Colorado GMU 40 Question

Smokepole · Dec 18, 2003

I have done a little research on Colorado GMU 40 and would like to find out from others if I should pursue a deer hunt there. I know that there is a lot of private land and access can be difficult. But, it does look like if I am willing to put a few miles on my feet I could likely get into some isolated areas on the mountain. Unless, there are other barriers that I am not aware of. I look forward to any advise that you may have. You can contact me via my email if you prefer. [email protected]

Smokepole

stinky · Dec 18, 2003

Is that the unit SW of Grand Jct. (I don't have a map at the moment). If so, it is not to hard to draw, but you don't get a tag every year. There is a ton of BLM land in the area. I've never hunted in it, and for the most part haven't been in there much. But I look at it every day. There is a rumor of a 200 pointer that was shot in there last year. I also gather my Xmas tree up in there.

Out west, there is some wilderness area, CO Canyons, and there is some BLM land along the Colorado and Gunnison (but never been to either one). Now, for the most part, there ain't no way to get into public off of Highway 141, but if you can, the hunting aught to be OK, as few people would go in that way.

You need a BLM map and you'll learn a lot

I've wanted to hunt the area, but never had the chance to...so many areas, so little time

Smokepole · Dec 18, 2003

Yes, it is the unit SW of Grand Jct. I already have a land status map and can see where the BLM and private lands are. I muzzle loader hunted the Utah side before Utah made it limited entry. I always wanted to scout around on the Colorado side and check things out.

I'm really looking to take my son to Colorado for a deer hunt next year. He just turned 12 and can't hunt Utah yet, but he could in Colorado. Any other suggestions or GMU's that I should check out, that would provide a decent deer hunt for a 12 year old would be very much appreciated.

Smokepole

BUCKSPY · Dec 19, 2003

The herd is pretty spotty in most of 40 and lousy in some parts of it. There is a two mountain lion limit per person because of heavy lion predation on desert bighorns so you know if its that bad on sheep, the deer are getting munched. There is decent hunting on just a few private lands but the public isn't very good. The ranching for wildlife hunts cancelled their deer hunts a few years ago because of this. There is a local kid that lives up there that was busted last winter for poaching elk and he put quite a hurt on the bucks in the winter also but was not nailed on that. I know there was a guy that posted here last year that took a couple of nice bucks there, not huge but nice and he would probably tell you different but success or lack there of can do that to your judgement. I could think of a few better places to hunt deer than there. The deer hunts in Utah in the Doloros triangle hunt this herd when they drop down to winter range(kind of like what Az does to the Pauns herd) is just a shadow of its former self. But just like anywhere, it does produce an occasional big buck. If you just want to take your kid deer hunting, consider the units up around Meeker and Craigand out to the west from there. Alot more deer.

prohunter · Dec 19, 2003

I think I am the guy buckspy is talking about and I have to agree with him. We took a couple of decent bucks last year. I have hunted the area for 15 years. The first year there we took a 31" 4x4. Since then just a couple of mid 20's bucks. I just can't shake this place. It is not the same as it use to be. I also hunted the Dolores triangle about 12 years ago. If you get a really good storm (snow) you will see some good bucks come thru, but I think that is true anywhere in CO.

ProHunter
GOD BLESS AMERICA!

txhunter58 · Dec 19, 2003

The units around Craig/Meeker are not called the "deer factory" of Colorado for nothing. Probably be tough to get a really good buck there, but it might be your best bet for a 12 year old who would be happy with any buck.

Do you know how to log on to the Colorado DOW website and do research on each unit? It gives you numbers of hunters (by season), success rates, numbers of game taken, and how many points it takes to get drawn. Here is a link to that area: http://wildlife.state.co.us/huntrecap/index.asp

Good luck.

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

Smokepole · Dec 19, 2003

GMU 40 sounds like a tough hunt for a 12 year old. I'm looking for a hunt that he'll see fair amount of deer and get a crack at any legal buck. I have spent quite abit of time on the Colorado website. Although, I have not looked at the areas around Meeker and Craig. I'll go check those areas out right now. Next question is, which season would you suggest, the 2nd season or 3rd?

Smokepole

gunnut · Dec 31, 2003

Go thrid combined DEER/Elk. It is the 2nd week in Nov most years but in 2004 its the 6-10 I think. There should be some snow on the ground and make tracking a little easer. Jovan