CO GMU 4, 14, 214, 441 3rd Rifle Deer

[publichunter1]

Hey guys. I'm headed over next week for the 3rd Rifle deer hunt in 4, 14, 214, and 441. I had scheduled to be there the whole hunt and be able to explore a lot but work added mandatory time and can now only hunt the opening weekend (2 days). I'm going over a day and a half early to try and scout some.

I have never hunted the area but have a plan with several backup plans. Just wanted to see if anyone out there familiar with hunt had any suggestions/information they wanted to share. No big deal either way, just thought I would ask before going. Please just private message me if you do.

Happy hunting.

 

[Thill]

Don't waste anytime in 214 around Steamboat Lake or Sand Mountain. The area has been pounded and few deer/elk remain in this area. 214 is tough unless you have private access.

 

[publichunter1]

Thanks @Thill. That seemed to be the sentiment from the biologist as well. I've concentrated most of the E-scouting West as Steamboat.

I'm also taking recommendations for places to eat in the area (Baggs, Craig, Steamboat)?

 

[oljc]

PM me

 

[tracker12]

Check out the areas around the Wilderness Ranch. Always a few good bucks in there.

 

[publichunter1]

Check out the areas around the Wilderness Ranch. Always a few good bucks in there.

Thanks man but I’m already back. I tagged out opening morning.

 

[BradA]

Congratulations

 

[Joe2Kool]

Dang PH1! Nice one! I would've tagged out on that one opening morning also!

 

[mFlirt]

Thanks man but I’m already back. I tagged out opening morning.
View attachment 58756

Nice buck! I am hoping my son son draws a 4th rifle tag there this year with this being his last year as a youth hunter. His football season gets in the way of that 3rd season. How high of elevation were you seeing them? How was the access over there? Did you camp or stay in town. If town where did you stay?

 

[Thill]

4th season- find the does. Most should be in the lower country, should expect snow and plan accordingly. Access most likely will be limited by the snow if the last few years weather continues.

 

[publichunter1]

Nice buck! I am hoping my son son draws a 4th rifle tag there this year with this being his last year as a youth hunter. His football season gets in the way of that 3rd season. How high of elevation were you seeing them? How was the access over there? Did you camp or stay in town. If town where did you stay?

The bucks I saw were lower around 7-7.5k elevation. I camped on the BLM on the west side of the unit and killed my buck on the same section I was camped on. Seemed to be a decent number of deer but a lot of hunters. I hope he draws and has a great hunt. PM me if you need anything else.