Unit 62 in Colorado has a notable reputation for being heavily trafficked, especially during OTC archery elk season, resulting in considerable hunter pressure. Experienced hunters suggest focusing on water sources, particularly in the dry mesa regions, and being prepared to hike several miles from road access to improve chances of encountering elk. Comments highlight that despite the high hunter density, there is a reasonable elk presence, although they are less vocal and more difficult to locate due to environmental factors and local hunting pressure. For those considering mule deer and bear hunts, it's advised to consult current wildlife data due to recent changes in herd locations and activity patterns, possibly influenced by factors such as fires and heavy human traffic.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 280"-310" | 320"+ |
High
Low
This unit draws a great deal of attention because it shares the Uncompahgre Plateau with Unit 61, which is famous for producing high success rates on big mule deer and elk. Though Unit 62 doesn’t produce nearly as many big bulls and bucks as 61, it offers healthy numbers and tags are much easier to get.
Deer grow big in this country, but hunting pressure is heavy enough that few of them live long enough to grow large antlers. The steep, remote canyons hold a few great bulls and bucks and there is good road access on top though many impassable roads in wet weather.
The Uncompahgre Plateau is a flat-top mountain range that ranges mostly between 8,300 and 9,200 feet above sea level and stretches about 90 miles from the northwest to the southeast. The graveled Divide Road separates Unit 62 to the northeast and Unit 61 to the southwest. The highest point is 10,300-foot Horsefly Peak. The plateau drops into huge canyons, some of them ruggedly steep and overlooking lowlands from 4,500-5,500 feet in elevation.
The Divide Road runs the length of the plateau and can be reached on the south end about 15 miles west of Ridgway and on the north end about five miles southeast of Grand Junction.
Low elevations: Sagebrush, some croplands and pastures, willows and cottonwoods. Middle elevations consist of pinyon and juniper forests with sage openings and a great deal of oakbrush, some of it dense and covering entire hillsides. Also cliffrose, bitterbrush and other browse plants favored by deer, occasionally firs and quaking aspen patches. High elevations consist of grassy parks surrounded by trees, usually firs and spruce and quaking aspen. Some aspen forests are several miles wide where the plateau stretches out from west to east.
Roughly 1,376 square miles
69.5% public land
Elevations from 4,500-10,300 feet
Much public road access on the plateau
Private lands block access to many canyons from below
A lot of ATV trails, no off-road riding allowed
Some roads become impassable with mud or snow
Snowstorms in October and November can strand hunters
Most early season hunters camp along primitive roads on the plateau. During late seasons many hunters camp on BLM land below the mesa. There is lodging in some towns, such as Grand Junction, Delta and Montrose.
Iron Springs Campground closes in October
Divide Forks Campground closes in November
Some rangers in the area are strict when enforcing the campground rules.