Unit 20 Elk
Discover Unit 20: A Top-Quality Elk Unit in Colorado's Limited Draw System
Unit 20 is a trophy elk destination nestled within the beautiful terrains of Colorado. With a bull/cow ratio of 45/100, the herd is managed to offer the best possible hunting experience to elk enthusiasts. You don’t want to miss the prime location of this unit.
Guided Elk Hunts
Unit 20 is not generally considered to be the best choice for a DIY hunt because the unit is over 50% private land. Bordering the unhunted, elk-rich 265,000-acre Rocky Mountain National Park, Unit 20 offers an ideal habitat for mature bull elk. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has added special December and January bull elk seasons exclusive to Unit 20 to cater to the migration patterns of elk from Rocky Mountain National Park. These seasons are in addition to the normal season structure of archery, muzzleloader, and regular rifle seasons.
The well-managed, non-migratory unit 20 resident elk (not from RMNP) tend to stay close to the eastern and central part of the unit on private and some public lands. From these resident herd areas, our archery, muzzleloader, and early rifle hunters take some large bulls with a couple going 350″+ B&C most years.
Proven Success
We offer elk/deer hunts during all seasons on a mix of private ranches throughout the unit and the Forest Service Lands in the northern half of the unit. The largest bull we have ever taken was in 2005 and scored 401″ B&C gross, and 386″ net official B&C. Each year we will take a few bulls that score 350″+ and these big bulls have been killed in all the different seasons. The migrant elk from RMNP begin arriving just after the rut and continue to migrate as the weather cools.
Each year on December 1st, the Forest Service closes and locks the two-track public roads. From then on, only people on foot, on OHVs with TRAX, or on horseback are allowed past the gates. We have TRAX machines and horses to access these areas. With only about 25 bull tags in each regular rifle season, 35 muzzleloader bull tags, and 110 tags in the archery season, hunting pressure on the bulls is light.
Proven Success
We offer elk/deer hunts during all seasons on a mix of private ranches throughout the unit and the Forest Service Lands in the northern half of the unit. The largest bull we have ever taken was in 2005 and scored 401″ B&C gross, and 386″ net official B&C. Each year we will take a few bulls that score 350″+ and these big bulls have been killed in all the different seasons. The migrant elk from RMNP begin arriving just after the rut and continue to migrate as the weather cools.
Each year on December 1st, the Forest Service closes and locks the two-track public roads. From then on, only people on foot, on OHVs with TRAX, or on horseback are allowed past the gates. We have TRAX machines and horses to access these areas. With only about 25 bull tags in each regular rifle season, 35 muzzleloader bull tags, and 110 tags in the archery season, hunting pressure on the bulls is light.
Services
The hunt includes a 2:1 or a 1:1 hunter-to-guide ratio, cabin lodging, meals, caping, game packing, and recommendations on meat processors and taxidermists. Hunter numbers are limited to 2-4 per hunt in all seasons. The guides use trucks, ATVs, and occasionally horses to access the hunting areas. Hunters are responsible for license fees, game processing, taxidermy, gratuities, and travel to lodging locations.
Good bulls are usually available for hunters who are able to hold out for the right animal. Although elevations are moderate, be prepared to hike and hunt hard for your chance at a 6-point bull.
Licenses and Preference Points
Licenses for all seasonal hunts are issued through the draw, and several preference points are needed to secure an elk license.
Unit 20 is over 50% private land, so while it doesn’t take as many preference points as the trophy public land draw units, the hunting is comparable in quality. You’ll need preference points to guarantee an elk license or you must purchase a landowner voucher for a unit-wide tag.
Preference points needed:
Archery – 4
Muzzleloader – 12
Regular rifle seasons – 8 to 16
December rifle – 9
January rifle – 12
Buck deer – 0
BOOK YOUR UNIT 20 ELK HUNT TODAY
Book your next adventure in Unit 20 to immerse yourself in the ultimate elk hunting experience and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Book Your Unit 20 Elk Hunt Today
Book your next adventure in Unit 20 to immerse yourself in the ultimate elk hunting experience and create memories that will last a lifetime.
