Quick Tips
- Black Canyon of Gunnison has decent trout fly fishing
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 290"+ |
On The Ground
This unit is located in west-central Colorado and lies just south 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
Alkali flats along the western edge slowly rises to areas of ridges, benches, creeks, canyons and gulches, reservoirs and rim rock. Along the eastern edge are irrigated fields, mesas and buttes and drainages.
Roughly 198 square miles
61.8% public land
Elevations from 4,910-10,839 feet
Vegetation
North facing slopes have thick forests of Engelmann spruce and Douglas fir. Lodgepole and ponderosa pine, open parks with lush meadows and aspen forests up to 10,000 feet. Areas of pinyon/juniper, oak brush, sagebrush, mountain mahogany, bitterbrush, Russian olives, cottonwood and willows can be found from about 4,850 feet.
Access
Grand Mesa National Forest can be reached on Forest Service Road 115 off Colorado Route 65 near Island Lake. Off Colorado Route 65 and about 4 miles west of Island Lake Forest Service 100 connects with Flowing Park Road that heads southwest for 8 miles along the northwest boundary of the unit.
Wet weather can make county and forest service roads muddy
Four-wheel drive and chains recommended
Camping and Lodging
Grand Mesa National Forest has some improved campgrounds. Island Lake and Little Bear are located off Colorado Route 65 on the shores of Island Lake. BLM allows camping. Communities of Delta, Hotchkiss, Paonia, and Orchard City provide motels, food, gas and diesel. Delta has a regional hospital.
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