Colorado Pronghorn Mule Deer Mule Deer Pronghorn

Unit 87 (Rawlins / Baggs)

Colorado Hunting Guide — Pronghorn, Mule Deer, Mule Deer, Pronghorn

Unit 87 is a Colorado pronghorn hunt area managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Tags are allocated through the CPW preference-point draw, with applicants weighing point totals against available quotas. Hunters should review current regulations and statistics on CPW before planning a season.

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 87.

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Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 87

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 87

Pronghorn distribution in Unit 87 shifts with season, weather, and pressure across the varied public and private land inside the GMU. Focus effort on habitat transitions and known water sources documented in CPW data.

Early Season

Early in the season, pronghorn tend to hold on higher ground with cooler temperatures, feeding in parks and meadows at dawn and dusk. Glass transition zones between timber and openings.

Mid to Late Season

As pressure builds and weather cools, animals move to thicker cover, sheltered draws, and lower elevations. Still-hunt timbered slopes and watch travel corridors.

Water and Feed

Locate active water sources and fresh sign near forage. Public water sources near public land boundaries often concentrate animals during dry stretches.

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 87

Colorado's Rocky Mountain and high-plains terrain rewards hunters who scout CPW's Hunting Atlas, learn land-ownership boundaries, and adjust tactics to weather.

Glassing

Quality optics and elevated vantage points cover more ground than boot leather in steep Colorado terrain. Glass at first and last light from ridgelines into adjacent basins and parks.

Still-Hunting and Stalking

When wind and moisture quiet the forest floor, move slowly through bedding cover on north-facing timber. Check CPW Hunting Atlas overlays for public-land edges before committing to a stalk.

Timing

Plan hunts around CPW season dates, weather fronts, and the rut window where applicable. Mid-week pressure is lower on accessible public parcels.

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Pronghorn Success Rates

Archery42%

Muzzleloader55%

Rifle74%

Historical success rates for pronghorn in Unit 87 are available on the CPW Big Game Statistics portal and are summarized in the Draw Odds chart on this page. Review multi-year trends rather than single-season numbers before planning a hunt.

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Archery— 1st Season	14	17	82.4%	0
Archery— 1st Season	75	148	50.7%	1
Muzzleloader— 1st Season	29	47	61.7%	0
Muzzleloader— 1st Season	58	173	33.5%	3
Rifle— 1st Season	36	413	8.7%	4
Rifle— 1st Season	21	53	39.6%	1
Rifle— 5th Season	56	177	31.6%	1
Rifle— 1st Season	152	1,622	9.4%	6
Rifle— 2nd Season	121	663	18.3%	4

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Colorado tags are issued through CPW's preference-point draw, where applicants accumulate points across years and compete for limited tags. See the Draw Odds chart above for current applicant-versus-tag trends in Unit 87 for pronghorn, and consult CPW's official statistics for hunt-code specifics.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 87

Unit 87 covers the southeast Colorado plains in Bent and Kiowa counties. Comanche National Grassland, shortgrass prairie, Purgatoire River bottoms, and scattered ag create mule deer habitat with strong public access through USFS and WIA parcels.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 87

Unit 87 mule deer key on canyon breaks and ag edges.

October Rifle

Bucks bed in juniper breaks along the Purgatoire River canyon.

Late Rifle

Rut brings bucks into open grassland chasing does.

Comanche NG

Public grassland access gives extensive walking opportunity.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 87

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Archery18%

any legal weapon28%

Rifle28%

Muzzleloader22%

Unit 87 mule deer success runs 38-50% rifle. Plains buck class with 4x4 bucks typical and occasional 170+ animals.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Archery— 1st Season	39	61	63.9%
Any Legal Method— 2nd Season	177	98	100.0%
Any Legal Method— 2nd Season	35	2	100.0%
Rifle— 1st Season	4	14	28.6%
Rifle— 1st Season	6	14	42.9%
Rifle— 1st Season	22	39	56.4%
Rifle— 1st Season	20	42	47.6%
Muzzleloader— 2nd Season	6	3	100.0%
Muzzleloader— 2nd Season	17	15	100.0%

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Preference-point draw. Unit 87 buck rifle typically 1-4 resident points.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 87

Unit 87 covers Colorado's eastern plains — shortgrass prairie and agricultural land and holds a resident mule deer population shaped by the terrain and vegetation of this part of Colorado. With approximately 18 applicants per year — a low-demand unit with realistic draw prospects, this limited-entry mule deer unit is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to maintain quality buck-to-doe ratios and older age-class bucks where tag allocation allows.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 87

Unit 87 mule deer occupy the plains-grassland landscape of eastern Colorado, using a combination of agricultural fields, sagebrush pastures, and riparian corridors.

Agricultural Fields and Dryland Wheat

Mule deer in plains units feed heavily on dryland wheat stubble, corn residue, and alfalfa during fall. Deer move from bedding cover in CRP grassland, draws, and cattail patches to ag fields at dawn and dusk. Glassing from elevated road shoulders can locate deer in open terrain.

Riparian Corridors and Draws

River and creek drainages provide the primary travel corridors and bedding cover in plains units. Cottonwood and willow riparian zones on public land — including SWA properties — hold deer through the season. Focus morning and evening hunts on these transition zones between open fields and cover.

CRP Ground and Sagebrush Pastures

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) grassland and native sagebrush provide bedding cover and travel habitat. Check Colorado PLOTS and SWA maps for publicly accessible parcels within Unit 87 before your hunt.

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How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 87

Hunting Unit 87 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 87 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.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Archery18%

any legal weapon28%

Rifle28%

Muzzleloader22%

Colorado limited-entry mule deer units are designed to provide quality hunting with selective harvest of mature bucks. Rifle success rates for limited-entry units typically run 25-50% — significantly higher than OTC deer units. Unit 87's managed tag allocation reflects CPW's herd management objectives for this portion of Colorado. Check current CPW harvest reports for unit-specific data.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Archery— 1st Season	39	61	63.9%
Any Legal Method— 2nd Season	177	98	100.0%
Any Legal Method— 2nd Season	35	2	100.0%
Rifle— 1st Season	4	14	28.6%
Rifle— 1st Season	6	14	42.9%
Rifle— 1st Season	22	39	56.4%
Rifle— 1st Season	20	42	47.6%
Muzzleloader— 2nd Season	6	3	100.0%
Muzzleloader— 2nd Season	17	15	100.0%

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 87 is a lower-demand mule deer draw unit. With approximately 18 applicants per year, hunters should plan their preference-point strategy accordingly. Colorado's preference-point system rewards consistent application over time. Check current CPW Draw Odds statistics for point requirements and odds by hunt code before applying.

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 87

Unit 87 provides Colorado pronghorn hunting across Colorado's eastern plains — shortgrass prairie and agricultural land. Pronghorn thrive in Colorado's open-country habitats, and this unit's tag allocation reflects the local population's carrying capacity. With approximately 207 applicants per year, making it a moderately competitive draw, hunters applying here benefit from Colorado's preference-point draw system.

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 87

Unit 87 pronghorn are distributed across the open country of this portion of Colorado. Pronghorn are creatures of open terrain and are typically visible from distance — the challenge is accessing them on legal ground.

Open Grassland and Sage Flats

Pronghorn use shortgrass prairie, native sage, and annual grass habitat. Glass widely from elevated positions at dawn to locate herds before they disperse. In fall, pronghorn congregate in herds of 10-50 animals, making initial spotting straightforward.

Agricultural Fields

Pronghorn feed in dryland wheat and alfalfa fields in agricultural areas bordering open range. Herds move between open range bedding areas and fields — glass from roads at dawn and dusk to locate feeding animals. Confirm land ownership before approaching in agricultural landscapes.

Water Sources

Stock tanks and ephemeral water sources concentrate pronghorn, especially in dry conditions. Locate water on public land within Unit 87 for reliable observation points. Pronghorn visit water predictably in early morning and late afternoon during warm conditions.

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How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 87

Colorado pronghorn hunting in Unit 87 is a mix of long-range glassing, vehicle-assisted spotting, and spot-and-stalk across open terrain.

Pre-Hunt Preparation

The single most important preparation for a successful Unit 87 pronghorn hunt is confirming legal access. Map all public land (BLM, SWA, PLOTS) before your hunt. Contact ranchers early — August or September — to request permission for any private land parcels you want to hunt.

Glass-and-Stalk

Spot pronghorn from elevated road shoulders or high points at dawn. Once a target buck is identified on accessible land, commit to a careful stalk using terrain — draws, rises, and sparse vegetation — to close distance. Pronghorn have exceptional long-range vision; approach from behind terrain features and stay low in the final approach.

Water Sources and Ambush

Stock tanks and water developments on public land can concentrate pronghorn — especially in dry conditions. A well-placed sit near water with a favorable wind can produce point-blank shots at running distances. A blind or low-profile setup near a water source is effective when direct stalks are impossible due to terrain.

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Pronghorn Success Rates

Archery42%

Muzzleloader55%

Rifle74%

Colorado pronghorn hunt success rates are typically 60-85% for rifle seasons — among the highest of any big game species due to pronghorn's open-country habits and relative predictability. Unit 87's success rate reflects local population density and tag allocation. Check current CPW harvest reports for unit-specific data.

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Archery— 1st Season	14	17	82.4%	0
Archery— 1st Season	75	148	50.7%	1
Muzzleloader— 1st Season	29	47	61.7%	0
Muzzleloader— 1st Season	58	173	33.5%	3
Rifle— 1st Season	36	413	8.7%	4
Rifle— 1st Season	21	53	39.6%	1
Rifle— 5th Season	56	177	31.6%	1
Rifle— 1st Season	152	1,622	9.4%	6
Rifle— 2nd Season	121	663	18.3%	4

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 87 pronghorn tags have approximately 207 applicants per year. Colorado's preference-point draw means applicants with accumulated points have an advantage in competitive units. With moderate demand, plan your point strategy accordingly. Check CPW Draw Odds statistics for current data.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Availability varies across the unit; check USFS and BLM district sites for developed campgrounds and dispersed camping rules in advance.

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Camp Sites

Dispersed camping is allowed on most public BLM and USFS land subject to local rules. Developed campgrounds may require reservations.

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Trailer Access

Trailer suitability depends on specific access routes inside the GMU. Verify road condition and width before hauling.

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Water

Water availability varies by elevation and season. Filter or treat surface water.

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Road Conditions

Colorado mountain and plains roads range from paved to rough two-track. 4WD and high clearance are recommended for back-country routes.

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Terrain Difficulty

Terrain inside the GMU spans a mix of Colorado Rocky Mountain and/or high-plains habitat. Match fitness and gear to chosen zones.

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Hunting Pressure

Hunting pressure scales with access; roadless parcels see less pressure than areas near major trailheads.

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Weather

Expect Colorado's full seasonal range: warm fall days, cold nights, and the possibility of early snow at elevation. Pack layered systems.

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Cell Service

Cell service is inconsistent across Colorado public land. Carry a satellite communicator for back-country hunts.

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Nearest Town

Use CPW Hunting Atlas and mapping tools to identify nearest services for your planned access point.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How are pronghorn tags awarded for Colorado Unit 87?

Tags are issued through Colorado Parks and Wildlife's preference-point draw. Applicants accumulate points and apply against the unit's hunt-code quotas. Visit the CPW Big Game Draw page for current rules.

Where can I verify Colorado pronghorn harvest data for Unit 87?

CPW publishes per-GMU harvest totals and success rates on the CPW Big Game Statistics portal. Use multi-year data to evaluate trends before applying.

Is Unit 87 a good public-land hunt?

Yes — Comanche National Grassland is massive and provides walk-everywhere public access.

Are there canyon bucks in Unit 87?

Yes — the Purgatoire River canyon system holds mature bucks in juniper-rim country. Steeper hunting but productive.

How competitive is the draw for Unit 87 mule deer?

Unit 87 mule deer draw competitiveness depends on the specific hunt code (weapon type, season, sex restriction). With approximately 18 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.

Is there public land to hunt in Unit 87?

Unit 87 is primarily private agricultural land on Colorado's eastern plains. Public hunting access is available through BLM parcels, State Wildlife Area (SWA) properties, and the Colorado PLOTS (Private Land Open To Sportsmen) program. Download the CPW SWA Atlas and Colorado PLOTS maps at cpw.state.co.us before your hunt to identify all publicly accessible parcels in the unit. Landowner permission is also worth pursuing for private-land access.

What gear is essential for hunting Unit 87 mule deer?

A quality optics system — 10x binoculars and a spotting scope — is the most critical gear investment for mule deer hunting. Colorado mule deer country demands long-range glassing before committing to a stalk. Add comfortable boots for terrain-specific conditions (mountain boots for steep country, lighter footwear for plains), a daypack, and a rangefinder for complete gear preparation.

How competitive is the draw for Unit 87 pronghorn?

Unit 87 pronghorn draw competitiveness depends on the specific hunt code (weapon type, season, sex restriction). With approximately 207 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.

What distance should I practice shooting for Unit 87 pronghorn?

Open plains and sagebrush country can produce pronghorn shots from 100 to 400+ yards. Practice at 200-400 yard distances before the hunt. Shooting sticks, a bipod, or a pack-braced position from prone are recommended for field-realistic practice. A flat-shooting rifle in .243, .25-06, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270, or similar caliber handles any Colorado pronghorn shooting scenario.

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Sources & Verification

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

CPW Big Game Hunting — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: General big game season framework, Licensing and application overview · accessed 2026-04-17
CPW Big Game Statistics — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Per-GMU harvest totals, Hunter success rates by season · accessed 2026-04-17
CPW Big Game Draw — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Preference-point draw mechanics, Application timelines and hunt codes · accessed 2026-04-17
Comanche National Grassland — USDA Forest Service · supports: Comanche NG access in Unit 87, Purgatoire canyon, Camping rules · accessed 2026-04-17
CPW Walk-In Access Program — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: WIA parcels in Unit 87, Access windows, Habitat stamp · accessed 2026-04-17
Colorado Big Game Hunting — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Season dates, Unit 87 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