{"product_id":"2018-gmu-62-colorado-big-game-elkmule-deer-hunting-map-habitat-and-range-spirited-republic-map","title":"2018 GMU 62 Colorado Big Game (Elk\/Mule Deer) Hunting Map (Habitat and range)","description":"GMU 62 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 plateau encompasses 2,300 square miles of terrain that includes large, relatively flat mesas that are bisected by deep, rugged canyons. The elevation ranges from 4,600 feet to 10,300 feet. Be prepared for sudden weather changes. Numerous roads provide easy access to the plateau, but many canyons are accessible only by foot and on horseback. Archery and muzzleloaders should concentrate on U.S. Forest Service lands along the top of the plateau. The highest success rate for bull hunters occurs in GMU 62 during first season, but expect hunting pressure there. Animals usually move to lower elevation private lands as hunting pressure increases. GMU 61 is managed as a quality elk unit and licenses are totally limited. Deer Hunting After a significant population decline from about 2007 to 2012, the deer population in these units has stabilized and appears to be growing moderately. Mild winters helped to promote strong doe and fawn survival, 75 percent and 90 percent respectively. Good moisture during the summer of 2014 and this spring also helped by reducing the effects of prolonged drought. To help bolster the population, license allocation remains very conservative at 1,390, the same as last year. The reduction in harvest appears to be helping to maintain buck-to-doe ratios. The opportunity to see mature bucks is good throughout the plateau. During the early season deer are concentrated in the aspen and oak brush. As fall progresses deer will move lower into the pinon and juniper winter range. Elk Hunting The elk population is declining and licenses have been reduced for these units. Elk are widely distributed, but hunting pressure during the early seasons appears to be forcing animals from GMU 62, an over-the-counter unit, to GMU 61 which is a totally limited unit. Elk also move into the canyons and onto private property. It’s still recommended that hunters start at high elevation, especially in the early seasons. But those who venture into the tough canyon terrain could be reward. Be sure to stay on public lands in the canyon areas. Hunters should also move well away from roads. If your tag is for GMU 62 be sure that you are hunting on the northeast side of the divide road.","brand":"Spirited Republic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":36413708599452,"sku":"848620","price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0441\/7850\/5884\/files\/20181008074114_SpiritedRepublic_CO_BigGame_ElkRange_62_preview_0.jpg?v=1723119771","url":"https:\/\/store.avenza.com\/products\/2018-gmu-62-colorado-big-game-elkmule-deer-hunting-map-habitat-and-range-spirited-republic-map","provider":"Avenza Maps","version":"1.0","type":"link"}