Colorado Elk Mule Deer Pronghorn Black Bear

Unit 201 (Maybell)

Colorado Hunting Guide — Elk, Mule Deer, Pronghorn, Black Bear

Unit 201 covers a vast stretch of Moffat County sagebrush country near Maybell, with 85%+ public land on BLM. The Green River corridor, Yampa River valley, and expansive sage flats hold a modest elk herd that uses the pinyon-juniper draws and river bottoms. The extreme remoteness and high public land percentage make this a quality DIY unit.

View Draw Odds Colorado Hunting Guide

Logistics & Planning Guide →

Access roads, campgrounds, elevation, monthly weather, stock tanks, cell coverage, and nearest-town services for Unit 201.

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Elk Hunting in Unit 201

Where to Find Elk in Unit 201

Elk in Unit 201 are scattered across the sagebrush flats, pinyon-juniper draws, and river bottoms near Maybell.

Archery Season (August-September)

During archery season, bulls hold in the scattered pinyon-juniper draws and cottonwood bottoms along the Green and Yampa Rivers. Focus on wallows near the few perennial water sources.

Rifle Season (October-November)

Once rifle season opens, elk use the thick brush along the Green and Yampa Rivers and the deeper pinyon-juniper draws for escape cover. The open sagebrush makes them visible at distance but difficult to approach.

Water and Feed

Elk depend on the Green River, Yampa River, and scattered stock ponds across the BLM sagebrush. During dry autumns, the limited water sources concentrate elk predictably.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 201

Unit 201 rewards patient hunters who use the open terrain and limited water to pattern elk.

Glassing the Flats

The open sagebrush terrain gives excellent glassing for miles. Set up on elevated points above the Yampa River valley at dawn and cover the sage flats and river bottoms.

Calling and the Rut

September archery hunters should bugle the pinyon-juniper draws along the Green and Yampa Rivers. The small herd bulls respond well to location bugles in this quiet country.

Water Hole Strategy

In this arid unit, hunting near stock ponds and river crossings is highly effective. Set up downwind within 200 yards of active water.

Access Strategy

Access via US 40 from Maybell and BLM roads radiating north and south. The remoteness is the main challenge. Plan for self-sufficient camps and carry plenty of water.

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle19%

Archery12%

Muzzleloader15%

Unit 201 elk success rates have been steady over recent seasons. Rifle hunters average 20-25% success, with archery sitting around 10-12%. Muzzleloader falls between at 11-14%. Success tends to spike in years with early October snowfall that pushes elk into predictable travel corridors and feeding areas at lower elevations.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— 1st Season	20	1,067	1.9%	28
Rifle— 1st Season	20	65	30.8%	2
Rifle— 2nd Season	32	66	48.5%	0
Rifle— 3rd Season	23	37	62.2%	0
Rifle— 4th Season	30	23	100.0%	0
Archery— 1st Season	7	330	2.1%	26
Muzzleloader— 1st Season	3	15	20.0%	4
Muzzleloader— 1st Season	7	164	4.3%	27

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 201 elk tags: First-choice rifle draws often require 0-3 preference points for residents, making this unit ideal for new hunters or those unwilling to wait years for a tag. Non-resident odds are also favorable compared to premium units.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 201

Unit 201 offers mule deer hunting on vast BLM sagebrush country near Maybell in Moffat County, with 85%+ public land. The pinyon-juniper draws, Green and Yampa River bottoms, and sage-covered ridges hold solid buck numbers. Low hunting pressure and high public land access make this an excellent DIY deer unit.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 201

Mule deer in Unit 201 use terrain from the river bottoms at 5,500 feet to the pinyon-juniper ridges near 7,500 feet.

Early Season (September-October)

Bucks hold in the pinyon-juniper draws and sage ridges, feeding in openings and bedding in brush pockets. Glass rimrock edges and south-facing draws at first light.

Rifle Season and the Rut (October-November)

As the rut approaches, bucks move to the sage flats and cottonwood bottoms along the Green and Yampa Rivers. Focus on doe groups near water.

Water and Terrain

The Green River, Yampa River, and scattered stock ponds on BLM land concentrate deer during dry years.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 201

Mule deer hunting in Unit 201 centers on glassing the sage-to-pinyon transitions and working water sources.

Spot-and-Stalk Glassing

The open sagebrush and pinyon-juniper country near Maybell rewards dedicated glassers. Set up on elevated points at dawn and cover large areas.

Hunting the Rut

During the November rut, bucks cruise the sage flats near the Green and Yampa Rivers. Glass doe groups and watch for cruising bucks.

Water Hole Strategy

Hunt near stock ponds on BLM land. In this arid country, deer visit water predictably.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Archery18%

Muzzleloader22%

Rifle28%

Mule deer success rates in Unit 201 run around 35-40% for rifle hunters, with archery at 12-18%. The rut-timed fourth rifle season typically produces the highest success as bucks drop their guard. Years with good summer moisture grow better browse and concentrate deer in predictable habitat.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Archery— 1st Season	6	44	13.6%	5
Muzzleloader— 1st Season	7	27	25.9%	7
Rifle— 2nd Season	17	122	13.9%	11
Rifle— 3rd Season	13	93	14.0%	12
Rifle— 4th Season	4	80	5.0%	23

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 201 mule deer tags: Most first-choice rifle draws require 0-2 preference points for residents. This makes the unit a practical choice for hunters who want to hunt soon rather than build points for years.

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 201

Unit 201 is prime pronghorn country on the vast BLM sagebrush flats near Maybell in Moffat County, with 85%+ public land. The open terrain between the Green and Yampa Rivers holds strong pronghorn herds at 5,500-7,000 feet. Low pressure and endless public access make this an excellent antelope unit.

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 201

Pronghorn in Unit 201 inhabit the wide sagebrush flats and benchlands between the Green and Yampa Rivers near Maybell.

Pre-Season Scouting

Scout the open sage flats along US 40 and the BLM roads north and south of Maybell. Herds pattern between morning feeding on the sage benches and afternoon watering at stock ponds.

Water Holes

Stock ponds on BLM land are the key to locating pronghorn. Set up a blind within 200 yards of active water with good sight lines.

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 201

Pronghorn hunting in Unit 201 centers on using the open sagebrush terrain for long-range glassing and water hole strategies.

Spot-and-Stalk

Use the rolling sage benches and shallow draws near Maybell to stay below the skyline. Plan stalks using creek beds and sage ridgelines. Approach from downwind.

Water Hole Ambush

Ground blinds near stock ponds on BLM land are the most reliable tactic. Pronghorn typically water between 9 AM and 2 PM.

Decoying

Buck decoys work well on the open sage flats during early season when bucks are territorial.

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Pronghorn Success Rates

Archery42%

Rifle74%

Pronghorn success rates in Unit 201 average 70-85% for rifle hunters, among the highest of any big game species in Colorado. The open terrain makes harvest rates consistently high. Archery pronghorn success runs 25-40% for hunters using blinds near water.

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Archery— 1st Season	5	7	71.4%	1
Archery— 1st Season	4	83	4.8%	1
Rifle— 1st Season	15	83	18.1%	5
Rifle— 1st Season	30	972	3.1%	24

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 201 pronghorn tags: Most applicants draw with 0-2 preference points, making this unit ideal for hunters who want to hunt antelope without a long wait. Non-resident odds are also favorable.

Black Bear Hunting in Unit 201

Unit 201 covers the Wet Mountains and Pueblo County foothills in southeast Colorado, offering a mix of oak-brush, pinyon-juniper, and ponderosa pine habitat ideal for black bear. The unit is accessible and draws moderate pressure, with a good population of bears feeding on acorns and berries through fall.

Where to Find Bear in Unit 201

Bears in Unit 201 concentrate in the oak-brush acorn flats and chokecherry draws along the east slopes of the Wet Mountains, especially at elevations between 6,500 and 9,000 feet. Glass south-facing benches in morning and evening during late summer and early fall when bears are hyperphagia feeding.

The Greenhorn Mountain area and drainages off the San Isabel National Forest hold consistent bear sign including claw-marked trees and berry-stripped shrubs.

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How to Hunt Bear in Unit 201

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Black Bear Success Rates

Colorado black bear hunters in Unit 201 typically see 10-20% success, with the best years coinciding with strong acorn and chokecherry crops in the Wet Mountains. Early October tends to be peak activity.

Black Bear Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Archery— 1st Season	4	11	36.4%	0
Muzzleloader— 1st Season	5	2	100.0%	0
Rifle— 1st Season	10	23	43.5%	1
Rifle— 5th Season	9	6	100.0%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 201 black bear tags are available through the CPW preference-point draw with some OTC opportunities depending on season and weapon type. Consult current CPW regulations for active hunt codes.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Very limited. Dispersed pull-offs on BLM roads. Maybell has basic services. Craig has full services.

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Camp Sites

Dispersed camping on BLM land throughout. No developed campgrounds in unit interior.

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Trailer Access

Main BLM roads are gravel and passable for shorter rigs. Spur roads are rough.

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Water

Green River and Yampa River are primary sources. Stock ponds on BLM land. Always filter.

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Road Conditions

US 40 paved. BLM roads gravel, seasonally maintained. Impassable when wet. 4WD recommended.

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Terrain Difficulty

Easy to moderate. Elevation 5,500-7,500 feet. Sagebrush flats, pinyon-juniper draws, river bottoms.

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Hunting Pressure

Low. The remoteness keeps pressure minimal.

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Weather

Expect 15-55F during rifle season. Wind constant on open terrain. Desert-dry conditions.

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Cell Service

Spotty near Maybell. None in backcountry. Satellite communicator recommended.

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Nearest Town

Maybell

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many preference points do I need for Unit 201 elk?

Unit 201 elk draw odds vary by weapon type. First-choice rifle draws often require 0-3 preference points for residents, making this unit ideal for new hunters or those unwilling to wait years for a tag. Check the CPW draw statistics for the most current point requirements.

What is the best season to hunt elk in Unit 201?

Archery season offers the best bugling action in September, while second and third rifle seasons in October provide the highest harvest rates. Late season can be productive if snow pushes elk to lower elevations in the North Park basin area.

Is Unit 201 good for a DIY elk hunt?

Yes. With 45% public land in the State Land Board/BLM, Unit 201 supports DIY hunts. Success requires physical fitness, pre-season scouting, and willingness to get away from roads into the wide open sagebrush parks, willow bottoms, scattered timber islands.

When is the best time to hunt mule deer in Unit 201?

The November rut during fourth rifle season typically produces the best buck movement. Early rifle seasons offer less competition. Archery hunters find good opportunity in September before pressure builds across the North Park basin area.

What kind of bucks can I expect in Unit 201?

Trophy quality is below average for Colorado. Most harvested bucks are 3x3 to 4x4 class, with occasional larger bucks taken by hunters working the remote areas of the wide open sagebrush parks, willow bottoms, scattered timber islands.

How much public land is in Unit 201 for deer hunting?

Approximately 45% of Unit 201 is publicly accessible through State Land Board/BLM and BLM lands. Check the CPW atlas and a GPS mapping app for exact boundaries before hunting.

How do I access public land for pronghorn in Unit 201?

Public land in Unit 201 is primarily State Land Board/BLM land. Use BLM and CPW maps to identify accessible parcels near Walden. Some of the best pronghorn habitat crosses private land, so identify public access points before your hunt.

What is the best tactic for pronghorn in Unit 201?

Water hole ambushes are the most reliable method. Set up a blind near an active stock tank or spring on the wide open sagebrush parks, willow bottoms, scattered timber islands and wait for herds to come in. Spot-and-stalk works with patience and terrain features for cover.

Is Unit 201 black bear draw-only?

Some Unit 201 bear hunt codes are limited draw; others may be over-the-counter. Check current CPW regulations for the specific season and weapon you plan to use.

When is the best time to hunt bear in Unit 201?

Late August through mid-October is peak, when bears are feeding heavily on acorns and chokecherries on the Wet Mountain slopes before denning.

What habitats hold bears in Unit 201?

Oak-brush flats and berry-producing shrubs on the east flanks of the Wet Mountains are the primary bear attractants, particularly between 6,500 and 9,000 feet elevation.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-18.

Colorado Big Game Hunting Brochure (Current Cycle) — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Big game season dates (archery/muzzleloader/rifle), License type structure (limited vs OTC), GMU boundaries and special regulations, Tag quotas per hunt code · accessed 2026-04-16
CPW Elk Conservation and Management — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Elk herd management plans (DAU), Population objectives per DAU, Herd composition targets · accessed 2026-04-16
CPW Elk Hunt Statistics — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Per-GMU harvest totals (most recent season), Hunter success rates by season and hunt code, Population estimates per DAU · accessed 2026-04-16
CPW Hunting Atlas — GMU 201 — Colorado Parks and Wildlife / CSU NREL · supports: GMU boundary geometry, Public land (BLM/USFS/SLB) ownership layer, Migration corridors + severe winter range, Walk-in Access areas · accessed 2026-04-16
Colorado Elk Unit 201 Profile — GOHunt · supports: Hunter-community unit profile, Historical draw odds snapshot, Public-access overview · accessed 2026-04-16
CPW Mule Deer Conservation and Management — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Mule Deer herd management plans (DAU), Population objectives per DAU, Herd composition targets · accessed 2026-04-16
CPW Mule Deer Hunt Statistics — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Per-GMU harvest totals (most recent season), Hunter success rates by season and hunt code, Population estimates per DAU · accessed 2026-04-16
Colorado Mule Deer Unit 201 Profile — GOHunt · supports: Hunter-community unit profile, Historical draw odds snapshot, Public-access overview · accessed 2026-04-16
CPW Pronghorn Conservation and Management — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Pronghorn herd management plans (DAU), Population objectives per DAU, Herd composition targets · accessed 2026-04-16
CPW Pronghorn Hunt Statistics — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Per-GMU harvest totals (most recent season), Hunter success rates by season and hunt code, Population estimates per DAU · accessed 2026-04-16
Colorado Pronghorn Unit 201 Profile — GOHunt · supports: Hunter-community unit profile, Historical draw odds snapshot, Public-access overview · accessed 2026-04-16
CPW Big Game Hunting — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Season structure, License types · accessed 2026-04-18
CPW Big Game Statistics — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Harvest data, Hunter success rates · accessed 2026-04-18
CPW Big Game Draw — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Preference-point draw process, Tag allocation · accessed 2026-04-18

Unit 201 (Maybell)

Elk Hunting in Unit 201

Where to Find Elk in Unit 201

Archery Season (August-September)

Rifle Season (October-November)

Water and Feed

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 201

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 201

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 201

Early Season (September-October)

Rifle Season and the Rut (October-November)

Water and Terrain

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 201

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 201

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 201

Pre-Season Scouting

Water Holes

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 201

Pronghorn Success Rates

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Black Bear Hunting in Unit 201

Where to Find Bear in Unit 201

How to Hunt Bear in Unit 201

Black Bear Success Rates

Black Bear Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Explore Related Units

Unit 1 — Elk

Unit 421 — Elk

Unit 201 — Mule Deer

Unit 3 — Pronghorn

Unit 5 — Pronghorn

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources & Verification