Colorado elk unit · GMU 44
Eagle · Holy Cross
An OTC bull tag off I-70 — climb above the road pressure into Holy Cross country.
About GMU 44
Colorado Game Management Unit 44 sits in the Central Colorado (Eagle Valley), spanning Eagle county near Eagle, Edwards, Gypsum. The terrain runs from 6,100 – 13,000+ ft, with the primary big game being Rocky Mountain Elk, Mule Deer.
Sage and oakbrush low, climbing through Douglas fir and aspen to 12,000–13,000+ ft alpine; Holy Cross Wilderness in the upper unit.
Elk success rates (CPW 2024)
Published by Colorado Parks and Wildlife in the CPW 2024 Elk Harvest Estimates for the 2024 season — the percentage of hunters who harvested an elk. Success swings with weather and pressure year to year; this is the most recent published data.
| Season | Success |
|---|---|
| Archery | 7% |
| Muzzleloader | 12% |
| 1st rifle | 20% |
| 2nd rifle | 17% |
| 3rd rifle | 14% |
| 4th rifle | 21% |
| All seasons | 14% |
Tags & draw odds
Tag type: OTC bull (2nd & 3rd rifle).
2nd & 3rd rifle bull are OTC (no points); archery, muzzleloader, 1st and 4th rifle are limited draw and generally low-point for nonresidents. Verify current-year odds with CPW.
Access & crowding
Good road access off I-70 spur roads; the Wilderness is roadless backpack or horseback country.
Moderately pressured — the OTC 2nd/3rd rifle bull seasons draw real numbers off I-70; quieter pockets need a hike into the Wilderness.
Who GMU 44 is for
Opportunity-leaning with decent bull quality (average bulls ~270–310", occasionally larger — secondary estimate); not a trophy unit.
In a line: The fit DIY rifle hunter who wants an OTC Colorado bull tag with easy I-70 access and is willing to climb.
Recent changes: 2nd/3rd rifle bull remain OTC; cow licenses in 44/45/47/444 moved back to List B for 2026.
Where Elk Glade fits in
Elk Glade Outfitters runs primarily in GMU 59, not this unit — but we know the surrounding country and the regional draw landscape. If you have a tag here or you’re building points toward one, get in touch and we’ll talk through the strategy. If you don’t draw, we may have a 59 slot.
Data sources: elk success rates from CPW Colorado Elk Harvest Estimates (year labeled above). Public-land percentages are approximate. Draw point requirements shift every year and are described as ranges only — always verify the current-year figures in the CPW big game brochure and draw recap before applying.
Plan a hunt
Need help with the 44draw, or want a 59 slot if it doesn’t come through?
Send us a note with what tag you’re applying for and your dates — we’ll walk through the draw strategy and let you know what’s open at Elk Glade.
