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Unit S42

Last Updated: Sep 13, 2021
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Quick Tips

  • Good optics can help immensely
  • Physical preparation can make a big impact on this hunt
speciesgeneral Sizetrophy potential
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep160"-150"160"+

On The Ground

This large unit is located in central Colorado and lies just southwest of the city of Denver. A small population of sheep will be found here but lucky tag holders will have access to thousands of acres of public land. This hunt is not quite as extreme as others when comparing the elevations and terrain but there is a lot of topography present here providing a lot of hiding spots for rams.

This unit does not produce the biggest sheep in the state but it does offer a great opportunity at harvesting mature rams while exploring new country.

Terrain

While this unit doesn't see the elevation change that a lot of surrounding units will it does have a diverse makeup of topography which will easily conceal herds of sheep. Several bodies of water, including the South Platte River, will be encountered here along with plenty of lakes and small springs. Overall, physically accessing most of the areas within this unit will not be difficult but hunters will need to work hard to locate sheep at times.

  • 57% public land

  • Elevations range from 5,400 - 10,400 feet

Lower drainages are lined with cottonwood and willows with oak brush and ponderosa pine found close by. Ridges and gulches leading upward support aspen, ponderosa, lodgepole pines, grassy parks, mountain mahogany and willows. Forests of spruce, fir and pine can cover slopes up to the timberline. On alpine basins and slopes wildflowers, moss, and lichens provide a carpet on the tundra.

A good road and trail system will be found here providing easy access points into most of the sheep country. Heavy hiking and climbing may still be required to reach good sheep country. A large portion of the eastern half of the unit is private although most of the prime sheep habitat will still be found on public lands.

In the town of Denver, hunters will find everything they need from sporting goods and groceries to lodging. A few small cabins can be found along the Platte River that can be rented but most hunters in this area will generally opt to primitive camp. Very few amenities will be found outside of Denver so it will be important to be well prepared and stocked before heading out on the hunt.

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