Colorado Elk Mule Deer Moose

Unit 501 (South Park)

Colorado Hunting Guide — Elk, Mule Deer, Moose

Unit 501 covers the South Park basin and surrounding mountains in Park and Jefferson Counties, with 60% public land on Pike NF and BLM. The Tarryall Mountains, Mount Silverheels, and the vast South Park grasslands create diverse elk habitat from 8,500 to over 13,000 feet. The mix of open parks and timbered mountains produces consistent elk hunting.

View Draw Odds Colorado Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 501

Where to Find Elk in Unit 501

Elk in Unit 501 shift between the timbered mountains and the open South Park basin with the seasons and pressure.

Archery Season (August-September)

During archery season, bulls hold in the dark timber above 10,000 feet in the Tarryall Mountains and on the flanks of Mount Silverheels. Focus on wallows and seeps in the spruce-fir transition and alpine meadow edges.

Rifle Season (October-November)

Once rifle pressure and snow build, elk shift into the thick timber between 9,000-10,500 feet in the Tarryall Mountains and the timbered draws along the Pike NF boundary. Early snowfall pushes elk toward the South Park valley margins.

Water and Feed

Elk depend on the South Platte River headwaters, Tarryall Creek, and mountain tributaries throughout the Pike NF. Stock ponds on BLM land along the South Park edges provide additional water.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 501

Unit 501 rewards hunters who work the timber-to-park transitions around the South Park basin.

Glassing the Parks

The vast South Park grasslands and mountain meadows in the Tarryall Range offer excellent glassing. Set up on timbered ridgelines overlooking the park edges at dawn and dusk.

Calling and the Rut

September archery hunters should bugle the Pike NF timber between 9,500-11,500 feet in the Tarryall Mountains. Bulls respond to location bugles in the mountain draws.

Still-Hunting Timber

During rifle season, slow-hunt the spruce-fir and aspen draws in the Tarryall Mountains on snowy days. Focus on the timber-to-meadow transitions along the Pike NF boundary.

Access Strategy

Access via US 285 through South Park, CO 9 from Fairplay, or forest roads into the Tarryall Mountains. The Lost Creek Wilderness boundary limits motorized access but provides quality backcountry hunting.

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Elk Success Rates

Archery12%

Rifle19%

Muzzleloader15%

Unit 501 elk success rates have been steady over recent seasons. Rifle hunters average 18-22% success, with archery sitting around 9-11%. 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
Archery— 1st Season	45	213	21.1%	4
Rifle— 1st Season	6	53	11.3%	2
Rifle— 5th Season	23	28	82.1%	0
Rifle— 1st Season	17	139	12.2%	6
Rifle— 2nd Season	33	103	32.0%	1
Rifle— 3rd Season	37	82	45.1%	0
Rifle— 4th Season	15	21	71.4%	0
Rifle— 2nd Season	26	138	18.8%	3
Rifle— 3rd Season	18	80	22.5%	2
Rifle— 4th Season	12	42	28.6%	2
Muzzleloader— 1st Season	29	61	47.5%	0
Muzzleloader— 1st Season	17	67	25.4%	5

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 501 elk tags: Residents can expect first-choice rifle tags with 5-10 points, while non-residents typically need a few more. Second-choice options for archery and muzzleloader are accessible with 1-5 points. A practical unit for hunters building points.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 501

Unit 501 provides mule deer hunting across the South Park basin and Tarryall Mountains in Park and Jefferson Counties, with 60% public land. The mix of vast open parks, timbered mountains, and Pike NF create solid buck habitat from 8,500 to 13,000 feet. Pressure from Denver proximity is offset by the unit's vastness.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 501

Mule deer in Unit 501 use terrain from the South Park grasslands at 8,500 feet to the Tarryall Mountain ridges above 12,000 feet.

Early Season (September-October)

Bucks hold in the higher Pike NF timber, feeding in alpine meadow edges and bedding in spruce-fir stands. Glass south-facing slopes in the Tarryall Mountains at first light.

Rifle Season and the Rut (October-November)

As the rut approaches, bucks move to the timber-to-park transitions around South Park. Focus on doe groups near Tarryall Creek and the South Platte headwaters.

Water and Terrain

Tarryall Creek, South Platte River, and mountain tributaries provide water. Stock ponds on BLM land along South Park edges concentrate deer.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 501

Mule deer hunting in Unit 501 centers on glassing the timber-to-park edges around South Park.

Spot-and-Stalk Glassing

The vast South Park grasslands and Tarryall Mountain meadows reward dedicated glassers. Set up on timbered ridgelines at dawn and cover the park edges.

Hunting the Rut

During the November rut, bucks cruise the timber edges around South Park. Glass doe groups near Tarryall Creek and watch for bucks.

Ambush Points

Saddles in the Tarryall Mountains, creek crossings on Tarryall Creek, and fence gaps along the Pike NF boundary funnel deer.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Muzzleloader22%

Rifle28%

Mule deer success rates in Unit 501 run around 30-38% 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
Muzzleloader— 1st Season	11	46	23.9%	1
Rifle— 2nd Season	10	111	9.0%	2
Rifle— 3rd Season	10	95	10.5%	2
Rifle— 4th Season	18	136	13.2%	6

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 501 mule deer tags: Residents typically need 3-7 preference points for first-choice rifle, with archery accessible at 0-3 points. The unit offers reasonable draw odds for hunters building a medium-term point strategy.

Moose Hunting in Unit 501

Unit 501 covers the North Park basin in Jackson County — the heart of Colorado's moose country. The Illinois River, Canadian River, and North Platte headwaters create an intricate network of willow riparian habitat that supports the highest moose densities in the state. Tags are extremely limited but success rates are among the best in Colorado.

Where to Find Moose in Unit 501

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How to Hunt Moose in Unit 501

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Moose Success Rates

any legal weapon85%

Unit 501 consistently produces 85–95% success rates — among the best in any Colorado big game unit. The combination of high moose density and accessible terrain makes this the gold standard for Colorado moose hunting.

Moose Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Any Legal Method— 1st Season	3	77	3.9%	3

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

North Park moose tags are the most sought-after in Colorado. Residents typically need 15–20 preference points; non-residents face even longer waits and should expect near-zero annual draw odds.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

🚐

RV Sites

Campgrounds near Fairplay and along US 285. Pike NF campgrounds in the Tarryall area.

⛺

Camp Sites

Dispersed camping on Pike NF and BLM throughout South Park. Developed campgrounds at Tarryall Reservoir.

🛻

Trailer Access

US 285 and CO 9 paved. Forest roads vary. Short trailers only on spur roads.

💧

Water

South Platte River, Tarryall Creek, mountain streams. Always filter.

🛣️

Road Conditions

US 285 and CO 9 paved. Forest roads maintained through October. 4WD for mountain access.

🥾

Terrain Difficulty

Moderate. Elevation 8,500-13,000 feet. Open grasslands, timbered mountains, alpine terrain.

👥

Hunting Pressure

Moderate. South Park is accessible from Denver metro. Weekends see heavier pressure.

🌦️

Weather

Expect 10-45F during rifle season. South Park is notoriously windy. Snow common. Prepare for extreme cold.

📱

Cell Service

Spotty near Fairplay and US 285. None in Tarryall backcountry. Satellite communicator recommended.

🏘️

Nearest Town

Fairplay

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many preference points do I need for Unit 501 elk?

Unit 501 elk draw odds vary by weapon type. Residents can expect first-choice rifle tags with 5-10 points, while non-residents typically need a few more. Check the CPW draw statistics for the most current point requirements.

What is the best season to hunt elk in Unit 501?

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 La Garita Wilderness area.

Is Unit 501 good for a DIY elk hunt?

Yes. With 55% public land in the Rio Grande National Forest, Unit 501 supports DIY hunts. Success requires physical fitness, pre-season scouting, and willingness to get away from roads into the volcanic cliffs, dense spruce-fir timber, high mountain parks.

When is the best time to hunt mule deer in Unit 501?

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 La Garita Wilderness area.

What kind of bucks can I expect in Unit 501?

Trophy quality is average for Colorado. Most harvested bucks are 3x3 to 4x4 class, with occasional larger bucks taken by hunters working the remote areas of the volcanic cliffs, dense spruce-fir timber, high mountain parks.

How much public land is in Unit 501 for deer hunting?

Approximately 55% of Unit 501 is publicly accessible through Rio Grande National Forest and BLM lands. Check the CPW atlas and a GPS mapping app for exact boundaries before hunting.

Why is North Park (Unit 501) the best moose unit in Colorado?

North Park has the highest moose densities in Colorado due to extensive willow riparian habitat and decades of careful management. The flat, accessible basin also makes hunting and recovery practical.

What is the moose population in Unit 501?

CPW estimates several hundred moose in the North Park area, making it the core of Colorado's moose range. The population continues to grow from original transplants in the 1970s and 1980s.

How difficult is moose pack-out in Unit 501?

Pack-out is relatively manageable in North Park compared to mountain units — most moose are taken in flat willow country accessible by ATV or within a few miles of roads. A moose can yield 400–600 pounds of boned-out meat.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-16.

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 501 — 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 501 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 501 Profile — GOHunt · supports: Hunter-community unit profile, Historical draw odds snapshot, Public-access overview · accessed 2026-04-16

Unit 501 (South Park)

Elk Hunting in Unit 501

Where to Find Elk in Unit 501

Archery Season (August-September)

Rifle Season (October-November)

Water and Feed

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 501

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 501

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 501

Early Season (September-October)

Rifle Season and the Rut (October-November)

Water and Terrain

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 501

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Moose Hunting in Unit 501

Where to Find Moose in Unit 501

How to Hunt Moose in Unit 501

Moose Success Rates

Moose Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Explore Related Units

Unit 75 — Elk

Unit 77 — Elk

Unit 501 — Mule Deer

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources & Verification