Southwest Colorado is known for its big game hunting including trophy elk hunting, mule deer and turkey hunting. With more than 3 million acres of National Forest, and more wildlife than people, the chances of spotting an elk or deer are pretty good.  The public lands and forests surrounding Pagosa Springs and vicinity afford outstanding big game habitat where licensed hunters enjoy some of the finest hunting in North America.

Throughout the adjoining San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests, black bears, cougars, bighorn sheep, and considerable herds of mule deer and elk seasonally migrate between winter and summer ranges. Though far fewer in number, Shiras moose also inhabit the territory.

Outfitters & Pack Trips:

Southwest Wilderness Outfitters,LLC South of Pagosa Springs  11651 C Blanco Basin Rd  Pagosa Springs, CO  81147   (970)264-2655  (970)264-2655

For more information regarding hunting opportunities in Pagosa Country, stop by the U.S. Forest Service Pagosa Ranger District office located at 180 Pagosa St. (U.S. 160 on the east side of town), or visit the Colorado DOW website.

Bag limits, season dates and licensing information for big and small game hunts are handled by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Though subject to changes from year to year, the first of the big game seasons generally begins in August, while late-season hunts wrap up by mid-December.

For hunters unfamiliar with the surrounding countryside, visiting with one of many local guides, outfitters or sporting goods stores may improve odds for a successful hunt in the Pagosa Springs area. Most local merchants also carry the latest copies of DOW hunting brochures for big and small game species, which include season dates, legal methods of take, maps, and game unit boundaries and descriptions.

Content courtesy of the Pagosa Sun.  Additional information on area hunting can be found at www.explorepagosa.com or www.pagosa.com.

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