Quick Tips
- Bring a fly rod to fish the South Platte near Deckers
- Bears can invade camps
- Scout before the season
- Heavy hunting pressure
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 120"-130" | 130"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 320"+ |
On The Ground
Some habitat is recovering from the Waldo Canyon fire in 2012. About 60% of the unit is public.
Competition is high during archery and rifle seasons. Some elk and mule deer are big enough to qualify for archery record books, but are scattered throughout the unit.
Terrain
Mountainous with streams and canyons, including part of Colorado Springs. The borders of this unit include the eastern, northern and southern boundaries of the U.S. Air Force Academy grounds.
Roughly 362 square miles
62% public land
Elevations from 6,400-9,423 feet
Vegetation
Lower elevations—foothills with oakbrush, sage, juniper and pinyons. Middle elevations—pinyon, juniper, oakbrush and ponderosa pine. Higher elevations—some aspen, ponderosa pine and grassy meadows
Access
Forest Service, county and state roads provide access. Rampart Range road north of Rampart Reservoir is a good access road. Check locally for travel routes south of Rampart Reservoir because of the Waldo Canyon fire.
Wet conditions might require four-wheel-drive
ATVs useful on designated trails and roads
Camping and Lodging
There are numerous campgrounds in Pike National Forest. Woodland Park has all services. Enjoy steaks at the Tabeguache Steakhouse. Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center is worth the time to visit.
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