Quick Tips
- Be prepared physically and mentally to hunt the high country
- Scout before hunting
- Let optics cover the ground for you
- Hunt away from roads and main hiking trails
- A lot of hiking tourists in backcountry
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 180"+ |
| Elk | 260"-280" | 280"+ |
On The Ground
East of Durango, this unit runs north from the New Mexico border past Silverton and has healthy herds of elk and mule deer. Most of the northern half is in the San Juan National Forest, while the south is mostly private and tribal property.
Hunters up to the challenge of hunting hard in rugged, remote terrain have a good chance to take mature bucks and branched-antler bulls. Elk are heavily hunted because the state does not limit the number of tags it sells for the late October and early November seasons. Early seasons are conducive to backpack hunting.
Terrain
East of Durango, this unit ranges from flat alfalfa fields and low, arid foothills to many high, rugged peaks above timberline. Heavily forested, steep mountains dominate the northern half of this unit, which is mostly in the San Juan National Forest, including part of the Weminuche Wilderness. Most Forest Service land is more than 8,500 feet in elevation with many peaks ranging from about 12,500 to more than 13,000 feet. The northern tip is BLM land that includes many private mining claims. The southern half of the unit is mostly private flatland and rolling foothills although most of the southern most six or seven miles are lowlands in the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.
Roughly 646 square miles
45% public land
Elevations from 6,000-13,292 feet
Vegetation
Low elevations are mainly flat, rolling hills covered with sagebrush, pinyon pines and juniper trees. In the south, valley bottoms contain alfalfa fields. Middle elevations have steep slopes, heavily forested with spruce and fir trees mixed with scattered aspen groves. A few flats have grassy ridges with wildflowers. High elevations have wildflowers carpeting the bottoms of the high alpine basins, where streams are lined with willows. Steep slopes leading to the peaks are covered in grass, wildflowers and loose rock scrabble.
Access
This unit has a mix of public road access and roadless wilderness. A few well-maintained roads run through parts of the unit. Branching from them are primitive four-wheel-drive roads and ATV trails. The Weminuche Wilderness has well-marked and well-maintained hiking trails. Wet or snowy weather, which are likely in late fall, could make driving on some roads and trails difficult.
Good public access
Four-wheel drive or ATV recommended
Much private land in the south
Camping and Lodging
Good campsites are on public land along roads near hunting areas. You must backpack or use horses to reach wilderness and high country. Motels are in Durango and Silverton but are far from some hunting areas.
Expect other hunters near good camping areas
Test backpacking gear before hunting
Know wilderness camping rules
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