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Colorado Moose Mule Deer Elk

Unit 171

Colorado Hunting Guide — Moose, Mule Deer, Elk

Colorado Moose Unit 171 is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) through its preference-point draw system. Tags are allocated annually via the CPW big game draw.

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Access roads, campgrounds, elevation, monthly weather, stock tanks, cell coverage, and nearest-town services for Unit 171.
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Moose Hunting in Unit 171

Colorado Moose Unit 171 is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) through its preference-point draw system. Tags are allocated annually via the CPW big game draw.

Where to Find Moose in Unit 171

Moose in Unit 171 key on willow drainages, beaver-pond meadows, and subalpine creek bottoms. Morning and evening feeding is most productive.

How to Hunt Moose in Unit 171

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Moose Success Rates

any legal weapon85%
Colorado moose success is historically very high — commonly 80-95% — because tag numbers are tiny and hunters are well-prepared.

Moose Draw Odds

SeasonTagsApplicantsDraw %Pts Req
Any Legal Method— 1st Season87371.1% 3

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Unit 171 moose is once-in-a-lifetime in Colorado; applicants accumulate preference points over many years. Verify current CPW statistics.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Unit 171 moose once-in-a-lifetime?
Yes. Colorado bull moose is once-in-a-lifetime.
When does Colorado moose season run?
Colorado moose seasons generally run September through early October. Confirm dates with current CPW regulations.
Is Unit 171 a good late-season migration hunt?
Yes. Late-season migration out of the San Juan high country into valley piñon-juniper is a well-established pattern in Unit 171 and often produces the best trophy opportunities.
Is Unit 171 a limited or OTC elk unit?
Most elk seasons in Unit 171 require limited licenses. Archery tags are the most accessible; rifle tags require progressively more preference points.
What elevation does Unit 171 span?
Unit 171 ranges from roughly 9,000 feet on the South Park valley floor to over 14,000 feet on the Mosquito Range peaks. Most elk hunting occurs between 9,500 and 12,000 feet.
Are there camp services near Unit 171?
Fairplay and Hartsel offer basic services including fuel and food. Developed campgrounds are available on the Pike National Forest within and adjacent to the unit.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-17.

  1. CPW Big Game Hunting — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Season structure, License types · accessed 2026-04-17
  2. CPW Big Game Statistics — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Harvest data, Hunter success rates · accessed 2026-04-17
  3. CPW Big Game Draw — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Preference-point draw process, Tag allocation · accessed 2026-04-17
  4. Colorado Big Game Hunting Brochure (2025 Cycle) — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Season dates, GMU boundaries · accessed 2026-04-17
  5. CPW Mule Deer Harvest Statistics — GMU 171 — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Harvest totals, Success rates · accessed 2026-04-17
  6. Rio Grande National Forest — USDA Forest Service · supports: Public land base, Trailheads · accessed 2026-04-17