Hunters who have frequented Colorado's Unit 521 highlight a growing concern over the intense hunting pressure and the significant role of outfitters, which has led to altered elk movement patterns and reduced hunting success, particularly during high-pressure seasons. Despite the stunning, scenic backdrop of the Raggeds Wilderness, the high number of hunters, including out-of-staters using outfitted camps, contribute to pushing elk into difficult-to-access areas, often rendering traditional hunting strategies ineffective. Weather conditions, such as dry and warm spells, have further compounded challenges, impacting elk behavior, making them more nocturnal or driving them to private lands. Given the reduction in over-the-counter tags and the increased pressure on public land, hunters are advised to prepare for strenuous hunts and possibly seek out less impacted zones or consider adjusting their hunting strategies. Notably, the unit's draw structure is nuanced, with some distinctions between seasons and species (such as the areas allowed for hunting listed in the regulations), making it crucial for hunters to verify specifics for their planned hunts and stay updated on region-specific changes, such as the introduction of wolves.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 280"-310" | 310"+ |
High
Low
This large unit is found in west-central Colorado and features a wide array of terrain types. This unit is largely private ground but some good public hunting opportunities can be found in the higher elevation areas. Most of the lower-lying elevation areas will consist of private and will also make up a majority of the wintering habitat. Late-season hunts can be tough due to access restrictions. With the large amount of private land some bucks and bulls can grow to large size.
This unit offers great opportunities for backpack hunters, particularly during the early season. Hunting conditions can be great during the late seasons but difficulty in finding accessible public land can be a challenge.
Part of the world’s largest flat-top mountain, the Grand Mesa, is within this unit. Dense conifer forests cover much of the terrain, including steep ridges and valleys that run all the way to timberline. At lower elevations, aspens and oakbrush hills and ridges offer stunning vistas, providing ideal glassing sites. Big ranches, many of them irrigated, lead up to the mountains in the western part of the unit.
This unit is accessed by a network of forest service roads from Highway 133 on the south side of McClure Pass. You can head north from Hotchkiss to hunt the southern part of the unit.
High elevations consist of dense conifer forests up to treeline with scattered parks filled with high grass and cut by streams. There is some high elevation tundra on this unit. Low elevations contains Pines that disperse into aspen forests, large parks and scrub oak and sagebrush.
Most of Unit 521 is comprised of National Forest land with many places to camp along both major paved highways and dirt or gravel county roads. Several sites near reservoirs have bathrooms that are maintained by the state. Hotels and motels are in Paonia, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, Hotchkiss, Montrose and Grand Junction. Cabins, lodges and bed and breakfasts are available at some locations.
Roughly 508 square miles
54.9% public land
Elevations from 5,700-12,000 feet
Much of the unit is designated as wilderness, foot and horse traffic only
Four wheelers allowed only on four-wheel-drive roads
Chains and four-wheel-drive vehicles highly recommended, especially during rifle seasons
McClure Pass often closed during severe weather
If McClure Pass is closed, detour through Grand Junction and Montrose on Highway 133