Quick Tips
- Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- North Fork Valley known for wine
- Hire horses to pack in or out
- Be in shape
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 170"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 280"+ |
On The Ground
Good deer and elk populations are present here and hunters who are willing to put in the time can find some great opportunities. Much of the later season hunting will take place in and around private lands and hunters will need to be prepared to accurately map out private boundaries. The eastern side of the unit contains a good deal of public land and there are some great opportunities to escape the crowds here.
A hunter who puts forth the effort and energy to get a few miles from roads or hunts private land will have a chance a great buck during their hunt. The Gunnison National Forest is extremely difficult terrain, requiring hunters to be in excellent shape. Colorado Route 92 divides elk summer and winter ranges.
Terrain
Broad mesas, deep canyons, steep mountains, high ridges and rocky outcroppings will challenge any elk hunter in the national forest or on BLM. Mountains to the east, dry mesas and canyons to the west, require hunters to prepare for vastly different and difficult topography.
Roughly 507 square miles
56.6% public land
Elevations from 5,025-11,787 feet
Vegetation
BLM has juniper/pinyon, sagebrush, buck brush, oak brush and grasses. Foothills are a mix of ponderosa pines, service berry, oak brush, aspen and tall sagebrush leading to mountainous terrain containing oak brush, service berry, spruce and aspen covered slopes with open alpine parks.
Access
East of Colorado Route 92 is a mix of private, BLM and national forest. West of Colorado Route 92 the ownership is split between private, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and BLM. Forest Service Roads 713 (Crystal Creek) and 712 (Smith Fork) lead to national forest but are extremely rough in higher elevations.
Gunnison River forms southern and western boundary
Winter weather possible during any season
Rough terrain makes travel difficult
Four wheel drive vehicles and ATV's recommended
Camping and Lodging
Crawford State Recreation Area provides two campgrounds, Iron Creek and Clear Fork Campground with a total of 66 RV and tent campsites. The Gunnison National Forest and BLM allow camping. Communities of Hotchkiss, Crawford, Montrose, Delta and Grand Junction provide hunters with motels, hotels, hospitals, airports, service for trucks and cars, gas, shopping and restaurants.
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