Quick Tips
- Let optics cover the ground for you
- Black bears are common
- Hunt away from roads
- Expect to see hiking tourists
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 180"+ |
| Elk | N/A | 280"+ |
On The Ground
A long and narrow unit north of Durango, the majority of this unit is part of the San Juan National Forest and is home to many elk and mule deer. Hunters must draw tags for all deer seasons as well as for the first and fourth rifle elk seasons. Some places are crowded with hunters who have bought elk tags over the counter.
If you enjoy hunting in high country but don't want an extremely strenuous hunt, this unit offers a good opportunity to take a branched-antler bull and a mature buck mule deer. Much of the unit lends itself to backpack hunting and there is road access in several drainages.
Terrain
Much of the unit is 8,000-10,000 feet in elevation and some ridges and peaks are from 12,000-13,000 feet well above timberline, which is about 11,500 feet. The unit is heavily forested with steep creek drainages, with flats and foothills in the south.
Roughly 595 square miles
85.9% public land
Elevations from 6,000-13,000 feet
Vegetation
Low elevations mainly consist of rolling hills covered in sagebrush, oak brush and pinyon pines with sparse cottonwood trees along creeks. Middle elevations consist of steep slopes covered in aspen, fir and spruce trees. The tops of ridges have some flats with grass and wildflowers. High elevations have steep slopes above timberline, mainly rock scrabble with grass, wildflowers and scrub conifers. Alpine willows grow in the bottoms of high basins.
Access
Much of the unit has public road access, thanks to mining. A few well-maintained roads run through the unit, with primitive four-wheel-drive or ATV roads branching from them. Some roads and trails could be impassable in wet or snowy weather. Well-marked and maintained trails for hiking and horseback riding lead into much of high country.
Good public access
Four-wheel-drive recommended
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters camp on public land along roads to be close to hunting areas. You must pack into high country by horse or foot to hunt near or above timberline. Motels are in Durango and Silverton but are not close to hunting areas.
Weather can change quickly
Expect to see other hunters near good camping areas
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