Colorado Pronghorn Elk Elk

Unit 46 (Lost Creek)

Colorado Hunting Guide — Pronghorn, Elk, Elk

Unit 46 covers Clear Creek, Park, and Jefferson Counties, including the Pike NF and Lost Creek Wilderness area. The mountain parks and open meadows at 7,500-10,000 feet hold small pronghorn populations. With Denver metro proximity, tags are very limited. The mix of mountain terrain and open parks creates an unusual antelope hunting experience.

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Access roads, campgrounds, elevation, monthly weather, stock tanks, cell coverage, and nearest-town services for Unit 46.

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Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 46

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 46

Pronghorn in Unit 46 inhabit the open mountain parks and sage meadows near the Lost Creek Wilderness and the South Park fringe in Clear Creek, Park, and Jefferson Counties.

Pre-Season Scouting

Scout the open parks along US 285 and the grassy meadows near the Lost Creek Wilderness boundary. Herds use the sage benches and grasslands at 7,500-9,000 feet.

Water Holes

Mountain streams, stock ponds, and ranch irrigation features concentrate pronghorn in this higher-elevation habitat.

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 46

Pronghorn hunting in Unit 46 is uncommon and requires locating small herds in mountain park terrain.

Spot-and-Stalk

Use the rolling terrain, scattered timber edges, and creek drainages for cover during stalks. The mountain parks offer more terrain features for approach than classic prairie.

Water Hole Ambush

Ground blinds near stock ponds and mountain streams are productive given the limited herd size.

Decoying

Buck decoys may work in the open parks but the small herd size makes encounters less predictable.

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Pronghorn Success Rates

Pronghorn success rates in Unit 46 average 65-80% 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

Draw odds data not available for this specific unit/species combination in our database.

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Unit 46 pronghorn tags: Pronghorn tags typically require 1-5 preference points for residents, depending on the season. Non-resident pronghorn odds are generally reasonable across Colorado.

Elk Hunting in Unit 46

Unit 46 covers the Brush Creek and Sylvan Lake country south of Eagle in Eagle County, backed by White River National Forest. Aspen, spruce-fir, and sagebrush mix create solid elk habitat, with limited tag quotas keeping hunt quality high.

Where to Find Elk in Unit 46

Unit 46 elk hold in upper aspen and spruce-fir during early season, dropping to oakbrush late.

Archery

Bulls work aspen benches above Sylvan Lake and along Brush Creek. Wallows fire up mid-September.

Rifle

Elk move into timber-park transitions along FSR 400 and FSR 415. Mid-elevation benches at 9,000 feet produce.

Late Season

Oakbrush-aspen pockets below 8,000 feet hold elk late, especially after snow.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 46

Unit 46 rewards classic Colorado tactics — glass early, still-hunt mid-day, push timber late.

Ridge Glassing

Set up on east-facing ridges at dawn with a spotter to cover multiple drainages.

Wallow Stakeouts

Early-season wallows along Brush Creek tributaries see daily use. Trail cameras confirm rotation.

Snow Hunts

After a snow event, push scattered oakbrush pockets near FSR 431 at lower elevation.

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Elk Success Rates

Archery12%

Muzzleloader15%

Rifle19%

Unit 46 elk success runs 20-28% rifle, 10-14% archery, 14-18% muzzleloader. Limited tag numbers keep quality elevated.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Archery— 1st Season	45	98	45.9%	1
Muzzleloader— 1st Season	14	12	100.0%	0
Muzzleloader— 1st Season	23	45	51.1%	1
Rifle— 1st Season	10	20	50.0%	0
Rifle— 5th Season	24	14	100.0%	0
Rifle— 1st Season	13	50	26.0%	1
Rifle— 2nd Season	19	27	70.4%	0
Rifle— 3rd Season	20	11	100.0%	0
Rifle— 4th Season	8	0	100.0%	0
Rifle— 2nd Season	19	35	54.3%	0
Rifle— 3rd Season	15	27	55.6%	0
Rifle— 4th Season	7	10	70.0%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Colorado preference-point draw. Unit 46 bull rifle typically needs 2-5 resident points. Cow tags usually leftover or 0 point.

Elk Hunting in Unit 46

Unit 46 is situated in Colorado's Western Slope — characterized by deep canyon systems, sagebrush plateaus, and high-country aspen and spruce, offering a Colorado elk hunting opportunity characterized by sagebrush plateaus, canyon rims, and aspen-covered benches typical of Western Slope Colorado. With approximately 20 applicants per year — a low-demand unit with realistic draw prospects, this unit provides hunters with a legitimate shot at drawing a tag through Colorado's preference-point system. Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages the elk herd under a Data Analysis Unit (DAU) framework to balance harvest with long-term population objectives.

Where to Find Elk in Unit 46

Unit 46 elk use a seasonal migration pattern driven by weather and hunting pressure. Early-season animals occupy the high country; late-season hunting focuses on lower timber and drainages.

Archery Season (August-September)

During archery season, bull elk hold in high-elevation aspen parks, timbered north-facing slopes, and near secluded meadows. Locate wallows in the timber edges and glass open parks at first and last light. Bulls are vocal during the rut and respond to cow calls and bugles from mid-September through early October.

Rifle Season (October-November)

Rifle pressure pushes elk into heavier timber and brushy canyon bottoms. Focus on timbered north-facing slopes, aspen groves with dense understory, and draws that connect high and low terrain. Elk move during low-light periods — be in position before dawn.

Water Sources and Feed

Alpine springs, beaver ponds, and small creeks hold elk during summer and early fall. Late-season elk feed heavily on residual grasses in south-facing meadows and oakbrush-edge areas that hold forage after higher elevations freeze.

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How to Hunt Elk in Unit 46

Unit 46 elk hunting rewards hunters who understand Colorado's elk behavior and invest in pre-season scouting and in-season persistence.

Pre-Season Scouting

Use CPW's Hunting Atlas and Google Earth to identify timbered north-facing drainages, water sources, wallows, and open parks within Unit 46. August scouting — either in person or via trail camera — identifies specific bulls and their home ranges before the season opens.

Archery Calling

September archery hunters should target wallow sites and elk concentrations in aspen parks. A locator bugle at first light identifies responsive bulls. Set up downwind of the expected approach and use cow calls or soft raking to draw bulls into range. Patience is critical — let the bull commit before drawing.

Rifle Season Strategy

On opening morning, position yourself before first light on terrain overlooking known travel routes and feeding areas. Elk move from timber to feeding areas at dawn and return before full light. After the opener, pressure shifts elk into heavier cover — focus subsequent days on slow, wind-careful still-hunting in dense timber.

Public Land Pressure Management

Unit 46 receives hunting pressure on public land. Getting farther from trailheads and roads — even 1-2 miles — dramatically reduces competition. Use a pack frame and plan for a kill at distance. Hunters willing to pack out game access less-pressured elk compared to those hunting within easy drag distance of a vehicle.

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Elk Success Rates

Archery12%

Muzzleloader15%

Rifle19%

Colorado elk harvest success varies significantly by unit, weapon type, and season timing. Rifle hunters average 15-25% success statewide, with archery running lower at 8-12%. Limited-entry units with lower pressure typically see higher success rates than OTC units. Unit 46's success rate depends on tag type and hunt timing. Check current CPW Elk Hunt Statistics for unit-specific harvest data.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Archery— 1st Season	45	98	45.9%	1
Muzzleloader— 1st Season	14	12	100.0%	0
Muzzleloader— 1st Season	23	45	51.1%	1
Rifle— 1st Season	10	20	50.0%	0
Rifle— 5th Season	24	14	100.0%	0
Rifle— 1st Season	13	50	26.0%	1
Rifle— 2nd Season	19	27	70.4%	0
Rifle— 3rd Season	20	11	100.0%	0
Rifle— 4th Season	8	0	100.0%	0
Rifle— 2nd Season	19	35	54.3%	0
Rifle— 3rd Season	15	27	55.6%	0
Rifle— 4th Season	7	10	70.0%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 46 is a lower-demand elk draw unit with approximately 20 applicants per year. Colorado uses a preference-point weighted draw — applicants with accumulated points gain access to the preference pool for better odds. Check CPW Draw Odds statistics for current point requirements by hunt code. Both first-choice and second-choice applications are worth filing for this unit.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Campgrounds along US 285 and in Pike NF. Denver metro has full services.

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Camp Sites

Dispersed camping on Pike NF. Developed campgrounds near Lost Creek Wilderness.

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Trailer Access

US 285 paved. Forest roads vary. Short trailers on spur roads.

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Water

Mountain streams and stock ponds. Denver metro nearby.

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Road Conditions

US 285 paved. Forest roads maintained. 4WD for some mountain access.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate. Elevation 7,500-10,000 feet. Mountain parks, timbered edges.

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Hunting Pressure

Low. Very limited tags despite Denver proximity.

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Weather

Expect 25-55F during pronghorn season. Mountain weather variable.

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Cell Service

Good near US 285. Limited in backcountry.

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Nearest Town

Bailey

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access public land for pronghorn in Unit 46?

Public land in Unit 46 is primarily BLM/Gunnison NF fringe land. Use BLM and CPW maps to identify accessible parcels near Gunnison. 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 46?

Water hole ambushes are the most reliable method. Set up a blind near an active stock tank or spring on the irrigated ranch meadows, sage-covered benchlands and wait for herds to come in. Spot-and-stalk works with patience and terrain features for cover.

How hard is Unit 46?

Moderate to steep. Brush Creek drainages climb fast. Most elk are at 8,500-10,500 feet, demanding fitness but not extreme.

Does Unit 46 offer archery opportunity?

Yes — limited archery either-sex tags draw with 0-1 points most years. Wallow hunts on WRNF are productive.

How competitive is the draw for Unit 46 elk?

Unit 46 elk draw competitiveness depends on the specific hunt code (weapon type, season, sex restriction). With approximately 20 applicants per year, check CPW's Draw Odds statistics for current point requirements by hunt code. Colorado's preference-point system rewards consistent annual applications — apply every year to accumulate points.

How much public land is available in Unit 46?

Colorado's mountain GMUs typically contain significant USFS and BLM public land. Use CPW's Hunting Atlas (accessible at ndismaps.nrel.colostate.edu) to view the land ownership layers for Unit 46. The atlas shows BLM, USFS, State Land Board, and private land boundaries — essential for planning legal access to hunting areas.

What rifle caliber should I use for Unit 46 elk?

Colorado mountain elk country can produce shots at any range from 50 to 500+ yards depending on terrain. A flat-shooting caliber in the .270, .30-06, 7mm Rem Mag, or .300 Win Mag range covers the range of shot opportunities. Practice at field-realistic distances (200-400 yards) before the hunt. A quality bolt-action rifle with a 3-9x or 4-14x scope is the standard tool for Colorado elk.

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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 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
CPW Hunting Atlas — GMU 46 — 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 Pronghorn Unit 46 Profile — GOHunt · supports: Hunter-community unit profile, Historical draw odds snapshot, Public-access overview · accessed 2026-04-16
CPW Big Game Statistics — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Unit 46 elk harvest, Success rates by season, Multi-year trend · accessed 2026-04-17
White River National Forest — USDA Forest Service · supports: WRNF in Unit 46, Brush Creek trailheads, Campground list · accessed 2026-04-17
Sylvan Lake State Park — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Nearest state park campground, Reservations info, Fuel and services · accessed 2026-04-17
Colorado Big Game Hunting — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Season dates, Unit 46 boundary, Tag allocation, Regulations · accessed 2026-04-18
Colorado Draw Odds Statistics — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Applicant counts, Draw odds data, Preference point requirements · accessed 2026-04-18

Unit 46 (Lost Creek)

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 46

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 46

Pre-Season Scouting

Water Holes

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 46

Pronghorn Success Rates

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Elk Hunting in Unit 46

Where to Find Elk in Unit 46

Archery

Rifle

Late Season

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 46

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Elk Hunting in Unit 46

Where to Find Elk in Unit 46

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 46

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources & Verification