Vail and the Eagle River Valley offer some great
hunting opportunities. Whether you want to
hunt mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, or mountain
goats you should consider the Vail area for
you next hunt.
Elk will be scattered from 7500 ' to above timberline.
Elk Units 24, 25, 34, 35, 44, and 444 .
Large blocks of Public land in units 35 and 36 provide refuge and can make hunting in these units difficult.
As hunting pressure increase elk will head to dark timber and
deep canyons. Hunt as far from roads and easily accessible
areas as you can.
Larger wilderness areas such as the Flat Tops Wilderness and Holy Cross Wilderness offer great opportunities. Be prepared to backpack or pack in on horses to access wilderness areas.
Deer will be scattered from 6500' to timberline. As heavy snow
accumulations of over 18 in. move in, deer will migrate to
lower elevation pinyon-juniper areas.
Mule Deer Units 24, 25, 34, 35, 44, and 444.
Hunting in unit 24 is generally better in early season. Units 35 and 44 have the most public land and unit 44 is managed for trophy quality animals. Units 35 and 36 have the most deer and snowfall will move deer from unit 45 to unit 36. Unit 44 late rifle hunt is best. Potential for 180+ class deer.
Unit 35 is the best muzzleloader unit in the state. Makes for exceptional high country backpack or horseback hunt with potential for 190+ class deer.
There are three units in the Vail area that offer bighorn sheep hunting.
Bighorn Sheep Units S26, S69, S70
You will have to apply for a minimum of three years to accumulate
the maximum preference points. You will then begin collecting
bonus points each year you are unsuccessful. Be prepared to
apply for several years before drawing. There are many hunters
who have been applying 10 + years.
