Quick Tips
- Bring a shotgun to hunt rabbits and small game
- Bring a fishing rod and trout fishing tackle
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 300"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-65" | 70"+ |
On The Ground
This unit, which is between Meeker and Maybell, contains thousands of acres of BLM and state property, but most of it is surrounded by private land and therefore, inaccessible to the public. Axial Basin and the Danforth Hills include the largest tracts of accessible public land. The terrain is easy to hunt for elk, mule deer and antelope, and elk and deer tags are easy to get.
Wildlife officials manage this and many other units in the region to give many hunters an opportunity to hunt deer and elk. Hunting on public land is best during November rifle seasons but finding accessible public lands can be tough at times.
Terrain
Gently rolling sagebrush-covered hills, long mesas, long valleys filled with sagebrush, and gradually higher hills make up most of the unit. Hunters will find a generally easy time of walking throughout the unit. Most of the northern half of the unit is sparsely vegetated while the southern half will see a greater distribution of underbrush and pinyon juniper.
Roughly 432 Square miles
43.2% public land
Elevations from 5,957-8,688 feet
Vegetation
Sagebrush, pinyon pines and junipers are the chief plants along with various mountain shrubs such as bitterbrush, along with pinyon and juniper make up most of the vegetation. In the northern portion of the area there is Mountain shrubs along with bitterbrush.
Access
Hunter access is poor except for Axial Basin. Some walk-in access is available in the Danforth Hills, but much of the public ground there cannot be reached by hunters in vehicles. To have good hunting in this unit, hunters need to find a landowner who will grant access to landlocked BLM ground or pay to hunt on private land.
Bring ATVs and four-wheel-drive vehicles
Bring tire chains, a shovel and extra fuel
Camping and Lodging
Many hunters opt to camp on pieces of BLM land but options can be slim at times. Some modern lodging can be found in Meeker on the southern side of the unit.
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