Colordao Deer - Pagosa Springs / Durango Area

[Kiwi]

In the next few years I hope to hunt mule deer in Colorado. Been a dream of mine for a while to take a nice high country buck with my bow. I missed a buck in the WY high country last year but I'm not giving up just yet! I have deer two CO deer points and am thinking that I could try for an archery tag in a unit around Pagosa Springs / Durango area next year which I should draw or maybe wait another year and try for a better unit with three points. But don't want to wait too long as I'm not getting any younger!

I know its still over a year away (never too early I say) but would be very grateful for any advice on Pagosa Springs / Durango area or any other units that might be worth a look.

Sometimes I think I need to do a second US trip a year for scouting! I also have two elk points but my main target is mule deer.

As always happy to provide New Zealand hunting advice, or join me on a hunt if the timing works out.

 

[Pagosa]

Kiwi are you looking for wilderness above timberline hunt or a hunt in the lower country? I started out mule deer hunting around Toner Mountain north of Pagosa with my dad in the late 80s and the deer were plentiful then. Deer numbers have been reduced greatly, but good hunting can still be found. I have not been in there since before the big fire, but I bet the Sand Creek fire opened up a lot of productive country. It's not high timberline, but was super steep old-growth and the new growth should be established good. The fire was four years ago I think. You might call the Forest Service office in Pagosa Spgs and talk with a rec planner or wildlife biologist. I'm really out of touch with the deer herds in Colorado since I moved away. Also check out the Co NDIS Mapit program. Good luck. Preston

 

[Kiwi]

Thanks Preston. I was planning on camping & hunting above the timberline in the wilderness. I did big day trips in WY as I couldn't face camping in Grizz country! But this time I hope to camp for a week or so up high.

I'll check out Toner Mountain and also give the rec planner / wildlife biologist a call.

 

[marksjeep]

You should draw 74 with 2 points. It's north of Durango, lots of high country, absolutely beautiful area.

There would be a fair number of other hunters though. Quite a few archery tags, an early rifle hunt, and a muzzleloader hunt in that unit.

 

[Kiwi]

Thanks marksjeep, that was one of the units I was looking at. I really want to avoid the crowds and in this unit the archery seasons opens first on 26 Aug so would have a week before the rifle and muzzleloader hunters.

 

[O C Hunter]

Check out unit 77. Take the Piedra Road loop north out of Pagosa Springs and hit the Weminuche Wilderness trailheads, or park and hike up from the main road. If you are looking for a high altitude physical challenge above timberline with a good chance at a nice buck, this is a good place to start.

 

[Kiwi]

Thanks OC hunter I'll check it out.

 

[BrokenArrow]

Hey Kiwi, Same offer I just made to Montana_Bow, Pm me if your interested. Not sure if you are in the states now, but maybe we can talk on the phone? For reference, I attended Lincoln University in Christchurch for a bit and tramped around Arthur's Pass area. I could compare the terrain for you. Later, JW

 

[Kiwi]

Thanks brokenarrow, I'm actually in Bali now but will pm you when I'm back in NZ. Am very keen to get some local knowledge. BTW I also attended Lincoln Uni and did an exchange to Oregon State for a year.

 

[Kiwi]

I'm considering hiring an outfitter to drop me off and pick me up for my bow deer hunt. I'll start my internet search soon but if anyone has an outfitter they can recommend please get in touch. Also if anyone would like join me please message me. Thinking it would be more cost effective if two (or three) people hired an outfitter. Also like the idea of a setting up a remote camp with others to use as a base to day hunt from.