Find your hunt

GMU 42 - Mesa and Garfield Counties

The elk herd is well distributed with good hunting success expected. Elk are scattered throughout the forest and on private lands. Most elk stay at higher elevations (8500- 10,000ft) in thick timber and oakbrush.

59 /100

Access........55
Drawing........89
Success........32

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.

58 /100

Access........78
Drawing........67
Success........35

GMU 521 - Gunnison and Delta Counties

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.

58 /100

Access........89
Drawing........56
Success........28

GMU 71 - Dolores and Montezuma Counties

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

58 /100

Access........91
Drawing........51
Success........26

GMU 500 - Park County

Elk occupy all habitats and areas of the DAU at some time of the year. Densities are low in the open portions of South Park elevation habitats year-round, but especially during the summer when most elk move up to traditional calving and summering areas.

58 /100

Access........68
Drawing........59
Success........41

GMU 3 - Moffat County

The large elk herd occupies all available habitat. The later seasons are usually better, especially on public land, due to snow and hunting pressure pushing the elk out of the adjacent units. The success rate is very good on late cow elk hunts.

58 /100

Access........55
Drawing........62
Success........39

GMU 66 - Gunnison, Hinsdale, and Saguache Counties

Elk populations remain strong throughout the Gunnison Basin. Aggressive herd reduction during the 2012 and 2013 seasons was implemented to address agricultural damage issues. Subsequently, there has been a noticeable decline in the population which has re

57 /100

Access........100
Drawing........41
Success........45

GMU 67 - Gunnison, Hinsdale, and Saguache Counties

Hunters are advised to be in good shape and to hunt well away from roads. Elk will move to difficult terrain when hunting pressure starts; so be prepared to hunt canyons or thick timber.

57 /100

Access........88
Drawing........51
Success........33

GMU 201 - Moffat County

Big, 300 + size bulls are common. The elk tend to stay put over the seasons. Movement is weather dependent. Overall, elk are scattered throughout the unit. Hold out for a good bullÑthe average size is around 305.

57 /100

Access........99
Drawing........6
Success........46

GMU 501 - Park and Jefferson Counties

Elk occupy all habitats and areas of the DAU at some time of the year. Densities are low in the open portions of South Park elevation habitats year-round, but especially during the summer when most elk move up to traditional calving and summering areas.

57 /100

Access........100
Drawing........32
Success........28

GMU 31 - Mesa, Garfield and Rio Blanco Counties

Good cow hunting opportunities. The best hunting is in remote areas, mostly at high elevations, where the elk tend to hold up in pockets of green timber and aspen. Check out the Texas Mountain area and Rat Hole Ridge.

57 /100

Access........62
Drawing........84
Success........34

GMU 78 - Archuleta, Conejos, Mineral, and Rio Grande Counties

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.

57 /100

Access........85
Drawing........62
Success........31

GMU 191 - Larimer County

Elk summer range generally includes areas between 9,500 and 11,500 feet in elevation. These areas usually become available to elk as snowlines recede in mid to late May. The majority of elk in this area winter at elevations between 7,000 and 9,500 feet.

57 /100

Access........48
Drawing........79
Success........12

GMU 51 - Douglas County

Elk herds within the Central Front Range are either residential or seasonally migratory. Residential herds are found year-round at low to moderate elevations.

57 /100

Access........45
Drawing........64
Success........26

GMU 120 - Lincoln, Crowley, and Kiowa Counties

The elevation in this area ranges from 5,296 to 4,282 feet. The terrain consists of flat to gently rolling hills. The vegetation consists of short grass prairie with interspersed farmland and limited cottonwood riparian.

57 /100

Access........11
Drawing........N/A
Success........75

GMU 5 - Moffat and Routt Counties

Elk are plentiful throughout the Upper Yampa area. Licenses are also readily available, but hunters should not rely on leftover license availability as these herds approach population objective.

57 /100

Access........60
Drawing........51
Success........48

GMU 62 - Delta, Mesa, Montrose, and Ouray Counties

The highest success rate for bull hunters occurs during first season, but expect hunting pressure there. Animals usually move to lower elevation private lands as hunting pressure increases.

57 /100

Access........77
Drawing........66
Success........28

GMU 10 - Moffat and Rio Blanco Counties

Big, 300 + size bulls are common. The elk tend to stay put over the seasons. Movement is weather dependent. Overall, elk are scattered throughout the unit. We recommend Blue Mountain and Moosehead Mtn, but be prepared for rough terrain.

56 /100

Access........84
Drawing........16
Success........49

GMU 57 - Chaffee, Park, and Fremont Counties

Better elk hunting at higher elevations from about Cameron Mountain north to Trout Creek Pass. Be especially cautious around private property in the center of the unit.

56 /100

Access........80
Drawing........39
Success........32

GMU 6 - Jackson County

The herd tends to stay in the coniferous timbered areas until late in the season, moving to lower elevations with snow and hunting pressure.

56 /100

Access........41
Drawing........79
Success........29