Quick Tips
- Grand Lake has good fishing and great scenery
- Close to Rocky Mountain National Park
- Hunt at least half a mile from roads
- Glass at dawn and dusk
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 280"-310" | 310"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-65" | 70"+ |
On The Ground
A mixture of private and public property, Unit 181 is long and narrow, running between Kremmling in its southern tip and the Continental Divide and the Rabbit Ears Range in the north. Hunters with no preference points can draw deer tags for most seasons and can buy most elk tags over the counte
Deer and elk have enough private land, wilderness and dense cover that some bucks and bulls survive several hunting seasons and reach trophy size.
Terrain
There is a lot of private land at middle to low elevations. Some big bucks come off private land, especially in later seasons by guided hunters and landowners’ guests. A small part of the Routt National Forest is in the north. Most public land is managed by the BLM. There is a drastic drop from the high mountains to low foothills. Mosty peaks range from 8,500 feet to 11,000 feet above sea level. Elk are scattered in the mountains until snow gets too deep. Deer live at all elevations in early seasons, but many migrate to low elevations in late October and early November.
Roughly 182 square miles
62.3% public land
Elevations from 7,416-11,340 feet
Vegetation
Engelmann spruces mingle with lodgepole pines in the high country. Douglas firs, aspens, grass meadows and sagebrush grow at middle elevations, while pinyon/juniper woodlands, sagebrush, oak brush, grasses and other browse grow in the low, rolling foothills. There are a lot of springs, small lakes and perennial streams.
Access
Road access is good on county roads except where private land impedes access, mostly in the southeastern and northwestern parts of the unit. Trucks need tire chains if the roads get snowy. To avoid crowded hunting, get away from roads. There are well-maintained roads in the west and south.
A GPS unit with a land ownership overlay is helpful
ATVs are recommended but not necessary
Snow and rain can impede travel
Some remote areas to hunt in the north
Camping and Lodging
Hot Sulphur Springs and Kremmling have lodging, gas, groceries and other supplies. Camping is permitted on most public land.
Historical Temperatures
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Moon Phases
April 2025
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