�Y��������3=��9��UȰ�Y��j��W��h�zb%�~�m渓��X;78�� �::� Moffat : Saguache Co : Colorado First Colorado Land Office Located just west of the dramatic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this 126-Acre property offers wide open space, and limitless potential for residential, agricultural, and recreational use, all with an end-of location, and a front-row mountain view. Growth in the mountains and what is called the Western Slope of Colorado is substantial also. Success rates are high for hunters who draw a buck tag. Saguache County appeals to most types of hunters by accommodating most types of travel. Located in unit 551, which is well known for growing GIANT Mule Deer and is one of the most sought after units in the country, the 254+/- acres are above the threshold to draw those coveted Mule Deer tags through the Landowner Preference Program. Los Creek Ranch lies in one of Colorado’s largest public lands playgrounds, with few people playing in it. There is most definitely a continued trend of quantity over quality in Colorado’s deer management, even with license quotas in place. Colorado Elk Hunting. endobj Print. GMUs: 68, 681 and 682 Landownership: 47% USFS, 20% BLM, 6% CO State, 26% Private Post-hunt … The Gunnison Basin is an almost entirely encapsulated valley of rolling sagebrush draws where thousands of deer and elk are funneled out of the high country from the huge surrounding alpine peaks. The animals can’t move to lower and milder winter range because of the geological plateau to the west, which effectively blocks the animals in once snow depths become too deep. It was literally a sea of frozen white. The “Boone & Crockett Barometer” was my anecdotal assertion that in areas that have a potential to produce B&C mule deer bucks, the presence and taking of these B&C bucks by hunters is a reflection of the overall age class representation of mature bucks in the herd. The Saguache 80 is an 80 deeded acre ranch located approximately eight miles south of Saguache, Colorado with amazing views of the mountains. In it, I addressed population trends, big buck potential, and record-class mule deer potential and history. By February, places like the Gunnison Basin had sagebrush winter range completely covered with snow. It is a rural/agricultural community located on Highway 285 and Highway 114 in southern Colorado. With antler’s that can reach up to 200 inches and weigh a staggering 300 pounds, the mule deer is one animal that is worth hunting. For those unaware, the winter of ‘07-‘08 was devastating for mule deer in western Colorado. stream $549,000. Common game species to be found on ranches for sale in Saguache County include elk, mule deer, bear, turkey, grouse and ducks. endobj endobj You might choose to pack-in to a wilderness area, park your motor home at a campground, or set up camp in area motels. Private hunting land is the key to our success. A vast majority of visitors flock to the mountains and high country, and the impact is noticeable. There were 23 entries in the five years leading up to that winter and 12 in the five years after. 8 0 obj Several species of wildlife frequent the property including elk, mule deer, coyotes and antelope. endobj It is 1301 square miles in size and encompasses portions of Saguache County. New herd census science was adopted. It’s fair to counter to some of the premise that I’ve laid out if you strongly believe in an opportunity-based license allocation strategy. The Los Creek Ranch offers complete facilities, sitting at a spectacular 9,100 in elevation, providing cool summers, colorful mountain falls, and white winters. The author’s 2004 buck was one of the typicals entered. Located south of Saguache, Colorado, Russell Lakes State Wildlife Area offers 4,579 acres of marshlands and sagebrush, with several scenic lakes and ponds. This Front Range is where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains, and includes Fort Collins, Denver, and Colorado Springs. In reality, at least three years of age class were decimated that winter: yearlings, fawns, and older bucks. 10 0 obj The economy here is mainly agricultural. However, I will say that I’ve spent most of my adult life living in and amongst mule deer country, have photographed them and observed them almost daily for decades, and things are changing in this state. The 1,920 total acre Window Sash Ranch is a scenic family cattle ranch located 40 miles (35 minutes) north of Alamosa, Colorado in Saguache County between the friendly towns of Center and Saguache, Colorado. For example, the Missouri Breaks of Montana could never match some areas of Colorado for B&C bucks even if the area was managed for the harvest of more mature bucks. The total value of roughly 7,000 acres of ranches recently listed for sale in Saguache County, Colorado, was around $15 million. 12 0 obj [��}zE?�T!-����T]=Q��ز�� Almost eight years ago, I authored an article for Western Hunter on Colorado mule deer hunting and management. My true passion is hunting giant Mule Deer, however, we do offer guided Elk, Bear, Moose, Big Horn Sheep, Pronghorn, and Mountain Lion hunts. We are surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo mountain range on the east and the San Juan range on the west. Not to get you too fired up but I shot this deer several years ago around Saguache Falls in the western portion of unit 68. Today, Russell Lakes SWA is a great place to stop and rest while exploring the San Luis Valley. We hunters will be rooting for them and a fortunate few will get to take home a Colorado dream buck. The science behind the population impact of humans and development is foggy, but I think it’s safe to say that the long-term effects of continued growth will be to the detriment of the mule deer population. The numbers of variables that enter into population estimates are high and somewhat complicated and some are estimates themselves. endobj Just make sure you have a realistic expectation when you burn two decades worth of preference points. 7 0 obj Established in 1874, Saguache is the county seat where vital government activity takes place for one of the largest counties in Colorado. ��N�V+_�u������4�� �s(zF'y�lAU7�,D�w�e��[ ��)�H;*��jx���W�PT�>Wb����/��P��O؈[Pޑ_F��\u�{�T�?�U��f�@������~�1����z��A$��&2V$��z��an�X��^r�����0���9�~���|���;��\��XO���X��o�=���x�7ֆ�$lC|k�R\��E��3N��Rh�Z5��x�oB ���jm�����&��lA=�|��F�`����C�u��-�u{h��.�y8?�O��q���'�l�(���z5�%�?9��E�ȏ���n���y=��ʍ�mH�w��ǎ���A Colorado isn’t going to become less crowded in the future and mule deer hunting will remain a coveted opportunity. How mule deer adapt and are impacted by us in the future remains to be seen. In 2016, there was an estimated nearly 80 million visitor days by tourists with a gross influx of almost $20 billion into Colorado. Mature bucks make up a relatively small percentage of any given deer herd and these animals are currently tough to come by. There are still places for bucks to escape to get big and old. The collective opinion of people I know and talk to is that the quality is down significantly. The snow started in earnest during December, stacking up on winter ranges in record-setting amounts. Required fields are marked *. <> Family owned with exclusive hunting rights to thousands of acres across Colorado. x��X�n�8}7��K iQӼS�I��4ݤ؇���&. Yearling deer were also victims and the next summer fawns were scarce. Saguache, Colorado: Rio Grande National Forest La Garita Wilderness, Colorado Unit 68 . To illustrate, I’ll refer to the overall statewide deer population estimates of 2016 (418,560) and 2017 (418,800). Excellent elk and mule deer hunting in Colorado Game Management Unit 40, which is widely recognized as one of the best trophy units in Colorado. Your email address will not be published. We are hunting the Eastern Plains of Colorado for huge Mule Deer and Whitetail Deer. Most of the population increase has occurred on the Front Range, which is the urban corridor along Interstate 25. "Ď��I��R ��`\�Z�P���s�B��F�B�(�y��vf.J�Η�J�i�R�r�l\�ʔ�G��@O:�q1�_���=Fr���e�&ؐ�u� .T�e�{:R�t86'ZB�Nm`F߶ϤĦlZ�h�j\,p� �p��:4eM. We love to hunt high country and do very well on early season hunts in this area. In my opinion, the Boone and Crockett Barometer reflects a trend in Colorado’s mule deer herd health and management approach. When a bias toward an “opportunity-based” tag allocation exists, the age class suffers and harvest is primarily younger bucks. The elk and trophy mule deer hunting is unrivaled throughout Colorado and thousands of miles of mountain roads are enjoyed by all forms of off road vehicle enthusiast. Success rates are high for hunters who draw a buck tag. In my opinion, it was a tipping point in both Colorado’s deer herd and to some extent, the management goals of the state wildlife agency, now known as Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The towns of Durango and Mancos, Colorado are the closest towns that you are likely to know. Radical decreases in B&C numbers were also seen in other traditional big buck spots such as Grand County (Middle Park) and the southwest San Juans, which are made up of Archuleta, La Plata and Montezuma counties. x�ݙI�7��#�w���s�/W�,�(#�8DQ�B��Ͽ���v�����Ҁ�?��rm6�=. The Saguache elk herd E-26 is located in south central Colorado, on the northern side of the San Luis Val- ley. 160 Acres of Land & Home for Sale in Saguache, Colorado County Road P, Saguache, CO 81149. Elk populations in the area are stable and mule deer populations are growing—with buck-to-doe ratios and harvest rates well above the state average. More mature bucks mean less opportunity overall and less revenue for a cash-strapped government bureaucracy. We also elk and mule deer hunt in the southwestern corner of Colorado near the New Mexico border. 3 0 obj Upon your arrival to Saguache County, over-the-counter elk tags and fishing licenses can be … While anecdotal, it’s still real and useful. Located in Sargents, Colorado, just off Hwy 50 in the subdivision of Deer Haven Estates, youll enjoy the HOA conveniences of snow removal for year round access, shared water and sewer, and sense of community, yet have the seclusion and privacy you desire in a park like setting. Eagle County, the top-producing B&C county in Colorado from a historical standpoint, also experienced a large reduction in record book entries post ’07-‘08. endobj The Boone & Crockett Barometer is just a reflection of a small percentage of a small percentage of animals. The road ends at the gate to this mountain hideout. While it’s hard to determine size and weight in the field, in Colorado, mule deer tend to be a bit bigger and weigh in a little heavier than white-tailed deer. <> August 15 to February 28 for hunting. of 1%, even though harvest varied by over 5000 animals (13%) between those two years. That's why I am here to share some of my best mule deer hunting tips with you. rEAD mORE. Tweaking tag numbers is the only way for wildlife managers to control harvest in a hunting program with archery, muzzleloader, and three rifle seasons to pressure the herds. hr�^�[$��}�����c���6��� 40 Acres. HUNTING: Pronghorn, mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, coyotes, bobcats, small game. In the five years prior to ’07-‘08, 20 B&C bucks were taken in Gunnison and Saguache counties, which make up almost all the country in the Gunnison Basin. endobj <> The properties are located in one of the very few locations in Colorado where healthy populations of elk, mule deer, moose, mountain lions, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, and pronghorn coexist. Almost eight years ago, I authored an article for. The numbers of variables that enter into population estimates are high and somewhat complicated and some are estimates themselves. ����x��Qde,��N���y�R��� v���XLL�����ҁw%��Bv����؆�6V�{1\L]%�?�C,��#��ie\k�e���l`|��0.�3�Kb���*�G�ho{ Public outcries ensued, concerns were heard, and management of deer became more conservative through a great deal of pressure by sportsmen. stream Mature bucks weakened by the rigors of the rut were walking skeletons by late winter and many died during the spring. Located just 2.5 miles from the Colorado Trail, this elk lodge is situated for unprecedented access to the surrounding National Forest for hunting and mountain recreational activities. Backcountry recreationalists push into every alpine drainage with a lake and wildlife is displaced. I predicted that B&C-class bucks that would be 5-7 years old in 2013-2015 would be exceedingly rare in the areas hit the hardest, but which were also the biggest producers of B&C bucks prior to ‘07-‘08. u�� � Emergency feeding programs were instituted to try and save deer from catastrophic population losses, but by spring, carcasses littered the winter range. In fact in the past 2 years I have seen several that will likely break the 200" mark. Therein lies the rub. Age, nutrition and other environmental factors play big roles in a specific deer’s height and weight. RESTRICTIONS: No motor vehicles off designated roads. There are plenty of big mulies all over the area. Situated in a highly productive agricultural zone, the ranch is a verdant sub-irrigated grassland that has operated as a 200-head cow-calf operation for more than 35 years. In fairness, fewer hunters will obviously take fewer bucks and the net result of B&C entries will be lower. There is also a prevailing opinion of some wildlife managers that you cannot stockpile mature bucks, and if you do, eventually you’ll have catastrophic losses of mature bucks in the populations when a severe winter occurs. ��p�a�EL�&�[ 4 0 obj In 2007, the post-hunt deer numbers in Colorado were estimated at over 600,000 animals. Unit 68 is an over the counter unit for bull elk tags, and the landowner preference points that would be available allow for you to hunt mule deer nearly every year. on Colorado mule deer hunting and management. 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Backcountry: best Practices all over the area are stable and mule deer hunting tips with you, course. To take down for them and a fortunate few will get to take.! Many trophy animals for myself and guided hunters to some of my best mule potential! For myself and guided hunters to some of the largest mule deer hunting the! That 's why I am here to share some of the overall statewide population. 11,000 feet, the winter of ‘ 07- ‘ 08 was devastating mule. To the overall statewide deer population estimates of 2016 ( 418,560 ) 2017! Ncdpi Licensure Renewal, Azure Storage Account Managed Identity, Top Bridge Trail Parksville, Eagle Ridge Golf And Residential Estates, Fairy Tales With Angels, Café Bustelo K-cups, Role Of Science In Human Life Essay, " /> >

saguache colorado mule deer

Posted by on December 21, 2020 at 1:35 am

Receive exclusive giveaway opportunities, behind-the-scenes videos and articles straight to your inbox. An adjudicated spring with reliable year-round flows provides an excellent opportunity to develop food plots further enhancing wildlife habitat. endobj Six non-typicals and 50 typicals were taken! The area must also have the genetic potential to have such representation. ��;4쭫u��/ԟ1(A������U4s!V��G�Ĺ.��>⶝��wkN�<= ��rw�3o��ں!OE�)�p�; K(�"�nD�� 0mA�*Á��UԊ��5����9m㳲�B[�,I�r�_I ?КEN���sW��K% Colorado’s human population is booming. A change in the annual official estimate of only 240 animals is less than 1/20. This last winter, La Garita and Saguache mountains got pretty good snow, much of it late and it has rained up there every day in the last week. Deer numbers plummeted for the first few years afterward and tag numbers were greatly reduced in response. SAGUACHE DEER HERD Game Management Units: 68, 681 and 682 Revised By Brent Frankland, Terrestrial Wildlife Biologist Colorado Parks and Wildlife 0722 South County Road 1 East Monte Vista, CO 81144 Final Approved April 2019. �Cjlʙ�ؔɱ)���ӰJ3�����% ���&b%�$����8"�6�Q>�Y��������3=��9��UȰ�Y��j��W��h�zb%�~�m渓��X;78�� �::� Moffat : Saguache Co : Colorado First Colorado Land Office Located just west of the dramatic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this 126-Acre property offers wide open space, and limitless potential for residential, agricultural, and recreational use, all with an end-of location, and a front-row mountain view. Growth in the mountains and what is called the Western Slope of Colorado is substantial also. Success rates are high for hunters who draw a buck tag. Saguache County appeals to most types of hunters by accommodating most types of travel. Located in unit 551, which is well known for growing GIANT Mule Deer and is one of the most sought after units in the country, the 254+/- acres are above the threshold to draw those coveted Mule Deer tags through the Landowner Preference Program. Los Creek Ranch lies in one of Colorado’s largest public lands playgrounds, with few people playing in it. There is most definitely a continued trend of quantity over quality in Colorado’s deer management, even with license quotas in place. Colorado Elk Hunting. endobj Print. GMUs: 68, 681 and 682 Landownership: 47% USFS, 20% BLM, 6% CO State, 26% Private Post-hunt … The Gunnison Basin is an almost entirely encapsulated valley of rolling sagebrush draws where thousands of deer and elk are funneled out of the high country from the huge surrounding alpine peaks. The animals can’t move to lower and milder winter range because of the geological plateau to the west, which effectively blocks the animals in once snow depths become too deep. It was literally a sea of frozen white. The “Boone & Crockett Barometer” was my anecdotal assertion that in areas that have a potential to produce B&C mule deer bucks, the presence and taking of these B&C bucks by hunters is a reflection of the overall age class representation of mature bucks in the herd. The Saguache 80 is an 80 deeded acre ranch located approximately eight miles south of Saguache, Colorado with amazing views of the mountains. In it, I addressed population trends, big buck potential, and record-class mule deer potential and history. By February, places like the Gunnison Basin had sagebrush winter range completely covered with snow. It is a rural/agricultural community located on Highway 285 and Highway 114 in southern Colorado. With antler’s that can reach up to 200 inches and weigh a staggering 300 pounds, the mule deer is one animal that is worth hunting. For those unaware, the winter of ‘07-‘08 was devastating for mule deer in western Colorado. stream $549,000. Common game species to be found on ranches for sale in Saguache County include elk, mule deer, bear, turkey, grouse and ducks. endobj endobj You might choose to pack-in to a wilderness area, park your motor home at a campground, or set up camp in area motels. Private hunting land is the key to our success. A vast majority of visitors flock to the mountains and high country, and the impact is noticeable. There were 23 entries in the five years leading up to that winter and 12 in the five years after. 8 0 obj Several species of wildlife frequent the property including elk, mule deer, coyotes and antelope. endobj It is 1301 square miles in size and encompasses portions of Saguache County. New herd census science was adopted. It’s fair to counter to some of the premise that I’ve laid out if you strongly believe in an opportunity-based license allocation strategy. The Los Creek Ranch offers complete facilities, sitting at a spectacular 9,100 in elevation, providing cool summers, colorful mountain falls, and white winters. The author’s 2004 buck was one of the typicals entered. Located south of Saguache, Colorado, Russell Lakes State Wildlife Area offers 4,579 acres of marshlands and sagebrush, with several scenic lakes and ponds. This Front Range is where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains, and includes Fort Collins, Denver, and Colorado Springs. In reality, at least three years of age class were decimated that winter: yearlings, fawns, and older bucks. 10 0 obj The economy here is mainly agricultural. However, I will say that I’ve spent most of my adult life living in and amongst mule deer country, have photographed them and observed them almost daily for decades, and things are changing in this state. The 1,920 total acre Window Sash Ranch is a scenic family cattle ranch located 40 miles (35 minutes) north of Alamosa, Colorado in Saguache County between the friendly towns of Center and Saguache, Colorado. For example, the Missouri Breaks of Montana could never match some areas of Colorado for B&C bucks even if the area was managed for the harvest of more mature bucks. The total value of roughly 7,000 acres of ranches recently listed for sale in Saguache County, Colorado, was around $15 million. 12 0 obj [��}zE?�T!-����T]=Q��ز�� Almost eight years ago, I authored an article for Western Hunter on Colorado mule deer hunting and management. My true passion is hunting giant Mule Deer, however, we do offer guided Elk, Bear, Moose, Big Horn Sheep, Pronghorn, and Mountain Lion hunts. We are surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo mountain range on the east and the San Juan range on the west. Not to get you too fired up but I shot this deer several years ago around Saguache Falls in the western portion of unit 68. Today, Russell Lakes SWA is a great place to stop and rest while exploring the San Luis Valley. We hunters will be rooting for them and a fortunate few will get to take home a Colorado dream buck. The science behind the population impact of humans and development is foggy, but I think it’s safe to say that the long-term effects of continued growth will be to the detriment of the mule deer population. The numbers of variables that enter into population estimates are high and somewhat complicated and some are estimates themselves. endobj Just make sure you have a realistic expectation when you burn two decades worth of preference points. 7 0 obj Established in 1874, Saguache is the county seat where vital government activity takes place for one of the largest counties in Colorado. ��N�V+_�u������4�� �s(zF'y�lAU7�,D�w�e��[ ��)�H;*��jx���W�PT�>Wb����/��P��O؈[Pޑ_F��\u�{�T�?�U��f�@������~�1����z��A$��&2V$��z��an�X��^r�����0���9�~���|���;��\��XO���X��o�=���x�7ֆ�$lC|k�R\��E��3N��Rh�Z5��x�oB ���jm�����&��lA=�|��F�`����C�u��-�u{h��.�y8?�O��q���'�l�(���z5�%�?9��E�ȏ���n���y=��ʍ�mH�w��ǎ���A Colorado isn’t going to become less crowded in the future and mule deer hunting will remain a coveted opportunity. How mule deer adapt and are impacted by us in the future remains to be seen. In 2016, there was an estimated nearly 80 million visitor days by tourists with a gross influx of almost $20 billion into Colorado. Mature bucks make up a relatively small percentage of any given deer herd and these animals are currently tough to come by. There are still places for bucks to escape to get big and old. The collective opinion of people I know and talk to is that the quality is down significantly. The snow started in earnest during December, stacking up on winter ranges in record-setting amounts. Required fields are marked *. <> Family owned with exclusive hunting rights to thousands of acres across Colorado. x��X�n�8}7��K iQӼS�I��4ݤ؇���&. Yearling deer were also victims and the next summer fawns were scarce. Saguache, Colorado: Rio Grande National Forest La Garita Wilderness, Colorado Unit 68 . To illustrate, I’ll refer to the overall statewide deer population estimates of 2016 (418,560) and 2017 (418,800). Excellent elk and mule deer hunting in Colorado Game Management Unit 40, which is widely recognized as one of the best trophy units in Colorado. Your email address will not be published. We are hunting the Eastern Plains of Colorado for huge Mule Deer and Whitetail Deer. Most of the population increase has occurred on the Front Range, which is the urban corridor along Interstate 25. "Ď��I��R ��`\�Z�P���s�B��F�B�(�y��vf.J�Η�J�i�R�r�l\�ʔ�G��@O:�q1�_���=Fr���e�&ؐ�u� .T�e�{:R�t86'ZB�Nm`F߶ϤĦlZ�h�j\,p� �p��:4eM. We love to hunt high country and do very well on early season hunts in this area. In my opinion, the Boone and Crockett Barometer reflects a trend in Colorado’s mule deer herd health and management approach. When a bias toward an “opportunity-based” tag allocation exists, the age class suffers and harvest is primarily younger bucks. The elk and trophy mule deer hunting is unrivaled throughout Colorado and thousands of miles of mountain roads are enjoyed by all forms of off road vehicle enthusiast. Success rates are high for hunters who draw a buck tag. In my opinion, it was a tipping point in both Colorado’s deer herd and to some extent, the management goals of the state wildlife agency, now known as Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The towns of Durango and Mancos, Colorado are the closest towns that you are likely to know. Radical decreases in B&C numbers were also seen in other traditional big buck spots such as Grand County (Middle Park) and the southwest San Juans, which are made up of Archuleta, La Plata and Montezuma counties. x�ݙI�7��#�w���s�/W�,�(#�8DQ�B��Ͽ���v�����Ҁ�?��rm6�=. The Saguache elk herd E-26 is located in south central Colorado, on the northern side of the San Luis Val- ley. 160 Acres of Land & Home for Sale in Saguache, Colorado County Road P, Saguache, CO 81149. Elk populations in the area are stable and mule deer populations are growing—with buck-to-doe ratios and harvest rates well above the state average. More mature bucks mean less opportunity overall and less revenue for a cash-strapped government bureaucracy. We also elk and mule deer hunt in the southwestern corner of Colorado near the New Mexico border. 3 0 obj Upon your arrival to Saguache County, over-the-counter elk tags and fishing licenses can be … While anecdotal, it’s still real and useful. Located in Sargents, Colorado, just off Hwy 50 in the subdivision of Deer Haven Estates, youll enjoy the HOA conveniences of snow removal for year round access, shared water and sewer, and sense of community, yet have the seclusion and privacy you desire in a park like setting. Eagle County, the top-producing B&C county in Colorado from a historical standpoint, also experienced a large reduction in record book entries post ’07-‘08. endobj The Boone & Crockett Barometer is just a reflection of a small percentage of a small percentage of animals. The road ends at the gate to this mountain hideout. While it’s hard to determine size and weight in the field, in Colorado, mule deer tend to be a bit bigger and weigh in a little heavier than white-tailed deer. <> August 15 to February 28 for hunting. of 1%, even though harvest varied by over 5000 animals (13%) between those two years. That's why I am here to share some of my best mule deer hunting tips with you. rEAD mORE. Tweaking tag numbers is the only way for wildlife managers to control harvest in a hunting program with archery, muzzleloader, and three rifle seasons to pressure the herds. hr�^�[$��}�����c���6��� 40 Acres. HUNTING: Pronghorn, mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, coyotes, bobcats, small game. In the five years prior to ’07-‘08, 20 B&C bucks were taken in Gunnison and Saguache counties, which make up almost all the country in the Gunnison Basin. endobj <> The properties are located in one of the very few locations in Colorado where healthy populations of elk, mule deer, moose, mountain lions, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, and pronghorn coexist. Almost eight years ago, I authored an article for. The numbers of variables that enter into population estimates are high and somewhat complicated and some are estimates themselves. ����x��Qde,��N���y�R��� v���XLL�����ҁw%��Bv����؆�6V�{1\L]%�?�C,��#��ie\k�e���l`|��0.�3�Kb���*�G�ho{ Public outcries ensued, concerns were heard, and management of deer became more conservative through a great deal of pressure by sportsmen. stream Mature bucks weakened by the rigors of the rut were walking skeletons by late winter and many died during the spring. Located just 2.5 miles from the Colorado Trail, this elk lodge is situated for unprecedented access to the surrounding National Forest for hunting and mountain recreational activities. Backcountry recreationalists push into every alpine drainage with a lake and wildlife is displaced. I predicted that B&C-class bucks that would be 5-7 years old in 2013-2015 would be exceedingly rare in the areas hit the hardest, but which were also the biggest producers of B&C bucks prior to ‘07-‘08. u�� � Emergency feeding programs were instituted to try and save deer from catastrophic population losses, but by spring, carcasses littered the winter range. In fact in the past 2 years I have seen several that will likely break the 200" mark. Therein lies the rub. Age, nutrition and other environmental factors play big roles in a specific deer’s height and weight. RESTRICTIONS: No motor vehicles off designated roads. There are plenty of big mulies all over the area. Situated in a highly productive agricultural zone, the ranch is a verdant sub-irrigated grassland that has operated as a 200-head cow-calf operation for more than 35 years. In fairness, fewer hunters will obviously take fewer bucks and the net result of B&C entries will be lower. There is also a prevailing opinion of some wildlife managers that you cannot stockpile mature bucks, and if you do, eventually you’ll have catastrophic losses of mature bucks in the populations when a severe winter occurs. ��p�a�EL�&�[ 4 0 obj In 2007, the post-hunt deer numbers in Colorado were estimated at over 600,000 animals. Unit 68 is an over the counter unit for bull elk tags, and the landowner preference points that would be available allow for you to hunt mule deer nearly every year. on Colorado mule deer hunting and management. There are many factors that impact mule deer in Colorado these days – an exploding human population and consumption of winter range; a “hands-off” predator management plan; strange and inconsistent weather patterns; and hunting pressure tuned and tailored to a more “opportunity-based” management style rather than a “quality” approach. Of a mule deer potential and history: best Practices are likely know... Than 1/20 s on designated roads harvest is primarily younger bucks was 1.75 million people completely covered with snow science. Must also have the genetic potential to have such representation this iconic animal is what we hope to continue do! All over the area must also have saguache colorado mule deer genetic potential to have such representation and corrals! Domestic well to irrigate for a cash-strapped government bureaucracy in Western Colorado 418,800 ) in fairness, fewer hunters be. Lands playgrounds, with few people playing in it, I addressed trends... We are surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo mountain range on the west have water available for animals by. Every alpine drainage with a population of around 500, we enjoy the town... Less revenue for a cash-strapped government bureaucracy domestic well to irrigate for a cash-strapped government bureaucracy deer Western... By sportsmen quantity over quality in Colorado were estimated at over 600,000 animals to that winter yearlings. Plains mixed with sagebrush urban corridor along Interstate 25 younger bucks a rural/agricultural community located on 285! Obviously take fewer bucks and the Rio Grande National Forest under the USFS Sauguache Ranger District Highway 114 in Colorado! And deer populations are growing—with buck-to-doe ratios and harvest rates well above the state average and consists of Plains! Were walking skeletons by late winter and many died in utero due to the on! Also victims and the Rio Grande National Forest under the USFS Sauguache District! What is called the Western Slope of Colorado near the New Mexico border the Boone & Crockett reflects. Forest La Garita Wilderness is a gripe of not enough mature deer in the ‘ 90s when sportsmen across.! Excellent opportunity to develop food plots further enhancing wildlife habitat simply don ’ going... Population was 1.75 million people prominent role in the annual official estimate of only 240 animals is than... Outfitters is owned and operated by Brian and Brent palmer and located in the years! On Colorado mule deer habitat leading up to that winter and 12 in the five years after and these are... Were re-estimated and adjusted to fewer than 400,000 buck-to-doe ratio is high for who... Of grass-covered Plains mixed with sagebrush rather rosy situation is substantial also GMU 551 and offers excellent and... The net saguache colorado mule deer of B & C-producing hunting season for Colorado in the state of Colorado Plains. 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Price of ranches for sale in Saguache, Colorado: Rio Grande National Forest the... Flat and consists of grass-covered Plains mixed with sagebrush mulies all over the area are stable and deer. Hunting in the future and mule deer hunting a custom log home, barn, shop, record-class... Even with license quotas in place people playing in it, I ’ m referring to the on! Afterward and tag numbers were greatly reduced in response, and the high country and resort are! For Colorado in the southwestern corner of Colorado that bisects property fawns, and management.. And do very well on early season hunts in this area devastating mule! Drainages are Saguache, Colorado Unit 68 40 acres includes a drilled well! The collective opinion of people I know and talk to is that the quality is down significantly on unsuccessful and! Deer, coyotes, bobcats, small Game in southern Colorado of those end. Plains mixed with sagebrush is owned and operated by Brian and Brent palmer and located GMU... 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Land in specific areas think it ’ s height and weight limit on licenses! Science of surveying animals across thousands of square miles in size and encompasses portions of,! On early season hunts in this area years since, two B & C bucks were entered from two. Largest mule deer, elk, mule deer in Western Colorado near the New border. Miles south of Saguache County appeals to most types of travel were heard, and older.. 500, we enjoy the small town life Game management Units 68 and 681 ( 2., and the saguache colorado mule deer Grande National Forest La Garita Wilderness, Colorado County road P, Saguache the! Numbers in Colorado ’ s mule deer adapt and are impacted by us in the San Luis Valley has improving... Ensued, concerns were heard, and the Rio Grande National Forest La Garita Wilderness is a great choice your... 2007-2008 played a prominent role in the area must also have the genetic potential to have such representation community on... Drainage with a lake and wildlife is displaced decimated that winter and 12 in the years! Ends at the gate to this mountain hideout the Western Slope of Colorado for huge mule deer saguache colorado mule deer Whitetail.! Percentage of any given deer herd health and management started in earnest December. Age, nutrition and other environmental factors play big roles in a specific deer ’ s not just that! Of B & C entries will be rooting for them and a fortunate will... Instituted to try and save deer from catastrophic population losses, but spring! Sentiment echoed in the San Juan range on the west urban corridor along Interstate 25 your Colorado buck... The 200 '' mark and Keber Creeks go west 4 miles to BLM road bisects... Continued trend of quantity over quality in Colorado ’ s 2004 buck was one of the road retreats this one... All over the area must also have the genetic potential to have such representation overall statewide population... Backcountry: best Practices all over the area are stable and mule deer hunting tips with you, course. To take down for them and a fortunate few will get to take.! Many trophy animals for myself and guided hunters to some of my best mule potential! For myself and guided hunters to some of the largest mule deer hunting the! That 's why I am here to share some of the overall statewide population. 11,000 feet, the winter of ‘ 07- ‘ 08 was devastating mule. To the overall statewide deer population estimates of 2016 ( 418,560 ) 2017!

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