Quick Tips
- Lots of high mountain lakes with trout fishing
- Close to tourist towns of Vail and Glenwood Springs
- Backpack and horseback hunters can hunt remote areas
- Glass at dawn and dusk
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 170"-190" | 190"+ |
| Elk | 270"-310" | 310"+ |
On The Ground
This unit is located in Central Colorado and lies just south of the town of Eagle. Great distributions o public land can be found here along with some incredible hunting opportunities. Great populations of elk can be found here but the mule deer populations are the main focus for many hunters. Rifle tags take many points to draw but the quality of hunting is well worth the wait.
Elk hunters have a good opportunity to take branch-antlered bulls. This is a great mule deer unit with few nonresident tags available but playing the points game can lead to fantastic hunting.
Terrain
Some impressive peaks tower over this unit, which lies south of Interstate 70 and north of the divide on Red Table Mountain in the White River National Forest. Much winter range is private property near Edwards, Wolcott, Eagle and Gypsum. The unit contains part of the Holy Cross Wilderness, named after its highest peak, 14,005-foot Mount of the Holy Cross, which is in the bordering Unit 45. Peaks in 44 range from about 9,500-12,500 feet above sea level. Hunters can choose between easy-to-reach and remote areas. In late summer and early fall most game animals are at high elevations, where hunting can be difficult. From mid-September until mid-November deer and elk tend to stay in heavy cover. Some places are so remote that few hunters ever visit them.
Roughly 377 square miles
81.5% public land
Elevations from 6,100-13,000 feet
Vegetation
Most high ridges and slopes above 11,000 feet are treeless with water and low-lying alpine vegetation. Most north slopes below 11,000 feet are timbered, mostly with firs and spruces, while middle elevations have Douglas fir, aspens, grass meadows and sagebrush. Low elevations have pinion, juniper, sagebrush, oak brush, grasses and other browse. Water is scattered with many springs, small lakes and perennial streams.
Access
Good access to the most of the unit, mostly from access roads branching from I-70. Much winter range is private. I-70 is the northern boundary.
Well-maintained roads in the north
GPS unit with land ownership overlay recommended
ATVs are recommended but not a necessity
Snow and rain can impede travel
Lots of remote areas to hunt
Camping and Lodging
Eagle caters to hunters with lodging options and places to buy gas, groceries, sporting goods and other supplies. Camping is allowed on federal land. Specific gear needs will likely need to be met before leaving on the hunt.
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