Quick Tips
- Let optics cover the country for you
- Be mobile and willing to move camp
- Hunt away from roads and main trails
- Expect to see other hunters
- Hunt low in cold, snowy weather
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 310"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-70" | 75"+ |
On The Ground
Where the eastern plains meets the Rockies northwest of Alamosa, this unit has elk, deer and a few antelope. Much of the low terrain in the east is private agricultural land.
This area produces mule deer, elk and pronghorns. There is good road access through most of the area and private lands on east side of unit.
Terrain
Elevations are mostly between 8,000 and 10,000 feet in elevation with the lows at 7,500 feet and some peaks exceeding 12,000 feet. Much of the unit is covered in high ridges between creek drainages, and valleys are on those ridges. The eastern third is mostly flat with some gentle foothills.
Roughly 420 square miles
75% public land
Elevations from 7,683-12,063 feet
Vegetation
Low elevations—Flats with rolling hills covered in sagebrush, grass, pinyon pines and juniper trees. Agricultural fields are in the valley floor, and a few scattered cottonwood trees grow along the creeks. Middle elevations—Slopes are heavily forested with spruce and fir trees mixed with large, scattered aspen groves. On ridge tops are flats covered with grass and wildflowers. High elevations—Grass wildflowers and loose rock scrabble cover steep slopes.
Access
Much of the unit has good public road access. A few well-maintained roads branch into primitive four-wheel-drive roads and ATV trails. Some routes are impassable in wet or snowy weather.
Good public access
Four-wheel-drive vehicles and ATVs are recommended
Private land limits access in the east
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters camp along roads on public ground. Several good places to camp are at high elevations near roads. Del Norte and Monte Vista are the only nearby towns with hotels.
Lodging in Del Norte or Monte Vista
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