Colorado Unit 551 Hunting Information

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Overview of CO GMU 551 Hunting Facts

Colorado unit 551 is located just a few miles east of Gunnison. Unit 551 has a lot to offer, including parts of the Sawatch Range and the Cochetopa Hills along the Continental Divide. This unit has quite a bit of public land available for hunters who are out looking for a mule deer or elk. It is advised to prepare ahead of time and to be in good shape as this unit can be somewhat difficult and challenging. For more Colorado Unit 551 hunting information, check out the Info for Cities Near Unit 551 section on the right.

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CO Unit 551 Species Information

INFO: Mule Deer Hunting in Colorado Unit 551
During archery and muzzleloader season, keep focused on higher elevations. Bucks will be near sagebrush hills and high terrain during these seasons. Pressure will be high during the rifle seasons. Try to get away from the main roads. Those who are willing to put in the work and travel into tough territories will have a chance of better success. Keep in mind that deer will be traveling into lower elevations toward the 3rd and 4th rifle seasons.

SUCCESS RATES for Mule Deer Hunting in Colorado Unit 551
5 Year Estimated Average for Deer
Archery 38%
Muzzleloader 43%
2nd Rifle 61%
3rd Rifle 56%
4th Rifle 68%
Mule Deer TROPHY QUALITY for Unit 551 Colorado
Average Quality 150″ – 170″
Trophy Potential 180″+
Buck to Doe Ratio 42:100
Colorado Unit 551 Mule Deer Hunting FORUM Coming Soon!

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Cities Near CO Unit 551

Colorado Unit 551 Topo Map

Total Acreage: 349,440 acres over 546 square miles

Total Public Land: 300,518 acres or 86%

Land Ownership Mix: 14% Private; 86% Public

Species: Black Bear, Elk, Mule Deer, Moose

Elevation Variances: 7,900 ft. to 13,375 ft.

Terrain Difficulty Overall: Mild to Moderate

Lay of the Land in CO Unit 551

Terrain in GMU 551 CO

The terrain of unit 551 can be somewhat challenging. There are mountains that can be very steep, while others tend to moderate inclines. The ridges towards the north and the west are covered with timber, foothills, and flattened creek bottoms as the elevations drop.

Vegetation in GMU Unit 551 CO

The northwestern corner consists of short grass pastures and hayfields. Willows and sagebrush can be found near the creeks of this unit. Towards the south, slopes can be seen with junipers, pinyons, sagebrush, and oak brush. Aspen, ponderosa pine, and spruce forests cover slopes and ridges toward the Continental Divide.

Access Points in CO GMU 551

U.S. Highway 50 and State Routes 114 and 76 lead to many dirt roads that provide good access to public land. Although it is not required, it is recommended that you have a four-wheel drive. Prepare for any type of weather and keep that in mind when deciding on which roads to go on.