Your Premier Colorado Hunting Destination
Welcome to our exclusive retreat in the heart of the Vallecito valley, surrounded by the breathtaking San Juan Mountains. Our location is a haven for hunting enthusiasts, offering close proximity to some of the best hunting grounds in the region.
Your Premier Colorado Hunting Destination
Prime Hunting Zones at Your Fingertips
Situated in game management area 751, with access to areas 75, 77, and 771, we are at the epicenter of renowned hunting territories. Our area is celebrated for its abundant Mule Deer and Elk populations, providing diverse hunting experiences:
Mule Deer Hunting
Our region is famous for its 'monster muley bucks', with many Deer migrating to lower elevations. Hunters often find trophies over 30 inches wide each year.
Elk Hunting Opportunities
Engage in Elk archery during the second and third seasons with readily available over-the-counter tags. For muzzle loader, first, and fourth seasons, applications are required through a drawing system. This area, while not known for trophy Elk, consistently yields a significant number of impressive bulls and cows.
Small Game Adventures
In addition to large game, our area is abundant with small game opportunities. Hunters can pursue Meriam Turkey, Coyote, Bear, as well as a variety of Ducks and Geese. The presence of Blue Grouse, Snowshoe Hare, and Squirrels also adds to the diverse hunting experience, with their availability varying based on natural cycles.
Expert Hunting Tips
Mark Thornton, a neighbor and a 15-year veteran hunting guide, shares essential advice:
- Physical Preparedness: The challenging terrain requires hunters to be in good physical condition, particularly when tracking Elk.
- Consider an Outfitter: For about $200, an outfitter can help transport your Elk, a task challenging due to the animal's size.
- Altitude Adjustment: Stay hydrated to combat altitude sickness, a common challenge for those from lower elevations.
- Safety First: Carry sufficient emergency supplies, including a topo map, compasses, a whistle, and a signal mirror. Stay prepared for sudden weather changes.
- Hunting Strategy: Every Elk is a trophy. Seize the opportunity at the first legal Elk sighting.
- Protecting Your Catch: Use urine around your meat-hanging area to deter predators for up to 48 hours.
- Authentic Hunting Experience: Remember that real hunting is more challenging and rewarding than what is often portrayed on TV. Capture your memories with photos, and cherish your time in this magnificent landscape.
Your Ultimate Hunting Experience Awaits
Join us for an unparalleled hunting journey in the San Juan Mountains. Immerse yourself in the thrill of the hunt and the serenity of nature. Whether you're an experienced hunter or just starting, our area offers a unique and memorable adventure.
Which Game Management Units (GMUs) can be accessed from Bear Paw Lodge?
Bear Paw Lodge is at the absolute epicenter of Southwest Colorado’s premier hunting territories. We are situated directly in Game Management Unit (GMU) 751, with seamless, rapid access to neighboring units 75, 77, and 771. This gives our guests thousands of acres of public land across the San Juan National Forest and the Weminuche Wilderness right at their fingertips.
How do licensing and tags work for Elk and Deer in these units?
- Elk: Over-the-counter (OTC) tags are readily available for archery during specific seasons. However, muzzleloader, 1st, and 4th rifle seasons require an application through the Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) drawing system.
- Mule Deer: All deer tags in these units are limited and must be applied for through the CPW draw system.
What type of game can we expect to hunt in this region?
Our territory is highly celebrated for both big and small game diversity:
- Mule Deer: This region is famous for its "monster muley bucks" migrating down to lower elevations, with hunters tracking down trophies over 30 inches wide every year.
- Elk: While not explicitly a trophy elk unit, it consistently yields a high volume of impressive, mature bulls and cows.
- Small Game & Predators: The area is abundant with Merriam’s Turkey, Black Bear, Coyote, Blue Grouse, Snowshoe Hare, and migratory waterfowl like Ducks and Geese.
Does Bear Paw Lodge provide guiding or packing services?
We are a premier hunting basecamp providing comfortable lodging rather than a licensed outfitting service. However, if you need a backcountry outfitter or packing services to transport your harvested game out of the steep wilderness, we can readily connect you with trusted local partners.
What should we expect regarding the terrain and altitude?
Bear Paw Lodge sits at a comfortable 8,000 feet above sea level, but your hunting grounds in GMU 751 will range anywhere from 7,500 to 11,000+ feet. The terrain transitions from rolling sagebrush hills into steep, heavily forested spruce and fir creek drainages, topping out in high alpine basins. Tracking game here requires great physical condition. We highly recommend arriving a day or two early to adjust to the altitude and staying heavily hydrated to prevent altitude sickness.
What are your top safety and hunting strategy tips for the area?
The rugged beauty of the San Juans commands respect. Here are a few essential tips from our local experts:
- Pack for the Unexpected: Mountain weather turns on a dime. Always hunt with a topo map, compass, whistle, signal mirror, and emergency shelter supplies.
- Seize the Moment: Real hunting is much more demanding than what you see on TV. In this thick country, every legal elk is a trophy—take your shot on your first legal sighting.
- Protect Your Catch: If you harvest an animal and have to leave it overnight, spreading urine around your meat-hanging area is a proven way to deter local predators for up to 48 hours.
Why is Bear Paw Lodge the ideal basecamp for a hunting group?
A grueling day in the cold backcountry requires a place where you can properly recuperate, dry out gear, and prep for the next dawn. Unlike a cramped hotel room, our private cabins and vacation homes offer:
- Fully equipped kitchens to cook hearty, calorie-dense meals for your crew.
- Cozy fireplaces or wood stoves to warm up and dry out damp gear.
- Private charcoal grills to cook up fresh backstraps.
- A central, well-lit campfire pit to gather around at night, share the day's stories, and talk strategy under the stars.
Make Your Reservation Now
If you're planning a hunting trip to our part of Southwest Colorado, now's the time to make your reservation at Bear Paw Lodge.