Quick Tips
- Scout unit before hunt if possible
- Let optics cover the ground for you
- Hunt away from roads and main hiking trails
- Be prepared physically and mentally to hunt the high country
- Expect to see tourist hiking in backcountry
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 180"+ |
| Elk | 260"-280" | 290"+ |
On The Ground
Roughly centered at Vallecito Reservoir, this unit offers elk and mule deer hunting in the San Juan Mountains, the Weminuche Wilderness, and many thousands of acres of private and public lowlands and foothills.
If you enjoy hunting in high, rugged and remote country, this unit offers a good opportunity to take a mature mule deer buck and a branched-antler bull.There are large numbers of elk. The high terrain lends itself to backpack hunting.
Terrain
Ranging from 6,000 feet all the way up to 14,000 feet at the peaks, this unit offers a wide range of terrain. It goes from rolling hills into steep creek drainages up to high alpine basins topping out with rocky peaks.
Roughly 463 Square miles
72.7% public land
Elevations from 7,500-11,000 feet
Vegetation
Low elevations consist mainly of flat rolling hills covered in sagebrush, pinyon pines and juniper trees. Middle elevations have steep slopes, heavily forested with spruce and fir trees mixed with scattered aspen groves. There are a few flats with grass and wildflowers on the ridge tops. High elevations have steep slopes leading to the peaks that are covered in grass, wildflowers and loose rock scrabble mixed with scrub conifers. The bottoms of the high alpine basins are covered in wildflowers and mountain willows.
Access
The northern part of this unit is limited in road access. It does have a good trail system for hiking and horseback. Trails are well-marked and maintained with good parking at most of the trailheads. The central portion of it has a few well-maintained roads with primitive four-wheel drive or ATV roads branching from them.
Good public access
Four-wheel drive recommended
Southern portion mostly private property
Camping and Lodging
To access the wilderness and high country you will have to backpack or use horses to pack in. There are good camping sites on public land along roads allowing you to camp near hunting areas, expect to see other hunters around the better camping sites. Durango and Silverton are the nearest towns offering motels but are far from this hunting unit.
Be familiar with rules for camping in wilderness areas
Test backpacking gear before hunt
Historical Temperatures
High
Low
Moon Phases
March 2025
23
24
25
26
27
28
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5