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Since the 2020 Pine Gulch Fire has been detained, the future of the mule deer population is bright. There is already new growth sprouting and the landscape is recovering well. That being said, we can all remain hopeful that the mule deer population will thrive and be better than ever before in Unit 31! This unit has rugged terrain that is difficult to navigate through unless you have been physically conditioning yourself to prepare for your Unit 31 hunt in Colorado. The weather in Colorado hunting Unit 31 is primarily described as cold, making the early rifle, muzzleloader and archery seasons more successful for most. The mule deer will then feed on the sagebrush that serves as their main winter food source. There are numerous creeks and drainages that offer refuge to the wildlife on those hot summer days. The winters may be cold, but the summer temperatures in western Colorado can soar into the nineties. It should also be noted that tags purchased for Unit 31 can also be used in Unit 32 and vice versa. The average quality mule deer in Unit 31 averages 140” through 160” with the trophy potential measuring 170” and up.
| Archery | 40% |
| Muzzle Loader | 50% |
| 2nd Rifle | 55% |
| 3rd Rifle | 65% |
| Average Quality | 140″ – 160″ |
| Trophy Potential | 170″+ |
| Buck to Doe Ratio | 31:100 |
As is typical in a hunting unit with high elevations and cold winters, the elk and other wildlife in unit 31 will begin their migratory descent from the mountains as the food supply becomes scarce from frostbite. Being that the elk tags are OTC for 2nd and 3rd rifle season, the hunting pressure is much more substantial during these seasons. The pressure will eventually push the elk away from the public land and onto private land, where they feel safe. The Little Book Cliffs Wilderness Study Area is home to one of the few wild mustang herds in the United States. The wild horse herd is very beloved in this area. However, elk are not their biggest fans. The mustangs are known to tear up the land and to overgraze, causing a rift in their relationship with elk and other big game. You can pretty much narrow down your search for elk by eliminating the places they most likely are not to be, such as snow-covered higher elevations and in proximity to the wild mustang herd. The various altitudes and erratic landscapes throughout Colorado unit 31 allows a perfect place for hunters to venture into the nooks and crannies, providing distance from other hunters and less pressured elk and mule deer. The average quality of elk in unit 31 averages between 260” and 300” with the trophy potential measuring 310” and higher.
| Archery | 18% |
| Muzzle Loader | 30% |
| 1st Rifle | 30% |
| 2nd Rifle | 18% |
| 3rd Rifle | 18% |
| 4th Rifle | 20% |
| Average Quality | 260″ – 300″ |
| Trophy Potential | 310″+ |
| Bull to Cow Ratio | 24:100 |
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Total Acreage: 450,000 acres or 703 square miles
Total Public Land: 261,000 acres or 58%
Land Ownership Mix: 42% Private; 58% Public; BLM: 256,000 acres; State Land: 2,048 acres; Other Govt Owned: 2,432 acres
Species: Black Bear, Elk, Mule Deer, Moose, Pronghorn
Elevation Variances: 5,250 ft. to 9,035 ft.
Terrain Difficulty Overall: Moderate
Land Coverage/Vegetation: 42% shrub/scrub, 34% evergreen forest, 13% deciduous forest and 6% barren land (rock/sand/clay)
Unit 31 Boundaries: (Mesa, Garfield, Rio Blanco County Colorado) bounded on North by Colorado River-White River Divide; on East by Roan Creek-Parachute Creek Divide and Kelly Gulch; on South by Colorado River; and on West by Bookcliffs, Little Salt Wash-Roan Creek Divide, Big Salt Wash-Roan Creek Divide and East Salt Creek-Roan Creek Divide.
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