CO Mule Deer Unit 500

CO 500 — Tactical Analysis. Terrain & Access CO 500 spans high alpine terrain from 9,035 to 13,827 feet across 103,662 acres. Approximately 72% is public land, offering solid access for self-sufficient hunters. The elevation band supports classic high-country mule deer habitat—expect mixed conifer forests, alpine meadows, and timbered ridges with steep drainages. The high starting elevation means early-season hunts can challenge even fit hunters; terrain demands good conditioning and map skills. Herd Quality Recent survey data indicates an above-average buck:doe ratio of 26:100—a solid foundation suggesting reasonable numbers of mature mule deer across the unit. This..