Hunters discussing Unit 31 in Colorado emphasize its challenging terrain and the importance of good physical conditioning when navigating the area. Seasonal conditions can greatly affect accessibility, suggesting that hunters should plan accordingly for various weather scenarios. There is a consensus that understanding animal behavior in relation to local topography is crucial to success, with many recommending pre-season scouting to increase familiarity. Overall, the unit is valued for its diverse wildlife opportunities, but hunters advise careful planning and adaptability to make the most of their trips.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | Dummy | Dummy |
| Elk | Dummy | Dummy |
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North of Interstate 70 at De Beque are thousands of acres of BLM lands and large private ranches that allow large herds of elk and deer to mature. Rugged terrain helps keep hunting pressure low.
This unit was largely burned during the 2020 Pine Gulch Fire. Hunters should be aware that the landscape will be vastly different in areas and animal movements and habits may have changed.
Open sagebrush flats and rolling hills, steep canyons, creeks, vast areas of rim rock, natural springs, mesas, plateaus, long ridges, mountains, draws, alkali flats and a portion of the Colorado River.
Douglas Pass travels to the western boundary then heads south to Kimball Mountain Road. State land Piceance about 5,000 on the northern edge is reached by heading west of Meeker on Colorado Route 64, then south on County Road 5 to 26. Remote hunting areas can be reached by foot, horseback, four-wheel-drive jeeps, or ATVs. Snow above 8,000 feet makes roads impassable without chains.
Landscape changes as elevation increases. Pinyon/juniper can be found here as well as sagebrush-covered hillsides, gullies and creek choke with oak brush, cottonwoods and willows, irrigated crops, hayfields, aspen, spruce, fir and ponderosa pine.
BLM lands offers camping. Grand Junction along Interstate 70 offers motels, restaurants, a regional airport, gas, diesel and medical facilities. Meeker, to the northeast, is a hunter friendly community that provides motels, cafés, restaurants, gas, diesel and medical facilities. De Beque and Parachute have limited gas, cafés and motels.
Roughly 770 square miles
57.2% public land
Elevations from 5,250-9,035 feet
Wet weather creates extremely muddy roads
Four-wheel-drive traction with chains required