Colorado Unit 481 Hunting Information

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Overview of CO GMU 481 Hunting Facts

Unit 481 includes part of the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness and a section of the Sawatch Mountains in the San Isabel National Forest. Hunters who are physically capable and are up to the challenge of hunting rugged and remote terrain have a good chance of seeing mature mule deer and elk. There are not many antelope here, but those that are can be found in lower elevations. For more Colorado Unit 481 hunting information, check out the Info for Cities Near Unit 481 section on the right.

Table of Contents

CO Unit 481 Species Hunting Info

INFO: Mule Deer Hunting in Colorado Unit 481
During archery, muzzleloader, and early rifle season, glass high basins in the San Isabel National Forest. Cottonwood creeks in the south and Clohesy Lake basin in the north have proven to be successful in the past. During 2nd and 3rd rifle season, bucks are normally scattered in canyons, breaking out of bachelor groups. Stay near open slopes in the early and late hours of the day. Check near sagebrush flats and scattered stands of ponderosa pines, oak brush, pinyon pines and junipers. Tags drawn in this season are also valid in units: 48, 56, 561

SUCCESS RATES for Mule Deer Hunting in Colorado Unit 481
5 Year Estimated Average for Deer
Archery 29%
Muzzleloader 10%
Early Rifle 41%
2nd Rifle 33%
3rd Rifle 43%
Mule Deer TROPHY QUALITY for Unit 481 Colorado
Average Quality 140″ – 160″
Trophy Potential 170″+
Buck to Doe Ratio 18:100
Colorado Unit 481 Mule Deer Hunting FORUM Coming Soon!

INFO: Elk Hunting in Colorado Unit 481
Though this unit is not known for trophy class bulls, hunters have had success here in the past. Look for elk near grassy meadows in aspen groves and on steep slopes covered by spruces and firs. Elk tend to avoid trails and areas that are used by hikers. Unit 481 does not have restrictions on antler size.

SUCCESS RATES for Elk Hunting in Colorado Unit 481
5 Year Estimated Average for Elk
Archery 17%
Muzzleloader 24%
1st Rifle 32%
2nd Rifle 27%
3rd Rifle 18%

Elk TROPHY QUALITY for Unit 481 Colorado
Average Quality 260″ – 300″
Trophy Potential 300″+
Bull to Cow Ratio 22:100
Colorado Unit 481 Elk Hunting FORUM Coming Soon!

INFO: Antelope Hunting in Colorado Unit 481
Tags for muzzleloader season are easier to draw than rifle tags, but many pronghorns are on private property so you will need to have permission to hunt certain areas. Most hunters spot and stalk, using binoculars and spotting scopes to find and evaluate bucks. Tags drawn in this season are also valid in unit 56 and 48.

SUCCESS RATES for Antelope Hunting in Colorado Unit 481
5 Year Estimated Average for Antelope
Archery 9%
Muzzleloader 43%
Rifle 70%
Antelope TROPHY QUALITY for Unit 481 Colorado
Average Quality 60″ – 65″
Trophy Potential 65″+
Buck to Doe Ratio 3:100
Colorado Unit 481 Antelope Hunting FORUM Coming Soon!

Available Hunts

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Cities Near CO Unit 481

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Colorado Unit 481 Topo Map

Total Acreage: 181,120 acres over 283 square miles

Total Public Land: 143,084 acres or 79%

Land Ownership Mix: 21% Private; 79% Public

Species: Black Bear, Elk, Mule Deer, Moose, Pronghorn

Elevation Variances: 7,700 ft. to 14,420 ft.

Terrain Difficulty Overall: Mild to Moderat

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Lay of the Land in CO Unit 481

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Terrain in GMU 481 CO

With eight mountain peaks reaching higher than 14,000 feet , including some of the highest summits in the state, unit 481 tends to be more rugged and remote. Underneath peaks are basins that lead to deep canyons. Leading up to the mouth of the canyons are rolling foothills.
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Vegetation in GMU Unit 481 CO

Lower elevations have flats and rolling hills covered with sagebrush, grass, pinyon pines and juniper trees. Agricultural fields on the valley floor are scattered with cottonwood trees along creeks. Some areas have ponderosa pines and oak brush. Middle elevations consist mainly of spruce and fir trees mixed with large, scattered aspen groves along with flats covered with grass and wildflowers on ridges. High elevations have steep slopes leading to the peaks above timberline. Some areas are covered in grass, wildflowers and loose scrabble.
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Access Points in CO GMU 481

A few four-wheel drive roads and ATV trails branch from well-maintained roads that access much of the national forest land. Backcountry trails are marked for hiking and horseback riding. Much of the north is in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. Four-wheel-drive vehicles and ATVs are recommended.