Quick Tips
- Wray Museum
- History of the eastern plains
- Pheasant hunting on CRP and state land
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-160" | 190"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
| Antelope | 70"-75" | 75"+ |
On The Ground
South of Wray, the Arikaree River drainage and Conservation Reserve Programs lands provide cover for mule deer and whitetails. A small number of antelope are also present. Most of the land is private or leased from the state with no public access.
Trophy class mule deer and whitetails are taken each fall though it can be difficult to access private land.
Terrain
Vast shortgrass and sand hills prairie, large sandsage areas, Arikaree River drainage, North and South Forks of Spring Canyon, Jacks Gulch and many sections of rolling Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands.
Roughly 739 square miles
7.4% public land
Elevations from 3,432-4,479 feet
Vegetation
50% of the land is sandsage and prairie sand hills. Large sections of dry land corn and domestic sunflowers are combined with center pivot irrigated corn, wheat, and alfalfa. Cottonwoods, Russian olive, yucca and prickly cactus are also present.
Access
State lands: Sandy Bluffs 3,682 acres, north of Idalia on County Road DD at Arickaree River. Access restricted as posted. Species present whitetail, antelope and mule deer. Simmons 2,157 acres, from Wray head south 5 miles on Highway 385 to County Road 30, head southeast to County Road JJ, head east to parking lot. Foot access only and camping is prohibited. Species present mule deer and whitetails.Arikaree 2,320 acres, is seven miles east of Wray on U.S. Highway 34 and six miles south on County Road RR to County Road 31 along the Kansas line. Public access is restricted to foot traffic only from designated parking areas. Camping is prohibited. Species present are whitetails and mule deer.Willow Creek 920 acres go south of Wray on U.S. Highway 385 to County Road 30, then east to County Road NN, go south to parking area. Foot access only from designated parking areas and camping is prohibited. Species present whitetails and mule deer.
Major highways include; U.S. Highways 385, 34, and 36, Colorado Route 59 and County Roads PP and Railroad. These roads connect with numerous county and secondary roads.
Wet weather creates slick and rutted conditions
Four wheel drive recommend
Thunderstorms can create flooded roadways in low areas
Use caution when crossing dry washes
Camping and Lodging
Wray and Yuma are the closest communities in Colorado providing motels, restaurants, gas, diesel and medical facilities. St. Francis, Kansas offers motels, gas and restaurants. Haigler, Nebraska has limited gas and small cafes.
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