Quick Tips
- Bring a shotgun to hunt waterfowl along the South Platte river
- Hunting supplies are available at Cabela's in Sidney
- Lake McConaughy has good walleye fishing
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 170"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 130"-150" | 150"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 75"+ |
On The Ground
Except for two small state wildlife areas and some scattered state sections surrounded by private land, this unit along the Nebraska border is entirely private. Situated south of Sidney, the grasslands, crop fields and river bottoms that comprise the area support mule deer, whitetail deer and pronghorn antelope.
Terrain
The South Platte River runs parallel to the unit but just outside the southern border along the river bottom, where cottonwood trees grow sparsely above the braided river and its countless sand bars. Almost all property within five miles of the river is composed of circular crop fields that are irrigated by center-pivot wheeled sprinklers. North of the fields to the Nebraska line are rolling grasslands and numerous dry farms. Several intermittent creeks cut through the landscape.
Roughly 374 square miles
7.8% public land
Elevations from 3,500-4,400 feet
Vegetation
Rangeland is covered with silver sagebrush, blue grama, wheatgrass, yuccas and buffalo grass and other prairie plants. Sparse cottonwood trees grow along some creek beds. Irrigated pivot circles of where farmers raise corn and alfalfa comprise most land within five miles of the South Platte River.
Access
U.S. Highway 138 is the southern boundary, while Colorado Route 113 runs along the western edge and the northern border is the Nebraska line. Interstate 80 is just north of the Nebraska border, and Interstate 76 is just south of the unit. An efficient secondary county road system accesses the interior. Ranchers control hunting on about 10,000 acres of state land that they lease for grazing.
Red Lion State Wildlife Area consists of about 1,200 acres off County Road 95. Deer hunting is allowed. Hunters must register no more than 14 days before hunting and no later than noon the day before hunting. To register, phone 800-846-9453.
Duck Creek State Wildlife Area consists of about 1,100 acres off Colorado Highway 55 just north of Crook. Hunting for big and small game animals is allowed.
Camping and Lodging
Motels, restaurants, medical facilities and gas are available in Julesburg near the northeast corner. Hunters can buy fuel or restaurant meals in Ovid, Sedgwick, Crook and Lliff. The town of Sterling is about 25 miles to the southwest while Sidney, Nebraska, is some 10 miles north of the state line. Both these town have motels and other services. Sidney also is the site of the first modern Cabela’s store.
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