Colorado Unit 44 Hunting Information

Home » Hunting Informations » Colorado Units Hunting Information » Colorado Unit 44 Hunting Information

Overview of CO GMU 44 Hunting Facts

Esteemed as a trophy mule deer unit, Colorado unit 44 packs a punch with the size of mule deer that are harvested every season. However, there have been some big bulls taken from this unit. Of the total 240,000 acres that make up this unit, nearly 200,000 acres, or 82% of the entire unit is public land. Conveniently located in the north of the unit in Eagle is a Forest Service Office, an ideal resource for hunting information in Colorado unit 44. This unit also encompasses the Holy Cross Wilderness which contains lakes and several streams and is located in the southeastern part of the unit. For more Colorado Unit 44 hunting information m check out the Info for Cities Near Unit 44 section on the right.

Table of Contents

CO Unit 44 Species Hunting Info

INFO: Mule Deer Hunting in Colorado Unit 44
Unit 44 has had more than its share of trophy mule deer takes than it can shake a stick at. The overall success rate for hunting deer is not too shabby, either. The unit has a variety of elevations each with a different advantage at different times of the year. The higher elevations in the southern part of the unit serve as a summer range for the mule deer. These are prime locations for hunters to put up a blind on a water hole or stalk bucks in the higher gradient. The lower elevations of the northern chunk of the unit serve as a refuge for deer moving out of the higher elevations when the winter arrives. If you are hunting the northern territory, be aware that there is primarily private property. Be prepared with a GPS unit when exploring this countryside. If you are planning on hunting during muzzleloader season, keep in mind that these tags are valid for units 45 and 44,. The average quality mule deer in Colorado nit 44 ranges from 170” and 190” with a trophy potential measuring at 190” and up!

SUCCESS RATES for Mule Deer Hunting in Colorado Unit 44
5 Year Estimated Average for Deer
Archery 20%
Muzzle Loader 30%
Early Rifle 50%
2nd Rifle 55%
3rd Rifle 70%
2nd Rifle 70%
Mule Deer TROPHY QUALITY for Unit 44 Colorado
Average Quality 170″ – 190″
Trophy Potential 190″
Buck to Doe Ratio 40:100
Colorado Unit 44 Mule Deer Hunting FORUM COMING SOON!

INFO: Elk Hunting in Colorado Unit 44
If coordinating your Colorado elk hunt has led you to Unit 44, you have made a good decision. The elk here are impressive! The average quality elk in Colorado Unit 44 averages from 270” to 310” with the trophy potential measuring at 310” and up. The elk tags are easily obtainable during the 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons where they are available for OTC purchase. Archery and muzzleloader seasons are controlled by a limited draw for tags. If you’re able to score one, that tag is also valid in Units 45, 47, and 444. This will allow you to cover more ground and move out where the elk may be migrating. With the added pressure of OTC tags, the wildlife will retreat to harder to reach remote areas. This is a good opportunity for the adventurous and determined hunter to push the envelope and work tirelessly for what he wants.

SUCCESS RATES for Elk Hunting in Colorado Unit 44
5 Year Estimated Average for Elk
Archery 10%
Muzzle Loader 18%
Early Rifle 20%
2nd Rifle 10%
3rd Rifle 10%
2nd Rifle 20%
Colorado Unit 44 Elk Hunting FORUM COMING SOON!

INFO: Antelope Hunting in Colorado Unit 44
The croplands in the lower elevations of Unit 44 provide a habitat of hay pasture for antelope. This area contains an extensive blend of grass and hay varieties, perfect for pronghorn. Unit 44 has a network of winding creeks and lakes that help to sustain life for the herds of antelope that frequent the unit. An archery tag is available for purchase OTC.

Colorado Unit 44 Antelope Hunting FORUM COMING SOON!

Available Hunts

No data found!

Info for Cities Near CO GMU 44

Colorado Unit 44 Topo Map

Total Acreage: 241,000 acres over 376 square miles

Total Public Land: 200,000 acres or 82%

Land Ownership Mix: 18% Private; 82% Public; USFS: 132,160 acres; USFS Wilderness: 22,000; BLM: 56,000 acres

Species Common in the Area: Black Bear, Elk, Mule Deer, Moose, Pronghorn

Elevation Variance: 6,100 ft to 13,000 ft

Terrain Difficulty Overall: Mild to Moderate

Land Coverage/Vegetation: 33% evergreen forest, 25% deciduous forest, 24% shrub/scrub and 7% grassland/herbaceous

Unit 44 Boundaries: (Eagle County Colorado) bounded on North by Colorado River and Eagle River; on East by East Lake Creek; on South by Frying pan River-Eagle River Divide; on West by United States Forest Service Road 514 (Red Table Mountain Road), Eagle County Road 10A (Cottonwood Pass Road) and Cottonwood Creek

Lay of the Land in CO Unit 44

Terrain in GMU 44 CO

This unit boasts a multitude of monumental summits and breathtaking views of canyons and rolling landscape. The terrain in this unit is not nearly as rugged as other units in Colorado. It does contain its own set of challenges, but a perceptive hunter will know his limits and will also know if he must train prior to his trip. As previously mentioned, the higher elevations are in the southern area of the unit and lower elevations are present in the northern portion. Plan your trip accordingly so that you are not taking on more than you can handle. The lower-lying canyons and valleys are an ideal place for wildlife to retreat when hunting pressure increases. Step off the beaten path and get back into the remote unpressured areas. Such areas have thicker timber and cover for big game to seek shelter.

Vegetation in GMU Unit 44 CO

Fairly typical of Colorado, the vegetation changes with the elevation levels. The higher altitudes in the unit hold vegetation of the evergreen variety. This includes a blend of aspens, spruces, and firs. The middle elevations have a blend of the evergreen foliage along with an introduction of lower elevation plant life such as sagebrush and grass varieties. The lower elevations contain the arid shrubbery range including but not limited to sagebrush, pinyon, and juniper. The abundance of vegetation in this unit provides a solid food source for elk and mule deer, allowing hunters a higher chance of finding these herds..

Access Points in CO GMU 44

Access throughout Colorado unit 44 is highly useful for hunters seeking access to hunting areas. IH-70 is the main highway that runs along the northern border of the unit and a labyrinth of small county roads branch off of the interstate and weaves throughout the unit. These county roads have several dead ends scattered throughout the unit that backs up into the wilderness, which is a great place to start scouting. There are 403 miles of existing trails in unit 44. ATVs are also permitted in certain areas of the unit. Be sure to acknowledge any rules and regulations when it comes to motorized vehicles.