Hunters discussing Colorado's Unit 45 have shared insights that highlight the unit's challenging terrain and variable weather conditions, which can significantly impact hunting strategies and accessibility. Many emphasized the importance of being prepared for rapidly changing weather, especially during the hunting season, and recommended having a flexible plan. The unit is noted for its diverse wildlife, but hunters should be prepared for potentially lower game densities and increased competition, making scouting and understanding animal behavior crucial to success. Overall, those with experience in this unit suggest that thorough preparation and adaptability are key to a successful hunt in this area.
Composed of largely public land south of the ski resort town of Vail, this unit offers mule deer and elk hunting in mostly steep terrain and dense cover. This area is largely roadless and backcountry hunters will be at home here. Good deer and elk populations can be found here but hunters will definitely need to work for their opportunities. Due to the thick vegetation, some bucks and bulls can grow to large size and patient hunters who hunt hard could be in some incredible opportunities.
There is an early season rifle hunt in the Holy Cross Wilderness that gives hunters a chance to harvest velvet muleys. This is a great unit for archery hunters that want to get away from crowds and hunt deer and elk. Most deer migrate off the Unit 45 to neighboring units during the later seasons, choosing to summer in Unit 45 and winter in Unit 44. There is a lot of public high country and elk hunters have a good opportunity to take branch-antlered bulls.