1. Hunts
  2. Colorado
  3. Elk

Elk Hunting in Colorado GMU 70 - Dolores, Montrose, and San Miguel Counties

The elk population is holding steady and herds are at objective levels. You'll find them distributed widely throughout the eastern portion of the unit. Elk will move quickly into thick aspen, evergreens and rugged terrain with hunting pressure.

GMU 70 - Dolores, Montrose, and San Miguel Counties

Scores

Scores
User Scores
Ease of Drawing
78
 
78
Success
23
 
23
Trophy Potential
41
 
41
Public Access
70
 
70
Ease of Terrain
68
 
68
Room to Breathe
3
 
3
Opportunity
14
 
14
Convenience
52
 
52
Ease of Effort
48
 
48
70
HuntScore

Access Notes

With A Free Account Get:

  • Satallite and Topo Layers
  • Public Landownership Layers
  • Roads and Trails Layers
  • Burn Layers
  • Water Tank Layer (AZ Only)
  • 20% Discount on HuntStand Pro

Bounded on N by County Highway 90, Dolores River, San Miguel River, and County Highway 62; on E by Ouray-San Miguel County line and San Miguel-San Juan County line; on S by San Miguel-Dolores County line, Disappointment Creek, Dolores River and Summit Canyon Creek; on W by Utah.

There is good vehicle access in these areas. Consequently, hunting pressure is heavy on public lands.

County

Dolores, Montrose, San Miguel

Size

1,361 Square Miles (871,086 Acres)

Land Ownership

30% Private, 70% Public, 16% USFS, 49% BLM, 5% State

Latitude/Longitude

38.0620, -108.4682

Wildfires

Check for current or recent wildfires in this area.

Amenities

There are 0 hospitals, 3 hotels, 5 campgrounds, and 3 grocery stores within a 20 mile radius.

Elk Notes

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  • Toggle between terrain, satellite, and topographic views
  • Additional species-specific map layers

The elk population is holding steady and herds are at objective levels. You'll find them distributed widely throughout the eastern portion of the unit. Elk will move quickly into thick aspen, evergreens and rugged terrain with hunting pressure. Hunt the edges of timbered areas slowly at first light and at sundown when elk are most active.

The opportunity to see a mature bull is only fair. There are many young bulls in this unit, so be careful not to shoot a spike. Hunt away from roads and OHV trails for the best chance of success.

HuntScore Tip

Public land and private land percentages can sometime be misleading. A unit may have 80% public land, but a particluar species may only occupy 20% on the entire area. And that 20% species distribution may lie 100% within private lands. Does that sound confusing? Just remember that there are always exceptions to the rule, and land ownership is just one piece of the puzzle.

State Agency Website

Visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Other Species in Unit

Deer, Pronghorn, Black Bear, Mountain Lion, Turkey,

Photos and Terrain Notes


Add a Photo

With altitudes from about 5,000 feet to more than 12,000 feet, the vegetation ranges from desert shrubs and piñon/juniper to alpine tundra. Weather can change quickly so be prepared for all conditions. Most of unit 72 and the western sections of 70 and 711 is desert terrain and not productive for elk.

Elk Over The Counter Hunts (2021)

There are 2 OTC hunts in this unit. Go Pro to view the details!

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  • The ability to filter OTC units by residency and manner/sex
  • Over the counter unit hunts listed with:
    • Residency Requirements
    • Season and Manner of Take Restrictions
    • Season Dates

Elk Drawing Stats (2021)

Total Quota
1,455
Licenses Drawn
1,425
Licenses Surplus
30
Resident Quota
608
Nonresident Quota
817
Landowner Quota
93
Youth Quota
93
59.5%
Overall Unit
1st Choice Draw Odds
Choose a hunt below to take a deeper dive into quotas, drawing odds, drawing trends, and harvest data.
Stats Apply For Sex Manner Season Type Draw Odds HuntScore Notes
EF070P3R
F
R
P3
LL
76.7%
0
EF070O3R
F
R
O3
LL
54.1%
0
EF070O4R
F
R
O4
LL
40%
0
EF070P2R
F
R
P2
LL
76.7%
0
EM070O1R
M
R
O1
LL
53.2%
0
EF070P4R
F
R
P4
LL
76.7%
0
EF070P5R
F
R
P5
LL
17.2%
0
EM070O1A
M
A
O1
LL
100%
0
EM070O1M
M
M
O1
LL
41.1%
0
EM070O4R
M
R
O4
LL
53.3%
0
EF070O2R
F
R
O2
LL
42.7%
0
HuntScore Tip: You are able to receive a refund for your license as long as the season has not started. You would have to fill out the License Refund Application or Preference Point Restoration form and return the license and carcass tag with the application to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Preference Points will be restored to the pre-draw level, and you will not receive a preference point for that year.

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  • Drawing trends across multiple years
  • Individual hunt quotas
  • 1st choice license applications and licenses drawn
  • Draw odds for resident and nonresident applicants
  • Minimum preference points to draw
  • Point creep plots

Elk Harvest Stats (2020)

Total Hunters
3,127
Total Harvest
813
Harvest Male
554
Harvest Female
255
26%
Average Success
Manner Season Type Sex Hunters Harvest Male Female Youth
A
A
N/A 880 152
128
22
0
ALL
ALL
N/A 3127 813
554
255
0
R
ALL
N/A 29 19
0
19
0
R
O1
N/A 321 167
103
64
0
R
O1
LL
E
186 83
44
39
0
R
O2
N/A 899 210
160
50
0
R
O2
LL
F
87 20
0
20
0
R
O3
N/A 793 189
132
57
0
R
O3
LL
F
84 32
0
32
0
R
O4
LL
E
35 13
5
8
0
R
O4
LL
F
12 4
0
2
0
R
PLO
N/A 487 249
124
125
0
R
PLO
PLO
N/A 29 19
0
19
0
R
R
N/A 2152 635
418
215
0
HuntScore Tip: In some smaller units you may not see any data reported for a season. There are instances where not enough hunters respond to the post-hunt survey inquiries and therefore it isn't possible to report any data.

Go Pro and get:

  • Harvest trends across multiple years
  • Harvest stats by hunt_code, manner, season, sex, type
  • Average harvest rates
  • Average days per hunter
  • Overall harvest trends

Weather Insights

Weather can vary by elevation. See how weather varies by elevation within a unit by selecting an elevation range. Elevation ranges are based on weather stations in or near the unit. Not all weather elements are available within the unit.

Average Temps

Use temperature ranges to plan and prepare for your hunt. Large swings indicate a good layering system should be used. Be sure to make note of the extreme temperatures as these often pose the greatest risk to hunters. If you plan on hunting in higher elevation, as a rule of thumb, expect the tempture to decrease roughly 5° for every 1000' in elevation gain.

WITH A FREE ACCOUNT GET:

  • Precip totals by month
  • Snow depth by month
  • Min/Max precip and snow depth
  • Average # of days between precip or snow event

Gear Recommendations for Elk Hunting From logo

Camping

Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pad

Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pad

The freedom to shed weight and pack size without sacrificing comfort or durability. The Static V2(TM) lets you count ounces without abandoning luxury. It offers the same exceptional comfort of the original Static V(TM), in a pad that weighs just one pound and packs to the size of a soda can. Weight is shed by using lighter fabric on top, while still retaining an ultra-durable underside. This pad is right at home on summer backpacking trips.For an Side-by-Side Comparison of the different Klymit Pads check out our Comparison Chart below:

Clothing

Farm to Feet Damascus Midweight Crew Sock

Farm to Feet Damascus Midweight Crew Sock

This midweight version of the Farm to Feet Damascus sock is ideal for cooler climates or stiffer boots, with fine-gauge 19.5-micron merino wool for incredible moisture management and next-to-skin comfort. Multiple ventilation channels deliver effective airflow, while targeted full-density cushioning zones maximize comfort without adding unnecessary volume. 100% American materials and construction provide durability you can count on while racking up the miles in these merino wool hiking socks.Features:100% US Merino WoolFull-Density CushioningSeamless Toe ClosureComfort CompressionDurability Assured - Backed with Lifetime Guarantee

Food

MTN OPS Biotics - Probiotics & Enzymes

MTN OPS Biotics - Probiotics & Enzymes

BIOTICS is an advanced Pre and Probiotic blend specifically formulated to increase healthy gut bacteria, while decreasing the bad gut bacteria at the same time. Properly balancing these bacterias aids in improved digestive health, stronger gut lining and combating symptoms such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and irregular stool frequency. Improve your gut health, comfort and overall well-being with BIOTICS.USAGE: For best results take 1 serving (2 capsules) 20-30 min before any meal. Take on a daily consistent basis for best results. 80% of your immune system is stored right in your gut and that is why MTN OPS BIOTICS(TM) is so important for your daily health and wellness.

Footwear

Irish Setter Trailblazer 864 Hunting Boot

Irish Setter Trailblazer 864 Hunting Boot

Irish Setter Trailblazer mid-height hunting boots share the proven combination of materials and special features resulting in a lightweight - yet heavy-duty - hunting boot with a height that allows for more active hunting. These waterproof, non-insulated Trailblazer boots are great for hunting environments that require scrambling and a wider range of motion."These boots help you conquer the rugged terrain you encounter when you're pursuing early to mid season elk. Perfect for scrambling up steep slopes," said Charley Bryant, Irish Setter Line Manager for Red Wing Shoe Company. "These boots eliminate an entire area where boots could rub against skin and cause a hot spot. They also allow freer muscle movement in the calf area, minimizing constriction on steep slopes when muscles are working their hardest."All Irish Setter Trailblazers combine a variety of features which contribute to their comfort and durability. The genuine leather welt construction provides some flexibility with enough rigidity and torsion control for stability on uneven terrain. And the cushioning of the Comfort Cork EVA Mid-sole with Memory Foam and ScentBan(TM) Odor Inhibitor footbed comes standard on all models.Features:LeatherImportedRubber soleShaft measures approximately 6.75" from archPlatform measures approximately 0.75 inchesUltraDry WaterproofNuBuck Leather

Optics

Muddy Outdoors 650X Laser Rangefinder

Muddy Outdoors 650X Laser Rangefinder

The Muddy LR650X Laser Range Finder is about to be your new favorite range finder. With a 650 yard range, this range finder works for most hunting applications. The ABS housing and durable rubber trim protect the unit to IP54 water protection specifications. Switch between yard and meters quickly and easily.

Packs

Horn Hunter Main Beam Backpack

Horn Hunter Main Beam Backpack

For hefty loads of gear needed to get you to and from your hunt, the Main Beam comes with 8 gear compartments, weapon carrying capability, and a hydration pouch that can be used with most hydration bladders. Take all the gear you need into the wilderness, leaving behind any worries.2800 Cubic InchesMesh pockets for face masks and glovesUnique pack design allows you to access pockets while carrying bow or rifleInternal frame and molded foam contours to your backDesigned to be used with most hydration bladdersLimited contact with back and hips - provides increased ventilationSIDE WING POCKETS; specifically designed to be easily accessible - 4 separate compartments on each side5 GEAR GRIPPER PADS, protects and secures your bow, rifle, scope or tripod ear buckles allow you to add your own accessories - knife, flashlight, saw, radio, etc.Our "Gear Grippers" allow you to attach the bow by the handle, not around the string"Air Flow" belt, allows for maximum air circulation8 internal compartments to organize your gearTripod and spotting scope pouch with padded "Gear Gripper" straps

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