Colorado Unit 14 Hunting Information

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Overview of CO GMU 14 Hunting Facts

Located in the northwestern territory of Colorado, Unit 14 boasts good elk and mule deer hunting due to the Routt National Forest encompassing practically the entire unit. Its proximity to Steamboat Springs provides hunters a local metropolis with a variety of first-class amenities to stock up for their hunting trip. Though there is civilization at the mid to southern portions of the unit, there is enough solitude for hunters to slip off into a remote area without concern for distractions. Due to the high elevation and cold weather patterns in winter, this unit is best hunted during early seasons such as archery, muzzleloader, and first rifle. For more Colorado Unit 14 hunting information, check out the Info for Cities Near Unit 14 section on the right.

Table of Contents

CO Unit 14 Species Hunting Info

INFO: Mule Deer Hunting in Colorado Unit 14
Because of its high altitudes above 10,000 feet in some places, this unit is occupied by deer mainly in the warmer months when there is still foliage. As the winter gains traction, the deer herds move out of this unit into adjoining units where the elevations are lower. That’s not to say that there are absolutely no deer during the winter months, but the probability is best concentrated towards the western side of the unit where the altitudes are significantly less.

SUCCESS RATES for Mule Deer Hunting in Colorado Unit 14
5 Year Estimated Average for Deer
Archery 37%
Muzzle Loader 55%
Early Rifle 50%
2nd Rifle 40%
3rd Rifle unavailable
4th Rifle unavailable
Mule Deer TROPHY QUALITY for Unit 14 Colorado
Average Quality 140″ – 160″
Trophy Potential 170″+
Buck to Doe Ratio 34:100
Colorado Unit 14 Mule Deer Hunting FORUM Coming Soon!

INFO: Elk Hunting in Colorado Unit 14
Elk hunting in Unit 14 has proven successful in the earlier seasons since the vegetation is abundant. There are substantial numbers of elk populating this unit fueling your chances of success in nabbing a mature bull. The bull to cow ratio is about 1 in 5 with the trophy potential measuring 280” and up. The steep slopes give hunters an optimal vantage point when scouting elk by glassing. This unit’s hunting pressure is very heavy. This is probably due to the OTC elk tags that are available for bow season, as well as 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons. Aside from other hunters, this unit can be crowded with sightseers, hikers, bikers, etc. A handheld GPS device can aid you in keeping track of your location so that when you go off the beaten path in search of a remote area to hunt, you do not find yourself in a bad situation.

SUCCESS RATES for Elk Hunting in Colorado Unit 14
5 Year Estimated Average for Elk
Archery 16%
Muzzle Loader 15%
1st Rifle 18%
2nd Rifle 17%
3rd Rifle 15%
4th Rifle 20%
Elk TROPHY QUALITY for Unit 14 Colorado
Average Quality 140″ – 160″
Trophy Potential 170″
Bull to Cow Ratio 34:100
Colorado Unit 14 Elk Hunting FORUM Coming Soon!

INFO: Antelope Hunting in Colorado Unit 14
With a healthy buck to doe ratio of 39:100, Unit 14 appeals to hunters hoping to spot pronghorn. The antelope archery tags for Unit 14 are OTC, so you may have some added competition out there. Among the vast tracts of mountainous terrain in the Routt National Forest, there are patches of grassy, shrubby flatlands that appeal to pronghorn.

SUCCESS RATES for Antelope Hunting in Colorado Unit 14
5 Year Estimated Average for Antelope
Archery 37%
Muzzle Loader 55%
Early Rifle 50%
2nd Rifle 40%
3rd Rifle unavailable
4th Rifle unavailable
Antelope TROPHY QUALITY for Unit 14 Colorado
Average Quality 140″ – 160″
Trophy Potential 170″+
Buck to Doe Ratio 34:100
Colorado Unit 14 Antelope Hunting FORUM Coming Soon!

Available Hunts for Colorado Unit 14

Colorado Unit 14 Hunting Information Video

Info for Cities Near CO GMU 14

Colorado Unit 14 Topo Map

Total Acreage: 261,504 acres over approximately 410 square miles

Total Public Land: 225,000 acres or 86%

Land Ownership Mix: 14% Private; 86% Public; USFS Wilderness: 71,000 acres; USFS: 222,272 acres; BLM: 700 acres; State Land: 700 acres

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

Elevation Variances: 6,300 ft. to 12,000 ft.

Terrain Difficulty Overall: Mild to Moderate

Land Coverage/Vegetation: 44% evergreen forest, 25% deciduous forest, 13% grassland/herbaceous, 7% shrub/scrub, 3% wood wetlands, 3% mixed forest

Unit 14 Boundaries: US-40 runs east and west along the southern border of Unit 14. County roads branch off of this main highway to lead hunters to their destination within the unit. Among its vast network of 369 miles of trails, there are 3 trailhead access points.

Lay of the Land in CO Unit 14

Terrain in GMU 14 CO

The overall terrain of Colorado hunting Unit 14 consists of high elevations and dense forest. That being said, the physical demands to hunt this unit can be more extreme than other units. There are sage-covered flatlands that make up less than 10% of the unit.

Vegetation in Unit 14 CO

The western side of Unit 14 is composed of lower-level areas scattered with sagebrush and other shrubland cover perfect for big game grazing. The dense forests of the eastern portion of the unit provide the perfect hiding places for elk and mule deer.

Access Points in CO GMU 14

US-40 runs east and west along the southern border of Unit 14. County roads branch off of this main highway to lead hunters to their destination within the unit. Among its vast network of 369 miles of trails, there are 3 trailhead access points.