Hunters discussing Colorado's Unit 45 highlight the challenging terrain and varied elevations that require careful planning and physical fitness. Many emphasize the importance of understanding game behavior, particularly the movement patterns of elk and deer during different seasons, which can significantly impact success rates. A consensus on draw odds suggests a competitive but rewarding experience for those who prepare well and strategically select their season. Hunters collectively advise focusing on scouting and utilizing experience-based tactics over relying solely on technology.
Composed of largely public land south of the ski resort town of Vail, this unit offers mule deer and elk hunting in mostly steep terrain and dense cover. This area is largely roadless and backcountry hunters will be at home here. Good deer and elk populations can be found here but hunters will definitely need to work for their opportunities. Due to the thick vegetation, some bucks and bulls can grow to large size and patient hunters who hunt hard could be in some incredible opportunities.
There is an early season rifle hunt in the Holy Cross Wilderness that gives hunters a chance to harvest velvet muleys. This is a great unit for archery hunters that want to get away from crowds and hunt deer and elk. Most deer migrate off the Unit 45 to neighboring units during the later seasons, choosing to summer in Unit 45 and winter in Unit 44. There is a lot of public high country and elk hunters have a good opportunity to take branch-antlered bulls.