Elk Hunting in Colorado GMU 52 - Delta County

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.

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.