Colorado Unit 48 Mule Deer Hunting Guide
A High-Alpine Limited-Entry Mule Deer Hunt Worth Serious Consideration
Colorado Unit 48 sits in one of the state's most dramatic landscapes, spanning elevations from roughly 8,800 feet at its lower reaches to over 14,400 feet at its highest peaks. At just under 192,000 acres with 92% public land access and 32% designated wilderness, this unit offers hunters a genuine backcountry mule deer experience in the heart of the Colorado high country. For hunters actively researching Colorado deer draws, Unit 48 deserves a careful look — both for its access advantages and the physical demands it places on anyone who steps into it.
The unit's public land percentage is one of its most compelling attributes. With 92% of its nearly 192,000 acres open to public access, DIY hunters face far fewer private land barriers than in many competing Colorado units where private inholdings fragment the landscape and push deer onto ground that requires landowner permission. That said, the 32% wilderness designation means a substantial portion of the unit is genuine backcountry terrain demanding real preparation, solid fitness, and the willingness to pack miles from the trailhead.
This is high-alpine mule deer hunting at its most demanding. Hunters need to be prepared for significant elevation gain, unpredictable weather, and the logistical challenge of packing harvested animals out of rugged terrain. The reward is access to quality deer in country that sees less pressure than more road-accessible units — but the work required is real.
Harvest Success Rates
Unit 48's harvest data over the past five years tells an interesting story worth examining closely before committing a point to this draw.
The most recent data from 2025 stands out: 1,305 hunters entered the unit and 493 were successful, producing a 38% success rate — the highest recorded in the five-year window. That jump in both hunter participation and success is significant and suggests either favorable conditions that year or a notable change in draw dynamics that hunters should investigate further through current draw reports.
The preceding years paint a more moderate picture. In 2024, 374 hunters were afield with 109 harvested for a 29% success rate. In 2023, the unit saw 409 hunters and 135 harvests — a 33% success rate. Going back to 2022, 469 hunters produced 126 harvests at 27%, and in 2021, just 264 hunters were in the field with 59 harvested for a 22% success rate.
Averaging across the five-year period, success rates have ranged from 22% to 38%, with the multi-year average (excluding the anomalous 2025 spike) sitting in the high-20s to low-30s. For a high-alpine limited-entry unit in Colorado, that's a respectable success window — not a slam dunk, but meaningfully better than many over-the-counter situations in the state. Hunters who commit to scouting, put in the physical work, and arrive prepared for backcountry conditions should find those odds competitive.
The variability in hunter numbers — from 264 in 2021 to 1,305 in 2025 — suggests fluctuations in draw tag allocations from year to year. Hunters should not assume any single year's participation level reflects what they'll see in their own draw year.
Trophy Quality
Based on available trophy records data, the counties overlapping Unit 48 carry a moderate history of trophy-class mule deer production. This unit is not among Colorado's most celebrated trophy destinations — those require far more competitive draws and longer point investments — but it does have documented history of producing quality bucks.
For hunters whose primary goal is a mature, representative mule deer in exceptional country rather than a single-minded pursuit of record-class headgear, Unit 48 offers a realistic opportunity. Trophy-class animals have been taken from this area, though they are not consistently produced at the rate hunters see in Colorado's most famous limited-entry units. Hunters expecting the highest-caliber trophy potential should weigh this honestly against the point investment required.
What Unit 48 does offer is a quality high-country hunting experience with the possibility of encountering a very good buck — the kind of hunt that rewards woodsmanship and preparation over pure luck.
Herd Health & Population Trends
Wildlife survey data for Unit 48 is limited — only a single survey year (2024) is available in the current dataset. That survey recorded a buck-to-doe ratio of 23:100.
Hunters should interpret this figure carefully. A single survey year is insufficient to establish meaningful trend data, and a 23:100 ratio, while not alarming, is on the lower end for a unit of this character. Healthy mule deer populations in quality limited-entry units often show higher buck representation, though annual variation, survey methodology, and sample size can all significantly influence a single-year reading.
Without multi-year trend data to compare against, it would be premature to draw strong conclusions about herd trajectory from this figure alone. Hunters researching this unit should request current survey data directly from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and look for the most recent aerial survey reports, which often contain more granular information about age structure and distribution than what's captured in a single ratio.
Access & Terrain
With 92% public land, Unit 48 is as accessible as Colorado units get from a land-status perspective. The overwhelming majority of the unit's nearly 192,000 acres are open to foot and horseback access without the private land puzzle-solving that frustrates hunters in many eastern-slope units.
The wilderness component — 32% of the unit — changes the character of access significantly. A substantial portion of the unit's best terrain will require genuine backcountry travel. Hunters unfamiliar with high-alpine navigation, off-trail travel, and the logistics of multi-day backcountry camps should seriously evaluate whether they're prepared for this type of hunt before applying.
Elevation is the other defining factor. The unit spans from approximately 8,800 feet to over 14,400 feet. Mule deer in high-alpine units like this are highly mobile across that elevation band depending on season, weather, and hunting pressure. Hunters arriving from lower elevations face real acclimatization concerns. Two to three days at elevation before opening day is strongly recommended, particularly for anyone traveling from sea level or low-elevation environments.
The terrain itself — based on the unit's elevation profile and wilderness character — favors hunters who are physically prepared for steep, technical country. This is not a drive-and-glass unit. Pack-in access, either on foot or with stock, opens up the best country. Hunters who are willing to get three to five miles from the trailhead will encounter significantly less competition than those who stay road-adjacent.
Colorado nonresidents (and residents) may hunt wilderness areas without a guide — there is no outfitter requirement for Colorado wilderness access. However, the remote terrain and technical nature of this unit makes partnering with a local guide service a reasonable consideration for anyone unfamiliar with high-alpine western hunting logistics.
HuntPilot Analysis
Is Unit 48 worth applying for? For the right hunter, yes — but with clear-eyed expectations.
The case for Unit 48 rests on three pillars: exceptional public land access at 92%, a five-year harvest success rate that consistently falls in the high-20s to mid-30s percent range (with a notable spike in 2025), and genuine backcountry character that limits pressure on deer in the most remote areas. For a DIY hunter who is physically fit, comfortable in alpine terrain, and willing to invest in proper preparation, this unit offers a meaningful deer hunting opportunity.
The case for caution involves the trophy picture. This is a moderate trophy unit — not a destination draw for hunters exclusively chasing record-class bucks. The single-year buck:doe data from 2024 at 23:100 warrants further investigation before making a multi-point commitment. And the wilderness terrain demands honest self-assessment about fitness and backcountry capability.
Point investment requirements vary based on residency and current applicant pool dynamics. For current draw odds specific to your point level, visit the HuntPilot Unit 48 page at huntpilot.ai/states/co — draw odds shift annually and the most current data there will give you a realistic picture of where you stand.
Overall assessment: Unit 48 is a solid limited-entry deer unit suited for experienced backcountry hunters seeking a high-quality DIY experience in exceptional public land terrain. It's not the top-tier trophy destination in Colorado, but it delivers a legitimate and rewarding western mule deer hunt for those prepared to earn it.
How to Apply
Colorado's deer draw operates on a preference point system, where applicants with the most preference points are drawn first. This means point accumulation directly improves draw odds over time, making it worth applying annually even in years when a draw seems unlikely.
For the 2026 draw:
Applications open March 1, 2026, with a deadline of April 7, 2026. Draw results are announced May 26, 2026.
Nonresident 2026 costs:
- Application fee: $11.49
- Tag fee: $507.00
- Colorado hunting license (required to apply): $117.62
- Preference point fee (if not drawing a tag): $100.00
Resident 2026 costs:
- Application fee: $8.93
- Tag fee: $51.00
- Colorado hunting license (required to apply): $53.19
- Preference point fee (if not drawing a tag): $50.00
Note that Colorado requires hunters to hold a valid hunting license before they can apply in the draw — the license fee is a required upfront cost in addition to the application fee, not just a post-draw expense.
For nonresidents, the all-in cost of drawing a Unit 48 deer tag exceeds $600 when combining the required license, tag fee, and application fee. Factor this into your trip planning budget alongside travel, equipment, and potential outfitter costs.
For current draw odds by point level, visit huntpilot.ai/states/co.
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 48?
Unit 48 is classic high-alpine Colorado terrain, spanning from roughly 8,800 feet at lower elevations to over 14,400 feet at its highest points. The unit includes significant wilderness acreage (32% of its nearly 192,000 total acres), meaning a substantial portion requires genuine backcountry travel by foot or horseback. Expect steep, technical country, limited road access in the best hunting areas, and significant elevation gain when pursuing deer deep in the unit. This is pack-in country — hunters who treat it like road-side hunting will miss the best opportunities.
What is the harvest success rate in Colorado Unit 48?
Over the past five seasons, Unit 48 has produced success rates ranging from 22% (2021) to 38% (2025). The 2023 and 2024 seasons came in at 33% and 29%, respectively, while 2022 produced 27%. The five-year average lands in the high-20s to low-30s, which is competitive for a Colorado limited-entry deer unit. The 2025 season was notably higher in both hunter participation and success, which hunters should investigate further through current CPW data.
How big are the deer in Colorado Unit 48?
Based on available trophy records data, the counties overlapping Unit 48 have a moderate history of producing trophy-class mule deer. This is not Colorado's top-tier trophy unit, but quality bucks have been taken from the area historically. Hunters whose primary goal is a mature, representative mule deer in spectacular country will find this unit rewarding. Those specifically targeting the highest-caliber trophies may want to weigh this against units with stronger trophy records and the corresponding point investment those units require.
Is Colorado Unit 48 worth applying for?
For physically fit, experienced backcountry hunters seeking a high-quality DIY mule deer hunt with exceptional public land access, Unit 48 is worth serious consideration. The 92% public land access, five-year success rates consistently in the 20s to upper-30s percent range, and the genuine wilderness character of the unit combine to make it a legitimate hunting destination. Hunters exclusively chasing record-class bucks may find units with stronger trophy histories more aligned with their goals. For current draw odds specific to your point level, visit the HuntPilot Colorado page at huntpilot.ai/states/co.
Can nonresident hunters DIY hunt the wilderness areas in Colorado Unit 48?
Yes. Unlike Wyoming, Colorado does not require nonresident hunters to hire a licensed outfitter or guide to hunt in designated wilderness areas. Nonresidents can legally DIY hunt all wilderness areas within Unit 48 without a guide. That said, the technical alpine terrain and remote character of the wilderness portion of this unit make genuine backcountry experience and preparation essential — not legally required, but practically necessary for a safe and successful hunt.