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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.

GMU 52 - Delta County

Scores

Scores
User Scores
Ease of Drawing
100
 
100
Success
10
 
10
Trophy Potential
47
 
47
Public Access
47
 
47
Ease of Terrain
84
 
84
Room to Breathe
1
 
1
Opportunity
48
 
48
Convenience
2
 
2
Ease of Effort
46
 
46
61
HuntScore

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.

County

Delta

Size

241 Square Miles (154,370 Acres)

Land Ownership

52% Private, 47% Public, 37% USFS, 10% BLM

Latitude/Longitude

38.9336, -107.8286

Wildfires

Check for current or recent wildfires in this area.

Amenities

There are 0 hospitals, 0 hotels, 1 campgrounds, and 0 grocery stores within a 20 mile radius.

Elk Notes

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  • Additional species-specific map layers

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

Elk Management Plan

State Agency Website

Visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Other Species in Unit

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

Photos and Terrain Notes


Add a Photo

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)

Total Quota
540
Licenses Drawn
539
Licenses Surplus
1
Resident Quota
420
Nonresident Quota
119
Landowner Quota
83
Youth Quota
83
100%
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
EF052P5R
F
R
P5
LL
100%
0
EF052O4R
F
R
O4
LL
100%
0
EF052O3R
F
R
O3
LL
100%
0
EF052O2R
F
R
O2
LL
100%
0
HuntScore Tip: Over-the-counter unlimited licenses are licenses that are unlimited in number and available in a range of units and seasons.

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  • Draw odds for resident and nonresident applicants
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  • Point creep plots

Elk Harvest Stats (2020)

Total Hunters
1,604
Total Harvest
145
Harvest Male
75
Harvest Female
67
9%
Average Success
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
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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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

Katadyn Gravity BeFree Microfilter 3.0L

Katadyn Gravity BeFree Microfilter 3.0L

Let gravity do the work when you need clean drinking water. With the Katadyn Gravity BeFree 3.0L microfilter, you can drink directly from the reservoir or easily fill a bottle or another reservoir.Features0.1 micron microfilter is tested to protect against harmful organisms; it removes 99.99% of protozoa and 99.9999% of bacteria to EPA standardsCompared to the standard BeFree 3L filter, this filter includes a convenient output hose that lets you quickly fill water bottles and hydration systemsOutput hose has quick-connect, hydration-pack adapters for hands-free filling of hydration bladdersQuick-release cap with auto shutoff for easy filling without hoses and fast output hose attachmentEasily hang the durable and collapsible 3-liter HydraPak reservoir with the integrated bail handle and carry loop/hang strap with clipsFilters up to 2 liters per minute42mm, wide-mouth opening makes for easy filling from a lake, stream or faucetSimply shake or swish the EZ-Clean membrane to remove debrisTested up to 1,000 liters; individual results will depend on water qualityAlso included is a carry bag and separate bag for the outlet hose to keep it clean and avoid cross-contaminationMade with BPA-free materials

Clothing

Elk101.com Euro T-Shirt

Elk101.com Euro T-Shirt

Are you a dedicated elk hunter? Show you're passion with this new big and bold skull elk design from Elk101.com.Available in M-2XL sizes in black. These shirts are printed on super soft and comfortable Next Level 6200 Poly/Cotton blend shirts. Get yours today!

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 Ravine 2884 Hunting Boot

Irish Setter Ravine 2884 Hunting Boot

Irish Setter Ravine boots offer comfort while hunting or hitting the trail. The Ravine 2884 feature EnerG technology underfoot. The EnerG material provides comfort and sustained support through an energy-returning core sandwiched between midsole and outsole. The Anti-Torsion Chassis offers great underfoot support on uneven or rocky ground. A rubber outsole with multi-tiered lugs provides superior traction on uneven terrain and self-cleaning lugs shed debris with every step.A contoured last mirrors foot shape for excellent fit. Lace-to-toe eyelets help customize the fit. The uppers provide other comfort and performance features like quick dry linings which wick away foot moisture, UltraDry waterproofing for long-lasting protection, a memory foam collar for instant comfort, a Cushin Comfort Tongue that provides comfort in the shin area and ScentBan(TM) scent control that eliminates odors within the boot. Armatec technology adds durability and abrasion resistance in high wear areas of the heel and toe.Features:Full grain, waterproof USA made leather and abrasion resistant nylonRemovable memory foam EVA with ScentBanLace to toe eyelets provide a better fitEnerG technology provides energy return, comfort, and supportTorsion chassis provides great underfoot support for uneven and rocky terrainIrish Setter Ravine

Optics

Muddy Outdoors 850X Laser Rangefinder

Muddy Outdoors 850X Laser Rangefinder

The Muddy LR850X Laser Range Finder is about to be your new favorite range finder. With a 850 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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