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Unit 72

Last Updated: Jun 12, 2024
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Quick Tips

  • Be mobile and willing to move camp
  • Hunt near water sources
  • Let good optics cover the ground for you
  • Don't expect large numbers of game
SpeciesGeneral SizeTrophy Potential
Mule Deer140"-160"170"+
Elk260"-300"300"+

On The Ground

Hunting is allowed on Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, which covers most of the public land in this unit and has good road access. The Southern Ute Indian Reservation, which is closed to public hunting, comprises the southern half of the unit.

There is good public access in the north on BLM land, but this is not a good unit for elk.

Terrain

Irrigated fields are along U.S. Route 491 in the south, lying below foothills bordering the Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. Most of the monument is composed of broken desert canyonlands leading west to the Utah border. Elevations are about 6,000 feet above sea level. The southern half of the unit is part of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, where hunting is prohibited.

  • Roughly 978 square miles

  • 28.7% public land

  • Elevations from 4,925-8,410 feet

Mostly rolling hills covered in sagebrush, juniper and pinyon pines with sparse cottonwood trees along creeks. There are irrigated fields on private property in the valley bottoms.

Public access is limited by private and tribal land. Public lands have well-maintained roads that branch into primitive four-wheel-drive roads. No vehicles are allowed in Cross Canyon Wilderness Study Area in the north.

  • Most public lands are managed by the BLM

  • Four-wheel-drive vehicles and ATVs are recommended

Most hunters camp along roads on public ground. The closest town with lodging is Cortez. Campers must follow National Park Service regulations.

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