At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Be prepared physically and mentally to hunt the high country
- Scout before hunting
- Let optics cover the ground for you
- Hunt away from roads and main hiking trails
- A lot of hiking tourists in backcountry




Hunters discussing Colorado's Unit 75 highlight its challenging terrain and varying elevation, which can affect accessibility and visibility. The unit is noted for having a good elk population, but success often requires extensive scouting and understanding elk movements, especially in relation to seasonal changes. It's widely advised to plan hunts around weather patterns, as snow can drive elk to lower elevations. Hunters emphasize the importance of having proper gear and being physically prepared to navigate this rugged area, offering insights into successful preparation strategies.
East of Durango, this unit runs north from the New Mexico border past Silverton and has healthy herds of elk and mule deer. Most of the northern half is in the San Juan National Forest, while the south is mostly private and tribal property.
Hunters up to the challenge of hunting hard in rugged, remote terrain have a good chance to take mature bucks and branched-antler bulls. Elk are heavily hunted because the state does not limit the number of tags it sells for the late October and early November seasons. Early seasons are conducive to backpack hunting.