Elk, Deer, and More in GMU 181 and Surrounding Units
Fall in the Rockies means crisp mornings, quiet forests and the start of hunting season. Rabbit Ears Basecamp sits right in the middle of it all, surrounded by some of Colorado’s best Game Management Units (GMUs).
Our property lies inside GMU 181, with easy access to Units 27, 14, 16, and 17. All are known for varied terrain, abundant wildlife and backcountry beauty. Whether you’re glassing for mule deer at first light or hiking timbered ridges for elk, this corner of the Rockies delivers the full Colorado experience.
Where You’ll Be Hunting
GMU 181 (Home Base)
Rolling meadows and dark timber with a mix of public and private land.
Popular for elk and mule deer.
Close to Steamboat Springs and Kremmling, making access simple.
Nearby Units
- Unit 27: East of Basecamp toward the Gore Range. Great elk country with plenty of cover and pockets of public land.
- Unit 14: Southwest of Walden, offering rugged mountain terrain and solid elk populations.
- Units 16 & 17: Forested, mixed-country habitat with elk and deer both common. Some bear opportunities depending on the year’s regulations.
What You’ll Find in the Field
These GMUs support healthy herds of:
- Elk: Common across all units. 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons are the most popular and often available over the counter (OTC) for certain bull elk licenses.
- Mule Deer: Found throughout the area but draw only. Tags are limited, so plan early.
- Black Bear: Some units around Rabbit Ears offer add-on bear tags that overlap elk and deer seasons. Check the CPW Big Game brochure for exact units and dates before hunting.
- Moose: Occasionally seen in lowland willow areas, but licenses are very limited and issued by draw only.
Understanding Colorado Licenses
Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) manages all hunting permits by GMU, species, and season.
- Elk: Some OTC rifle options remain for 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons in certain nearby units. Archery elk is now draw-only for nonresidents.
- Deer: Mule deer tags are limited draw only, with most applications due in April for the primary draw.
- Bear: OTC and add-on tags are available for select GMUs during overlapping big game seasons.
- Moose: Draw-only with very low tag numbers.
Colorado also offers a secondary draw in June for leftover limited licenses and OTC options later in summer.
Typical Season Dates (2025 Reference)
| Method | Approximate Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Early September | Draw-only for most nonresident hunters |
| Muzzleloader | Mid-September | Limited draw |
| 1st Rifle (Elk only) | Mid-October | Limited draw |
| 2nd Rifle | Late October to early November | Some OTC elk licenses available |
| 3rd Rifle | Early to mid-November | OTC elk options in nearby units |
| 4th Rifle | Late November | Limited draw only |
Always confirm official dates and hunt codes through CPW each year.
Weather, Terrain, and Access
- Weather: Fall can swing fast between sunny afternoons and freezing mornings. Snow is common by November.
- Terrain: Expect a mix of pine forest, sage flats, and high ridges between 8,000 and 10,000 feet.
- Access: Public lands are plentiful but mixed with private parcels. Download offline maps and respect property boundaries.
- Safety: Hunters using rifles must wear at least 500 square inches of fluorescent orange or pink above the waist plus an orange or pink hat.
Tips from the Locals
- Scout early if you can. Elk move often once the pressure builds.
- Dress in layers and always carry rain protection.
- Break in your boots before the trip.
- Keep game bags handy for quick pack-outs in warm weather.
- Start your mornings early and glass clearings at first light.
After the Hunt
At the end of a long day, Rabbit Ears Basecamp is a welcome sight. Fire up the hot tub at the Hitchin’ Post, hang your gear to dry, and swap stories with your crew over a hot meal.
Whether you’re chasing elk in Unit 181 or glassing for deer in 17, Basecamp puts you close to it all , with a warm bed waiting when you return.
Book your stay at Rabbit Ears Basecamp, your base for adventure in Colorado’s high country!
Quick Reference: Hunting Access by GMU
| GMU | Species | License Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 181 | Elk, Mule Deer | Elk OTC (select rifle), Deer Draw | Closest to Basecamp, mixed public/private |
| 27 | Elk, Mule Deer, Bear | Elk OTC (some seasons), Deer Draw, Bear Add-on | East of Basecamp toward Gore Range |
| 14 | Elk, Mule Deer | Elk OTC (some rifle), Deer Draw | Rugged and remote, great for experienced hunters |
| 16 | Elk, Mule Deer, Bear | Elk OTC (some rifle), Deer Draw, Bear Add-on | Heavily forested, steady game numbers |
| 17 | Elk, Mule Deer, Bear | Elk OTC (some rifle), Deer Draw, Bear Add-on | Mix of forest and meadow, good access from Basecamp |
