At a Glance
867Square Miles
74.8%Public Land
4,450 - 8,980Elevation Range
Quick Tips
- Hunt at high elevations in early seasons
- Big sporting goods stores in Grand Junction
- Glass at dawn and dusk
- Do not get frustrated by seeing other hunters
Hunters in Colorado's Unit 30 have highlighted the area's rugged terrain and mixed experiences with game activity. The unit is known for its challenging landscapes, which require good physical preparation and navigation skills. Although some hunters noted variability in game sightings, others reported success by focusing on water sources and high-altitude spots, especially during early and late seasons. Overall, preparation and adaptability are key for a successful hunt, with many recommending scouting trips to familiarize with the unit's unique environment.
Located on the extreme western side of the state, this unit borders Utah and sits north of the town of Grand Junction. Good deer numbers are found here along with a decent population of elk. Hunting pressure tends to be fairly high, though, and locating mature animals can be a chore.
This unit was largely burned during the 2020 Pine Gulch Fire. Hunters should be aware that the landscape will be vastly different in areas and animal movements and habits may have changed. Hunters and biologists have reported a dip in quality over the past five years, but hunters who hunt hard usually find trophy class deer in almost all BLM land except for lowlands near Interstate 70 and scattered small parcels. Many elk hunters purchase over-the-counter tags. Some outfitters have prime private leases and private access to isolated BLM land.