Most people think of Keystone Colorado real estate as home base for Summit County’s world-class skiing and riding, mountain biking, golf, and fly-fishing. Did you also know that there are more elk in Colorado than anywhere in the world? Hunters, get ready to enjoy Colorado hunting from easy vacation real estate in Keystone Colorado’s River Run Village, Lakeside Village, Ski Tip Ranch or North or East Keystone Colorado homes.
In the backyard of the Arapahoe and White River National Forest, Keystone real estate offers memorable vacation experiences summer, fall, winter, and spring. Just beyond the homes in Keystone CO is some of the best Colorado hunting in the high desert of Northwest Colorado. Large herds of mule deer, elk, and pronghorn antelope frequent the rolling sage hills, draws, and canyons of fine private ranches and public lands. Residents of Colorado pay much lower license fees, i.e. mountain goat, bighorn sheep and moose license is $1,761 for out-of-state hunters and only $251 for residents of Keystone homes in Summit County.
Over the years while owning Keystone CO real estate, hunters find an infinite number of exciting hunts within two hours—from Kremmling to Fairplay to Rifle and in between. Here’s a look at some options. The White River Game Management Unit offers milder weather during the 1st hunt at lower elevations at 5,300 feet in the sage brush near Rifle progressing to oak brush and mountain brush, aspen, evergreen and alpine tundra. Later in the season 4X4s and a good outfitter can pack your party off-road. (GMU 12, 23, 24, 25, 26, 33, 34, 231)
Eagle River Valley units are bordered by the Colorado River, the Gore Range, the Red Table Mountains, and the continental Divide. Beginning at 6,000 feet with sagebrush and pinon to 14,000 feet, the weather can vary tremendously, especially in the high country. (GMU 35, 36, 44, 45)
Middle Park is surrounded by the Continental Divide and the Gore Range Divide and includes lots of steep terrain with rapidly changing weather. The lower elevations are private lands and the remaining two-thirds public. Horses and pack animals are recommended for remote tracts and for Wilderness Areas. This section is an easy getaway for hunters from the Denver area and can be overhunted. (GMU 18, 27, 28, 37, 181, 371)
For the big game hunt, consider hiring an outfitter to help improve the chances of success. Depending on the goals of the hunter, outfitters direct the parties to different spots. Hunters wanting a 4-point or better bull elk will hunt different territory than those seeking a cow elk for a freezer full of meat. Hunters in the Colorado must either pack out their own game or hire a licensed outfitter to care for the animal.
Still ahead in 2008 are hunts for Pronghorn October 21-29, Separate Limited Elk October 11-15, Combined Deer and Elk October 8-15, and Combined Limited November 12-16.
The Walsh Group and RE/MAX Properties of the Summit, the #1 Broker in the county, offers expert service and will help you find your own vacation home or hunting cabin in the area. Call 1 (866) 513-0404 or (970) 513-0404 for assistance.
