through the central part of the unit, passing through Collbran, then is renamed as it branches uphill, leading to many access roads into the high country. The valley is mostly private. Hunters can get away from crowds in the Bear Gulch and Silver Spruce areas. Some low to middle-elevation BLM land can be reached from Highway 330, a lot of BLM land is landlocked by private property and cannot be accessed by public hunters. Large parcels of BLM lie adjacent to ad below national forest land. So many ATV trails cross through the unit that hunters should expect to see ATV enthusiasts except in inclement weather.
Dense forests of Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pine grow at high elevation with many grass and sagebrush openings. Middle elevations have Douglas firs, aspens, and thick oak brush. Low elevations have pinyon pines, junipers, sagebrush, oak brush, grasses and other browse. Water is scattered with many springs, small lakes and perennial streams.
Lodging, fuel and supplies are available in Collbran and Mesa. Some hunters stay in Grand Junction, which is 30 miles from the west end of the unit. Camping is allowed on all federal land.
Roughly 541 square miles
66.9% public land
Elevations from 5,400-11,236 feet
ATV access is good; ATVs are recommended
The east end of the unit has good access with some areas closed to vehicles
Some well-maintained roads
Four-wheel-drive and tire chains needed on primitive roads in wet or snowy weather
Land ownership maps and GPS are recommended