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Hunting in Mesa County is as much about the experience and the landscape as it is about the hunt itself. The region offers breathtaking views, challenging terrain, and a chance to connect with nature in a profound way, whether you’re tracking elk through the high country of the Grand Mesa or stalking mule deer in the desert lowlands. The region and its diverse landscape also afford opportunities for moose, various small game and waterfowl.

Mesa County is home to the world-class Cameo Shooting and Education Complex (CSEC), a state-of-the-art shooting sports facility that caters to a wide range of shooting disciplines and skill levels from beginners to competitive shooters. The complex is an initiative by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and is part of their ongoing efforts to support and promote shooting sports, wildlife conservation, and outdoor recreation.

The Valley has an abundance of firearm and bow dealers, guides and outfitters, as well as clubs and associations to ensure you are properly equipped, trained and educated so you may enjoy the sport to its fullest. It’s also imperative that you know both State and County Laws as it pertains to guns.

Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) is the primary resource for hunters in Colorado, offering comprehensive information, education, and regulations to ensure safe, ethical, and sustainable hunting practices across the state. Visit their site frequently to stay apprised on season dates, bag limits, licensing requirements, tags and more.

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Plan Your Hunt

Where To Hunt

Hunting units within Mesa County can vary slightly in their boundaries and are identified by numerical codes; a part of a larger system designed to regulate and manage game populations effectively across the state, ensuring sustainable hunting opportunities. The primary units for big game like elk, deer, and moose, each having designated seasons, tag allocations, and specific regulations to follow.

Unit #30

Located on the western side of Colorado on the Utah border, Unit 30 and is esteemed as a region with a healthy population of big game. With the Colorado River running along the southern border and the Demaree Canyon Wilderness Study Area located in this unit, this area offers a lot of inhabitable lands.

Unit #31 and Unit #32

Located east of Unit 30 on the western side of Colorado, Units 31 and 32 are bounded by the Colorado River on the southern boundary line. Piñon-juniper, with pockets of sagebrush, cover most of the area at lower elevations. Both have a lot of private land in the upper end of the units, which is where the elk will mainly reside during 1st rifle. Unit 31 does have some public land, but you will need to study maps to find the access routes. Do not underestimate the depth of the canyons nor the steepness; it’s big country. Unit 32 is mostly oil and gas up top, with less public land and less access.

Unit #40

Known for its elk and deer hunting, Unit 40 is part of the larger Book Cliffs area and is renowned for producing trophy-class animals. This unit often requires preference points to draw a tag, especially for non-residents.

Unit #41

This unit, along with Units 42 and 421, covers areas from the lower elevations near the Colorado River up to the higher elevations, including parts of the Grand Mesa. These units offer deer and elk hunting opportunities.

Unit #42

Encompassing parts of the Grand Mesa and surrounding areas, Unit 42 provides habitat for elk and mule deer. The diversity of terrain offers various hunting experiences.

Unit #421

Often combined with Unit 42 for hunting regulations, Unit 421 extends into parts of the Grand Mesa. It’s known for deer and elk.

Unit #61

This is another prime area for elk and deer hunting, known for its trophy potential. Unit 61 has high demand and requires a significant number of preference points to draw a tag.

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The Four C's of Hunting

Always make sure your actions are courteous, considerate, capable, and careful.

Respect Land Ownership

Follow Hunting Laws and Regulations

Practice Fair Chase

Minimize Disturbance

Pack Out What You Pack In

Harvest Ethically

Biking

The Grand Valley is cyclist’s paradise, offering something for every type of bike enthusiast. The variety in terrain and the beauty of the landscape make it a unique spot that attracts riders from all over. Fruita has earned its reputation as a mountain biking haven, thanks in part to its trails at 18 Road like Chutes and Ladders and Zippity Do Da, whereas the Colorado National Monument offers miles of pristine pavement with breathtaking views. Come summertime, the Grand Mesa provides a break from the heat and boasts trails and roads that cater to cyclists of either persuasion. Come spring and fall, the region also plays host to a number of biking events like the Fruita Fat Tire Festival, Rides & Vibes, Tour of the Moon and Rexy
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Camping

Camping in Colorado’s Western Slope offers an unparalleled connection with the natural world, blending adventure and tranquility. Whether you’re nestled in the high desert’s unique landscape or atop the vast expanse of North America’s largest flattop mountain, these settings provide a perfect basecamp and memorable starlit backdrop.
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Climbing

The Grand Valley’s geological landscape is a rock climber’s dream due to its jaggy red rocks, exposed cliff faces, and technical boulders. Be it the endless crack climbing routes and boulders in Unaweep Canyon, the granite canyon walls and sandstone blocks in Grand Junction, or the desert cracks and towering spires in the Colorado National Monument, something is sure to call your name!
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Fishing

The Grand Valley and its surrounding areas truly offer an abundance of freshwater fishing opportunities. With the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers, anglers have access to some of the best trout fishing in Western Colorado. In addition to these two iconic rivers, the region boasts numerous smaller streams, creeks, and alpine lakes that are waiting to be explored.
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Hiking & Trail Running

The Grand Valley is a premier destination for hiking and trail running due to its diverse landscapes, stunning scenery, favorable climate, extensive trail networks, and easy access. Whether you prefer the thrill of running along the rim of a canyon or the tranquility of hiking to a hidden waterfall, there’s sure to be a trail suited for you.
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Hunting & Sport Shooting

Hunting in Mesa County is as much about the experience and the landscape as it is about the hunt itself. The region offers breathtaking views, challenging terrain, and a chance to connect with nature in a profound way, whether you’re tracking elk through the high country of the Grand Mesa or stalking mule deer in the desert lowlands. The region and its diverse landscape also afford opportunities for moose, various small game and waterfowl.
LEARN MORE

Motor Sports

There is no better place to experience the grandeur of the great outdoors while driving off-road. Boasting over 1.6 million acres of public lands, the Grand Valley is second to none when it comes to trail connectivity and a diverse range of trails suitable for most skill levels. Between Powderhorn Mountain Resort and the flattop mountain terrain of the Grand Mesa, opportunities are endless for fresh tracks, fresh air and beautiful views.
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Paddle Sports

The Grand Valley is best known for the Colorado National Monument as well as its incredible network of singletrack trails, but the area also boasts some of the best access to water sports in the Centennial State. Home to the confluence of the Colorado River and Gunnison River, the “String of Pearls”, and over 300 lakes on the Grand Mesa; whether your preferred means of locomotion is a SUP, canoe, kayak or raft, there’s a body of water for you in Mesa County!
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Snow Sports

Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling is synonymous with winters in Colorado and the Western Slope is no exception. Between Powderhorn Mountain Resort and the flat-top mountain terrain of the Grand Mesa, opportunities are endless for fresh tracks, fresh air and beautiful views.

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Stewardship

Being a good steward of our public lands is directly tied to the well-being of our outdoor recreation industry. It requires collective action, commitment, and ongoing investment to ensure that these invaluable assets remain vibrant and resilient for years to come. We invite you to explore West Slope Outdoor Volunteers; a regional stewardship collaboration of seven organizations in Mesa County.

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