Quick Tips
- Get permission to hunt before applying for a tag
- Good potential for Boone and Crockett caliber whitetail bucks
- Carry a spotting scope to see and judge game
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
On The Ground
Like most of the eastern plains, this unit is almost entirely private and holds whitetail deer, mule deer and pronghorn antelope.
The hard part about hunting in this unit is getting permission to hunt private land. It might be possible to get access for pronghorn hunting, but expect to pay to hunt mule deer or whitetail. Antelope mostly north of Fort Lyon Canal. There are no resident elk in this unit. There is good whitetail hunting along the Arkansas River and mule deer favor sand sage and rough terrain near crop fields.
Terrain
This land is virtually flat with the Arkansas River and John Martin Reservoir forming its southern boundary. Most land within five miles of the river and reservoir is irrigated. A large part of the northern half of the unit also is farmland. Between are thousands of acres of rangeland and low hills.
Roughly 675 square miles
15.5% public land
Elevations from 3,731-4,538 feet
Vegetation
Sage and prairie grasses with cottonwoods, tamarisk, willows and other brush along river bottoms and creek beds.
Access
Good county roads provide access to state wildlife areas and private ranch and farm properties. Public lands tend to be overcrowded with hunters. Expect to pay to hunt private land. Colorado Parks and Wildlife administers three large state wildlife areas in Unit 126.
19,471-acre John Martin State Wildlife Area (partly in Units 125 and 146)
13,580-acre Karney Ranch State Wildlife Area
13,886-acre Queens State Wildlife Area (partly in Unit 127)
Camping and Lodging
Campgrounds near John Martin reservoir are open seasonally. Lamar to the east and La Junta to the west provide all services. The Country Acres Motel and RV Park in Lamar is a good place if you have an RV or trailer. Clementine’s is a decent steakhouse in Lamar.
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