Unit 54 in Colorado offers a mix of challenging hunting environments and potential for rewarding experiences. From user insights, it's clear that a successful hunt here requires a willingness to venture deep into the wilderness. High elevations and rugged terrain, particularly in the West Elk Wilderness area, can deter hunters closer to roads, creating less pressure in interior regions. However, hunters should be prepared for the presence of outfitters and other hunters, even in seemingly remote areas. During archery season, patience and thorough scouting are crucial as mule deer and elk are often located in higher altitudes, with some hunters reporting sightings of quality bucks and bulls. For those considering an OTC rifle season, be prepared for higher hunting pressure, especially along easily accessible areas like Soap Creek. With varying conditions, dry summers and early snow can affect game movement, so flexibility and adaptability in hunting strategies will be key.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 180"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 310"+ |
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Located on the north side of Gunnison, this unit boasts healthy deer and elk numbers. Great glassing conditions can be found throughout the unit and there are loads of roadless land to explore for those willing to put in the effort. The unit includes more than half of the 176,120-acre West Elk Wilderness and even more federal and state land outside the wilderness.
Warm weather during recent hunting seasons and several recent mild winters have allowed bull elk to survive and grow. The state manages this unit to produce high quality mule deer hunting yet most hunters report seeing few mature bucks. Bowhunters in August have the best chance to see mature bucks.
This unit contains more than half of the 176,412-acre West Elk Wilderness as well as about 100,000 acres of the Gunnision National Forest outside the wilderness and thousands of acres of BLM and state land. There are many steep peaks with alpine basins. Numerous drainages flow into the Gunnison River, which flows through cattle ranches and rimrock canyons and drains into Blue Mesa Reservoir. The Castles, Anthracite Range and Carbon Mountain are part of the landscape.
Trailheads at Rainbow Lake as well as at Ohio, Mill and Red Creeks lead into a 200-mile trail system in the West Elk Wilderness. National Forest and BLM land can be reached from Highway 50 and Ohio Creek Road. State wildlife areas total about 13,000 acres.
Plants from 7,500-9,000 feet are mostly grasses, sagebrush, pinyons and junipers as well as cottonwoods and willows along streams. Aspens, spruces, ponderosa pines and lodgepole pines grow at higher elevations. Open parks with lush meadows are scattered across the unit above 9,000 feet.
Ponderosa, Stevens Creek, Elk Creek, East Elk Creek, Dry Gulch and Red Creek campgrounds are along Highway 50 and Blue Mesa Reservoir. The Forest Service prohibits camping within 100 feet of lakes, streams and trails. Gunnison has all services, including lodging and a regional airport.
Roughly 585 square miles
78.7% public land
Elevations from 7,500-13,042 feet
State Wildlife areas: Sapinero, Centennial, Gunnison and Miller Ranch
No motors allowed in West Elk Wilderness
Numerous private RV and campgrounds
Curecanti National Recreation Area is open all year