At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Trout fishing in North Platte River
- Try panning for gold in streams
- View bison herds south of Hartsel




Hunters discussing Unit 500 in Colorado have shared valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities this area presents. The terrain is noted for its ruggedness, requiring good physical preparation and navigation skills. Experienced hunters highlight the importance of understanding seasonal patterns and game behavior, suggesting that scouting before the season can significantly improve success rates. Additionally, the unit is recognized for its varied wildlife, offering diverse hunting experiences, but planning and patience are crucial due to the unit's popularity and the impact this has on draw odds.
West of U.S. 285 between Kenosha Pass and Fairplay and east of the Continental Divide, this unit supports large herds of elk and mule deer. Moose numbers are increasing, and antelope numbers are stable. Hunters must draw a tag to hunt any big game animal here.
State controls on hunting pressure have resulted in good hunting for every big game species in this unit, which is about 50 miles southwest of Denver.