colorado mule deer

Joined
Mar 11, 2021
Messages
74
hey guys, this is our first mule deer hunt and were looking at going to unit 43 in the maroon bells snowmass wildnerness. was wondering if anyone has been out that way or had any success. we don't have preferance points so if there are any other units that come to mind let us know!
 

sndmn11

"DADDY"
Joined
Mar 28, 2017
Messages
10,420
Location
Morrison, Colorado
are there better places to go? or should we look for a different OTC state until we build points?

The Maroon Bells is pretty well traveled with touristy backpacking folks, it might be one of the most popular in the state. There isn't anything wrong with the unit, but I wouldn't plan on hunting where you mentioned other than bear who are people dependant.
 
OP
gigandet642016
Joined
Mar 11, 2021
Messages
74
The Maroon Bells is pretty well traveled with touristy backpacking folks, it might be one of the most popular in the state. There isn't anything wrong with the unit, but I wouldn't plan on hunting where you mentioned other than bear who are people dependant.
ok that makes sense., thanks!
 

Jimss

WKR
Joined
Mar 6, 2015
Messages
2,121
As mentioned there are gobs of hikers all summer into early fall in that area. Deer densities are super low so you'll likely need to cover lots of country. If you seriously want to try it out head up there this summer on a couple backpack trips to get a feel for the country and what you are up against. It is some of the prettiest country in Colo. The learning curve can be pretty steep on those type of hunts but you won't find out unless you lace up your boots and leap right in! It may take several trips and years to start figuring things out.
 

Northpark

WKR
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Mar 8, 2015
Messages
1,140
A good mule deer hunt is harder to come by than a good elk hunt these days. For Colorado I would look at drawing something elsewhere. Honestly the front range has some good deer hunting but maybe not much true backcountry
 

Wildgame

FNG
Joined
Aug 8, 2022
Messages
15
I recently had the opportunity to meet some friends that live in CO. They say I could stay with them if I ever go hunting there. I was thinking the same, to get an OTC and give it a try but it seems it might be better to try to draw a unit that is worthwhile.
 
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gigandet642016
Joined
Mar 11, 2021
Messages
74
Sorry, I'm new to hunting in CO, but there's an OTC muley season in Colorado?!
if you want OTC idaho and montana are your states. but with that comes increased pressure (in a lot of cases) and typically smaller scoring animals (in most cases compared to other states)
 

WCB

WKR
Joined
Jun 12, 2019
Messages
3,640
if you want OTC idaho and montana are your states. but with that comes increased pressure (in a lot of cases) and typically smaller scoring animals (in most cases compared to other states)
Since when has Montana been OTC for deer?
 
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