Quick Tips
- Late October rifle season is productive
- Glass all day
- Change elevations if you don't see deer
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 180"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 300"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-70" | 70"+ |
On The Ground
This mainly public unit consists of mountains, ridges, foothills and low terrain between the Continental Divide and Saguache as well as foothills and drainages north and northeast of town. Hunters can hunt thriving elk and mule deer herds simultaneously. Some pronghorn antelope are also known to inhabit low country, too.
This unit holds good summer and winter range. It is conducive to spot-and-stalk hunting.
Terrain
Most of this area is mountainous with numerous barren ridges, peaks, basins and slides above timberline and sprawling forests and canyons between the high country and the foothills, which are mostly covered with pinyon and juniper woodland mixed with sagebrush. The lower hills are mild, while high country varies from moderately steep to rough. Huge tracts of public land with good access comprise almost the entire unit. The Rio Grande National Forest lies along the Continental Divide, which is the northern boundary and makes up part of the western border. BLM and state land is between main roads and the forest. The Continental Divide runs from about 9,000- 11,000 feet above sea level and as high as 12,228 feet.
Roughly 444 square miles
87.6% public land
Elevations from 7,600-12,228 feet
Vegetation
Above timberline are grassy parks with willows and shrubs in basins. Engelmann spruces mingle with lodgepole pines in the high country below timberline, while Douglas firs, aspens, grasses and sagebrush grow at middle elevations. Low terrain is covered by pinyons and junipers, many of them spaced far enough apart that grasses grow among them. Other low-elevation plants include sagebrush, oak brush, serviceberries and other browse plants.
Access
Roads provide good access to public land, and many are well-maintained, while others are rough and more suited to ATVs than full-size vehicles.
Most hunters use access roads off Highways 114 and 285
Four-wheel-drive vehicles and ATVs are recommended
Snow and rain can impede travel
Camping and Lodging
Saguache has lodging, gas, groceries and other supplies. Camping is permitted on almost all federal land.
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