At a Glance
1,300Square Miles
84.6%Public Land
8,300 - 9,200Elevation Range
Quick Tips
- Hunt downhill off of Divide Road
- Heavy ATV traffic
- Dense cover
- Tree stands are effective
- Be prepared for drastic weather changes
Unit 61 in Colorado is a popular hunting destination known for its challenging terrain and rewarding game opportunities. Hunters have noted the importance of understanding draw odds and planning trips well in advance due to the unit's competitive nature. The area offers varied landscapes, from rugged mountains to dense forests, which require a good level of physical fitness and navigation skills. Successful hunters emphasize the importance of scouting and being flexible with strategies, as game movement can be unpredictable and influenced by seasonal changes.
A premier destination for elk and mule deer hunters, the western half of the Uncompahgre Plateau comprises most of this unit, which runs about 70 miles from Gateway near the Utah line all the way to Placerville. Hunters need many preference points to draw elk or mule deer tags.
This unit consistently yields big elk and mule deer. Hunter success is good even though hunters must deal with dense cover and few hike more than a mile from roads. The muzzleloader elk season offers a good chance to take a trophy class bull.