Colorado Unit 48 Hunting Information

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Overview of CO GMU 48 Hunting Facts

Unit 48 sits west of Leadville. The area varies from flatlands with antelope to high rugged and remote mountains where the elk and mule deer tend to stay. The area is made up of three wilderness areas including Holy Cross, Mount Massive and Collegiate Peaks. Those who are willing to put in the work have a great chance at having a successful hunt in unit 48. For more Colorado Unit 48 hunting information check the Cities in Colorado Unit 48 section on the right.

CO Unit 48 Species Hunting Info

Unit 48 Mule Deer
Unit 48 Elk
Unit 48 Antelope

INFO: Mule Deer Hunting in Colorado Unit 48
During the early seasons, stay near the high parts of the San Isabel National Forest and the three wilderness areas. As the weather cools, start heading towards lower elevations. During 2nd rifle season, be on the lookout near open slopes in the early and late hours of the day. For 3rd rifle season, stay near sagebrush flats and scattered ponderosa, pinyon and junipers.

SUCCESS RATES for Mule Deer Hunting in Colorado Unit 48
5 Year Estimated Average for Deer
Archery 31%
Muzzleloader 27%
Early Rifle 62%
2nd Rifle 26%
3rd Rifle 28%

Mule Deer TROPHY QUALITY for Unit 48 Colorado
Average Quality 140″ – 160″
Trophy Potential 170″
Buck to Doe Ratio 18:100
Colorado Unit 48 Mule Deer Hunting FORUM Coming Soon!

INFO: Elk Hunting in Colorado Unit 48
During archery season, elk tend to be seen near high terrain in the San Isabel National Forest, moving down into timber as the season progresses. Bugling has proven to be effective, especially in September. Elk are very responsive and vocal during Muzzleloader season. Areas that have been successful in the past include Hagerman Pass Basin, Champion Mill and the Busk Creek Basin. During 1st and 2nd rifle season, elk tend to stay more towards middle and low elevations, depending on weather. Elk herd towards private land during 3rd and 4th rifle season.

SUCCESS RATES for Elk Hunting in Colorado Unit 48
5 Year Estimated Average for Elk
Archery 13%
Muzzleloader 27%
Rifle 1 42%
Rifle 2 36%
Rifle 3 32%
Rifle 4 5%
Elk TROPHY QUALITY for Unit 48 Colorado
Average Quality 270″ – 300″
Trophy Potential 310+”
Bull to Cow Ratio 22:100
Colorado Unit 48 Elk Hunting FORUM Coming Soon!

INFO: Antelope Hunting in Colorado Unit 48
There are not many antelope in unit 48, but the few that are here are found in low flats and rolling sagebrush hills in towards the east. Being aware of property boundaries is key considering most of this unit is private property. Hunting near watering holes will increase your chance at seeing an antelope.

SUCCESS RATES for Antelope Hunting in Colorado Unit 48
5 Year Estimated Average for Antelope
Archery 7%
Muzzle Loader 19%
Rifle 39%
Antelope TROPHY QUALITY for Unit 48 Colorado
Average Quality 60″ – 65″
Trophy Potential 65+”
Doe to Buck Ratio 3:100
Colorado Unit 48 Antelope Hunting FORUM Coming Soon!

Available Hunts

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Total Acreage: 300 sq. miles or 192,000 acres

Total Public Land: 168,576 acres

Species Common in the Area: Black Bear, Elk, Mule Deer, Moose, Pronghorn

Elevation Variances: 9,000 ft. to 14,433 ft.

Terrain Difficulty Overall: Mild to Moderate

Land Coverage/Vegetation: 53% evergreen forest, 17% grassland/herbaceous, 12% deciduous forest and 9% barren land (rock/sand/clay)

Unit 48 includes the highest peak in the state, Mount Elbert, which sits 14,433 feet above sea level. The Holy Cross, Mount Massive, Collegiate Peaks and part of the San Isabel National Forest comprise the high country, much of which is well above timberline. On these mountains are high alpine basins that drain into deep canyons leading down to the valley.

Lower elevations tend to have flats and rolling hills covered with sagebrush, grass, pinyon pines and juniper trees and scattered cottonwood trees along creeks. Some areas have ponderosa pines and oak brush. Middle elevations mainly consist of spruce and fir trees mixed with large, scattered aspen groves along with flats on ridges. Those flats are covered with grass and wildflowers. High elevations consist of steep slopes leading to the peaks above timberline are covered in grass, wildflowers and loose scrabble.

A few four-wheel drive roads and ATV trails branch off well-maintained roads that access much of the national forest. Backcountry trails are marked for hiking and horseback riding. Most of the high country is wilderness where no vehicles are allowed. Highway 82 runs through unit 48. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended

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Colorado Unit 48 Hunting Information

Overview of CO GMU 48 Hunting Facts

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CO Unit 48 Species Hunting Info

Available Hunts

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Info for Cities Near CO GMU 48

Colorado Unit 48 Topo Map

Lay of the Land in CO Unit 48

Terrain in GMU 48 CO

Vegetation in GMU Unit 48 CO

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