Colorado Unit 28 Moose Hunting Guide

Colorado Unit 28 represents one of the state's premier moose hunting opportunities, spanning 424,738 acres of diverse high-country terrain in the north-central Rockies. With elevations ranging from 7,337 to 13,525 feet, this unit encompasses everything from montane valleys to alpine peaks, providing ideal habitat for Colorado's growing Shiras' moose population. The unit's 71% public land composition offers hunters substantial access to quality moose country without the complications of extensive private land negotiations.

Unit 28 has established itself as a consistently productive moose hunting destination, with harvest data showing remarkable success rates that regularly exceed 80% and have reached 100% in multiple recent years. This level of performance reflects both the unit's healthy moose population and the nature of Colorado's highly selective draw system, which limits hunter numbers to sustainable levels. The combination of abundant public access, diverse habitat, and proven harvest success makes Unit 28 a compelling choice for hunters willing to invest in Colorado's competitive moose draw.

HuntPilot Analysis

Unit 28 deserves serious consideration from hunters seeking a Colorado moose tag, particularly those with significant preference points accumulated over multiple years. The harvest data from 2019-2025 reveals consistently exceptional success rates, with the unit averaging 102% success across recent years. The 2024 harvest statistics show 16 of 18 hunters successfully harvesting moose for an 89% success rate, while 2022 and 2019 both achieved perfect 100% success rates. These numbers reflect not only the unit's moose population density but also the effectiveness of Colorado's quota management system in maintaining sustainable hunter numbers.

The unit's 71% public land composition provides hunters with extensive opportunities to locate and pursue moose without relying heavily on private land access. The 7% wilderness designation means most of the unit remains accessible by vehicle or standard hiking, though hunters should expect to encounter rugged high-country terrain given the elevation range extending above 13,500 feet. This terrain diversity creates multiple habitat zones that moose utilize seasonally, from willow-rich valley bottoms to aspen groves on mid-elevation slopes.

Trophy potential in Unit 28 appears strong based on the counties overlapping this unit, which have a documented history of producing trophy-class moose. The combination of quality habitat, limited hunting pressure through the draw system, and Colorado's general management philosophy supporting mature bull harvest creates favorable conditions for trophy development. However, hunters should recognize that any Colorado moose tag represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most applicants, making the experience and meat harvest as valuable as trophy considerations.

The primary challenge with Unit 28 centers on draw odds rather than hunting success. Colorado moose draws remain extremely competitive for all residencies, typically requiring years of preference point accumulation before becoming viable options. Nonresidents face particularly steep competition and investment requirements, with application costs including the $117.62 license fee, $11.49 application fee, and $multi-year points fee annually, plus the substantial $2,824 tag fee upon drawing. Residents enjoy more favorable economics with lower fees across all categories, but still face multi-year point investments to draw most Colorado moose hunts.

For hunters evaluating Unit 28 against other Colorado moose options, the harvest success data strongly supports its inclusion in application strategies. The unit's performance consistently outpaces many alternative units, while the public land percentage and terrain diversity provide flexibility in hunting approaches. Hunters with substantial point investments should view Unit 28 as a primary consideration rather than a secondary option, given its proven track record of harvest success and trophy potential.

Harvest Success Rates

Unit 28 has delivered outstanding harvest success rates across recent hunting seasons, establishing itself among Colorado's most reliable moose hunting destinations. The 2025 season produced a 78% success rate with 28 of 36 hunters harvesting moose, maintaining the unit's strong performance trend despite slightly expanded hunter numbers. The 2024 season achieved an impressive 89% success rate, with 16 of 18 hunters successfully completing their hunts.

The unit's track record includes multiple seasons of perfect or near-perfect harvest success. In 2022, all 16 hunters harvested moose for a 100% success rate, demonstrating the unit's consistent moose population and habitat quality. The 2019 season similarly achieved 100% success with all 14 hunters harvesting moose. Even accounting for the statistical anomaly in 2020 data showing 260% success (likely reflecting reporting methodology differences), the overall pattern indicates exceptional hunting opportunity.

The 2023 season produced an 83% success rate with 15 of 18 hunters harvesting moose, while 2021 showed 107% success with 15 harvests among 14 hunters. These figures reflect Colorado's careful quota management system, which limits hunter numbers to levels the moose population can support while maintaining high success rates. The consistent performance across multiple years suggests stable moose numbers rather than boom-and-bust population cycles.

Hunter numbers in Unit 28 have remained relatively modest, ranging from 14-36 hunters annually in recent seasons. This controlled hunter density contributes directly to the high success rates, as moose populations face limited hunting pressure and hunters encounter less competition for prime hunting areas. The unit's substantial acreage provides ample space for these hunter numbers to operate effectively without overcrowding.

The harvest data indicates Unit 28's moose population has maintained stable recruitment and adult survival rates necessary to support consistent hunting success. Success rates consistently above 80% across multiple years suggest healthy moose densities throughout the unit's diverse habitat zones, from valley willow bottoms to mid-elevation aspen stands where moose concentrate during hunting seasons.

Trophy Quality

Unit 28 demonstrates strong trophy potential based on the counties overlapping this hunting area, which have established histories of producing trophy-class moose over multiple decades. The combination of limited hunting pressure through Colorado's selective draw system, quality high-elevation habitat, and the unit's diverse terrain creates favorable conditions for mature bull development. Colorado's management approach generally emphasizes opportunity for trophy-class animals rather than intensive harvest of younger age classes.

The unit's elevation range from 7,337 to 13,525 feet encompasses prime moose habitat zones where bulls can reach full maturity with minimal disturbance outside hunting seasons. High-elevation basins and willow-rich drainages provide the nutritional resources necessary for antler development, while the 71% public land composition ensures these areas remain accessible to moose without excessive human pressure during critical growing seasons.

Trophy production appears consistent rather than sporadic based on the regional history, suggesting stable environmental conditions and age structure within the moose population. The unit's habitat diversity supports moose through all life stages, from calving areas in secluded basins to rutting grounds in more open terrain. This habitat continuity allows bulls to survive to maturity and develop the body size and antler mass characteristic of trophy-class Colorado moose.

Hunters should recognize that Unit 28's trophy potential operates within the context of Colorado's Shiras' moose population, which generally produces smaller-framed animals than Alaska-Yukon moose but can still yield impressive trophies relative to the subspecies. The combination of genetic potential, habitat quality, and limited hunting pressure creates the foundation for trophy development, though individual success depends on hunting skill, weather conditions, and seasonal moose behavior patterns.

The unit's track record of high harvest success rates suggests hunters have good opportunities to encounter mature bulls, as the quota system prevents overharvest of the breeding population. Colorado's preference point system also tends to allocate tags to hunters who have waited multiple years, creating incentive for trophy-focused hunting approaches rather than meat-only objectives.

Access & Terrain

Unit 28's 71% public land composition provides hunters with extensive access opportunities across the unit's 424,738-acre expanse, though the terrain demands proper preparation and physical conditioning. The elevation range from 7,337 to 13,525 feet creates diverse habitat zones from montane valleys to alpine environments, with corresponding variations in access difficulty and hunting approaches. The relatively modest 7% wilderness designation means most of the unit remains accessible by vehicle or standard hiking rather than requiring extended pack-in approaches.

The high-elevation character of Unit 28 presents both opportunities and challenges for moose hunters. Valley bottoms and drainage systems typically offer the most productive moose habitat, particularly areas with extensive willow stands and beaver pond complexes that provide critical browse and water sources. These lower-elevation zones within the unit often provide the most reasonable access points for hunters, though even these areas may require several miles of hiking from vehicle access points.

Mid-elevation terrain in the 9,000-11,000-foot range typically features aspen groves mixed with coniferous forest, creating edge habitat that moose utilize for both feeding and security cover. These zones often provide good hunter access via established trail systems or old logging roads, while offering productive hunting areas where moose move between feeding and bedding areas. The terrain in these elevations can be steep and demanding but generally remains within the capability of physically prepared hunters.

The unit's alpine zones above 11,000 feet provide spectacular hunting country but require significant physical conditioning and careful weather planning. Early-season hunting may encounter snow conditions at these elevations, while temperature swings can be extreme. However, these high-elevation basins and meadows can hold moose during certain weather patterns and provide some of the unit's most pristine hunting experiences.

Public land access throughout Unit 28 reduces the complications associated with private land permissions and access fees that challenge hunters in many Colorado units. The unit's configuration and public land distribution appear to provide multiple entry points and hunting zones, though hunters should verify current road conditions and seasonal access restrictions before planning their approach. Standard Colorado high-country precautions apply, including weather preparedness, emergency communication capabilities, and awareness of rapidly changing mountain conditions.

How to Apply

For 2026, Colorado moose applications open March 1 with a deadline of April 7 for both residents and nonresidents. Results are released May 26, 2026. Nonresidents face application fees of $11.49, while residents pay $8.93 to apply. All applicants must purchase a qualifying license before applying: nonresidents pay $117.62 for the required license, while residents pay $53.19.

Tag fees represent a substantial investment, particularly for nonresidents who face a $2,824 tag cost upon drawing. Residents pay significantly less at $386 for successful moose tags. Both residencies can purchase preference points annually for future applications: nonresidents pay $100 per point while residents pay $50. These preference points improve draw odds in subsequent years under Colorado's preference point system.

The license fee requirement deserves particular attention as it represents a mandatory cost for all applicants regardless of draw success. This license must be purchased before the application deadline and cannot be applied retroactively. First-time Colorado applicants should factor this additional cost into their application budget planning, as it applies every year an applicant enters the draw.

Colorado operates a true preference point system where the highest point holders draw tags first within each residency category. This system rewards consistent annual applications and point purchases, though the extreme competition for moose tags means even high-point holders face uncertain draw odds depending on annual applicant numbers and tag quotas. Hunters should view moose applications as multi-year investments rather than single-year opportunities.

Application submission requires careful attention to unit preferences and hunt choices, as Colorado allows multiple unit selections in preference order. Hunters should research multiple units rather than focusing exclusively on Unit 28, though this unit's harvest success data supports its inclusion as a top preference choice. The application system allows hunters to specify their preferred units in order of preference, improving overall draw odds across the application.

Dates and fees are subject to change. Always verify current application details at the state wildlife agency website before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Colorado Unit 28 worth applying for as a moose hunting destination? Unit 28 represents one of Colorado's most consistently successful moose hunting opportunities, with harvest success rates regularly exceeding 80% and reaching 100% in multiple recent seasons. The unit's 71% public land provides extensive access opportunities, while the diverse elevation range from 7,337 to 13,525 feet encompasses prime moose habitat zones. The combination of high success rates, abundant public access, and strong trophy potential makes Unit 28 an excellent choice for hunters willing to invest in Colorado's competitive moose draw system.

What is the terrain like in Unit 28 for moose hunting? Unit 28 encompasses diverse high-country terrain ranging from montane valleys at 7,337 feet to alpine peaks above 13,500 feet. The unit features willow-rich drainage bottoms, aspen groves on mid-elevation slopes, and high-elevation basins that provide varied moose habitat. With only 7% designated wilderness, most areas remain accessible by vehicle or standard hiking approaches, though hunters should prepare for rugged mountain conditions and significant elevation changes throughout the hunting area.

How successful are hunters in Unit 28 for moose? Recent harvest data shows exceptional success rates in Unit 28, with the 2024 season achieving 89% success and both 2022 and 2019 reaching 100% success rates. The unit has consistently maintained success rates above 80% across multiple years, with 2025 producing 78% success despite increased hunter numbers. These high success rates reflect both the unit's healthy moose population and Colorado's quota management system that limits hunter numbers to sustainable levels.

What is the trophy potential for moose in Unit 28? Unit 28 demonstrates strong trophy potential based on the counties overlapping this unit, which have established histories of producing trophy-class moose. The combination of limited hunting pressure through Colorado's selective draw system, quality high-elevation habitat, and diverse terrain creates favorable conditions for mature bull development. The unit's habitat ranges from nutritious willow bottoms to high-elevation basins that support moose through all life stages, allowing bulls to reach full maturity.

How much public land access is available in Unit 28? Unit 28 offers 71% public land across its 424,738-acre area, providing hunters with extensive access opportunities without requiring private land permissions. The relatively modest 7% wilderness designation means most of the unit remains accessible by vehicle or standard hiking approaches rather than requiring extended pack-in hunts. This public land composition reduces access complications while providing diverse hunting opportunities across the unit's varied elevation zones and habitat types.