When it comes to hunting in Colorado, Unit 214 stands out as one of the prime hunting locations in the state. Known for its robust elk and mule deer populations, Unit 214 in Routt County offers a challenging yet rewarding hunting experience. For hunters looking to explore this stunning region, this comprehensive guide provides in-depth Colorado Units Hunting Information that will help you make the most of your next hunting adventure in Unit 214. Whether you’re after elk or mule deer, this guide will cover everything you need to know, from species information to terrain details.
Table of Contents
- Overview of Unit 214
- Species Available for Hunting in Unit 214
- Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 214
- Elk Hunting in Unit 214
- Antelope Hunting in Unit 214
- Success Rates for Hunting in Unit 214
- Available Hunts in Unit 214
- Map and Directions to Unit 214
- What You Need to Know About Land Ownership
- Top Hunting Tips for Unit 214
Overview of Unit 214
Unit 214 is situated in Routt County, Colorado. Known for its mixture of private and public land, this hunting unit presents a unique challenge for hunters. Unit 214 is home to a growing population of elk and mule deer, both of which attract hunters from across the country. The unit is largely bordered by private lands, so understanding boundaries is essential to avoid trespassing. The public lands, primarily managed by the Routt National Forest, offer fantastic opportunities for hunters willing to put in the effort.
Key Information for Unit 214:
- Location: Routt County, Colorado
- Total Acreage: 148,000 acres (231 square miles)
- Public Land: 35,000 acres (23% public)
- Private Land: 77% private
- Terrain: Mild to moderate difficulty with foothills, flatlands, and mountain ranges
- Elevation: 6,450 ft. to 9,624 ft.
Species Available for Hunting in Unit 214
Unit 214 offers a variety of species for hunters, making it an exciting location for both big game and small game hunters.
- Mule Deer: A top target in this unit, known for their size and trophy potential.
- Elk: Colorado is famous for its elk hunting, and Unit 214 offers ample opportunities.
- Black Bear: Hunters can also encounter black bears, adding an additional challenge.
- Pronghorn Antelope: These creatures are typically found in the lower elevations of the unit.
- Moose: Rare but not impossible to find, especially in the higher regions of the unit.
Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 214
Mule deer are abundant in Unit 214, and the unit is known for producing trophy-sized bucks. The hunting pressure here can be moderate to high, especially in the early seasons, but that does not deter experienced hunters from coming back year after year.
Mule Deer Hunting Seasons:
- Archery Season: Available with tags valid in Unit 214 as well as neighboring units like Units 3, 4, and 301.
- Muzzleloader Season: Archery tags for mule deer are often valid for muzzleloader hunting as well.
- Rifle Seasons: Tags for rifle hunting are valid in multiple units, including Units 4, 14, and 441.
Success Rates for Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 214:
- Archery: 40% success rate
- Muzzleloader: 42% success rate
- Rifle: Varies, but 2nd Rifle season has a 30% success rate, while 3rd Rifle shows a higher success rate of 50%.
Trophy Quality for Mule Deer:
- Average Buck Size: 140″ – 160″
- Trophy Potential: 160″+ potential bucks
Elk Hunting in Unit 214
Elk hunting in Unit 214 offers a fantastic opportunity to bag a trophy bull. The elk population here has steadily increased, and the area offers rugged terrain for those seeking a true hunting challenge. It’s also one of the more sought-after hunting areas for both residents and non-residents due to its consistent elk harvests.
Elk Hunting Seasons:
- Archery Season: Tags are available for both archery hunters and those looking to harvest a bull during the rut.
- Rifle Season: Offered in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rifle seasons. 4th Rifle season tags are typically unavailable for Unit 214.
Elk Hunting Success Rates:
- Archery: 25-30% success rate
- Rifle: The success rate can be higher, with reports ranging from 35% to 50% depending on the hunting method and hunter experience.
Antelope Hunting in Unit 214
Pronghorn antelope are found in the lower elevations of Unit 214, with hunting opportunities available in the early seasons. The combination of wide-open spaces and mixed terrain offers hunters a unique opportunity to pursue this challenging species.
Available Tags for Antelope:
- Unit-Wide Antelope Tag: Valid across Unit 214 and Unit 441.
Success Rates for Hunting in Unit 214
Hunting in Unit 214 offers varied success rates depending on the species, season, and hunting methods. Here is an overview of estimated success rates:
- Mule Deer Archery: 40%
- Mule Deer Rifle: 50%
- Elk Archery: 25-30%
- Elk Rifle: 35-50%
Understanding these rates can help set expectations for your hunt and assist in planning your approach.
Available Hunts in Unit 214
If you’re looking for Colorado unit 214 hunting info, the available hunts include:
- 2025 Colorado Unit 214/441 Antelope Tag Unit-Wide.
- Landowner Tags for Sale Elk, Deer, Antelope.
These hunts allow for flexibility and access to different seasons, so be sure to plan ahead and check for updates on availability.
Map and Directions to Unit 214
Access to Unit 214 is primarily via US-40, which runs along the southern border of the unit. County roads and forest service roads branch off from US-40, allowing access to various hunting areas. Additionally, there are 53 miles of trails in the unit, which provide access to remote sections for serious hunters.
Directions to Unit 214:
- From Steamboat Springs, CO: Head north on US-40 towards Hayden.
- From Hayden, CO: Continue north on US-40 to access the southern parts of Unit 214.
What You Need to Know About Land Ownership
Unit 214 is a mix of private and public lands. While 23% of the land is public, most of the unit (77%) is private property. Be sure to verify the land boundaries before heading out and obtain permission from landowners where necessary.
Key Facts about Land Ownership:
- Public Land: 35,000 acres
- Private Land: 77% of the unit
- Private Land Access: Use GPS and map tools to ensure you are hunting in legal areas.
Top Hunting Tips for Unit 214
To ensure a successful hunting trip in Unit 214, here are a few expert tips:
- Know Your Boundaries: Due to the high percentage of private land, always be aware of the boundaries between private and public lands.
- Use Glassing Techniques: The mixed terrain of Unit 214 is perfect for glassing, so bring high-quality optics for scouting from a distance.
- Prepare for Steep Terrain: The rugged elevations, particularly in the Routt National Forest, can be challenging. Be prepared for long hikes and varying weather conditions.
- Hire a Guide: For first-time hunters, hiring a guide can improve your chances significantly. They know the area and can help you navigate the boundaries and terrain effectively.
Conclusion
Whether you are hunting elk, mule deer, or antelope, Unit 214 in Colorado offers a rewarding experience for those willing to put in the effort. With its stunning landscapes, robust wildlife populations, and challenging terrain, Unit 214 is a must-visit for hunters looking to make the most of their Colorado hunting experience. Be sure to prepare thoroughly, understand the land ownership details, and stay informed about hunting regulations to increase your chances of success. Happy hunting!
What species can I hunt in Unit 214, Colorado?
Unit 214 offers hunting opportunities for mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, black bear, and moose. Mule deer and elk are the most popular targets, with significant trophy potential.
What are the hunting success rates for mule deer in Unit 214?
Success rates for mule deer hunting vary by season and method:
- Archery: 40%
- Muzzleloader: 42%
- Rifle: 30% in the 2nd Rifle season and 50% in the 3rd Rifle season.
How can I access Unit 214 for hunting?
Unit 214 is accessible via US-40, which runs along the southern border. County roads and forest service roads branch off from US-40, leading to hunting areas. There are also 53 miles of trails for remote hunting access.
What should I know about land ownership in Unit 214?
Unit 214 consists of 77% private land and 23% public land (primarily Routt National Forest). Be sure to verify land boundaries and obtain permission from landowners if you plan to hunt on private property.
What are the best hunting tips for Unit 214, Colorado?
Key tips include:
- Know the boundaries between private and public land.
- Use glassing techniques for scouting.
- Be prepared for steep and rugged terrain.
- Consider hiring a guide, especially if you’re new to the area.