At a Glance
408Square Miles
71.1%Public Land
7,880 - 12,180Elevation Range
Quick Tips
- Good trout fishing in North Platte River
- Strong winds are common
- Early snowstorms are common
Unit 161 in Colorado receives varied feedback from hunters, highlighting its challenging terrain, which demands good physical preparation and strategic planning. The unit is noted for its potential in yielding quality game, but success often depends on understanding seasonal movements and having the patience to locate less pressured areas. Hunters recommend scouting thoroughly and adjusting tactics based on current conditions, as game patterns can shift with weather and human activity. Overall, those who invest time in learning the unit’s landscape and wildlife behavior report a more rewarding experience.
This unit runs along the eastern side of the Sierra Madre Park Range from about 20 miles northeast of Steamboat Springs to Wyoming. Antelope live in the foothills and flatlands, while many elk and mule deer summer near the Continental Divide and migrate to lowlands in the fall.
Some big mule deer have been taken in this unit, where rifle hunters enjoy two early seasons: the first one in Mount Zirkel Wilderness and the second in the entire unit. This area is not known for producing big elk and some bucks and bulls migrate into Wyoming.