Colorado Unit 33 Elk Hunting Guide
Colorado Unit 33 sits in the western slope region of the state, spanning roughly 266,312 total acres across an elevation range of 5,300 to 11,456 feet. With 76% public land, this unit is genuinely accessible to DIY hunters willing to put in the legwork — the majority of huntable terrain sits on public ground managed by federal agencies. Unit 33 carries no designated wilderness, which means nonresident hunters face no guide requirements and can pursue elk on their own terms throughout the unit. For hunters researching Colorado elk draws, Unit 33 offers a legitimate combination of access, elk numbers, and year-round public land opportunity.
Elk in Unit 33 occupy a diverse landscape that transitions from lower-elevation sagebrush and pinon-juniper country to mid-elevation aspen and mixed conifer terrain pushing toward the 11,000-foot mark. That elevation spread — more than 6,000 feet of vertical — means elk can be almost anywhere depending on season, weather, and hunting pressure. Hunters who are willing to glass thoroughly and cover ground have a real shot at finding animals in this unit. The absence of wilderness designation keeps access simpler relative to many western Colorado units, and the substantial public land base means hunters aren't constantly running into private land boundaries.
This is a draw unit for most hunters, though the data tells a nuanced story about what applicants can realistically expect. The following breakdown draws on harvest records, wildlife survey data, and application information compiled by HuntPilot to give hunters an honest assessment before committing application points.
Harvest Success Rates
The harvest data for Unit 33 shows significant year-over-year variation that hunters should understand before applying. Based on the three most recent seasons:
- 2023: 2,351 hunters, 249 harvested — 11% success rate
- 2024: 4,323 hunters, 622 harvested — 14% success rate
- 2025: 6,573 hunters, 1,581 harvested — 24% success rate
The trend line is worth examining carefully. Hunter numbers roughly tripled from 2023 to 2025, and harvested animals increased more than sixfold over the same period. The 2025 success rate of 24% is notably higher than the prior two years and represents a meaningful jump. However, hunters should be cautious about reading too much into a single high-success year. The 2023 and 2024 numbers — 11% and 14%, respectively — are more likely to reflect baseline conditions. A realistic planning benchmark based on the full three-year window would put expected success somewhere in the low-to-mid teens for a typical year, with occasional upside when conditions align favorably.
The dramatic increase in hunter numbers from 2023 to 2025 suggests the unit saw a significant shift in tag availability or draw structure during this period. Hunters who drew in 2025 encountered both more competition in the field and, apparently, enough elk to sustain a higher success rate. Whether those conditions persist is worth tracking year over year before committing points.
Herd Health & Population Trends
Wildlife survey data from six survey years between 2018 and 2024 shows an average bull-to-cow ratio of 21:100 for Unit 33. That number is on the lower end of the spectrum for a healthy, well-managed elk herd. For reference, wildlife managers typically target bull-to-cow ratios of 25:100 or higher to maintain adequate breeding efficiency and support trophy-class bull development. A ratio of 21:100 suggests a herd that is carrying adequate cow numbers but has a comparatively thin bull segment — likely reflecting sustained hunting pressure across multiple seasons.
What this means practically for hunters: antlerless elk and cow numbers appear healthy, but mature bulls are less abundant relative to the cow population than hunters might hope for. Bulls exist in the unit — the harvest data confirms that — but expect competition for mature animals, and plan accordingly by getting off the road and into country that other hunters aren't willing to reach on foot.
A 21:100 average over six survey years is also a relatively stable signal. This isn't a herd in collapse, and it's not a unit on the rise. It's a unit that has been hunted consistently and sits at a moderate bull density. Hunters who go in expecting a wilderness-caliber bull density will likely be disappointed. Hunters who go in expecting a legitimate opportunity to tag a mature bull with hard work and good scouting will be more aligned with reality.
Trophy Quality
Counties overlapping Unit 33 have a limited history of trophy records. Hunters should calibrate expectations accordingly — this is not a unit known for producing exceptional trophy-class bulls, and the herd data supports that assessment. A 21:100 bull-to-cow ratio points to a population where bulls are harvested before reaching their full maturity potential. Mature, heavy-antlered bulls are taken from this unit, but they are not common, and the unit should not be chosen primarily for its trophy ceiling.
For hunters whose primary goal is a high-scoring bull, the limited trophy history here suggests looking at other Colorado units with stronger historical trophy production. For hunters who value the combination of accessible public land, a real draw opportunity, and a legitimate chance at a legal bull in beautiful western Colorado country, Unit 33 has more to offer.
Access & Terrain
Unit 33 covers 266,312 acres with 76% sitting in public ownership — that works out to roughly 202,000 acres of accessible public ground. For a western Colorado elk unit, that is a strong public land base. Hunters don't need to negotiate private access or rely on landowner permission to find huntable elk country.
The unit's terrain spans from approximately 5,300 feet at the low end up to 11,456 feet at the top. The lower reaches of the unit, particularly in sagebrush and pinon-juniper habitat, will hold elk during transitional periods when animals are moving between elevations. The mid-elevation aspen and mixed conifer zones are typically where elk concentrate during the primary hunting seasons, especially on north-facing slopes where thermal cover and forage are more reliable.
There is no designated wilderness in Unit 33, which simplifies access logistics considerably. Nonresident hunters can plan a fully independent DIY hunt without any guide requirement — Colorado law has no such restriction outside of wilderness areas, and Unit 33 has none. Road-accessible terrain is more prevalent without wilderness designations, but elk in this unit still respond to pressure by moving into deeper, more rugged country. Hunters who are physically fit and willing to go further than the average hunter will consistently find better elk numbers and less competition.
The 24% of the unit in private ownership is spread across the landscape; hunters should verify land status carefully before heading afield. Mapping apps and BLM surface ownership data are essential for navigating Unit 33 without inadvertently crossing onto private ground.
HuntPilot Analysis
Is Unit 33 worth applying for?
Unit 33 is a mid-tier Colorado elk draw unit with genuine upside for hunters who go in with calibrated expectations. The 76% public land base and absence of wilderness make it one of the more logistically straightforward units in western Colorado for DIY hunters. A nonresident can plan and execute a completely self-guided hunt here without jumping through additional licensing hoops.
The harvest data paints a realistic picture: success rates in the 11–24% range depending on year, with 2023 and 2024 representing more typical conditions. The 21:100 bull-to-cow ratio from six years of survey data suggests a unit under consistent hunting pressure with a moderately depleted bull segment. Trophy history is limited, which aligns with the herd structure data.
This unit makes the most sense for hunters who prioritize the experience of a western Colorado elk hunt on accessible public land, are willing to accept moderate success rates, and aren't primarily chasing a record-book bull. It's also a reasonable choice for hunters who are early in their Colorado elk point accumulation and are looking for a draw opportunity that doesn't require a decade-long point commitment. Hunters with deep point banks chasing maximum trophy potential should look at higher-tier units with stronger bull-to-cow ratios and more developed trophy histories.
The significant jump in hunter numbers between 2023 and 2025 warrants attention — hunters researching this unit should check current HuntPilot data at huntpilot.ai/states/co to understand how the draw structure and tag numbers have evolved. If the 2025 hunter count reflects a temporary liberalization rather than a permanent change, the unit's dynamics could shift back toward tighter draws and lower pressure in future years.
How to Apply
Colorado elk applications run through the state's annual draw process. For the 2026 season, applications open March 1 and close April 7, 2026. Hunters should not wait until the final days — system load and last-minute issues can create problems close to the deadline.
2026 Application Costs:
| Fee | Resident | Nonresident | |---|---|---| | Application fee | $9 | $11 | | Tag fee (if drawn) | $70 | $845 | | License fee (required to apply) | $53.19 | $117.62 | | Preference point fee (if not drawn) | $50 | $100 |
Important: Colorado requires hunters to purchase a valid hunting license before submitting a draw application. The license fee listed above is a required cost of entry into the draw, not just a tag-related fee. Nonresidents should budget approximately $128.62 in upfront costs just to submit an application, with the tag fee of $845 added if a tag is drawn.
Colorado uses a true preference point system, meaning hunters with more points are drawn before hunters with fewer points in the same pool. For nonresidents, Unit 33 draw difficulty should be verified against current draw data — the unit's accessibility and public land base make it attractive, and competition can be real. Residents will generally find the draw more approachable, though current draw odds should be confirmed before applying.
For the 2028 season, the application deadline is April 1, 2028. The 2028 application open date is confirmed as March 1, 2028.
Colorado applications are submitted through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) licensing portal. Hunters who want current draw odds, point requirements, and year-over-year application trends for Unit 33 should check the HuntPilot unit page at huntpilot.ai/states/co for up-to-date data.
Dates and fees are subject to change. Always verify current application details at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the terrain like in Colorado Unit 33?
Unit 33 spans a significant elevation range from approximately 5,300 feet to 11,456 feet, encompassing low-elevation sagebrush and pinon-juniper habitat transitioning up through aspen and mixed conifer country. The unit covers over 266,000 acres with 76% public land and no designated wilderness, making it physically accessible for DIY hunters. Expect varied terrain that rewards hunters who are willing to move between elevations and get away from road-accessible areas to find less-pressured elk.
What is the harvest success rate in Colorado Unit 33?
Recent harvest data shows success rates of 11% in 2023, 14% in 2024, and 24% in 2025. The multi-year average suggests hunters should plan for something in the low-to-mid teens as a realistic baseline, with occasional upside years. Hunter numbers in the unit increased substantially over this three-year period, which affected both competition and overall harvest totals.
How big are the elk in Colorado Unit 33?
Counties overlapping Unit 33 have a limited history of producing trophy-class elk. The unit's average bull-to-cow ratio of 21:100 across six survey years indicates a bull population under consistent hunting pressure, which limits the development of mature, heavily-antlered animals. Bulls are taken from this unit every season, but hunters targeting maximum trophy quality should consider higher-tier Colorado draw units with stronger trophy histories.
Is Colorado Unit 33 worth applying for?
Unit 33 is a solid mid-tier option for hunters who value accessible public land, a straightforward DIY setup, and a real opportunity to tag a bull without committing to a long-term point strategy. The 76% public land base and lack of wilderness make it one of the more approachable limited-draw units in western Colorado. Hunters chasing trophy bulls specifically may find better investment in units with stronger bull-to-cow ratios and more developed trophy production. For the right hunter — one focused on the experience and a legitimate harvest opportunity — Unit 33 delivers.
What does it cost to apply for a Colorado Unit 33 elk tag as a nonresident?
For the 2026 draw, nonresident applicants must purchase a hunting license ($117.62) plus pay the application fee ($11) before the draw. If drawn, the tag costs $845. If not drawn, the preference point fee is $100. Total upfront cost to enter the draw is approximately $128.62, with the tag cost on top if successful. Always confirm current fees at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website before applying.