At a Glance
492Square Miles
67.2%Public Land
8,500 - 11,000Elevation Range
Quick Tips
- Pike and trout fishing at Stagecoach State Park
- Backpack and horseback hunters can hunt remote areas
- Glass at dawn and dusk
Hunters discussing Colorado's Unit 15 highlight its challenging terrain, which requires physical readiness and proper gear for successful navigation. The unit offers varied habitats that attract mule deer and elk, with particular emphasis on understanding seasonal migrations and game patterns. Draw odds can be competitive, so it's crucial for hunters to research and plan their applications strategically. Experienced hunters suggest scouting trips prior to the season to familiarize with the land and improve the chances of a successful hunt.
Between Steamboat Springs and State Bridge on the west side of the Gore Range, this mainly-public unit is a good place for hunters who want to hunt without waiting years to draw a tag. Hunters with no preference points can draw deer tags for some seasons and can buy most elk tags over the counter.
Deer and elk have enough private land, wilderness and dense cover that some bucks and bulls survive enough hunting seasons to reach trophy size.