Hunters considering Unit 73 in Colorado for 4th season mule deer or elk hunts should be conscious of the limited public land, as access is predominantly on private land, potentially requiring permission. Feedback suggests that while there are numerous roads, which might imply easy access, success rates might be inflated due to private land hunts. For those going after elk, particularly for archery in OTC scenarios, bear in mind changes affecting non-resident tags from 2020. Newcomers, including those hunting in adjoining areas such as Unit 71, should carefully plan around these access challenges, as successful hunts have been reported when public lands adjacent to private areas are utilized effectively.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 300"+ |
High
Low
Mesa Verde National Park and part of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation south of Cortez are in this unit, which supports healthy herds of mule deer and elk on Haycamp Mesa and other parts of the San Juan National Forest east and northeast of Dolores.
Hunters on public land have a good chance of finding big bull elk. There is good public access in the north.
Topography varies by more than 8,000 feet in this unit, which extends from the New Mexico line south of Mesa Verde National Park to Haycamp Mesa in the north, the alpine peaks of the La Plata Range in the east to low valleys along highways in the west near Cortez. Irrigated flatlands lie along the highway between Cortez and Dolores to the north and also south of Cortez as well as near Mancos in the east. The La Plata Range features several towering peaks that are well above timberline, including the highest point, Hesperus Peak at 13,232 feet. Heavily forested mesas and drainage comprise most public land between 8,000 and 10,000 feet and hold good numbers of mule deer and elk.
Most public access is north of Highway 160 in the San Juan National Forest. A few well-maintained roads lead to primitive four-wheel drive roads, which access the backcountry. Access is limited south of Highway 160 because of Mesa Verde National Park, the Southern Ute Indian Reservation and private property. Some public land there is managed by the BLM, which has set aside Weber Mountain and Menefee Mountain wilderness study areas.
Low elevations have rolling hills covered in sagebrush, juniper and pinyon pines with sparse cottonwood trees along creeks. Middle elevations consist of mesa tops are covered in aspen, fir and spruce trees with some flats and meadows with grass and wildflowers. High elevations have steep slopes above timberline, mainly rock scrabble with grass, wildflowers and scrub conifers.
Most hunters camp along roads on public ground. Several good camping locations exist. The closest towns with lodging are Dolores, Cortez, Durango and Mancos, depending on where in the unit you decide to hunt.
Roughly 891 square miles
36.7% public land
Elevation from 5,200-13,232 feet
Four-wheel drive recommended
No vehicles allowed in wilderness study areas
Bad weather can limit travel
ATVs recommended
Arrive early for better camping locations
Expect to see other hunters camped nearby