With more than 23 million acres of public land, Colorado offers some of the best hunting in the country. But did you know, Norwood and the surrounding Wright’s Mesa offers some of the best big game hunting in the state?
Whether you’re an experienced hunter or a novice, you’re looking to bag a trophy or just want to fill your freezer, here’s why Norwood should be on your list of places to hunt in Colorado.
Public Lands
Surrounded by BLM and National Forest public land and conveniently located within Colorado’s Game Management Unit 70, Norwood makes the perfect hunting basecamp.
The popular hunting unit stretches from Telluride to the Utah border, from the northern edge of the Wilson Range to the Dallas Divide and Uncompahgre Plateau, Disappointment Valley, Big Gypsum Valley, and Paradox Valley. Unit 70 covers 967,243 Acres and 1,511 square miles, and is made up of 69% public land. 41% of which is BLM, 25% National Forest, 2% State and 1% NPS.
Altitudes within Unit 70 range from about 5,000 feet to more than 12,000 feet, from desert canyons to the high mountains, and features a variety of vegetation from desert shrubs, oak brush, piñon and juniper, to aspen and pine forests. Hunters seek out Norwood as a destination because of its ease of access to public land, dynamic landscape, stunning scenery, room to breathe and its amenities, as well as Unit 70’s ease of drawing tags combined with its potential for success. Terrain in Unit 70 is also easy to navigate with ample BLM and National Forest roads and trails. And for those new to the area, there are numerous outfitters and private ranches which offer private and guided hunting options.
Big Game
For big game hunters, variety is key. From elk and mule deer, bighorn sheep and pronghorn, to mountain lion, bobcat and black bear, Norwood and the surrounding Wright’s Mesa has it all.
Deer populations within Unit 70 are strong, while the elk population is holding steady. Deer can be found widely distributed throughout the unit, while elk are found throughout the eastern portion of the unit from Norwood to Telluride. Cow elk herds are quite large and there are numerous young bulls within Unit 70. Bighorn sheep are mostly found throughout the eastern portion of Unit 70, while pronghorn are mainly found in the western portion of the unit within Disappointment, Big Gypsum and Paradox Valleys. Black bear and mountain lion are widely distributed throughout Unit 70.
Lodging, Dining and Amenities
Because of the abundance of public land, many hunters choose to set up camp within the National Forest where campsites are plentiful. However, for hunters in need of a cozy bed, a warm shower, a place to do laundry and a warm meal, Norwood has everything you need at an affordable price. Lodging options include three hotels, a number of AirBnb’s as well as bed and breakfasts. Norwood also offers a variety of food, drink and grocery options, laundry services, camping and hunting supplies, as well as atv, auto parts and repair services. To learn more about Norwood’s amenities, visit our Business Directory!
Tips for Hunting around Norwood
- Be prepared for the altitude. In Colorado, hunters know that elk country is hiking country. Norwood sits on Wright’s Mesa at an elevation of 7,011 feet, and everything is pretty much up from there. Give yourself a few days to acclimatize before going on any long treks.
- Be in shape. If you’re planning on bringing an elk home, you will need to be prepared to be able to carry it out. Depending on the year, snow levels may help push elk down to lower elevations. However, if snow levels remain high, prepare to do a lot of hiking in higher, rugged terrain to find elk.
- Take the “road less traveled.” Unit 70 can seem busy, especially on the weekends. However, once you venture off the main roads, you will likely never see another person. Most hunters experience the greatest amount of success when they venture a mile or more off the main roads and trails.
- Know where to hunt. As hunting pressure increases, deer and elk begin to move into thick aspen and pine forests, and into rugged terrain at higher elevations. Hunt when deer and elk are most active at first light and at sundown, along the edges of forested areas.
Hunting Season Dates – 2019
Archery
- Deer/Elk: Aug. 31–Sept. 29
- Pronghorn: Aug. 15-31 (bucks only)
- Pronghorn: Sept. 1-20 (either sex)
- Bear: Sept. 2–30
Muzzleloader
- Deer/Elk/Moose: Sept. 14–22
- Pronghorn: Sept. 21–29
- Bear: Sept. 14–22
Rifle
- Separate limited elk (1st season): Oct. 12-16, 2019
- Combined deer/elk (2nd season): Oct. 19-27, 2019
- Combined deer/elk (3rd season): Nov. 2-10, 2019
- Combined limited deer/elk (4th season): Nov. 13-17, 2019
- Pronghorn (by draw only): Oct. 5–11
- Bear (by draw only): Sept. 2–30
For more information on public lands surrounding Norwood, swing by the GMUG National Forest Norwood Ranger District Office. For information on hunting in Colorado, visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Need to stock up on food and supplies? Check out our Business Directory for all your hunting needs!