At a Glance
275Square Miles
83.8%Public Land
7,170 - 13,370Elevation Range
Quick Tips
- Don't miss a chance to fish in the Colorado River
- Visit the ski resort town of Vail in the south
- Shed hunting opportunities if you have extra time
Colorado's Unit 36 is praised for its challenging terrain, which appeals to hunters prepared for strenuous hikes and those who enjoy the pursuit of elk in rugged conditions. Experienced hunters note the importance of understanding the terrain and being prepared for varying weather conditions, as these factors significantly influence game behavior and success rates. The unit's draw odds are competitive, so hunters are advised to plan well in advance and consider applying for multiple units to increase their chances of securing a tag. Overall, successful hunters emphasize the value of scouting early, understanding elk movement patterns, and being adaptable to changing conditions.
North of Vail and south of the Colorado River, this Eagle County unit offers hunting opportunities for elk and mule deer hunters. Elk tags are sold over the counter for some seasons. Deer tags valid in mid-to late November are hard to draw with applications almost tripling in the past three years.
Eagle County historically has produced many record book mule deer and those who hunt hard and are patient in the last November season have good chances of taking big bucks. Most of the big bulls come from the Eagle Nest Wilderness or on private land where they migrate. Private property impedes access in some areas and hunting pressure can be frustrating.