Top Hunting Places in Durango, Colorado

July 18, 2025 Cody Bollerman

Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Durango, Colorado offers some of the most diverse and pristine hunting grounds in the state. From elk and mule deer to turkey and bear, the surrounding wilderness is a hunter’s paradise. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, Durango provides a compelling mix of public lands, wildlife abundance, and challenging terrain that make it a must-visit location for big game and small game hunters alike.

Public Land Hunting Opportunities Near Durango

More than 80% of hunting in Durango takes place on public land, managed primarily by the San Juan National Forest, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).

San Juan National Forest – A Vast Hunting Playground

Covering over 1.8 million acres, the San Juan National Forest is the cornerstone of hunting in the Durango area. Hunters can access high-altitude meadows, aspen groves, dense pine forests, and alpine basins. Key game species include:

Elk (GMU 74, 75, 76) – Particularly dense in the Hermosa Creek area.
Mule Deer – Common in scrub oak and transitional zones.
Black Bear – Sightings are frequent during fall hunts.
Merriam’s Turkey – Thriving populations in the spring season.

The remote terrain and large acreage make this forest ideal for backpack-style hunting trips. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) units in this region are typically available for both limited and over-the-counter tags, depending on the species and season.

Top Game Management Units (GMUs) in Durango

Durango sits at the intersection of multiple high-quality GMUs, making it a strategic base for planning your hunt.

GMU 74

Species: Elk, Mule Deer, Bear
Terrain: Forested ridges, alpine lakes, steep elevations
Access: Via Hermosa Creek Trail, Missionary Ridge, and Lime Creek Road
Best Time: Late September for bugling elk; October for deer

GMU 75

Species: Mule Deer, Elk, Turkey
Terrain: Semi-open parks, cliffs, mixed conifer forest
Notable Spot: Vallecito Reservoir – rich in deer activity
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous hikes required

GMU 76 (Limited Draw)

Trophy Unit: Recognized for trophy-class elk
Access: Primarily foot or horse-only
Ideal For: Hunters seeking less pressure and mature bulls

Private Land Hunting and Outfitters

For those seeking guided experiences or access to private land, Durango has several licensed outfitters and private ranches offering premium hunts.

Cross Mountain Outfitters

Specialty: Elk and Mule Deer on exclusive private leases
Lodging: Full-service hunting lodge available
Guides: Experienced local guides with high success rates

San Juan Sky Outfitters

Focus: Wilderness pack-in hunts in GMU 76
Access Method: Horseback only
Bonus: Drop camps available for DIY hunters

Best Time of Year to Hunt in Durango

Each game species has a distinct window where success rates and animal activity peak:

Elk Rut: Mid to late September (archery and early muzzleloader seasons)
Mule Deer Rifle: Mid to late October during migration and pre-rut
Black Bear: Early September when they feed heavily before hibernation
Spring Turkey: April and May in river corridors and oak stands

Weather conditions vary significantly with elevation. Expect warm days and freezing nights during fall hunts, and always prepare for sudden snow at higher elevations.

Weapon Season Overview

Durango supports a wide variety of hunting seasons across weapon types:

Archery: September – Great for close encounters during the rut
Muzzleloader: Mid-September – Offers slightly more range with fewer hunters afield
Rifle: October to November – Most popular but more competition

Be sure to follow CPW regulations for season dates, legal hunting methods, and licensing requirements.

Licensing, Tags, and Requirements

Hunters in Colorado must obtain:

A valid CPW hunting license
Species-specific tags (OTC or draw)
Habitat Stamp (required annually)

Tags for GMU 76 and other trophy units are only available through the big game draw. Over-the-counter licenses are more accessible in GMUs 74 and 75 but may still require early application due to limited supply.

Mandatory check-in is required for bear and mountain lion harvests. Hunters must also comply with chronic wasting disease (CWD) submission regulations in certain zones.

Where to Stay: Hunting-Friendly Accommodations

Durango offers both rustic lodges and modern hotels tailored for hunters.

Pine River Lodge – Near Vallecito Lake; cabin rentals with game processing facilities nearby.
Cascade Village Resort – Close to Purgatory access points; great for hunting GMU 74.
DIY Campsites – San Juan National Forest offers numerous free dispersed camping zones.

Gear Checklist for Durango Hunts

Given the rugged terrain and remote access, preparation is key:

GPS / Satellite Messenger (Garmin InReach highly recommended)
Layered Clothing for unpredictable mountain weather
Backpack Frame for quartering and packing out
Bear-Proof Food Storage – Required in some areas
Altitude Adjustments – Consider spending 24–48 hours at elevation before hunting
High-end optics (binoculars and spotting scope), Tactical Soft Rifle Cases

Tips for a Successful Hunt in Durango

Scout Early: Use summer trips or trail cameras to identify game movement.
Glass Smart: Invest in high-quality binoculars; most game is spotted across canyons or meadows.
Call & Decoy Strategically: Elk calls during the rut or turkey calls in spring can be highly effective.
Know the Regulations: Brush up on seasonal closures, OHV restrictions, and CPW updates.
Practice Leave No Trace: The beauty of Durango’s wilderness relies on ethical and sustainable hunting.

Final Thoughts

Durango is more than just a scenic town in the Rockies—it's one of the top hunting destinations in Colorado. With access to multiple GMUs, a wide variety of species, and a thriving community of outfitters and public lands, the region promises success and adventure for hunters of all skill levels. The blend of wilderness, game density, and well-managed habitat makes it a must-visit each fall and spring.

Final Thought

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