Elk Hunting in Colorado GMU 52 - Delta County
The herd is growing, well distributed and hunting is rated as good. Most elk will be at higher elevations during the early seasons above 8,500 feet in thick timber and oak brush. Distribution changes in relation to weather and hunting pressure.
Scores
Access Notes
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Bounded on N by Delta-Mesa County line; on E by Grand Mesa-Gunnison National Forest boundary, Overland Ditch, West Reservoir No. 1, and Jay Creek; on S by N Fork of Gunnison River and County Highway 92; on W by County Highway 65.
Respect motorized closures on public lands. The lower elevations are mainly private.
Elk Notes
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The herd is growing, well distributed and hunting is rated as good. Most elk will be at higher elevations during the early seasons above 8,500 feet in thick timber and oak brush. Distribution changes in relation to weather and hunting pressure. So, hunters should be prepared to adapt to conditions.
Elk will generally move into more remote areas in response to pressure. Successful hunters generally stay well away from motorized access areas. This unit is managed for hunting opportunity, so most bulls are young. Hunting pressure is lowest during the limited first season.
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.
Management Plan
State Agency Website
Visit Colorado Parks and WildlifePhotos and Terrain Notes
The Grand Mesa is heavily forested and offers a wide variety of terrain: from the spruce, fir and aspen forests up to 11,000 feet, to the piñonjuniper woodlands at about 4,800 feet.
Elk Over The Counter Hunts (2021)
There are 4 OTC hunts in this unit. Go Pro to view the details!
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Elk Drawing Stats (2021)
1st Choice Draw Odds
| Stats | Apply For | Sex | Manner | Season | Type | Draw Odds | HuntScore | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EM041O1M |
M
|
M
|
O1
|
LL
|
69.2%
|
70 | Permit Type A; License Valid for Units: 41, 42, 52, 411, 421, 521; | |
| EE041P4R |
E
|
R
|
P4
|
LL
|
100%
|
72 | Permit Type A; License Valid for Units: 41, 42, 52, 411, 421, 521; | |
| EF041O1M |
F
|
M
|
O1
|
LL
|
100%
|
75 | Permit Type B; License Valid for Units: 41, 42, 52, 411, 421; | |
| EF041O1R |
F
|
R
|
O1
|
LL
|
55.1%
|
66 | Permit Type B; License Valid for Units: 41, 42, 52, 411, 421; | |
| EF052O3R |
F
|
R
|
O3
|
LL
|
100%
|
75 | ||
| EM041O1R |
M
|
R
|
O1
|
LL
|
100%
|
73 | Permit Type A; License Valid for Units: 41, 42, 52, 411, 421, 521; | |
| EM041O4R |
M
|
R
|
O4
|
LL
|
100%
|
73 | Permit Type A; License Valid for Units: 41, 42, 52, 411, 421, 521; | |
| EF052O2R |
F
|
R
|
O2
|
LL
|
100%
|
75 | ||
| EF052O4R |
F
|
R
|
O4
|
LL
|
100%
|
75 | ||
| EF052P5R |
F
|
R
|
P5
|
LL
|
100%
|
74 | private land only | |
| EE041P1R |
E
|
R
|
P1
|
LL
|
94.3%
|
72 | Permit Type A; License Valid for Units: 41, 42, 52, 411, 421, 521; |
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Elk Harvest Stats (2020)
| Manner | Season | Type | Sex | Hunters | Harvest | Male | Female | Youth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
A
|
A
|
|
N/A | 476 | 34 |
25
|
9
|
0
|
|
ALL
|
ALL
|
|
N/A | 1604 | 145 |
75
|
67
|
0
|
|
M
|
M
|
|
N/A | 88 | 7 |
7
|
0
|
0
|
|
R
|
O3
|
LL
|
F
|
114 | 18 |
0
|
15
|
0
|
|
R
|
PLO
|
PLO
|
N/A | 64 | 14 |
0
|
14
|
0
|
|
R
|
PLO
|
|
N/A | 84 | 27 |
3
|
24
|
0
|
|
R
|
O4
|
LL
|
F
|
4 | 0 |
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
R
|
O4
|
|
N/A | 39 | 12 |
6
|
6
|
0
|
|
R
|
O4
|
LL
|
M
|
22 | 6 |
6
|
0
|
0
|
|
R
|
O2
|
|
N/A | 475 | 44 |
25
|
19
|
0
|
|
R
|
O3
|
|
N/A | 306 | 27 |
9
|
15
|
0
|
|
R
|
O2
|
LL
|
F
|
159 | 19 |
0
|
19
|
0
|
|
R
|
O1
|
LL
|
F
|
31 | 0 |
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
R
|
O1
|
|
N/A | 156 | 7 |
3
|
4
|
0
|
|
R
|
O1
|
LL
|
M
|
118 | 0 |
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
R
|
ALL
|
|
N/A | 64 | 14 |
0
|
14
|
0
|
|
R
|
R
|
|
N/A | 1040 | 104 |
43
|
58
|
0
|
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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.
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