Unit 7 in Colorado presents an array of opportunities for hunters, but also raises important considerations. The area is characterized by high elevations and significant portions of privately-owned winter ranges, affecting game movement and accessibility. Hunters report that weather heavily influences animal behavior, with warmer Octobers impacting elk and deer activity. While the terrain can be challenging, especially in the wilderness areas, success may be achieved by determined hunters willing to hike high and scout thoroughly, but expectations for trophy size should be tempered. Networking with locals and experienced hunters could provide valuable insights for those new to the unit, especially as success rates and game activity increase over time.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 280"+ |
| Antelope | 70"-80" | 80"+ |
High
Low
50 miles west of Fort Collins; Rawah Wilderness, BLM lands and Roosevelt National Forest provide elk, deer, moose and antelope thousands of areas to roam. Private ranches border the Laramie River.
Obtain access to private land months before hunting season. Good hunting can be very weather dependent. Few bull moose tags are issued.
Laramie River flows towards Wyoming; Medicine Bow Mountains reach over 12,000 feet with numerous drainages, basins and canyons. Rawah Wilderness area contains the headwaters of the McIntyre, Rawah, and Fall Creeks, as well as the Laramie River.
Roosevelt National Forest is 45,000 acres from the Wyoming line to Rawah Wilderness boundary near LaGarde Creek. The Rawah Wilderness Area is 74,000 acres beginning at LaGarde Creek to Colorado Route 14 and Cache La Poudre River. These areas can only be reached by foot or horse—no vehicle access. There is also some BLM land, south of the Wyoming line to Jenkins Creek. Elk, deer and antelope can be found here.
Open parks with lush grasses, alpine tundra covered with an array of flowers, aspen, spruce, fir, cottonwoods, willows, ponderosa pine, mountain mahogany, sagebrush and oak brush. Irrigated hayfields are along the Laramie River.
Roosevelt National Forest has several campgrounds please visit to determine the right campsite. State land: Hohnholz Lakes offers camping along the Laramie River off County Road 103 (Laramie River Road). Fort Collins, some 50 miles east and Laramie, 40 miles northeast offer a wide variety of motels, hotels, restaurants, gas, diesel, grocery stores and medical facilities.
Roughly 243 square miles
87.2% public land
Elevations from 7,700-12,951 feet