Hunting Near Pagosa Springs — Elk, Deer & Turkey | GMU 77 Guide

The San Juan Mountains surrounding Pagosa Springs offer some of Colorado’s most spectacular hunting opportunities. With vast wilderness areas, abundant game populations, and breathtaking scenery, this region draws hunters from across the country seeking trophy elk, mule deer, and more.

Why Hunt the San Juans?

Colorado’s Game Management Unit (GMU) 77, which encompasses the Pagosa Springs area, consistently produces quality animals thanks to:

• Vast public land — San Juan National Forest and Weminuche Wilderness
• Limited hunting pressure — compared to Front Range units
• Diverse terrain — from alpine meadows to dense timber
• Healthy herds — excellent elk and deer populations

Big Game Hunting Opportunities

Elk Hunting

The San Juans are renowned for trophy bull elk:

Season	Dates	Type
Archery	Early September	Over-the-counter tags
Muzzleloader	Mid-September	Draw required
Rifle (1st)	October	Draw required
Rifle (2nd)	November	Over-the-counter tags
Rifle (3rd)	November	Over-the-counter tags

Tactics:

• Early season: Glass alpine meadows at dawn/dusk
• Rut: Bugling bulls in September timber
• Late season: Push through snow to lower elevations

Mule Deer Hunting

Pagosa’s deer hunting offers both quality and quantity:

• Archery: September, over-the-counter
• Rifle: October/November, draw or OTC depending on unit
• Terrain: Sagebrush valleys to high alpine basins

Tips:

• Scout before season — deer patterns change with pressure
• Focus on transition zones (timber to meadow edges)
• Late-season snow pushes deer to accessible terrain

Black Bear Hunting

Overlooked but excellent opportunity:

• Spring season: April-May (draw)
• Fall season: September-November (OTC or draw)
• Methods: Spot-and-stalk, over bait (where legal), hounds
• Success rates: High compared to elk and deer

Turkey Hunting

Growing population in the area:

• Spring season: April-May
• Archery or shotgun
• Over-the-counter tags
• Public land opportunities increasing

Small Game and Birds

Small Game

• Blue grouse — High country, September starts
• Sage grouse — Draw required, limited units
• Abundant small game — rabbits, squirrels

Where to Hunt Near Pagosa

San Juan National Forest

Immediate access from our lodging near Wolf Creek:

• Millions of acres of public land
• Road access to high country
• Primitive camping allowed (follow regulations)
• Backcountry — pack-in opportunities

Weminuche Wilderness

Colorado’s largest wilderness area:

• No motorized access — horses or foot only
• Trophy potential — limited pressure
• Challenging terrain — experienced hunters only
• Permits required for overnight stays

Essential Hunting Information

Licenses and Tags

• Colorado Parks & Wildlife — cpw.state.co.us
• Draw application deadline: Early April
• Preference points — build for trophy units
• Leftover tags — available after draw results

Gear for San Juan Hunting

Must-Haves:

• Quality boots — broken in before season
• Layering system — weather changes rapidly
• Binoculars — 10x42 minimum for glassing
• GPS or OnX Hunt — essential for navigation
• Game bags and pack — for meat care

Altitude Consideration:

• Base elevation: 7,000 feet
• Hunting elevation: 8,000-12,000 feet
• Acclimatize — arrive a day early if possible (see our altitude sickness guide for tips)
• Hydration — drink more water than usual

After the Hunt

Meat Processing

Local options in Pagosa Springs:

• Wild Game Processing — custom cuts, packaging
• DIY processing — our cabin kitchen available

Taxidermists

Several quality taxidermists in the area for mounts and tanning.

Unwind After the Hunt

After a long day in the field, soak tired muscles at the natural hot springs in town or grab a well-earned meal at one of Pagosa’s best restaurants. If you have a non-hunting day, check out the scenic drives around Pagosa Springs — many pass through prime wildlife viewing country.

Why Stay at Pagosa Forest Lodge?

Our 4-bedroom cabin is ideal for hunting groups:

• Sleeps 8 — bring your hunting party
• Secure storage — firearms and gear
• Game cleaning area — outdoor spigot, space to work
• Freezer space — store meat before processing
• Quiet location — rest before early mornings
• Easy highway access — quick departures to hunting areas

Hunter-Friendly Features:

• Early checkout available
• Coffee ready before dawn
• Flexible cleaning schedule

Book Your Hunting Basecamp

Check availability for hunting season →

Or contact us for local guide recommendations and current conditions.

---

Always check current Colorado Parks & Wildlife regulations before hunting. Rules change annually.