Colorado unit 30 deer

rjhickm · Jun 13, 2009

Anyone got any advice for this unit, 2nd rifle? Also have AZ and NM elk tags so not much time to scout.

Thanks

foundation · Jun 14, 2009

I had the 3 rd. season deer hunt last year in unit 30 . I wasn't impressed with the hunt . There was a lot of private land , lots of pressure from elk hunters , and way too many roads from all the oil rigs .
Lack of weather resulted in me only seeing about 14 bucks the whole season , and I never saw one that I wanted to hang a tag on .

rjhickm · Jun 14, 2009

Thanks. Not what I wanted to hear, but thanks anyway. Did you hunt mostly by Grand Junction?

WesternSky · Jun 14, 2009

Foundation
Are you sure your not taking about 31? There is not that much O&G activity in 30. No new roads have been cut in the area. Probably a lot of elk pressure but that is common for all area open to OTC elk hunters.

rjhickm · Jun 14, 2009

I would think adjoining 29, one of the best units, it'd be pretty good. I hear Garfield County produces some real nice deer. But that's why I'm asking.....Thanks guys.

foundation · Jun 14, 2009

I hunted in the Baxter pass and Prairer ( spell check ) canyon the whole time . I was in unit 30 for sure , I talked with the Fish and Game Officer a couple of times in the field , and he made it a point to go over my maps with me . It was actually good that he went over my maps due to the fact I had some people tell me about spots to watch that where actually in unit 21 . I also thought according to the unit description I was able to hunt North of the Baxter Pass ridge .
All the locals that where elk huntin said it was a off year , and the deer just were not there .

HillbillyNnevada · Jun 14, 2009

Last year was a bad year. If it's not too warm, you should have a good hunt. I have been saving my points to hunt here. I just wish this unit would fall off of the radar of a few magazines.

hunter1975 · Jul 2, 2009

Foundation,

I think the kill rate was around 80% in 2008. If that was an off year they must have been killing young bucks or the survey was not accurate? Any thoughts?

rjhickm · Jul 2, 2009

I read somewhere that the kill rates were in the 90%+ range for the last 3 years. That's pretty darned high for anywhere. Still hopeful. I'll hunt hard and away from roads if I need to. Also will take the whole time if needed.

HillbillyNnevada · Jul 2, 2009

I think there has been a 90% success rate for several years. No doubt you can kill "a" buck in 30 pretty easy even on a warm weather year if you just want any buck. The warm weather is what made it a bad year. The weather makes the difference in the quantity and quality of deer that you will see. It is steeper and thicker than unit 21 to the north.

rjhickm · Jul 3, 2009

I kinda figured that. I hunted unit 75/751 for the last 3 years and held out. Same problem...warm weather. I wasn't disappointed though. Saw lots of game and had a blast. I'll work for them and see what happens.

Any good ideas on where to start?