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ColoradoMule Deer

CO Mule Deer Unit 501

Total Acres
321,077
Public Land
94%
Wilderness
36%
Elevation
6,088–12,424 ft

Season Dates

YearWeaponDatesTag TypeSex
2026Muzzleloader — DF-501-O-1-MSep 12, 2026Sep 20, 2026female
2026Rifle — DM-501-O-4-RNov 18, 2026Nov 22, 2026male
2026Rifle — DF-501-O-3-RNov 7, 2026Nov 15, 2026female
2026Rifle — DF-501-O-2-ROct 24, 2026Nov 1, 2026female

Trophy Data

B&C Entries
28
Avg Score
198
Top Score
254.1
Recent (5yr)
1

Herd Data

Buck : Doe

26per 100

2024 Survey

Population Est.

3,160

2024 Survey

AI Scout Analysis

# CO 501 Tactical Analysis ## Terrain & Conditions Unit 501 spans high alpine to mid-elevation terrain (6,088–12,424 ft) with 94% public land and 36% wilderness. Forum feedback emphasizes dark timber as the primary hunting zone; alpine areas hold bulls but are secondary. The substantial wilderness coverage requires serious backcountry navigation and physical fitness. Good public land access makes this viable for DIY hunters without guide requirements. ## Herd Quality The 2024 wildlife survey...

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Tag Quotas & Applicant Volume

YearWeaponResidencyApplicantsTags issued
20 recent records available — Sign up to see current data
2023Archery (Either S1)resident307150
2023Archery (Either S1)nonresident145
2023Muzzleloader (Female S1)resident3119
2023Muzzleloader (Female S1)nonresident20
2023Rifle (Female S2)resident14445
2023Rifle (Female S3)resident6642
2023Muzzleloader (Male S1)resident13557
2023Muzzleloader (Male S1)nonresident2719
2023Rifle (Male S4)resident9121
2023Rifle (Male S4)nonresident103

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Harvest Data

YearWeaponHuntersHarvestSuccess
10 recent records available — Sign up to see current harvest data
202352223946.0%
2023Rifle34621261.0%
2023Archery1161412.0%
2023Muzzleloader601220.0%