Quick Tips
- The terrain is ideal for glassing
- Map showing land ownership will be helpful
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 120"-140" | 150"+ |
| Elk | 260"-280" | 300"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-75" | 75"+ |
On The Ground
This mostly private northeastern unit runs from Roy to Clayton and borders Texas. Mule deer, whitetail deer, pronghorn antelope and a few elk live here, roaming among crop fields, plains, canyons cut below the plains, and on foothills and ridges above the prairie.
Deer and pronghorn hunters consistently record high success rates on mature animals. Elk are few in number, but hunting pressure is low, so some bulls get big. Mule deer have declined in number and quality but hunting still remains good.
Terrain
Thousands of acres of Kiowa National Grassland are on the eastern and western edges of the unit, while many canyons and draws are in the central part. Most canyons and draws range from 300 to 1,000 feet below the surrounding plains, and ridges and foothills rise a few hundred feet.
Roughly 1,189 square miles
24.5% public land
Elevations range from 4,400 - 6,200 feet
Vegetation
Plains are mostly covered with short prairie grasses. Yuccas and cholla cactus plants are also common. Ridges and canyons are mostly covered by pinyon pines and junipers. Many crop fields, including center-pivot-irrigated hay fields, are south of Clayton.
Access
A good network of maintained and primitive roads that reach many public tracts are found within the unit. Many state properties are landlocked by private lands, but some can be reached by coming from different directions. The Kiowa National Grassland has large expanses along the western and eastern borders. The grassland is not a contiguous stretch of public property but includes many private properties and scattered state and BLM tracts. Some public parts can be reached by the public; others can’t. Primary roads are U.S. Highway 56, which runs west of Clayton and forms the northern boundary, Highways 402 and 562 in the east, and Highways 120 and 39 in the west.
Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended
ATVs can come in handy on rough roads
Camping and Lodging
Many motels and hotels are in Clayton and Roy. Some are franchised with national chains, while others are local independent motels. A KOA campground and RV park is in Clayton.
A state park at Clayton Lake has five campgrounds
Mills Canyon Campground has 12 campsite and is 19 miles by road from Roy
No camping or parking within 300 yards of water sources
If you buy a landowner voucher, ask about camping on the property
Some ranchers offer lodging and sometimes even meals
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