At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Lake Isabel trout fishing
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 170"+ |
Whitetail Deer | 120"-130" | 130"+ |
Elk | 300"-330" | 330"+ |
Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
Terrain
Access
Historical Temperatures
High
Low
Unit 84 in Colorado presents a mixed experience for hunters, particularly those focusing on elk and mule deer. It seems public land within the San Isabel National Forest is accessible but can be challenging due to the presence of both high temperatures during early seasons and nomadic elk behavior, which can make pinpointing exact locations less reliable. Many hunters suggest that success often depends on having access to private lands, where bigger bulls and deer reside, further contributing to Unit 84's growing need for more preference points to draw. Despite these challenges, hunters report good experiences with preparation, scouting, and connecting with those who have hunted the area before, emphasizing the value of networking for first-time DIY and seasoned hunters alike.
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 170"+ |
Whitetail Deer | 120"-130" | 130"+ |
Elk | 300"-330" | 330"+ |
Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
High
Low
Elk, antelope and mule deer can be found in this area, which includes Pueblo, foothills and flatlands southwest of the town of Pueblo. Nearly a quarter million acres of San Isabel National Forest are in the Wet and Greenland Mountains.
This unit has a few big bull elk, but few are killed, especially on public land. Hunters who scout public land before hunting seasons often report seeing big bulls, but hunting pressure eventually pushes many of them into dense cover or into private land. Some lightly hunted private ranches report high hunter success on bulls and occasionally bigger animals. Whitetail bucks are hunted over-the-counter with low numbers. There is heavy traffic on dirt roads.
Flat plains with creeks and dry washes, rolling prairies with deep drainages, steep foothills with ridges and canyons below open slopes and parks with steep alpine basins can be found in this unit.
San Isabel National Forest, Greenhorn Wilderness Area, Pueblo Reservoir State Wildlife Area, Lake Pueblo State Park and some BLM land can be reached on public roads, including Colorado routes: 165, 67, 69, 76, 78 and 96 and Forest Service roads: 306, 330, 400 and 403.
East and west of the Wet Mountains are shortgrass prairies, sagebrush flats, oak brush slopes and cottonwoods near creeks and streams. Pinyons and junipers, shrubs, ponderosa pines and oaks are the main cover on foothills. Mountain slopes, ridges and drainages are covered with aspens, spruces, firs and sagebrush along with grass parks. Near the mountain peaks are alpine meadows, aspens and spruces.
Lake Pueblo State Park has 400 campsites, and is open year round. The city of Pueblo has hotels, a hospital, restaurants, shopping centers, vehicle services and an airport. On the northern border is Florence, where hunters can find motels, restaurants, hospital and gasoline stations. Colorado City and Walsenburg have motels, restaurants and service stations.
Roughly 1,014 square miles
29.9% public land
Elevations from 4,593-12,412 feet
Dirt roads are slick from rain and snow
Four-wheel-drive traction necessary to reach some sites