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Hunt BLM Grand Junction Field Office: units, rules and dates

BLM field office in Mesa County and 3 more counties, about 1,000,000 acres.

Stand-in photo: Mesa County, a short way from BLM Grand Junction Field Office.

Photo: Ken Lund (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Getting to BLM Grand Junction Field Office

Parking, trailheads and gates near BLM Grand Junction Field Office

  • Event AreaParking · 1.3 mi from the centreDirections
  • North Fruita Desert TrailheadTrailhead · 1.5 mi from the centreDirections
  • Parking areaParking · 1.5 mi from the centreDirections
  • 18 Road TrailheadTrailhead · 2.3 mi from the centreDirections
  • Parking areaParking · 2.3 mi from the centreDirections

Parking, trailhead and gate locations come from OpenStreetMap contributors. Roads into public land can be gated or seasonal; check with the managing agency before you go.

BLM Grand Junction Field Office: licenses, dates and restrictions

The BLM rule of thumb: public land is open to hunting unless a closure says otherwise. Private land between the road and BLM ground is not a free pass; ask first.

In BLM's words: “The Grand Junction Field Office manages more than one million acres of public lands surrounding the western slope’s largest population center”

From the agency source; checked November 5, 2026.

Nearby

Places to hunt and shoot around BLM Grand Junction Field Office

Horsethief Canyon State Wildlife Area

Public land · 12 mi from BLM Grand Junction Field Office

Directions
Cameo Shooting and Education Complex Recreation Area

Public land · 22 mi from BLM Grand Junction Field Office

Directions
Plateau Creek State Wildlife Area

Public land · 35 mi from BLM Grand Junction Field Office

Directions
Grand Valley Ranger District, Grand Mesa NF, Uncompahgre NF

Public land · 44 mi from BLM Grand Junction Field Office

Directions
Garfield County

County · 46 mi from BLM Grand Junction Field Office

Directions
BLM White River Field Office

Public land · 47 mi from BLM Grand Junction Field Office

Directions

Inside the BLM Grand Junction Field Office listing

Measured by the BLM field office page, BLM Grand Junction Field Office runs to 1,000,000 acres. Sorted by acreage, BLM Grand Junction Field Office sits at number 2 of the 10 BLM field offices in this guide. Counting BLM Grand Junction Field Office, Mesa County has 3 BLM field offices.

BLM Grand Junction Field Office has no published species list; the season tables on this page fill that gap.

1,000,000Acres
1,269,787GIS acres
4Counties
21, 30, 31 +GMUs
NorthwestCPW region
7, 18, 6CPW area

From the agency page (Bureau of Land Management, Upper Colorado River District Office); retrieved 2026-11-04, checked November 5, 2026.

2026-27 seasons in the units of BLM Grand Junction Field Office

For BLM Grand Junction Field Office the season list holds 53 lines across its GMUs. OTC here means black bear, elk and wild turkey; everything else is by limited license. Rows that need private land (33) stay off this table. The spring turkey rows are the 2026 season; CPW has not yet published spring 2027 dates.

GameWeaponSexTypeFirst dayLast dayGMUs
ElkArcherycowLimited, nonresidentSep 2, 2026Sep 30, 202621, 30, 31, 32
ElkArcherycowOTC, residentsSep 2, 2026Sep 30, 202621, 30, 31, 32
ElkArcheryeither sexLimited drawSep 2, 2026Sep 30, 202640, 41, 42, 61 +
ElkArcheryeither sexLimited, nonresidentSep 2, 2026Sep 30, 202621, 30, 31, 32 +
ElkArcheryeither sexOTC, residentsSep 2, 2026Sep 30, 202621, 30, 31, 32 +
ElkMuzzleloaderbullLimited drawSep 12, 2026Sep 20, 202641, 42, 60, 61 +
ElkMuzzleloadercowLimited drawSep 12, 2026Sep 20, 202621, 30, 31, 32 +
ElkMuzzleloadereither sexLimited drawSep 12, 2026Sep 20, 202621, 30, 31, 32 +
ElkRifleeither sexLimited, earlyOct 1, 2026Oct 7, 202661
ElkRiflebullLimited drawOct 14, 2026Oct 18, 202641, 42, 60, 61 +
ElkRiflecowLimited drawOct 14, 2026Oct 18, 202621, 30, 31, 32 +
ElkRifleeither sexLimited drawOct 14, 2026Oct 18, 202621, 30, 31, 32 +
ElkRiflebullLimited drawOct 24, 2026Nov 1, 202661
ElkRiflecowLimited drawOct 24, 2026Nov 1, 202621, 30, 31, 32 +
ElkRifleeither sexLimited drawOct 24, 2026Nov 1, 202640
ElkSecond riflebullOTCOct 24, 2026Nov 1, 202621, 30, 31, 32 +
ElkRiflebullLimited drawNov 7, 2026Nov 15, 202661
ElkRiflecowLimited drawNov 7, 2026Nov 15, 202621, 30, 31, 32 +
ElkRifleeither sexLimited drawNov 7, 2026Nov 15, 202640
ElkThird riflebullOTCNov 7, 2026Nov 15, 202621, 30, 31, 32 +
ElkRiflebullLimited drawNov 18, 2026Nov 22, 202641, 42, 61, 421
ElkRiflecowLimited drawNov 18, 2026Nov 22, 202621, 30, 31, 32 +
ElkRifleeither sexLimited drawNov 18, 2026Nov 22, 202621, 30, 31, 32 +
ElkRiflecowLimited, lateDec 1, 2026Dec 15, 202640
ElkRiflecowLimited, lateDec 15, 2026Jan 15, 202730, 31
DeerArcherybuckLimited drawSep 2, 2026Sep 30, 202621, 30, 40, 60 +
DeerArcheryeither sexLimited drawSep 2, 2026Sep 30, 202631, 32, 41, 42 +
DeerMuzzleloaderbuckLimited drawSep 12, 2026Sep 20, 202621, 30, 31, 32 +
DeerMuzzleloaderdoeLimited drawSep 12, 2026Sep 20, 202641, 42, 421
DeerRiflebuckLimited drawOct 14, 2026Oct 18, 202660, 61, 62
DeerRiflebuckLimited drawOct 24, 2026Nov 1, 202621, 30, 31, 32 +
DeerRifledoeLimited drawOct 24, 2026Nov 1, 202630, 41, 42, 421
DeerRiflebuckLimited drawNov 7, 2026Nov 15, 202621, 30, 31, 32 +
DeerRifledoeLimited drawNov 7, 2026Nov 15, 202630, 41, 42, 421
DeerRiflebuckLimited drawNov 18, 2026Nov 22, 202630, 31, 32, 40 +
PronghornArcheryeither sexLimited drawAug 15, 2026Sep 20, 202630
PronghornRiflebuckLimited drawOct 3, 2026Oct 11, 202630
MooseArcherycowLimited drawSep 12, 2026Sep 30, 202641
MooseMuzzleloadercowLimited drawSep 12, 2026Sep 20, 202641, 42, 421
MooseRiflecowLimited drawOct 1, 2026Oct 14, 202641, 42, 421
MooseRiflecowLimited, lateOct 14, 2026Nov 22, 202641, 42, 421
Black bearArcheryeither sexLimited drawSep 2, 2026Sep 30, 202621, 30, 31, 32 +
Black bearArcheryeither sexOTCSep 2, 2026Sep 30, 202621, 30, 31, 32 +
Black bearRifleeither sexLimited drawSep 2, 2026Sep 30, 202621, 30, 31, 32 +
Black bearMuzzleloadereither sexLimited drawSep 12, 2026Sep 20, 202621, 30, 31, 32 +
Black bearMuzzleloadereither sexOTCSep 12, 2026Sep 20, 202621, 30, 31, 32 +
Black bearRifleeither sexOTCOct 1, 2026Oct 7, 202661
Black bearRifleeither sexLimited drawOct 14, 2026Nov 22, 202661
Black bearRifleeither sexOTCOct 14, 2026Nov 22, 202621, 30, 31, 32 +
Mountain lionAll methods–Group harvest limitNov 23, 2026Mar 31, 202721, 30, 31, 32
Wild turkeySpring–Limited drawApr 11, 2026May 31, 202621
Wild turkeySpring–OTCApr 11, 2026May 31, 202630, 31, 32, 40 +
Wild turkeyFall–OTCSep 1, 2026Oct 4, 202631, 32, 40, 41 +

Season rows and hunt codes from the 2026 Colorado Big Game brochure, the 2026 Small Game and Waterfowl brochure, the Turkey brochure and the Mountain Lion brochure; property access dates still apply; checked November 5, 2026.

GMU rules that reach BLM Grand Junction Field Office

GMU overlay for BLM Grand Junction Field Office (11 units): GMU 21, GMU 30, GMU 31, GMU 32, GMU 40, GMU 41, GMU 42, GMU 60, GMU 61, GMU 62, GMU 421.

GMU 21, GMU 30, GMU 31, GMU 32, GMU 41, GMU 42 and 3 more carry the elk antler point restriction. Elk CWD testing GMUs here: GMU 21, GMU 30, GMU 31, GMU 32, GMU 41, GMU 42 and 3 more (selected rifle hunt codes). Groups 1, 6, 12 and 13 set the lion harvest limit here.

UnitCountiesRules
GMU 21Rio Blanco, Garfieldelk antler point rule, elk CWD testing, lion group 1
GMU 30Mesa, Garfieldelk antler point rule, elk CWD testing, lion group 1
GMU 31Garfield, Mesa, Rio Blancoelk antler point rule, elk CWD testing, lion group 1
GMU 32Garfieldelk antler point rule, elk CWD testing, lion group 1
GMU 40Mesalion group 6, spring turkey OTC
GMU 41Mesaelk antler point rule, elk CWD testing, lion group 6
GMU 42Garfield, Mesaelk antler point rule, elk CWD testing, lion group 6
GMU 60Montrose, Mesaelk antler point rule, lion group 12, spring turkey OTC
GMU 61Montrose, Mesa, San Miguelelk CWD testing, lion group 12, spring turkey OTC
GMU 62Montrose, Mesa, Ourayelk antler point rule, elk CWD testing, lion group 13
GMU 421Mesa, Garfieldelk antler point rule, elk CWD testing, lion group 6

GMU totals from 2024 give a sense of the game: GMU 42 produced 659 elk.

GMUGameAnimals takenHuntersSuccess
GMU 21Elk3241,99216%
GMU 21Deer33342079%
GMU 21Black bear5––
GMU 30Elk25099425%
GMU 30Deer12921859%
GMU 30Pronghorn1414100%
GMU 30Black bear8––
GMU 31Elk4531,59728%
GMU 31Deer25346754%
GMU 31Pronghorn020%
GMU 31Black bear3––
GMU 32Elk16582320%
GMU 32Deer11117265%
GMU 32Black bear3––
GMU 40Elk30851860%
GMU 40Deer26836374%
GMU 40Pronghorn2533%
GMU 40Black bear10––
GMU 41Elk3481,70220%
GMU 41Deer28857950%
GMU 41Black bear9––
GMU 42Elk6593,09321%
GMU 42Deer45384953%
GMU 42Black bear40––

GMU overlay from the CPW Big Game GMU layer; unit rules from the 2026 Big Game brochure; 2024 elk harvest by GMU, 2024 deer harvest by GMU, 2024 pronghorn harvest by GMU, 2024 bear harvest by GMU; checked November 5, 2026.

Where BLM Grand Junction Field Office is and how to get in

Coordinates used on this page: 39.3055, -108.6796.

point from CPW Hunting Atlas Land Management (COMaP) BLM polygons inside the BLM administrative unit boundary (polygon centroid of the largest part); checked November 5, 2026.

Supply towns and CPW help near BLM Grand Junction Field Office

The handiest town is Grand Junction, 16 miles off in a straight line. CPW Grand Junction Office is the closest CPW office, about 16 miles.

TownCountyPeople (2024)DistanceDirection
Grand JunctionMesa70,55416 milessouth
DeltaDelta9,68849 milessoutheast
RifleGarfield10,66351 mileseast
RangelyRio Blanco2,28954 milesnorth
SiltGarfield3,72757 mileseast
CPW Grand Junction Office

CPW office · Grand Junction, Mesa County · about 16 mi away

S3 Gunsmithing

sporting goods · Loma, Mesa County · about 5 mi away

Heritage Arms Inc

sporting goods · Loma, Mesa County · about 6 mi away

Fair Chase Hunts

guide or outfitter · Fruita, Mesa County · about 9 mi away

High Desert Taxidermy

taxidermy · Fruita, Mesa County · about 9 mi away

Allout Outfitters LLC

guide or outfitter · Grand Junction, Mesa County · about 12 mi away

Towns from places.json (Census 2024 estimates); CPW offices from the CPW Contact Us page; businesses from services.json listings; straight-line miles. Checked November 5, 2026.

BLM Grand Junction Field Office and the land around it

If BLM Grand Junction Field Office is busy, Highline Lake State Park lies 9 miles to the west. Close by you will find 4 SWAs and 2 state parks. No hunting at Loma Boat Launch State Wildlife Area (CPW lists no hunting), Leatha Jean Stassen State Wildlife Area (CPW lists no hunting) and Walker State Wildlife Area (CPW lists no hunting).

NearbyTypeAcresCountyMilesHeading
Highline Lake State ParkState park389Mesa9 mileswest
Horsethief Canyon SWASWA1,439Mesa12 milessouthwest
James M Robb Colorado River State ParkState park20Mesa16 milessouth
Colorado River Island SWASWA67Mesa20 milessoutheast
Orchard Mesa Wildlife AreaSWA148Mesa20 milessoutheast
Franklin Island SWASWA38Mesa21 milessoutheast

Point: CPW Hunting Atlas Land Management (COMaP) BLM polygons inside the BLM administrative unit boundary (polygon centroid of the largest part). Straight-line distances. Closed places from lands.json closed rows. Statewide public land map.

Game and terrain near BLM Grand Junction Field Office

White-tailed deer fawn in tall grass
White-tailed deer fawn in tall grass
White-tailed deer buck in the trees
White-tailed deer buck in the trees
White-tailed buck emerging from the tree line at the edge of a field
White-tailed buck emerging from the tree line at the edge of a field

BLM Grand Junction Field Office sunrise, sunset and shooting times

Walk-In Access properties open an hour before sunrise and close an hour after sunset, two hours for waterfowl, deer, elk and pronghorn hunters.

DayMomentFirst sunLast sunRifle hoursShotgun hours
Aug 15, 2026Pronghorn bow opener6:26 a.m.8:11 p.m.5:56 a.m. to 8:41 p.m.5:56 a.m. to 8:11 p.m.
Sep 2, 2026Archery opener6:43 a.m.7:45 p.m.6:13 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.6:13 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Sep 12, 2026Muzzleloader opens6:51 a.m.7:29 p.m.6:21 a.m. to 7:59 p.m.6:21 a.m. to 7:29 p.m.
Oct 3, 2026Duck season opens7:10 a.m.6:55 p.m.6:40 a.m. to 7:25 p.m.6:40 a.m. to 6:55 p.m.
Oct 24, 2026Second rifle opens7:31 a.m.6:24 p.m.7:01 a.m. to 6:54 p.m.7:01 a.m. to 6:24 p.m.
Nov 23, 2026Lion season opens7:05 a.m.4:56 p.m.6:35 a.m. to 5:26 p.m.6:35 a.m. to 4:56 p.m.
Dec 21, 2026Shortest day7:29 a.m.4:54 p.m.6:59 a.m. to 5:24 p.m.6:59 a.m. to 4:54 p.m.

Clock time: Mountain Daylight Time until Nov. 1, 2026 and from March 14, 2027.

Hours rules from the 2026 Colorado Big Game brochure and the Small Game and Waterfowl brochure; sunrise and sunset worked out for this location with the NOAA solar formula (Mountain Time); checked November 5, 2026. Legal hours for every county.

Public and private ranges before BLM Grand Junction Field Office

Mesa County holds the CPW-listed range nearest BLM Grand Junction Field Office: Cameo Shooting and Education Complex (22 miles). Beside it sit the closest club ranges inside 30 miles.

Cameo Shooting and Education
Complex
CPW range

Palisade, Mesa County · 22 mi

Set up for: rifle, handgun, sporting clays, 5-stand, shotgun

Open to the public · cpw.state.co.us, checked Nov 4, 2026

Action Pistol Group
gun club

Grand Junction, Mesa County · 15 mi

Set up for: rifle, action pistol

Access not stated · boisegunclub.com, checked Nov 4, 2026

Red Rock Archery
indoor range

Grand Junction, Mesa County · 19 mi

Set up for: archery, 3D archery

Access not stated · boisegunclub.com, checked Nov 4, 2026

From the CPW Shooting Range Finder, ranges’ own pages and directory listings, checked November 5, 2026.

BLM Grand Junction Field Office FAQ from the agency sources

Is there OTC elk on BLM Grand Junction Field Office?

Not entirely; 4 OTC rows apply, such as archery (OTC, residents), and the rest need the draw.

Is CWD testing required for elk from BLM Grand Junction Field Office?

GMU 21, GMU 30, GMU 31, GMU 32, GMU 41 and 4 more: mandatory CWD sampling for listed rifle elk hunt codes. Antler point rule: GMU 21, GMU 30, GMU 31, GMU 32, GMU 41 and 4 more.

Where should I stay when hunting BLM Grand Junction Field Office?

Grand Junction is your nearest base, 16 miles off.

Which CPW contact handles BLM Grand Junction Field Office?

CPW Grand Junction Office in Grand Junction, (970) 255-6100 (16 miles away). Poaching tips can go to CPW Turn In Poachers.

Orange or pink on BLM Grand Junction Field Office?

Solid orange or pink, at least 500 square inches above the waist, and a hat, for firearm deer, elk, pronghorn, moose and bear.

Can I set out bait, salt or grain on BLM Grand Junction Field Office?

No bait for big game, turkey, small game or birds; normal agricultural salt and mineral blocks are the only exception for big game.

What legal shooting hours apply on BLM Grand Junction Field Office in November?

Big game: half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. On November 7, 2026 that works out to 6:17 a.m. to 5:38 p.m. in Mesa County (NOAA solar formula).

Is there an official website for BLM Grand Junction Field Office?

Yes, run by Bureau of Land Management, Upper Colorado River District Office: the official page.

Is there an entry fee or permit for BLM Grand Junction Field Office?

A CPW license valid in the unit. Federal land managers do not issue hunting permits here.

Roughly how much country does BLM Grand Junction Field Office take in?

About 1,000,000 acres in all.

Which county sheriff and county roads serve BLM Grand Junction Field Office?

GIS puts it in Mesa County, Garfield County, Montrose County and Delta County.

Which game management units cover BLM Grand Junction Field Office?

The CPW GMU layer gives GMU 21, GMU 30, GMU 31, GMU 32, GMU 40, GMU 41, GMU 42, GMU 60 and 3 more.

Is there a species list for BLM Grand Junction Field Office?

No list is published; Colorado seasons for the units apply.

One last look at BLM Grand Junction Field Office

Confirm your hunt code, GMU and the open dates for BLM Grand Junction Field Office before you load the truck.

Sources: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4; seasons from the 2026 Colorado Big Game brochure. Checked November 5, 2026.

Other photos on this page: USFWS Mountain Prairie (Public domain); USFWS/Southeast (CC BY 2.0); USFWS Mountain Prairie (Public domain).