Colorado Unit 61 Hunting Information

INFO: Mule Deer Hunting in Colorado Unit 61
The mule deer population has stumbled a little bit the past few years, but it is on the mend. The deer tags are extremely limited in this unit, which helps keep the numbers growing and the hunting pressure down. This, in turn, will lead to a larger population but also to a higher percentage of mature bucks. Unit 61, being located in the southern portion of the state, is known to have warm temperatures in the archery and muzzleloader seasons. Therefore, these early season hunts would best be strategized to include wallowing sites and water sources. In addition to keeping cool by water, deer will also retreat to thicker cover vegetation to escape the heat. As the temperatures cool, rifle season will begin and the deer will be moving from the highlands into the lower lying areas. Each season will have its own set of challenges, but having an understanding of the deer and the area will dramatically increase your chances of taking a huge buck in unit 61.

SUCCESS RATES for Mule Deer Hunting in Colorado Unit 61
5 Year Estimated Average for Deer
Archery 20%
Muzzle Loader 45%
2nd Rifle 50%
3rd Rifle 60%

Mule Deer TROPHY QUALITY for Unit 61 Colorado
Average Quality 160″ – 180″
Trophy Potential 180″+
Buck to Doe Ratio 31:100
Colorado Unit 61 Mule Deer Hunting FORUM Coming Soon!

INFO: Elk Hunting in Colorado Unit 61
Colorado Unit 61 is undoubtedly, one of the state’s most reputable and esteemed trophy bull units. Due to the elevated bull to cow ratio, the rut is longer-lasting and more exciting than other Colorado GMU’s. The elk herd is flourishing in this unit with increasing numbers every year. Unit 61 is a stand-alone unit for all tags in all seasons. Archery and the early season are all valid for hunting elk of either sex. Unit 61 is also friendly to those hunters that choose to hunt closer to camp with numerous accounts of big kills being scored after less than a mile of travel, especially during the rut when bugling can be heard without any scout work. It is not uncommon to hear and see 5 to 10 screaming bulls in a single day hunting. The elk are definitely not shy here.

SUCCESS RATES for Elk Hunting in Colorado Unit 61
5 Year Estimated Average for Elk
Archery 40%
Muzzle Loader 60%
1st Rifle 60%
2nd Rifle 50%
3rd Rifle 60%
4th Rifle 65%
Elk TROPHY QUALITY for Unit 61 Colorado
Average Quality 300″ – 340″
Trophy Potential 350″+
Bull to Cow Ratio 19:100
Colorado Unit 61 Elk Hunting FORUM Coming Soon!

INFO: Antelope Hunting in Colorado Unit 61
With an OTC archery antelope tag, a hunter can take on a new and adventurous challenge. Antelope are very aware of their surroundings, so be sure to have a plan. The semi-desert ecosystem coupled with water sources in the proximity create the perfect environment for pronghorn. The flat terrain with vegetative cover provides cover and food sources for the herds. The water sources create a location for the herds to congregate into larger groups, especially during the warmer months.