This unit tends to be a winter concentration area for elk, especially the western and northeastern portion of the unit. In the northeast, look toward Dome Rock SWA and Sheep Rock. In the west, look toward Witcher Mountain and Cap Rock Ridge.
Elk herds within the Central Front Range are either residential or seasonally migratory. Residential herds are found year-round at low to moderate elevations.
Most low to mid elevation elk ranges are on private land or parks and open space lands that are generally are not open to hunting. Most public land hunting is at the mid to high elevation ranges.
The elevation in this area ranges from 4,538 to 3,642 feet. The terrain is Level to gently rolling. The vegetation consists of Short-grass prairie with limited farmland and cottonwood riparian.
Elk found just about anywhere in the unit. Look for elk in the Trout Creek drainage. During early seasons, look for elk near South Beaver Creek and Rampart Reservoir.
Domestic sheep grazing typically occurs on parts of the Routt National Forest through the months of August and September. Elk will typically avoid areas actively used by sheep but often are not far away.
If there is no snow, elk will likely be scattered throughout the high elevation landscape. Hunters will be most successful by walking along transition areas up high. When snow falls in November, herds move quickly to lower elevations on the western ends o
As hunting pressure increases, they seek the deeper canyons and dark timber areas way from roads. Concentrating on the large stands of dark timber and the larger wilderness areas will increase your chance of finding a big bull on public lands.
Elk hunting is good but requires hunters to pursue animals in challenging terrain. Overall success rates for elk hunters in unlimited units in the San Luis Valley are generally lower than the statewide average.
Elk hunting is good but requires hunters to pursue animals in challenging terrain. Overall success rates for elk hunters in unlimited units in the San Luis Valley are generally lower than the statewide average. Weather is a dominant factor for hunters.
Elk herds within the Central Front Range GMUs are either residential or seasonally migratory. Residential herds are found year-round at low to moderate elevations.
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.
Elk hunting is good but requires hunters to pursue animals in challenging terrain. Overall success rates for elk hunters in unlimited units in the San Luis Valley are generally lower than the statewide average. Weather is a dominant factor for hunters. Sn
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.
Bulls will be bugling from mid-Sept through 1st rifle opening weekend. Elk are widely distributed. Most stay high until hunting pressure pushes them to lower elevations and less accessible drainages.
There is better elk hunting in Teller County portion of unit. However, terrain is very steep and heavily forested. Early seasons, archery and muzzleloader, see success above timberline.
Most elk are found on the Fairplay side of the mountain range. Herds are increasing near Leadville. Weston Pass is a good area to hunt because it is in between summer and wintering grounds.
Elk hunting is good but requires hunters to pursue animals in challenging terrain. Overall, success rates for elk hunters in unlimited units in the San Luis Valley are generally lower than the statewide average. Weather is a dominant factor for hunters.
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.
The elevation in this area ranges from 5,151 to 4,528 feet. The terrain is Level to gently rolling. The vegetation consists of Shortgrass prairie with some farmland and cottonwood/willow riparian.
Hunters applying for limited tags in Western states have lamented in recent years about preference point creep. Is preference point creep wide spread or limited to a few coveted units? We break down the data to answer the truth about point creep.
While as hunters and stewards of conservation we strive to maintain legal status while hunting, we are undoubtedly human and bound to make mistakes.
When applying for a limited license, a preference point is awarded when an individual is unsuccessful in drawing their first-choice hunt code.