Quick Tips
- Carry GPS and land ownership map
- Many tourists hike and climb in wilderness areas
- North end is remote
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 180"+ |
| Elk | 270"-310" | 320"+ |
On The Ground
Unit 77 is Northwest of Pagosa Springs and holds a variety of terrain and some remote backcountry. With healthy herds of mule deer and elk, it offers a good hunt for mature bucks and bulls.
Hunters willing to stay dedicated throughout the season will have a chance to hunt big mule deer bucks. Bull elk in this unit aren't managed for trophy potential. Expect to see other hunters afield.
Terrain
On the north end, the mountain peaks tower above large basins at the head of steep creek drainages, leading down to the valley floor. The southeast region is lower in elevation and is close to the rolling valley floor near Pagosa Springs. Much of the western side consists of rolling mountains and creek drainages with the Piedra River running north and south.
Roughly 557 square miles
82.7% public land
Elevations from 7,500-13,148 feet
Vegetation
Low elevations have flats and rolling hills covered with sagebrush, oak brush, aspen and different conifer trees. Middle elevations consist of spruce and fir trees mixed with large, scattered aspen groves along with flats covered with grass and wildflowers on ridges. High elevations have steep slopes leading to peaks above timberline and are covered in grass, wildflowers and loose scrabble.
Access
There are a few primitive four-wheel-drive roads and ATV trails that branch off of well-maintained roads which access much of the national forest land. Backcountry trails are marked for hiking and horseback riding.
Good public access at higher elevations
Four-wheel-drive recommended
Camping and Lodging
To camp in the wilderness areas and much of the high country, you must backpack or pack with horses. Good camping sites on public land along roads and in forest service campgrounds are near hunting areas, so expect to see other hunters. Pagosa Springs, located in the southeast corner offers lodging.
Be familiar with rules for camping in wilderness
Test backpacking gear in advance
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