Moving to CO, but where?

Trad Bow 1979 · Oct 24, 2016

Hey guys I'm a NM resident and it looks like I'll be moving to CO in the next few years. I'll be retiring from the military while my wife will still be working in education. My passion chasing elk, Mulies, and fishing. I'd like to find some pheasants too if it's not too much trouble LOL. I'm looking at Grand Junction as a possibility. I need that balance between being in civilization but being able to get away real easy too. I'd like to live somewhere that I can elk hunt nearly each year within less than 3 hours drive. Is there decent archery elk near grand junction? Thanks for any responses

WoodsD9 · Oct 24, 2016

There is some really good elk hunting within 3 hrs of grand junction (some draw units and others otc). If you have the time to scout a lot prior to the season I would really look into units 30, 21 to the north and possibly 62 a little ways to the southeast. All of those units produce some great animals but you really have to do your homework and know the area.

littlebull209338 · Oct 24, 2016

I was born in Grand Junction and have lived in Denver for the last 30 years, a few thoughts: The people in GJ are great. The summers are really hot almost 24 hrs. a day. The winters can be very cold when they get an inversion. If I were to move back to the Western Slope I would be looking at Montrose, Paonia or Glenwood. There are many places all over the WS that are close to some very good hunting and fishing but all are about 45-60 minutes away from it, generally speaking. It is not really that far to Denver and the entertainment that is here and you have the advantage of not living in this crowded mess Many people from the WS have season tickets to the Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies and Avalanche. You will be closer to sking and ice fishing if you live in the towns I mentioned. GOOD LUCK with your retirement...you will love it!

BeanMan · Oct 24, 2016

LAST EDITED ON Oct-24-16 AT 05:03PM (MST)[p]Palisade is the peach of the Grand Junction area. Ok elk hunting is very close, better if you are willing to drive a bit.

Coloradoboy · Oct 24, 2016

LAST EDITED ON Oct-24-16 AT 08:00PM (MST)[p]I grew up in Glenwood. Great hunting and even better fishing.

Trad Bow 1979 · Oct 25, 2016

Thank you all so much for the replies and feedback. It's given me some areas to look at for hunting as well as where to live. I'm sad about losing my residency in NM but it has gotten so dangerous there with crime and everything. I just don't want to raise my son there.

oldmossback · Oct 25, 2016

I have lived South of Denver for 17 years and would definitely recommend the west (best) slope. Less people, closer to hunting, Less traffic and in my opinion just nicer all around. Since the pot laws changed we have been bombarded with people moving to the Denver area. I cant wait to get out of here in a year or so and will be looking to the western slope myself. Good Luck

Elkduds · Oct 25, 2016

With your wife needing to work, GJ is the biggest job market. Big enough town to have medical, shopping and some cultural amenities. 45 min from ski lifts. I lived in the GJ area for 16 years, loved it for hunting, etc.

That said, I'd look @ towns higher up toward the mountains. Montrose, Ridgway, Cedaredge, Paonia, Newcastle, Meeker, Cortez, Bayfield. If $ is no object, then Durango, Steamboat, Glenwood/Carbondale, Eagle.

PM if you like for a more in-depth discussion.