Colorado Mule Deer Pronghorn Mule Deer Pronghorn

Unit 93 (Elbert / Lincoln Plains)

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

Unit 93 covers Elbert and Lincoln counties on the east-central Colorado plains. CRP, wheat, and sandsage country plus the Big Sandy Creek drainage support strong mule deer and whitetail populations. Big ag bucks are the draw here.

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Logistics & Planning Guide →

Access roads, campgrounds, elevation, monthly weather, stock tanks, cell coverage, and nearest-town services for Unit 93.

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Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 93

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 93

Unit 93 mule deer use cover pockets and ag edges.

October Rifle

Bucks bed in CRP and sandsage; feed in stubble.

Late Rifle

Rut-active bucks chase does on open sections.

Big Sandy Corridor

Cottonwood and willow bottoms along Big Sandy Creek hold trophy bucks.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 93

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Archery18%

any legal weapon28%

Rifle28%

Muzzleloader22%

Unit 93 mule deer success runs 45-58% rifle. Trophy potential is strong with 4x4 bucks regular.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Archery— 1st Season	49	26	100.0%	0
Any Legal Method— 2nd Season	153	39	100.0%	0
Any Legal Method— 2nd Season	3	0	100.0%	0
Rifle— 1st Season	19	3	100.0%	0
Rifle— 1st Season	22	13	100.0%	0
Rifle— 1st Season	15	85	17.6%	3
Rifle— 1st Season	10	64	15.6%	2
Muzzleloader— 2nd Season	2	0	100.0%	0
Muzzleloader— 2nd Season	25	17	100.0%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Preference-point draw. Unit 93 mule deer buck rifle typically 1-4 resident points.

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 93

Unit 93 covers the open sagebrush flats and mixed grass rangeland of the eastern San Luis Valley region in Saguache and Alamosa counties. With 161 applicants competing for just 45 tags over three years, this is a more selective pronghorn draw that delivers quality bucks on semi-arid benchlands. We find this unit particularly productive for hunters who scout water sources and morning feed areas before the season.

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 93

Pronghorn in Unit 93 use the open sage and mixed-grass flats across the western San Luis Valley bench country, typically staying in loose herds of 5-25 animals.

Early Season (August-September)

Bucks and does stay on the wide sage flats and grassy parks at 7,500-8,500 feet. Scout for herds near water — stock ponds and seasonal creek drainages concentrate pronghorn in dry years. Glass from elevated vantage points at dawn to cover large areas quickly.

Rut Period (Late September-October)

Bucks push does into tighter groups and become visible across the open benchlands at all hours. This is the best time to close the distance using rolling terrain for cover.

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 93

The open terrain of Unit 93 demands a disciplined spot-and-stalk approach and range discipline beyond 300 yards.

Glass First, Move Second

We spend the first hour of every morning glassing from a high vantage before approaching any animals. Pronghorn see movement at 800+ yards and will flush before a stalk begins if you rush onto the flats.

Water Hole Hunting

Blinds near active stock ponds on private or Walk-in Access land are the highest-percentage tactic. Set up before first light and stay until 11 AM. Afternoon watering runs 2-5 PM in warm weather.

Rut Decoying

Buck decoys work on territorial bucks during the late September rut. Set the decoy 150-200 yards ahead of your position on the open flats and let the buck commit before drawing or shooting.

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Pronghorn Success Rates

Muzzleloader55%

Rifle74%

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Muzzleloader— 1st Season	8	23	34.8%	1
Rifle— 1st Season	8	15	53.3%	2

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Colorado's pure preference-point system governs Unit 93 pronghorn. At 161 applicants for 45 tags, this is a more competitive draw — residents should expect to need 5-10 points for first-choice tags. Non-residents face tighter competition. Check current CPW draw statistics for the most recent point cutoffs.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 93

Unit 93 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 20 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 93

Unit 93 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 93 before your hunt.

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How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 93

Hunting Unit 93 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 93 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 93'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 %	Pts Req
Archery— 1st Season	49	26	100.0%	0
Any Legal Method— 2nd Season	153	39	100.0%	0
Any Legal Method— 2nd Season	3	0	100.0%	0
Rifle— 1st Season	19	3	100.0%	0
Rifle— 1st Season	22	13	100.0%	0
Rifle— 1st Season	15	85	17.6%	3
Rifle— 1st Season	10	64	15.6%	2
Muzzleloader— 2nd Season	2	0	100.0%	0
Muzzleloader— 2nd Season	25	17	100.0%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 93 is a lower-demand mule deer draw unit. With approximately 20 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 93

Unit 93 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 13 applicants per year — a low-demand unit with realistic draw prospects, hunters applying here benefit from Colorado's preference-point draw system.

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 93

Unit 93 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 93 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 93

Colorado pronghorn hunting in Unit 93 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 93 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

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 93'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
Muzzleloader— 1st Season	8	23	34.8%	1
Rifle— 1st Season	8	15	53.3%	2

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 93 pronghorn tags have approximately 13 applicants per year. Colorado's preference-point draw means applicants with accumulated points have an advantage in competitive units. With very few applicants, this unit may be drawable with minimal points. Check CPW Draw Odds statistics for current data.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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Trailer Access

Yes — I-70, US 287, section grid.

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Water

Big Sandy Creek, scattered tanks.

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Road Conditions

Paved highways plus gravel sections. Dirt muds.

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Terrain Difficulty

Easy.

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Hunting Pressure

Moderate on WIA.

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Weather

Wind; temperature swings. Cold late November.

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Cell Service

Good.

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Nearest Town

Limon (population ~1,800) for basics; Denver 90 miles west.

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Permit Notes

Most Unit 93 tags limited draw. Private trespass common.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there trophy bucks in Unit 93?

Yes — ag edges and CRP produce heavy-bodied 4x4 bucks regularly, with occasional giants in the 170s.

Is Unit 93 DIY-friendly?

Yes for public-access hunters willing to scout WIA and state wildlife areas. Best trophies are on permission-only private.

How many preference points do I need for Unit 93 pronghorn?

Unit 93 pronghorn is a competitive draw with roughly 3.6 applicants per tag over three years. Residents typically need 5-10 points for first-choice success. Verify current point requirements in the CPW draw statistics before applying.

How competitive is the draw for Unit 93 mule deer?

Unit 93 mule deer 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.

Is there public land to hunt in Unit 93?

Unit 93 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 93 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 93 pronghorn?

Unit 93 pronghorn draw competitiveness depends on the specific hunt code (weapon type, season, sex restriction). With approximately 13 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 93 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 Statistics — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Unit 93 mule deer harvest, Buck class, Trend · accessed 2026-04-17
CPW Walk-In Access Program — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: WIA parcels in Unit 93, Access windows, Habitat stamp · accessed 2026-04-17
State Wildlife Areas — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: SWA parcels in Unit 93, Rules, Permits · accessed 2026-04-17
CPW Hunting Atlas — GMU 93 — Colorado Parks and Wildlife / CSU NREL · supports: GMU boundary geometry, Public land ownership layer, Pronghorn severe winter range · accessed 2026-04-17
Colorado Big Game Hunting Brochure (Current Cycle) — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Pronghorn season dates, License type structure, Tag quotas · accessed 2026-04-17
CPW Pronghorn Hunt Statistics and Draw Recap — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Per-GMU harvest totals, Hunter success rates, Draw recap preference point data · accessed 2026-04-17
Colorado Big Game Hunting — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Season dates, Unit 93 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