At a Glance
492Square Miles
67.2%Public Land
8,500 - 11,000Elevation Range
Quick Tips
- Pike and trout fishing at Stagecoach State Park
- Backpack and horseback hunters can hunt remote areas
- Glass at dawn and dusk
The user comments on Unit 15, Colorado, reveal a variety of experiences regarding hunting success and terrain challenges. Many hunters mention the importance of understanding the diverse topography, as it ranges from rugged mountainous areas to more accessible valleys, which directly influence game movement and accessibility. A common theme is the benefit of scouting the unit well ahead of the season to learn about elk patterns and to prepare for any physical demands the terrain may present. Hunters suggest paying attention to weather changes, as they can significantly impact game behavior, advising others to adapt their strategies accordingly for a more successful hunt.
Between Steamboat Springs and State Bridge on the west side of the Gore Range, this mainly-public unit is a good place for hunters who want to hunt without waiting years to draw a tag. Hunters with no preference points can draw deer tags for some seasons and can buy most elk tags over the counter.
Deer and elk have enough private land, wilderness and dense cover that some bucks and bulls survive enough hunting seasons to reach trophy size.