Colorado Unit 4 Hunting Information

INFO: Mule Deer Hunting in Colorado Unit 4
To understand mule deer hunting in GMU 4, you first need to understand the behavior of mule deer. As is typical for the early season when the weather is still warm, the deer are in the higher elevations foraging in the lush greenery and congregating around water holes. Unit 4 has several small reservoirs scattered throughout as well as various streams and creeks. The higher elevation areas around Black Mountain, Beaver, Shorty, and Cataract Creek and the area’s distance from major roads would make this area ideal for an early-season hunt. As the weather cools down, the deer will move off of the mountains in the lower elevations where the temperatures are warmer and there is plenty of food left. These areas are situated in the western and southern parts of this unit.

Muzzleloader deer hunters and additionally archery tag holders can also hunt in all the following areas: 3/4/5/14/214/301/441 (check current CP&W regulations to ensure this is still accurate) with your current year license. Outdoorsmen can hunt from east of Steamboat, CO in unit 14 to west for about a 60 mile stretch past Maybell. These units present a super-wide number of terrain types and topography from moderate grasslands to high country more rugged mountains.

SUCCESS RATES for Mule Deer Hunting in Colorado Unit 4
5 Year Estimated Average for Deer
Archery 30%
Muzzle Loader 45%
2nd Rifle 55%
3rd Rifle 80%
4th Rifle 90%
Mule Deer TROPHY QUALITY for Unit 4 Colorado
Average Quality 140″ – 160″
Trophy Potential 160″ +
Buck to Doe Ratio 34:100
Colorado Unit 4 Mule Deer Hunting FORUM COMING SOON!

INFO: Elk Hunting in Colorado Unit 4
As the leaves fall off and the trees thin out, the elk will be spotted in the lower altitudes of Unit 4. The higher elevations create superior vantage points for hunters to glass the lower areas through which the elk is traveling. Elk have a predisposition to feeling covered and hidden so the diminished foliage of rifle season creates an advantage for hunters to spot and stalk the elk.

Several of the seasons for elk are over-the-counter with lots of pressure but remain a great area to do a combination of deer and elk hunt with friends. Success rates here are much higher than many over-the-counter units across the west.

SUCCESS RATES for Elk Hunting in Colorado Unit 4
5 Year Estimated Average for Elk
Archery 20%
Muzzle Loader 28%
1st Rifle 30%
2nd Rifle 15%
3rd Rifle 20%
4th Rifle 23%
Elk TROPHY QUALITY for Unit 4 Colorado
Average Quality 270″ – 300″
Trophy Potential 300″+
Bull to Cow Ratio 19:100
Colorado Unit 4 Elk Hunting FORUM COMING SOON!

INFO: Antelope Hunting in Colorado Unit 4
The antelope in unit 4 tend to gravitate towards the northern, drier, area of the unit. Although this unit is not considered a “trophy unit” for antelope, there is a high success rate for hunting antelope in unit 4. Pre-scouting your hunt will be advantageous for you to have a successful antelope hunt! Finding the scarce water sources of Northern Colorado will be a good place to start since antelope will be flocking to them during the warmer months. Having an accurate map will make all the difference in helping you plan your antelope hunt. The overall success rate for pronghorn is relatively high compared to most western states.

SUCCESS RATES for Antelope Hunting in Colorado Unit 4
5 Year Estimated Average for Antelope
Archery 35%
Muzzle Loader 40%
2nd Rifle 80%
Antelope TROPHY QUALITY for Unit 4 Colorado
Average Quality 60″ – 70″
Trophy Potential 70″+
Buck to Doe Ratio 39:100
Colorado Unit 4 Antelope Hunting FORUM COMING SOON!