Unit 65 (Gunnison Basin)

Unit 65 moose hunting is a willow-focused glass and stalk hunt.

Glass Willow Flats

Set up on a bench above a willow complex at first light. A 12x or 15x tripod binocular is ideal.

Quiet Stalk

Once a bull is located, approach with the wind and avoid snapping sticks. Moose tolerate visual movement better than noise.

Plan Recovery

Willow bottoms mean wet, boggy retrieval. Bring a sled, tarp, and pack-frame for hindquarters.

Access

Taylor Park, Gothic Road, and Ohio Creek Road open main moose country.

Unit 65 moose are concentrated in willow-choked riparian habitat and high-country parks where browse is abundant year-round.

Willow Flats and Beaver Ponds

Moose are riparian specialists — they concentrate in willow and alder thickets along streams and around beaver ponds throughout the season. These areas hold moose at all hours. Glass widely across willow flats from elevated positions at dawn and dusk for the best visibility.

High-Country Parks and Wet Meadows

Above 9,000 feet, moose use wet meadows, high parks, and alpine willow zones during summer and early fall. These open-country animals are often visible from distance, especially in the morning hours when they're actively feeding.

Spruce-Fir Forest Edges

Bull moose bed in spruce-fir forest adjacent to their feeding areas. During the September-October rut, bulls are more active and vocal. Cow calls can bring bulls out of timber and into the open during peak rut activity. A bull in rut may respond aggressively to antler raking and grunting.

Colorado moose hunting requires patience, the right terrain, and an understanding of moose behavior in the southern Rockies.

Glassing Riparian Habitat

Set up on elevated terrain overlooking willow flats and beaver ponds before first light. A 15x binocular or spotting scope covers large riparian areas quickly. Moose are large animals — once spotted, plan your approach using stream channels and willows for cover.

Rut Calling (September-October)

Bull moose are aggressive during the September-October rut. Cow calls, antler raking on brush, and bull grunts can draw bulls out of timber and into the open. Start with cow calls at long range to locate a responsive bull, then close the distance while continuing to call. An aggressive bull may close the distance quickly — be ready.

Post-Kill Planning

A moose is one of Colorado's largest animals — a mature bull can exceed 1,000 lbs. Have your pack-out plan established before you pull the trigger. Quarter the animal in the field, cache meat in a cool, shaded location, and plan for multiple pack trips or a pack string. Secure a meat haul strategy before the hunt.

Unit 65 mule deer occupy Front Range foothills and transition terrain between mountain and plains.

Ponderosa and Mixed Conifer

Mule deer in foothills units bed in ponderosa pine, juniper, and oakbrush during midday. Glass from elevated ridges at dawn to catch deer moving from timber to open feeding areas. Mature bucks use the thickest available cover and are most visible during the October rut.

Oakbrush and Shrub Zones

Oakbrush slopes are primary fall habitat — providing both food (acorns) and thermal/security cover. Focus on south-facing oakbrush slopes as deer transition to fall feeding patterns in September and October.

Rut Cruising Terrain

During the October rut, bucks cruise ridgelines, canyon rims, and connecting saddles between doe groups. Set up on elevated terrain with long sight-lines into the saddles and timber-grass transitions to catch bucks on the move during midday rut activity.

Hunting Unit 65 mule deer effectively requires understanding the seasonal patterns of Colorado deer and applying pressure-management tactics appropriate for the terrain.

Pre-Season Glassing

Invest time glassing Unit 65 in late August and early September when bucks are still in velvet and in summer patterns. Identify target bucks and memorize their terrain features. Velvet bucks are the most predictable — late August is the best time to find a specific animal before the season.

October Rut Hunting

Colorado's October rifle seasons are timed perfectly for the mule deer pre-rut and rut. Bucks abandon their tight summer ranges and cruise the terrain in search of does. Hunt all day during the peak rut — midday movement can be as good as dawn and dusk when bucks are actively covering ground.

Wind and Approach

Mule deer rely on their nose as much as their eyes. Hunt with the thermals — in mountain terrain, thermals rise as the day warms and fall at dawn and dusk. Plan your approach routes to keep wind in your favor at the time of day you're hunting each specific terrain feature.