2017 Third Season Deer Unit Question

Solotude · Nov 8, 2016

I'm looking at cashing in my deer points (7 NR) next year for a third season tag and have narrowed my choices down to Units 40, 52, and 63. I'm planning on heading out next weekend to have a look around to determine road network, camping opportunities, and trail access points. Don't plan on getting away from the truck much on this trip as I don't want to screw any fourth season tag holders up.

How is the third season pressure on these units? Are there elk hunts going on during third season? Is private land an issue during third season? Is a 160+ class buck a reasonable expectation (with much patience and a little luck of course)?

Thanks in advance. Feel free to PM me if you prefer.

Solotude · Nov 15, 2016

Bump.

Thought I would bump this back up to hopefully get some feedback now that the third season is over.

mntman · Nov 15, 2016

no idea about those 3 listed units specifically, but a 160 type buck in 3rd season should be rather do able in any unit in CO. Not saying they are dime a dozen but with any scouting and some effort/patience I would think you could find one.
You have a very realistic goal (not many do these days).

Mntman

"Hunting is where you prove yourself"

Solotude · Dec 1, 2016

Well I wasn't able to make a trip out to scout any of the units I listed however, a co-worker of mine hunted Unit 40 third season along the Utah boarder and had a pretty descent hunt. Based on his willingness to share his information, I'm leaning towards that unit next year.

Anyone willing to share how their hunt went in 52 or 63 third this year?

Thanks to all who have PM me.

Smokepole · Dec 26, 2016

This was a 3rd season unit 40 buck. He was the best we found. My cousin went home with tag soup, he didn't find anything willing to tag. We sure wanted to hunt in snow, I think it would have been a different hunt. We spent only one day along the Utah border. I shot this one in the middle of the unit.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r73/readhunt/Mike Phone 291.jpg

smackdown · Dec 26, 2016

Is there a lot of private land in Unit 40? GPS chip? How hard is it to get around, just curious because it is pretty easy unit to draw so I figured there was a lot of private land. Thanks

Elkduds · Dec 27, 2016

Congrats on a handsome buck, Smokepole. Solo, 40 has a lot of private land, a lot of BLM and a wee bit of USFS. Access is good to the easy places, increasingly difficult after that. The MVUM overlay on the CO Big Game Atlas shows motorized access and land ownership status.

7 · Dec 27, 2016

That's a fine buck congrats!

7 Mag

Smokepole · Dec 28, 2016

We did use a land status GPS. It helped as we accessed some of the smaller pieces of BLM land, one of which is where I shot my buck.

Solotude · Jan 2, 2017

That's a nice buck Smokepole especially given the weather for your hunt, congrats!

Thanks for the overlay reminder Elkduds (I forgot about that feature). Looks like a land status chip would be a wise investment as well.

Thanks for all of the responses and I hope everyone has a great 2017.