Colorado Mule Deer Pronghorn Mule Deer Pronghorn

Unit 98 (Grand Junction / Book Cliffs)

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

GMU 98 covers the Book Cliffs north of Grand Junction in Mesa County — a dramatic landscape of sandstone canyon rims, pinyon-juniper mesa tops, and deep drainages that extends from the Colorado River to the Utah border. The Book Cliffs produce consistently large-bodied mule deer, and CPW's limited-draw licenses help maintain trophy quality. OTC deer licenses may be available for some seasons — verify current availability at CPW's Big Game page.

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Logistics & Planning Guide →

Access roads, campgrounds, elevation, monthly weather, stock tanks, cell coverage, and nearest-town services for Unit 98.

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Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 98

Where to Find Mule Deer in GMU 98

Mule deer in the Book Cliffs of GMU 98 inhabit the pinyon-juniper canyon rims and north-facing slopes in summer and fall, transitioning to lower sage-grass benches and canyon bottoms during winter.

Mesa Tops and Canyon Rims

Deer feed on mesa tops at dawn before retreating to canyon shade and north slopes. Glass from high points overlooking major drainages — the broken canyon terrain of the Book Cliffs creates dramatic glassing opportunities at first light. Deer on opposite canyon walls are often visible from several hundred yards.

Rutting Movement

October brings rut activity to the Book Cliffs. Bucks leave their regular territories and can be encountered throughout the unit. Focus on canyon crossings and open benches where deer movement between drainages is concentrated.

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How to Hunt GMU 98 Mule Deer

The Book Cliffs terrain is remote and rugged — a dry desert environment that demands water management and vehicle preparation for rough road access.

Canyon Rim Glassing

Position yourself on Book Cliffs rim edges before daylight. Glass across opposite canyon walls and benches below as the light improves. The sandstone terrain and open forest of the mesa tops give excellent sight lines for locating deer at long range before committing to a stalk.

Desert Hunting Logistics

The Book Cliffs have limited water. Carry sufficient water for the day from your camp — don't plan on finding reliable sources in the field. Access roads are rough BLM two-track that require high-clearance 4WD in most conditions.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Rifle28%

The Book Cliffs are renowned in Colorado mule deer circles for producing large-bodied bucks. Limited-draw tags and the remote terrain keep pressure low enough to maintain trophy quality. Rifle success rates in this type of unit average 35–50% for experienced canyon hunters. Review CPW Big Game Statistics for current GMU 98 harvest data.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— 1st Season	61	19	100.0%	0
Rifle— 1st Season	54	29	100.0%	0
Rifle— 1st Season	65	167	38.9%	1
Rifle— 1st Season	59	138	42.8%	1

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

The Book Cliffs reputation attracts dedicated mule deer trophy hunters, making draw competition meaningful. Expect 5–10 preference points for the most coveted rifle codes. Some OTC or easier archery codes may exist — verify at CPW's website. Build points annually and target this as a long-term draw goal.

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 98

Unit 98 covers portions of Washington and Lincoln Counties on Colorado's northeastern high plains, a mix of short-grass prairie, CRP fields, and cultivated wheat ground. The unit carries a strong pronghorn population and produces consistent buck opportunity for rifle, archery, and muzzleloader hunters.

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 98

Unit 98 pronghorn use the high plains between Arriba, Lindon, and Cope.

CRP and Wheat Edges

Herds feed along transition zones between CRP grass and green wheat fields.

Stock Tanks

Scattered stock tanks and windmills concentrate pronghorn in dry years.

Ridge Saddles

Subtle prairie ridges and saddles funnel pronghorn movement — scout the high points.

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 98

Unit 98 is a classic high plains pronghorn hunt with a mix of public and private access.

Scout and Glass

Drive county roads at dawn and dusk, glass from each rise, and mark bucks worth stalking.

Stalk with Terrain

Use dry washes and subtle folds to close to within bow or rifle range.

Decoy Rut

Archery hunters can pull herd bucks into range with a decoy and snort-wheeze call during the September rut.

Access

Walk-in Access fields, scattered State Land Board parcels, and private permission open the unit. Most quality bucks are on private — door-knock early.

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Pronghorn Success Rates

Rifle74%

Unit 98 rifle pronghorn buck success runs 75-90%. Doe success is similar. Archery success is lower but improves with decoys during the rut.

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— 1st Season	15	124	12.1%	4

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 98 pronghorn uses Colorado's pure preference-point draw. Rifle buck tags typically draw with 0-2 points; doe tags often draw immediately or are available as leftovers.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 98

Unit 98 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 54 applicants per year, 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 98

Unit 98 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 98 before your hunt.

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How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 98

Hunting Unit 98 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 98 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 98'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
Rifle— 1st Season	61	19	100.0%	0
Rifle— 1st Season	54	29	100.0%	0
Rifle— 1st Season	65	167	38.9%	1
Rifle— 1st Season	59	138	42.8%	1

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 98 is a moderately competitive mule deer draw unit. With approximately 54 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 98

Unit 98 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 49 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 98

Unit 98 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 98 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 98

Colorado pronghorn hunting in Unit 98 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 98 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 98'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	15	124	12.1%	4

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 98 pronghorn tags have approximately 49 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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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate to strenuous — canyon rims, pinyon-juniper mesas, remote desert terrain

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Hunting Pressure

Low — remote 4WD access filters casual hunters

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Nearest Town

Grand Junction (approx. 20–30 mi south)

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Permit Notes

Limited-draw for most codes; verify OTC availability at CPW; BLM 4WD roads required — high-clearance vehicle essential; no reliable water in the Book Cliffs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the Book Cliffs (GMU 98) considered a trophy mule deer area?

The Book Cliffs combine remote desert terrain, good pinyon-juniper forage, and limited hunting pressure from draw tags to produce mature, large-framed bucks. The rugged 4WD access filters casual hunters, allowing bucks to survive to older age classes.

What kind of vehicle do I need to access GMU 98 Book Cliffs?

High-clearance 4WD is strongly recommended for Book Cliffs access roads. Two-track BLM roads can become impassable after rain in the clay-heavy desert terrain. Carry a full-size spare, tow strap, and basic recovery gear when venturing into the remote canyon country.

How many points for Unit 98 pronghorn?

Unit 98 rifle buck pronghorn typically draws with 0-2 preference points for residents through Colorado's pure preference-point system. Doe tags are often available as leftovers.

Is Walk-in Access enough for DIY in Unit 98?

Walk-in Access enrollments vary each year but can provide usable public access. Pair with private permission and State Land Board parcels for the best odds.

How competitive is the draw for Unit 98 mule deer?

Unit 98 mule deer draw competitiveness depends on the specific hunt code (weapon type, season, sex restriction). With approximately 54 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 98?

Unit 98 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 98 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 98 pronghorn?

Unit 98 pronghorn draw competitiveness depends on the specific hunt code (weapon type, season, sex restriction). With approximately 49 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 98 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, License type structure, Season dates · accessed 2026-04-17
CPW Big Game Statistics — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Mule deer harvest totals per GMU, Hunter success rates, Population estimates · 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 98 — Colorado Parks and Wildlife / CSU NREL · supports: GMU boundary geometry, Book Cliffs BLM and state land layers · accessed 2026-04-17
Colorado Big Game Hunting Brochure (Current Cycle) — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Pronghorn season dates, Unit 98 boundary · accessed 2026-04-17
CPW Pronghorn Management — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Unit 98 herd population, Buck/doe quota structure · accessed 2026-04-17
CPW Hunting Atlas — GMU 98 — Colorado Parks and Wildlife / CSU NREL · supports: Unit 98 boundary, Walk-in Access parcels · accessed 2026-04-17
Colorado Big Game Hunting — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Season dates, Unit 98 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

Unit 98 (Grand Junction / Book Cliffs)

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 98

Where to Find Mule Deer in GMU 98

How to Hunt GMU 98 Mule Deer

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 98

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 98

CRP and Wheat Edges

Stock Tanks

Ridge Saddles

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 98

Pronghorn Success Rates

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 98

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 98

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 98

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 98

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 98

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 98

Pronghorn Success Rates

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources & Verification