At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Lots of roads
- Glass at dawn and dusk
- Cover a lot of ground when glassing
- Few other hunters
- Hunt near farmland
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | Dummy | Dummy |
| Elk | Dummy | Dummy |
| Antelope | Dummy | Dummy |


Hunters discussing Unit 2 in Colorado generally highlight the unit's high demand due to excellent elk and mule deer populations, making it a coveted area despite tough draw odds. Many emphasize the challenging terrain that requires physical preparedness and familiarity with the forests and open landscapes. Seasonality and weather patterns significantly influence game movement, so staying adaptable and informed about current conditions is crucial. Successful hunters suggest thoroughly scouting the area beforehand and utilizing reliable maps to identify key zones, as these strategies can lead to a more efficient and rewarding hunting experience.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | Dummy | Dummy |
| Elk | Dummy | Dummy |
| Antelope | Dummy | Dummy |
As a premium destination for mule deer and elk hunters for a number of years, this unit is near Utah and borders both Wyoming and Dinosaur National Monument. Hunters need several preference points to draw deer or elk tags. Plenty of public lands are found here along with good access, easy terrain and few tags.
Because of the low tag numbers, any hunters in this unit will be in for an excellent and enjoyable hunt. Public access is excellent and hunters will have nearly free reign of the entire area.
This unit runs between Dinosaur National Monument and the Wyoming border, and its western boundary varies from about five to 20 miles from the Utah borderline. Rolling foothills and long mesas between 6,000 to 7,000 feet above sea level comprise most of the terrain, which also has several washes and gullies with dry creek drainages. Vermillion Bluffs in the central part of the unit is at 7,204 feet. Douglas Mountain in the southwest corner is 8,593 feet in elevation.
State Road 318 divides the lower third of the south, giving access to several BLM roads to the Sand Wash Basin Wild Horse Management Area. Road 318 also gives access to Douglas Mountain. BLM Road 10N is part of the western boundary and provides excellent access to BLM land. BLM Road 4 provides access in the north and northeast. Some property owned by energy companies may be hunted. Check with the BLM to learn which land is open.
Sagebrush grasslands cover most of the land with scattered buckbrush, oak brush and bitterbrush. Pinyons and junipers provide cover in several drainages, and there is a little dark timber with pine trees and Douglas Firs.
No motels or hotels are close to this area. However, hunters can camp on BLM land and at designated sites in Dinosaur National Monument.
Roughly 1,194 square miles
91.2% public land
Elevations from 5,100-8,593 feet
Well-maintained roads in the north and south
ATVs are recommended but not necessary
Four-wheel-drive vehicles and tire chains are recommended