"Many units in the state have special hunts for youth under the age of 18 [must have hunter's safety card]," said Jordan. It will be interesting to see what happens to point creep after this year since they dropped tag numbers in so many units for Mule Deer across the state. Since then, MDF has gathered the grassroots support of more than 150 chapters with nearly 50,000 members nationwide. The Gunnison basin deer herd is managed to produce older age . Hunters must apply for the draw and, in most cases, possess enough preference points in units that offer . Utah took advantage of a combination of favorable weather, aggressive habitat management, and strict regulations to increase its mule deer population by as much as 100,000 from 2008 to 2016, pushing the size of the herd past 380,000 animals. . Our goal is to provide the best fair chase Colorado Elk Hunting and Trophy Mule Deer Hunting available. Put in for the early season high country buck hunt. bucks in 2019. It can take six or more points to draw a tag for the rifle season, but the area offers abundant public land, including BLM, state wildlife areas, and National Forest Service property. Well also provide some tips on what to look for when choosing a hunting spot. Research the latest colorado mule deer hunting draw odds and harvest data for unit 4. . Thread starter NateDBigTex; Start date Aug 26, 2022; Help Support Long Range Hunting Forum Become a supporting member. Plan Your Hunt. The state of Colorado has a number of reasons to be concerned about the mule deer population and their environment. Since 2013, the deer population has increased from 390,660 to 430,130. If there is stress during these vulnerable months, mule deer can become ill and die. 4. Units such as 22, 11, 211, and some others in the area have high deer populations, realatively easy to draw (esp with a bow) and relatively high success rates. Sergio Alcazar, owner of ALC Global Adventures, has lived in and hunted Colorado for 24 years. This is just another reminder that the amount of points required to draw a late season buck tag in Colorado will always take a backseat to Mother Nature. Colorado Mule Deer Hunting License fee structure is as follows: DEER. The odds of drawing the mule deer permit ranges from 12-60 percent depending on the unit. The most common habitat for these animals is in the states mountains and foothills, but they can also be found throughout the year. What should someone with 8 Mulie preference points do then? The sound of a bugling bull elk or the sight of two monster 6x6s fighting for mountain dominance is a memory that will stay with a hunter for a lifetime. The Gunnison Basin and Colorado Game Management Unit 55, GMU 54, GMU 551, GMU 67 are some of the most sought after mule deer units in the country. Annual Small Game Hunting License (required to apply) $86.56. In this unit, deer summer range generally from elevations of 5,000 to 11,500 feet. Not a 100% success-rate hunt. Finally, my first opportunity came to chase the iconic deer of the West. Dream destinations include the Arizona Strip (units 13A and 13B) or Kaibab Plateau (units 12A East, 12A West, and 12B), but the drawing odds are long, sometimes in the low single digits, Ornoski said. During the 2019 hunting season, 28,310 deer were harvested across the state. "Ninety-seven percent of deer licenses can be drawn with zero to three points. Our Loco Mountain Ranch hunts are CO High Altitude Hunting at its best, with the ranch starting at 9,000 feet and going up to 11,300 feet. Sand Hill country GMUs 31, 32, and 33 in the southeast corner of the state also are capable of producing B&C bucks. to identify six of the top states for nonresident mule deer hunters. Hunting season in Colorado will be open from October 3 to January 31. New Mexico Brendon: (575) 518-8323, Copyright 2023High Mountain Hunts, LLC | Designed by Frontier Business Group. He had two suggestions for hunters who approach drawing an elk tag in different ways in the state. We work with the best outfitters on the Eastern Plains, so get in touch with us to help you figure out which outfitters have what you are looking for. Publisher Kevin Steele is in the Beretta booth with Logan Killam, the Shotgun Product Manager, to discuss the all new Beretta A300 Ultima Turkey. What are mule deer hunting plans for the upcoming season? This camp is where the big bucks call home for the summer and early fall. There's a long road ahead for the conservation of mule deer, and dollars are necessary to pave the way. Nonresidents can apply for preference points for $92, plus a $9 fee per species, and residents can do the same for $92. ", For trophy hunters, Pawlak shared some helpful hints: "I really like the units in eastern Nevada around the towns of Ely and Pioche. Pawlak also warned that while it's easier to get a muley tag in units south of the Grand Canyon, you shouldn't expect to encounter the class of Arizona bucks that have caught your attention on magazine covers. Whether the tag in your pocket leads you to a comfortable lodge for a guided hunt on private land, a DIY spike camp deep in backcountry wilderness, or somewhere in between, hunting the West will grab you by the soul and easily can become a year-round obsession. In terms of mule deer hunting, Colorado is generally considered to have some of the best deer hunting in the country. The fat on a mule deer cannot be removed after it has come off the ground following a long winter. In the event a big game animal is wounded, your hunt is over until the animal is found. Best caliber for Colorado Mule Deer. Arizona is a hot, dry place, and recent droughts have had their impacts on the overall mule deer population, which hovers between 85,000 and 100,000 . Colorado has some of the best hunting in the country, from the Wilson Range to the Utah border, from Disappointment Valley to Big Gypsum Valley, and from the Dallas Divide to the Uncompahgre Plateau. GMU's 1, 2, 201 - If you have the points saved up, we hunt some of the best trophy elk and deer units in Colorado. To find more answers to our frequently asked questions click over to our FAQ page. With this, there has been a 5% decrease from 2018, when 30,114 were taken. Hard to say what the best archery tag is in CO. Its usually more about 4th season for a chance at a trophy. There are always going to be a lot of opportunities to hunt bucks, they just might be young bucks with the occasional mature bucks that slipped through the cracks for four to five years. A 12 point deer is commonly referred to as one of the Souths or Midwests deer. With this information in hand, youll be ready to start planning your next mule deer hunting adventure in Colorado. The state is home to the largest elk herd in North America with a population of 280,000 animals. But be forwarned 61 is not considered a big bull unit by many--although some whoppers come out of there, most guys get 300-class or less bulls (archery is all I have paid attention to though). 2021 found most of the mature bucks and a fair amount of does and small bucks sticking to thick cover provided in this middle transition range. The deadline to submit an application is first Tuesday in April. By Bethany Grace September 17, 2022 Updated on February 14, 2023. Utah has six limited-entry units where trophy quality can be amazing, and a bonus-points system is used, rather than preference points, meaning half the tags in each unit are given to the top points holders and half are awarded in a random draw. "But they expect to get a chance to shoot a high-quality [trophy] deer.". With our fully guided, private land archery, muzzleloading, and rifle deer hunts, we can provide you with a price range from $6,500 to $9,000 per person, depending on where you choose to camp and the location where you choose to hunt. Until the 1980s, the White River herd in western Colorados Piceance Basin had consistently ranked among the countrys largest and most productive deer herds, unofficially ranking it as the largest and most productive deer herd on the continent. "The up-and-coming units in Arizona are 6A, 8, and 5BS.". He said, without question, the late-January archery rut hunts are the ticket to trophy muleys. Advertise on HuntScore and reach hunters interested in this hunting unit! "Draw odds are also fair for hunters who apply for the early rifle season [Oct. 23-Nov. 1 approx. He said it might take only one point to draw a tag in the first rifle season, and some might draw with zero points. We have enjoyed close to 100% opportunity in the last 20 years. A good hunting plan is required to ensure the success of mule deer hunting. You can draw a ton of good archery hunts with the 4 points you have. We have several options for mule deer hunting with our main focus being in Colorado units 61& 62, as well as the Utah Bookcliffs unit. Publisher Kevin Steele is in the Beretta booth with Logan Killam, the Shotgun Product Manager, to discuss the all new Beretta A300 Ultima Turkey. All Petersen's Hunting subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. The state is managing individual deer herds vs. a blanket management strategy, so we're already seeing improvements in the state deer herd.". He was pissed off that the buck kicked and ran down hill and ruined the velvet so he did the spray on stuff when he mounted it. WESTERN COLORADO DEER The fee for residents is $42.01, the fee for youth under the age of 18 is $16.32, and the fee for nonresident adults and fishing combo licenses is $420.23. Deposit: $1,500 of the total hunt cost including taxes and a signed contract is required at the time of reservation ($2,000 deposit for Unit 76 hunts). The areas with the best deer hunting on public lands are: the HD Mountains, the Piedra River, Florida River and Los Pinos drainages, and lands southeast of Pagosa Springs. The terrain where you'll find mule deer ranges from dry, high-desert foothills to the rugged, mountainous, alpine zone. All trophy deer hunts are fully guided and include meals and lodging. 334-740-3162. ", Point System: modified bonus point and preference point, Application Fee/Terms: non-float state; $65 hunting license (nonrefundable); $10/species application fee; deer permit prices if drawn: $268 general, $568 premium limited entry (Henry Mountains and Paunsaugunt units) or $468 regular limited entry, Application Deadline: first week of March. My adventure took place in the Sandhills of Nebraska, and after long days of spotting and stalking in subzero temperatures, I was blessed to kill a mature muley buck. The up-and-coming units in Arizona are 6A, 8, and 5BS.. The best ranches will have both types of terrain on them as once the crops are harvested later in the year, the deer need some place to take refuge. 3. The higher range usually becomes available to deer as snowlines recede in mid to late . We can provide you with all the lodging and amenities of home while you are away from home, or we offer a guided hunt where you provide your own lodging and food. When this doesnt happen, they often stay up in the middle transition range as long as possible, hiding from hunting pressure and preserving what winter range they have when they are forced upon it. Petersen's HUNTING Publisher, Kevin Steele is in the CZ booth with Dylan Rice at SHOT Show to talk about CZ 600 Series Trail rifle. Most of it consists of flat farmland with adjacent sandhill desert country. Petersen's HUNTING Publisher, Kevin Steele is in the CZ booth with Dylan Rice at SHOT Show to talk about CZ 600 Series Trail rifle. One of the finest Colorado elk hunts is waiting for you. The bad news is it can take decades to draw a coveted tag in some of the premium units. These hunts take place in Late September/Early October and November during . A 2:1 client to guide ratio ensures that we are prepared to handle any clients who come in by themselves or with a group. Resident adult: $39.75; Resident youth: $15.50; Nonresident adult/fishing combo*: $396.75; Nonresident youth/fishing combo*: $101.50; One final fee is your annual habitat stamp. Fee. This is a trip for a hunter looking for a true mountain hunt and adventure. If you plan a hunt in one of those units you will have a better than average chance at a really good buck.Bob. Deer Hunts - Colorado is know for its trophy mule deer, and we've got some of the best bucks in our units. Publisher of Petersen's HUNTING magazine, Kevin Steele is at the Steiner Optics booth with Alberto Corbetta to discuss the Predator 4 and Predator 8. Im confident that we can assist you in obtaining a Colorado hunting license for mule deer. 4770 Scenic Mesa Road. Archery tags are available over-the-counter, and there are at least three seasons for mule deer per year in most units that cover multiple biological patterns (think hunting summer range and rut). Publisher of Petersen's HUNTING magazine, Kevin Steele is at the Steiner Optics booth with Alberto Corbetta to discuss the Predator 4 and Predator 8. One thing to remember about units that have large portions of high elevation roadless or wilderness type country is this can make for an extremely physically demanding hunt. 1 Go to page. Lee Sells Outfitters & Guide. In a hunt . "You do have a chance of drawing a tag to hunt the Kaibab [units 12A and 12B] especially if you're a bowhunter. Archery -over the counter either sex Elk Tags Muzzleloader - draw 2-3 pts. The weather is also cooling down, which makes it easier to spot the deer. Kali Parmley, Editor-in-chief of Bakccountry Hunter speaks with Bret Maffet of Franchi Firearms to discuss the all new Momentum All Terrain Elite. An antler on a deer or elk would have symmetrical points, and these points would occur in typical locations. Zurn Wilkins 3/4" NR3XL Pressure Reducing Valve with double union FNPT connection and a male barbed connection tailpiece. We are looking forward to our 18th consecutive hunting season on the Eastern Plains in Colorado. The statewide average for buck-to-doe ratios is 35 bucks per 100 does that's eight to 10 adult bucks per 100 does. Mule Deer Third Rifle . I would prod my hero for stories about these mysterious mule deer, and for years I dreamed of tagging a muley of my own. The 2018/2019 winter was far more difficult for mule deer than previously thought. A guy once told me all ya have to do is throw a dart at a map of Co. and hit a unit with giant bucks. Although Nebraska doesn't have the abundant public land that Wyoming, Colorado, or Idaho do, there's still plenty to comb through. Limited-entry permits use a modified bonus point system in which 50 percent of permits go to applicants with maximum points, while the remaining 50 percent of tags are allocated in a random draw. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. According to Moretti, moisture levels were higher than normal in 2014 and 2015 is also seeing record rainfalls. Great memories are built on great elk hunts. A lot of time will be spent glassing several places that hold deer and looking for bucks that might be starting to think about the rut. Colorado-Gunnison Basin Mule Deer (Units 54, 55, 66, 67) - Worldwide Trophy Adventures. She said it currently takes six preference points to be guaranteed a pronghorn tag in the draw in Area 73 but added the state allots 25 percent of the total quota in each area to a random drawing of all applicants who chose the area as their first choice. There are numerous reasons to hunt in Colorado, but record mule deer bucks draw the most attention. Hunt over tens of thousands of private acres in beautiful southwestern Colorado. . You will have amazing accommodations while you stay with us that will compete with any hotel! The statewide buck tag does not allow mule deer hunting in the state's Mule Deer Conservation Areas. Our Colorado deer hunting is conducted on some of Northwest Colorado's finest private ranches on over 20,000 acres. 5; 6; 7; First Prev 7 . The cost of Plains deer hunts continues to go up every year, and the availability of booking a hunt is a bigger deterrent than the price. Christensen urged trophy deer hunters to keep an eye on Utah because the average age class is steadily climbing. Our hunting units produce the highest number of big mature bucks and a healthy elk population compared to other units in the state. Its a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Colorado: Colorado has a mule deer population between 400,000 and 450,000 animals, and this state has produced more record mule deer than any other. Archery and muzzleloader tags in those units will require fewer points.. Its one of the best archery hunting in the country, with lots of big bucks and plenty of opportunities to take a trophy. Give a Gift This is the easiest rifle tag to draw, but the hunting can be very good. As a mentor, these hunts present an ideal opportunity to enjoy a hunt with a kid and learn more about an area for future hunts. Kali Parmley of Gun Dog Magazine talks to George Thompson from Benelli USA about the new features from the Benelli line in 2023.
