Colorado Unit 64 Mule Deer Hunting Guide
Colorado Unit 64 sits in a transitional landscape that spans nearly 172,000 acres across an elevation range of roughly 4,942 to 9,715 feet — terrain that shifts from lower semi-arid foothills to timbered ridgelines and broken canyon country. For hunters researching Colorado mule deer hunting, Unit 64 offers a combination of reasonable access, solid historical harvest performance, and county-level trophy history that makes it a legitimate draw target for both residents and nonresidents. The unit covers enough elevation diversity to hold deer across multiple habitat types, and at 45% public land, about half the unit is accessible to DIY hunters willing to do their homework.
What stands out about Unit 64 when reviewing the data through HuntPilot is its consistency. Success rates have generally tracked in the mid-40s percentage range across multiple years, with a four-year average that holds up well compared to many Colorado units. For hunters who want a unit that delivers predictable harvest opportunity rather than a roll of the dice, that kind of track record is worth paying attention to.
Harvest Success Rates
The harvest numbers for Unit 64 tell a story of a unit that has rebounded and stabilized after a softer 2022. Here's how the data breaks down across the last four seasons:
- 2022: 622 hunters, 205 harvested — 33% success
- 2023: 774 hunters, 350 harvested — 45% success
- 2024: 607 hunters, 298 harvested — 49% success
- 2025: 886 hunters, 410 harvested — 46% success
The 2022 dip to 33% stands out as an outlier. Whatever caused the suppressed success that year — weather, population fluctuations, or hunting pressure dynamics — the unit corrected sharply in 2023 and has maintained a 45–49% success window across the three most recent seasons. A 46–49% success rate is genuinely strong for a mule deer draw unit in Colorado, where statewide averages frequently fall in the 30–40% range for limited-entry tags.
The 2025 season also saw the highest hunter count in the dataset at 886, and the unit still delivered a 46% success rate. That's a meaningful data point — more hunters in the field and success held essentially flat. That suggests the unit's deer population is supporting the current level of harvest pressure reasonably well, though hunters should continue monitoring future seasons to see if that trend holds.
Herd Health & Population Trends
Wildlife survey data for Unit 64 is limited to a single 2024 survey, which recorded a buck-to-doe ratio of 29:100. With only one survey year in the dataset, this figure should be interpreted carefully — a single survey can reflect timing, terrain sampled, and observer bias as much as it reflects actual population dynamics.
A 29:100 buck-to-doe ratio is below the threshold that managers generally target for a healthy, huntable mule deer herd. Many Colorado units aim for ratios in the 30–40+ bucks per 100 does range. This reading suggests the buck component of the herd may be under some pressure. That's consistent with the forum comment noting that one hunter observed relatively few deer during a week-long hunt, describing the herd as appearing to be in poor shape — though individual hunter observations are anecdotal and location-dependent within a large unit.
What moderates concern about that ratio is the harvest data. A 45–49% success rate over three consecutive seasons doesn't suggest a unit in collapse. It's possible the 2024 survey captured a portion of the unit where buck numbers were low, or that the ratio reflects normal post-season adult sex structure before bucks fully disperse across their range. Hunters should pull any additional survey data available from Colorado Parks & Wildlife for this unit before making a final decision, as a single-year ratio of 29:100 warrants attention but doesn't tell the complete story.
Trophy Quality
The counties overlapping Unit 64 carry an extensive history of trophy-class mule deer production. Based on the available trophy record data, this area has consistently produced record-book quality animals over multiple decades. Hunters targeting a mature trophy buck in Unit 64 are hunting in country with a legitimate historical foundation for that goal — this isn't a unit where trophy production is incidental or rare.
That said, trophy-caliber bucks in any Colorado unit require hunters to be selective, to cover enough ground to find a mature animal, and to distinguish between a solid 4-year-old deer and a genuinely exceptional buck. The area's trophy history reflects what the land is capable of producing, not what every hunter will encounter on a given trip. Mature bucks in broken terrain are mobile and elusive — a strong trophy history is a reason to be encouraged, not a guarantee.
Access & Terrain
Unit 64 is a mid-elevation unit with a floor around 4,942 feet and a ceiling approaching 9,715 feet. That 4,700-foot vertical spread means hunters have real choices about where to focus their efforts depending on the time of season, weather, and how far they're willing to push.
At 45% public land across 172,257 total acres, approximately 77,500 acres are publicly accessible. That's a workable amount of public ground, but it's close to the threshold where private land starts to define access limitations. Hunters researching this unit should invest time in mapping public land boundaries carefully before the season. The remaining 55% private land means road access points and travel corridors may be hemmed in by private parcels — glassing from public edges and gaining familiarity with boundary lines will be essential for DIY hunters.
There is no designated wilderness within Unit 64, which is good news for DIY access. Hunters can legally and logistically operate the entire public land portion of the unit without the permitting complications or Wyoming-style guide requirements that apply in wilderness units. Horses, ATVs (where legal on specific roads/trails), and foot access are all on the table for hunters working public ground here.
The terrain, based on the elevation profile and regional context, likely transitions from open sagebrush and semi-arid canyon terrain at lower elevations to mixed timber and oak brush at mid-elevation, with conifer and aspen stands approaching the upper range. Mule deer in this type of country use the varied habitat types seasonally, feeding in open areas and bedding in broken cover. Hunters who can work the transition zones between open and timbered terrain typically find the most consistent deer activity.
HuntPilot Analysis: Is Unit 64 Worth Applying For?
Unit 64 warrants serious consideration from both resident and nonresident deer hunters, but with clear eyes about what the data does and doesn't say.
The case for applying: Three consecutive years of 45–49% success rates is genuinely strong. The unit handled a significant jump in hunter numbers in 2025 without a collapse in success, suggesting it's not a unit teetering on the edge of overharvest. The counties overlapping this unit have an extensive trophy history, meaning the genetics and habitat capable of producing exceptional bucks exist here. At 45% public land with no wilderness complications, DIY access is feasible — challenging, but feasible.
The case for caution: The 2024 buck-to-doe ratio of 29:100 from a single survey deserves follow-up. If additional surveys confirm a suppressed buck component, trophy quality for hunters expecting to encounter mature bucks could erode even as general success rates remain solid (does and young bucks driving those harvest numbers). The private land component — 55% of the unit — means DIY hunters will be working a limited public land footprint. Hunters without maps and boundary knowledge will find themselves pinched.
Bottom line: Unit 64 is a legitimate draw target for hunters who want above-average harvest odds in a unit with real trophy history. It's not a "world-class destination" unit, but it's performing consistently and the trophy potential is real. Residents at zero or low points should consider it a strong option. Nonresidents should weigh it as a hunt worth building toward. Check current draw odds at HuntPilot's Colorado page before committing your preference points.
How to Apply
For the 2026 draw, applications open March 1, 2026, with a deadline of April 7, 2026 for both residents and nonresidents. Draw results are announced May 26, 2026.
2026 Nonresident Fees:
- Application fee: $11.49
- Tag fee: $507.00
- License fee: $117.62 (required to apply — must be purchased before submitting application)
- Preference point fee (if applicable): $100.00
Total nonresident cost if drawn: Approximately $636 in tag and license fees alone, plus the application fee.
2026 Resident Fees:
- Application fee: $8.93
- Tag fee: $51.00
- License fee: $53.19 (required to apply — must be purchased before submitting application)
- Preference point fee (if applicable): $50.00
Total resident cost if drawn: Approximately $104 in tag and license fees, plus the application fee.
Colorado uses a true preference point system, meaning the highest point holders are drawn first for each hunt code. Hunters accumulate one point per year when applying and not drawing. Nonresidents competing for Unit 64 tags should expect this to be a multi-year point investment depending on the specific hunt they're targeting — current draw odds by hunt code are available on HuntPilot's Colorado page at /states/co.
Note that Colorado requires hunters to purchase a valid license before they can apply in the draw — the license fee listed above is not optional and is separate from the application and tag fees. Factor the full cost into your application budget.
Dates and fees are subject to change. Always verify current application details at the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the terrain like in Colorado Unit 64?
Unit 64 spans a substantial elevation range from roughly 4,942 feet at its lowest to 9,715 feet at its highest. The lower portions of the unit are likely characterized by open, semi-arid terrain with sagebrush, pinyon-juniper, and canyon country, while mid-to-upper elevations transition into oak brush, mixed conifers, and aspen. This kind of varied terrain holds mule deer across multiple habitat types depending on the season. There is no designated wilderness within Unit 64, making it accessible to DIY hunters throughout the public land portions of the unit.
What is the harvest success rate in Colorado Unit 64?
Unit 64 has shown strong and consistent harvest performance in recent years. Success rates were 33% in 2022, 45% in 2023, 49% in 2024, and 46% in 2025. The three-year average from 2023–2025 sits right around 47%, which is well above the Colorado statewide average for limited-entry mule deer hunts. The 2022 dip appears to be an outlier — the unit has bounced back convincingly and maintained that performance even as hunter numbers increased.
How big are the mule deer in Colorado Unit 64?
The counties overlapping Unit 64 have an extensive history of producing trophy-class mule deer. This is an area with real trophy potential — record-book quality animals have been taken here consistently over multiple decades. That said, the majority of hunters who draw tags will encounter a range of buck ages and sizes. Hunters focused specifically on a mature trophy buck should be prepared to pass on smaller animals and potentially cover significant ground to find a genuinely exceptional deer.
Is Colorado Unit 64 worth applying for?
Yes — with a caveat. The harvest data is among the more encouraging in the state, with three consecutive seasons above 45% success. The trophy history for overlapping counties is extensive, and the absence of wilderness simplifies DIY access. The primary concern is a 2024 buck-to-doe ratio of 29:100 from a single survey, which is below ideal and worth monitoring. For residents working the preference point system, Unit 64 is a strong draw target. Nonresidents should check current draw odds at HuntPilot's Colorado page to assess how many points are realistically needed before committing.
How much does it cost to apply for Colorado Unit 64 mule deer as a nonresident?
For 2026, nonresidents must purchase a hunting license ($117.62) before applying, then pay the application fee ($11.49) to enter the draw. If drawn, the tag fee is $507.00. Total out-of-pocket cost if drawn is approximately $636 in license and tag fees. Hunters who apply and don't draw may also pay a $multi-year points fee to retain and gain a point. Verify current fees at Colorado Parks & Wildlife before applying, as amounts are subject to change.