Elk Hunting in Colorado GMU 77 - Archuleta, Hinsdale, La Plata, and Mineral Counties

Bounded on N by Continental Divide and Piedra River-San Juan River divide; on E by Piedra River-San Juan River divide, Four Mile Creek and San Juan River; on S by US Highway 160; on W by Los Pinos River-Piedra River divide.

Public land and road access is good at mid to high elevations in these units which lie between Durango and Wolf Creek Pass. South of U.S. Highway 160 much of the land is privately owned or part of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. To access pockets of public land within the Southern Ute boundaries you MUST obtain a crossing permit ($25) from the tribe.

Call (970)563-0125 for information. Hunting is not allowed on tribal lands.

The objective is to increase the population. Even though cow licenses were cut the previous few years this herd is not growing. CPW is watching this population closely and working on management strategies. Hunters must be prepared to walk into remote and forested areas.

Do not expect to see elk from roads or areas open to OHVs. In early seasons stick to cool areas on north-facing slopes in the spruce/fir and aspen forests. Elk move to lower elevations when snow accumulation is significant. In late seasons, ponderosa pine forests and oak brush can be productive.

The wilderness area boundary north of Pagosa often holds elk when snow pushes them down. Areas south of Pagosa Springs and east of Highway 84 can provide good hunting as snow begins to accumulate. Access on Mill Creek Rd (FS 302), Rio Blanco Rd (FS 657) and Buckles Lake Rd (FS 663). Hunters who donftt mind working in rough country can be successful in the hills on either side of the Piedra River north of Highway 160.

The Missionary Ridge Road (FS Rd 682) and Beaver Meadows Rd (FS 135) provide access into good elk country in GMUs 75-751 as does the Mosca Road (FS 631) and FS Road 634 in GMU 77.

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.