{"product_id":"2018-gmu-78-colorado-big-game-elkmule-deer-hunting-map-publicprivate-lands-spirited-republic-map","title":"2018 GMU 78 Colorado Big Game (Elk\/Mule Deer) Hunting Map (Public\/Private Lands)","description":"GMU 78 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 public lands symbology, to know whether you're in public or private land, 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.                Public land and road access is good at mid to high elevations in these units which lie between Durango and Wolf Creek Pass. Elevations range from about 6,500 feet to more than 12,000 feet. Weather can change quickly and be severe. If the weather is warm, animals will be scattered widely in the vast alpine terrain. Hunters should concentrate their efforts away from roads. Two wilderness areas–the Weminuche on the north, and the South San Juan in the southeast corner–offer good back-country hunting opportunities. If you’re hunting the backcountry during earlier seasons plan to get a harvested animal out and into a cooler quickly. Temperatures in early seasons are often in the 70s and meat will start to spoil within a day. South of U.S. Highway 160 much of the land is privately owned or part of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. To access pockets of public land within the Southern Ute boundaries you MUST obtain a crossing permit ($25) from the tribe. Call (970)563-0125 for information. Hunting is not allowed on tribal lands. Deer Hunting After a few years of cutting licenses the population appears to be stable with a good buck-to-doe ratio. Deer hunting will be good in these units. The areas with the best deer hunting on public lands are: the HD Mountains, the Piedra River, Florida River and Los Pinos drainages, and lands southeast of Pagosa Springs. A large percentage of the deer in these units initiate north-to-south migration in mid-October. After the first week of November deer are typically on winter range. Much of the winter range occupied by this herd is on private land or tribal property. Elk Hunting The objective is to increase the population. Even though cow licenses were cut the previous few years this herd is not growing. CPW is watching this population closely and working on management strategies. Hunters must be prepared to walk into remote and forested areas. Do not expect to see elk from roads or areas open to OHVs. In early seasons stick to cool areas on north-facing slopes in the spruce\/fir and aspen forests. Elk move to lower elevations when snow accumulation is significant. In late seasons, ponderosa pine forests and oak brush can be productive. The wilderness area boundary north of Pagosa often holds elk when snow pushes them down. Areas south of Pagosa Springs and east of Highway 84 can provide good hunting as snow begins to accumulate. Access on Mill Creek Rd (FS 302), Rio Blanco Rd (FS 657) and Buckles Lake Rd (FS 663). Hunters who don’t mind working in rough country can be successful in the hills on either side of the Piedra River north of Highway 160. The Missionary Ridge Road (FS Rd. 682) and Beaver Meadows Rd (FS 135) provide access into good elk country in GMUs 75-751 as does the Mosca Road (FS 631) and FS Road 634 in GMU 77.","brand":"Spirited Republic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":36440395645084,"sku":"848762","price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0441\/7850\/5884\/files\/20181008223535_SpiritedRepublic_CO_BigGame_ElkPublicLand_78_preview_0.jpg?v=1723119800","url":"https:\/\/store.avenza.com\/products\/2018-gmu-78-colorado-big-game-elkmule-deer-hunting-map-publicprivate-lands-spirited-republic-map","provider":"Avenza Maps","version":"1.0","type":"link"}