Quick Tips
- Carry a GPS unit and a detailed land ownership map
- Scout before the season
- Hunt away from main roads
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 300"+ |
On The Ground
Southwest of Alamosa and east of Durango with the New Mexico line on the south, this unit is mostly winter range for elk and mule deer, much of it in the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.
A few resident animals stay year-round, but most elk and deer found here during hunting seasons are migratory. There is not a lot of public access.
Terrain
Most of the unit consists of small mountain ranges that are separated by valleys about 2,500 feet lower in elevation than the higher peaks. At the base of the mountains are rolling foothills. Most of the southern half is in the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.
Roughly 366 square miles
20.7% public land
Elevations from 6,000-8,500 feet
Vegetation
Low elevations have flats and rolling hills covered in sagebrush, grass, pinyon pines and juniper trees, agricultural fields on the valley floor with scattered cottonwood trees along creeks. Some areas have ponderosa forests and oak brush. Middle and high ground have spruce and fir trees mixed with large, scattered aspen groves make up much of the middle to higher elevations along with flats covered with grass and wildflowers on ridge tops.
Access
Public access is limited by private and tribal land. Public land—what little there is—has well-maintained roads running through it with primitive four-wheel drive roads branching from them. The Southern Ute Tribe issues permits for crossing tribal lands to access landlocked public ground inside the reservation. Tribal members own land that is not in the reservation.
Public lands are managed by the BLM and Forest Service
Four-wheel drive vehicles and ATVs are recommended
Camping and Lodging
A few good camping spots are on public ground off main roads. Pagosa Springs and Durango have motels but are far from hunting areas. Expect to see other hunters near good camping areas.
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