Colorado Pronghorn Mule Deer Mule Deer Pronghorn

Unit 89 (Douglas Creek / White River Sagebrush)

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

GMU 89 sits in the sagebrush and saltbush flats of Rio Blanco County in northwest Colorado, stretching across the Douglas Creek drainage east of the Utah border. CPW manages pronghorn in this unit through the preference point draw. The open terrain is classic pronghorn country with long sight lines and wide-open BLM land.

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Access roads, campgrounds, elevation, monthly weather, stock tanks, cell coverage, and nearest-town services for Unit 89.

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Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 89

Where to Find Pronghorn in GMU 89

Pronghorn in GMU 89 occupy the sagebrush flats and rolling saltbush benches throughout the Douglas Creek drainage. Herds are visible year-round from elevated vantage points overlooking the open BLM terrain.

Water Sources

In dry late-summer conditions, stock ponds, stock tanks, and the few perennial seeps in the unit become predictable pronghorn magnets. Scout these sources from a distance during the week before your hunt.

Rutting Behavior

During the September rut, bucks are highly visible as they herd does across the open flats. This is the best period to locate trophy bucks, which are otherwise difficult to sex at range in bachelor groups.

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How to Hunt GMU 89 Pronghorn

Open terrain demands long-range glassing and careful stalking — pronghorn have exceptional vision and will spot movement at 400+ yards.

Spot-and-Stalk

Glass from high ground, identify a target buck, then use terrain features (washes, low ridges) to close distance. Plan your stalk with wind in mind — pronghorn are also sensitive to human scent. Stay low and move slowly through any depressions.

Water Hole Hunting

Set up a portable blind or use natural cover near a reliable water source in early morning. Pronghorn visit predictably during hot weather, often before 9 AM and again in late afternoon.

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Pronghorn Success Rates

Rifle74%

Colorado pronghorn hunters in limited-draw units typically see 60–80% harvest success. The open terrain of GMU 89 makes locating animals straightforward; success depends on accurate long-range shooting. Review CPW Big Game Statistics for unit-specific harvest data.

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— 1st Season	18	71	25.4%	2
Rifle— 1st Season	26	291	8.9%	5
Rifle— 5th Season	12	59	20.3%	2

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Pronghorn draw odds in GMU 89 are generally more accessible than elk and deer in northwest Colorado. Some hunt codes may be drawable with 1–3 preference points. Check CPW's draw statistics annually for current applicant and tag data.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 89

Unit 89 covers Kit Carson County plains country with wheat ag, CRP grass, and scattered tree draws. The unit holds a productive mule deer population with Walk-in Access parcels and strong opportunity for DIY plains hunters.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 89

Unit 89 muleys use the ag-grass mosaic across Kit Carson County.

Early Season

Bucks bed in plum and shelterbelt cover, feeding into wheat stubble and CRP at first and last light.

Rut

November rut pulls bucks onto open flats with doe groups.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 89

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Rifle28%

Unit 89 mule deer success rates typically run 50–70% per recent CPW statistics, driven by ag-edge feed and conservative tag allocation.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— 1st Season	6	11	54.5%
Rifle— 1st Season	6	9	66.7%
Rifle— 1st Season	29	56	51.8%
Rifle— 1st Season	26	57	45.6%

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Unit 89 uses Colorado's pure preference-point draw. Mule deer tags typically require several preference points for residents and more for non-residents.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 89

Unit 89 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 21 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 89

Unit 89 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 89 before your hunt.

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How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 89

Hunting Unit 89 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 89 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

Rifle28%

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 89'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 %
Rifle— 1st Season	6	11	54.5%
Rifle— 1st Season	6	9	66.7%
Rifle— 1st Season	29	56	51.8%
Rifle— 1st Season	26	57	45.6%

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Unit 89 is a lower-demand mule deer draw unit. With approximately 21 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 89

Unit 89 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 91 applicants per year, hunters applying here benefit from Colorado's preference-point draw system.

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 89

Unit 89 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 89 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 89

Colorado pronghorn hunting in Unit 89 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 89 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

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 89'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
Rifle— 1st Season	18	71	25.4%	2
Rifle— 1st Season	26	291	8.9%	5
Rifle— 5th Season	12	59	20.3%	2

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 89 pronghorn tags have approximately 91 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many preference points does it take to draw a pronghorn tag in GMU 89?

Pronghorn tags in GMU 89 are generally more accessible than deer or elk tags in northwest Colorado. Some hunt codes are drawable with 1–3 points. Check CPW's draw statistics each spring for the most current point requirements.

Is there public land access in GMU 89?

Yes — GMU 89 contains substantial BLM land in the Douglas Creek drainage. Verify specific parcel boundaries using the CPW Hunting Atlas or BLM's online mapping tools before your hunt.

Is Unit 89 realistic for a DIY mule deer hunt?

Yes, Unit 89 typically has Walk-in Access parcels and reasonable private permission access for hunters willing to work the pre-season phones.

How competitive is the draw for Unit 89 mule deer?

Unit 89 mule deer draw competitiveness depends on the specific hunt code (weapon type, season, sex restriction). With approximately 21 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 89?

Unit 89 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 89 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 89 pronghorn?

Unit 89 pronghorn draw competitiveness depends on the specific hunt code (weapon type, season, sex restriction). With approximately 91 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 89 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: GMU boundaries, Pronghorn license structure, Season dates · accessed 2026-04-17
CPW Big Game Statistics — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Pronghorn harvest totals, Hunter success rates, Population estimates per DAU · accessed 2026-04-17
CPW Big Game Draw — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Preference point system, Application period, Draw results · accessed 2026-04-17
CPW Hunting Atlas — GMU 89 — Colorado Parks and Wildlife / CSU NREL · supports: GMU boundary geometry, Public land ownership layers · accessed 2026-04-17
Colorado Big Game Hunting Brochure (2025 Cycle) — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Season dates, GMU boundaries · accessed 2026-04-17
CPW Mule Deer Harvest Statistics — GMU 89 — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Harvest totals, Success rates · accessed 2026-04-17
CPW Walk-In Access Program — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Walk-In parcel locations · accessed 2026-04-17
Colorado Big Game Hunting — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Season dates, Unit 89 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