{"product_id":"2018-gmu-371-colorado-big-game-elkmule-deer-hunting-map-habitat-and-range-spirited-republic-map","title":"2018 GMU 371 Colorado Big Game (Elk\/Mule Deer) Hunting Map (Habitat and range)","description":"GMU 371 Hunting Map is the top-of-the-line map with the most reliable quality and updated (2018) GMU statistics found on the market.   Comprised of detailed contours and hillshade with geographic names, public lands, animal locations (Elk\/Mule Deer) and movements, roads, water bodies, and many other terrain and location markers.  This map indicates animal habitat and range (winter and summer) as well as migration corridors, which is useful for knowing where you are headed, when linked with your device's GPS technology.  Mark locations with pins or trails to know where you've been and where you are heading.  A must have reference map for the experienced hunter, and a necessity for those just getting into the sport.  The only map on the market providing the previous years hunting statistic.                The Continental Divide and the Gore Range Divide encircle Middle Park. Most of this terrain is steep to very steep. The weather can change rapidly. Areas can become snowbound. 4WD is recommended, along with chains. Sagebrush\/shrubs are common on southern exposures at lower elevations. The valley bottoms are mostly private lands. The remaining 66% of this area is public land. GMU 27 has less public land than the other GMUs. Horses\/pack animals are recommended for remote tracts and for Wilderness Areas. Due to the proximity to Denver, there are many weekend hunters \u0026amp; recreationalists (bikers, hikers, ATVers). The past decade’s mountain pine beetle killed an estimated 80 percent of mature lodgepole pine trees in Grand County, creating numerous hazards along public roadways as these trees begin to fall. As a result, fire danger is increased, big game distribution is changing in some areas and logging operations are likely in some spots. Hunters might focus on some of the dead lodgepole areas as increased sunlight to the forest floor creates more forage and these areas tend to hold deer and elk for longer periods of time. However be aware of possible falling trees when hiking, or setting up camp in pine beetle kill sections! Set up camps etc, in cleared areas away from dead trees. These dead trees can fall on their own without wind, or warning! Road closures for tree removal will likely occur this season and next in this area. Deer Hunting All GMUs have good numbers of deer. The buck-to-doe ratios continue to increase as a result of limited buck hunting and mild winters. All units are managed for quality bucks. There are good numbers of mature bucks, but they rarely reach trophy status found in lower elevation mtn shrub \u0026amp; mild winter areas. Concentrate on transition zones that have aspen, shrub and coniferous cover. Deer tend to move west and down in elevation over the seasons, snow will move them faster and farther. They typically migrate out of GMU 371 with average snowfall. A limited number of 4th season deer licenses available. Elk Hunting Elk are well distributed in all units. Bull to cow ratios are good because the area is fairly steep and heavily timbered. Generally, trophy bulls are rare (a few are taken every year) because bulls are managed for hunter opportunity. With hunting pressure and snow, elk head for the inaccessible timber and private property. GMU 27 has a lot of private land. Hunt the rough terrain and heavy cover away from roads and trails to increase your success.","brand":"Spirited Republic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":36423767261340,"sku":"848585","price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0441\/7850\/5884\/files\/20181008063436_SpiritedRepublic_CO_BigGame_ElkRange_371_preview_0.jpg?v=1723119762","url":"https:\/\/store.avenza.com\/products\/2018-gmu-371-colorado-big-game-elkmule-deer-hunting-map-habitat-and-range-spirited-republic-map","provider":"Avenza Maps","version":"1.0","type":"link"}