At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Good fishing in Yampa River and Elkhead Creek
- Hunt away from domestic sheep
- Bear proof your campsite
- Get away from roads
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Mule Deer | Dummy | Dummy |
Elk | Dummy | Dummy |
Antelope | Dummy | Dummy |
In Colorado's Unit 441, hunters have observed fluctuations in success rates across different seasons, with archery and muzzleloader seasons seeing unexpected success following a harsh winter in 2011. This could be attributed to variations in tag issuance and hunter strategies. The draw odds have experienced variability over the years, particularly influenced by the number of applicants with higher point levels, leading to decreased odds despite consistent tag allocations. Hunters planning for archery and rifle seasons are advised to consider crowding and adjust strategies accordingly, such as hunting in less accessible areas to increase their success rates.
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Mule Deer | Dummy | Dummy |
Elk | Dummy | Dummy |
Antelope | Dummy | Dummy |
This unit is found on northwest Colorado and lies north north of the town of Hayden. Good deer, elk and antelope numbers can be found here but public land is very limited as well as the hunting opportunities. Hunters on private lands do great but locating mature animals in public areas can be a chore.
Hunting pressure can be high on public lands and locating mature animals on these public lands can be tough. Hunters on private lands do good each year.
Most of this area is comprised of sage-covered ridgelines that are primarily open with the exception of some north faces where oak brush and timber can be encountered. In the higher elevation portions of the unit to the north large stands of pine and aspen will become quite prevalent. Overall, glassing opportunities are good throughout this area and spot and stalk hunting tactics will work great.
This area is largely private lands and locating unpressured hunting areas on public land can be a tall order.
The lower land along the Yampa River and Elkhead Creek are covered with sagebrush, shrubs and cottonwoods. Middle elevations have oak brush, grass, sagebrush and ponderosa pines. Higher elevations have aspens, spruce and ponderosa pine with open parks.
Hunters can park RVs at Yampa River State Park, while Routt National Forest is open to tent camping. Elkhead Reservoir State Park has 15 campsites. Communities with services near the unit include Steamboat Springs to the east and Craig to the west. Craig has more economical lodging than Steamboat Springs. Consider Super 8, Hampton Inn or Elk Run Inn in Craig. Hayden has basic services along U.S. Highway 40 in the south.
Rouhgly 194 square miles
32% public land
Elevations from 6,400-10,879 feet
Hunters must check in to hunt 5,239-acre Jimmy Dunn Gulch recreation area.
Snow often falls at high elevations during the first rifle season
Four-wheel-drive recommended on secondary roads
Yampa and Elkhead state parks are open mid-April to late November
Yampa Valley Regional Airport is east of Hayden
Four major airlines serve Yampa Valley Regional Airport