Quick Tips
- Many lakes provide trout fishing
- Backpack and horseback hunting in remote areas
- During crowded seasons, sit and glass cover
- Grand Junction has big sporting goods stores
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 300"+ |
On The Ground
This unit is located in west-central Colorado and lies just outside of the town of Grand Junction. This smaller unit is largely public and provides great hunting opportunities for all hunters. Good populations of deer and elk are found here but it can take some effort to locate good mature animals. Later in the year this units deer and elk populations will be centered heavily around the lower elevations where private land is commonly encountered. Land ownership maps will be heavily important here at this time.
Hunters who hunt on private land or hike around private parcels to reach remote, lightly hunted areas have a good chance of taking bigger bucks and small to medium size branched-antler bulls.
Terrain
The high country here is the west end of the Grand Mesa, which is mostly flat and ranges chiefly between 9,000 and 10,500 feet above sea level. On the west and north ends land drops steeply from the mesa to the valley floor thousands of feet below. Rough country is limited to hunters who travel by foot or horseback. Private lands along the Colorado River and near U.S. Highway 50 hold deer year round but have more animals if deep snow has covered feed in the high country. Elk stay at high elevations until a lot of of snow is on the ground. The east end contains a large portion of Grand Mesa National Forest, some of which is closed to motor vehicles. Good road and ATV trails lead into drainages. During the summer and early fall many ATV enthusiasts explore this terrain.
Roughly 328 square miles
71.4% public land
Elevations from 4,700-10,700 feet
Vegetation
Dense Engelmann spruce intermingled with lodgepole pines grow at high elevations, where meadows and sagebrush stands surrounded by trees provide deer and elk feed. Middle elevations have Douglas fir, aspens and thick oak brush. Low elevations have pinyon/juniper, sagebrush, oak brush, grasses and other browse. Animals get water at many springs, small lakes and perennial streams.
Access
Maintained roads, primitive four-wheel-drive roads and ATV trails provide good access to most public land. Large tracts of private land are at various elevations, including on the Grand Mesa. Hunters looking to get away from crowds can hunt Horse Creek and Whitewater Creek drainages. Most BLM land sits from middle to low elevations. Rain and snow can make the roads muddy and slick.
Carry a GPS unit with land ownership overlay
ATVs are recommended, but not a necessity
Four-wheel-drive vehicles with chains needed on slick dirt roads
Some remote areas
Camping and Lodging
Many options for modern lodging can be found in Grand Junction and some of the surrounding areas. Primitive camping is another popular option for hunters that want to remain slightly more mobile. Gear and grocery needs can be met throughout the unit but the best selection will be found in Grand Junction.
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