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ColoradoElk

CO Elk Unit 521

Total Acres
324,936
Public Land
77%
Wilderness
13%
Elevation
5,378–12,996 ft

Season Dates

YearWeaponDatesTag TypeSex
2026Archery — EE-521-O-1-ASep 2, 2026Sep 30, 2026either
2026Archery — EE-052-P-1-ASep 2, 2026Sep 30, 2026either
2026Muzzleloader — EF-521-O-1-MSep 12, 2026Sep 20, 2026female
2026Rifle — EF-521-O-4-RNov 18, 2026Nov 22, 2026female
2026Rifle — EF-521-O-1-ROct 14, 2026Oct 18, 2026female
2026Rifle — EF-521-O-3-RNov 7, 2026Nov 15, 2026female
2026Rifle — EF-521-O-2-ROct 24, 2026Nov 1, 2026female

Trophy Data

B&C Entries
8
Avg Score
379.7
Top Score
397.2
Recent (5yr)
0

Herd Data

Bull : Cow

30per 100

2024 Survey

Population Est.

17,370

2024 Survey

AI Scout Analysis

# CO 521 Tactical Analysis ## Terrain & Access Unit 521 spans 5,378–12,996 ft with 77% public land and 13% wilderness, offering substantial high-elevation terrain from foothills to alpine. The mix of public access and moderate wilderness coverage provides solid DIY opportunity, though higher elevations require solid fitness and navigation skills. ## Herd Quality The 6-year average bull:cow ratio of 28:100 indicates an **average/well-managed** herd — solid for a popular unit but not exceptional....

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Tag Quotas & Applicant Volume

YearWeaponResidencyApplicantsTags issued
41 recent records available — Sign up to see current data
2023Rifle (Either S1)resident5367
2023Rifle (Either S1)nonresident112118
2023Rifle (Either S4)resident3564
2023Rifle (Either S4)nonresident2530
2023Archery (Either S1)resident85213
2023Archery (Either S1)nonresident301503
2023Muzzleloader (Female S1)resident3215
2023Muzzleloader (Female S1)nonresident138
2023Rifle (Female S1)resident6030
2023Rifle (Female S1)nonresident2712
2023Rifle (Female S2)resident736
2023Rifle (Female S2)nonresident582
2023Rifle (Female S3)resident276
2023Rifle (Female S3)nonresident292
2023Rifle (Female S4)resident128
2023Rifle (Female S4)nonresident10
2023Rifle (Male S1)resident307332
2023Rifle (Male S1)nonresident574557
2023Rifle (Male S4)resident3886
2023Rifle (Male S4)nonresident2837

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Harvest Data

YearWeaponHuntersHarvestSuccess
15 recent records available — Sign up to see current harvest data
2023Archery1,04916115.0%
20232,39436115.0%
2023Rifle1,16016314.0%
2023Muzzleloader1853619.0%