CO Elk Unit 85

CO 85 — Tactical Analysis Terrain & Access CO 85 spans 751,836 acres across dramatic elevation—from near 6,000 ft in lower basins to over 13,500 ft in high country. With only 18% public land, access is severely limited and requires careful pre-hunt scouting. Private land dominates, making permission a critical first step. The mix of elevations supports both lower-country transition zones and alpine terrain, but hunters must plan routes on the scattered public patches available. Herd Quality Recent wildlife surveys show an average bull:cow ratio of 27:100—an average/well-managed composition. This indicates moderate breeding habitat and harvests calibrated to sustain..