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BLM field office · 2026-27 seasons
BLM Uncompahgre Field Office: where and how to hunt
BLM field office in Montrose County and 5 more counties covering 680,000 acres.
Photo: Under the same moon… (CC BY 2.0)
Getting to BLM Uncompahgre Field Office
Parking, trailheads and gates near BLM Uncompahgre Field Office
- Tabeguache PreserveParking · 2.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.5 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 3.6 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 Uncompahgre Field Office by the numbers
By the count in the BLM field office page, there are 680,000 acres at BLM Uncompahgre Field Office. Of 10 BLM field offices listed here, BLM Uncompahgre Field Office ranks 4th for size. Hunters in Montrose County can choose from 4 BLM field offices; this is one.
The managing agency names no species for BLM Uncompahgre Field Office; Colorado seasons for its GMUs apply.
From the agency page (Bureau of Land Management, Southwest District Office); retrieved 2026-11-04, checked November 5, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around BLM Uncompahgre Field Office
BLM Uncompahgre Field Office game management units
BLM Uncompahgre Field Office lies in 11 game management units: GMU 52, GMU 53, GMU 60, GMU 61, GMU 62, GMU 63, GMU 64, GMU 65, GMU 70, GMU 411, GMU 521.
Point restriction for bulls: GMU 52, GMU 53, GMU 60, GMU 62, GMU 63, GMU 64 and 4 more. Selected rifle elk hunt codes in GMU 52, GMU 61, GMU 62, GMU 64, GMU 65, GMU 70 and 2 more require a free CWD test of harvested elk. Mountain lion harvest-limit groups 9, 12 and 13 cover these units. GMU 65 and GMU 70: lynx recovery area.
| GMU | In counties | Flags |
|---|---|---|
| GMU 52 | Delta | elk antler point rule, elk CWD testing, lion group 9 |
| GMU 53 | Gunnison, Delta | elk antler point rule, lion group 9, spring turkey OTC |
| GMU 60 | Montrose, Mesa | elk antler point rule, lion group 12, spring turkey OTC |
| GMU 61 | Montrose, Mesa, San Miguel | elk CWD testing, lion group 12, spring turkey OTC |
| GMU 62 | Montrose, Mesa, Ouray | elk antler point rule, elk CWD testing, lion group 13 |
| GMU 63 | Montrose, Delta, Gunnison | elk antler point rule, lion group 9, spring turkey OTC |
| GMU 64 | Montrose, Delta, Gunnison | elk antler point rule, elk CWD testing, lion group 13 |
| GMU 65 | Ouray, Montrose, Gunnison | elk antler point rule, elk CWD testing, lion group 13 |
| GMU 70 | San Miguel, Montrose, Dolores | elk antler point rule, elk CWD testing, lion group 12 |
| GMU 411 | Delta, Mesa | elk antler point rule, elk CWD testing, lion group 9 |
| GMU 521 | Gunnison, Delta | elk antler point rule, elk CWD testing, lion group 9 |
The 2024 GMU harvest tables below are unit totals, not counts for BLM Uncompahgre Field Office; GMU 62 had the largest figure, 1,024 elk.
| Unit | Game | 2024 harvest | Hunters | Success |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMU 52 | Elk | 252 | 1,423 | 18% |
| GMU 52 | Deer | 549 | 1,007 | 55% |
| GMU 52 | Black bear | 11 | – | – |
| GMU 53 | Elk | 326 | 2,033 | 16% |
| GMU 53 | Deer | 280 | 387 | 72% |
| GMU 53 | Black bear | 72 | – | – |
| GMU 60 | Elk | 140 | 564 | 25% |
| GMU 60 | Deer | 128 | 258 | 49% |
| GMU 60 | Black bear | 5 | – | – |
| GMU 61 | Elk | 727 | 1,296 | 56% |
| GMU 61 | Deer | 137 | 240 | 57% |
| GMU 61 | Black bear | 23 | – | – |
| GMU 62 | Elk | 1,024 | 5,669 | 18% |
| GMU 62 | Deer | 599 | 1,374 | 44% |
| GMU 62 | Black bear | 41 | – | – |
| GMU 63 | Elk | 292 | 1,480 | 20% |
| GMU 63 | Deer | 257 | 393 | 65% |
| GMU 63 | Black bear | 25 | – | – |
| GMU 64 | Elk | 189 | 877 | 22% |
| GMU 64 | Deer | 149 | 304 | 49% |
| GMU 64 | Pronghorn | 2 | 5 | 33% |
| GMU 64 | Black bear | 6 | – | – |
| GMU 65 | Elk | 755 | 3,000 | 25% |
| GMU 65 | Deer | 270 | 717 | 38% |
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.
Before you walk onto BLM Uncompahgre Field Office
BLM ground is open to hunting except where the agency has posted a specific prohibition. Landlocked parcels need landowner permission to reach.
Office page acreage line: “The Uncompahgre Field Office (UFO) manages nearly 680,000 acres of public land in BLM Colorado's Southwest District, including four river systems — the Gunnison, San Miguel, Dolores, and Uncompahgre — as well as over 910,000 sub-surface acres of federal minerals”
From the agency source; checked November 5, 2026.
Big game dates that apply on BLM Uncompahgre Field Office
Big game hunters on BLM Uncompahgre Field Office can choose from 44 dated windows, each tied to a hunt code. Over-the-counter rows (9) cover black bear, elk and wild turkey; the rest need a drawn or leftover license. 25 private-land-only, Ranching for Wildlife or game damage rows for the same units are left out because they do not apply on public ground. Spring turkey dates shown are from 2026; the 2027 brochure is not out.
| Animal | Method | Sex | License | Start | End | Valid in |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk | Archery | bull | Limited draw | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 70 |
| Elk | Archery | cow | Limited draw | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 70 |
| Elk | Archery | either sex | Limited draw | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 52, 61, 411, 521 |
| Elk | Archery | either sex | Limited, nonresident | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 53, 60, 62, 63 + |
| Elk | Archery | either sex | OTC, residents | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 53, 60, 62, 63 + |
| Elk | Muzzleloader | bull | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 52, 53, 60, 61 + |
| Elk | Muzzleloader | cow | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 52, 53, 60, 61 + |
| Elk | Rifle | either sex | Limited, early | Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 7, 2026 | 61 |
| Elk | Rifle | bull | Limited draw | Oct 14, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | 52, 53, 60, 61 + |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Oct 14, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | 52, 53, 60, 61 + |
| Elk | Rifle | either sex | Limited draw | Oct 14, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | 64, 65 |
| Elk | Rifle | bull | Limited draw | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 61 |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 52, 53, 60, 61 + |
| Elk | Second rifle | bull | OTC | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 52, 53, 60, 62 + |
| Elk | Rifle | bull | Limited draw | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 61 |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 52, 53, 60, 61 + |
| Elk | Third rifle | bull | OTC | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 52, 53, 60, 62 + |
| Elk | Rifle | bull | Limited draw | Nov 18, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 52, 53, 61, 63 + |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Nov 18, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 52, 53, 60, 61 + |
| Elk | Rifle | either sex | Limited draw | Nov 18, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 60, 62, 64, 65 |
| Deer | Archery | buck | Limited draw | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 52, 53, 60, 61 + |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | buck | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 52, 53, 60, 61 + |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited, early | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 65 |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited draw | Oct 14, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | 60, 61, 62, 64 + |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited draw | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 52, 53, 60, 61 + |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited draw | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 52, 53, 60, 61 + |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited draw | Nov 18, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 52, 53, 60, 61 + |
| Moose | Archery | cow | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 52 |
| Moose | Muzzleloader | cow | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 52, 411, 521 |
| Moose | Season choice | bull | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Oct 14, 2026 | 53, 63 |
| Moose | Season choice | either sex | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Oct 14, 2026 | 65 |
| Moose | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 14, 2026 | 52, 411, 521 |
| Moose | Rifle | cow | Limited, late | Oct 14, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 52, 411, 521 |
| Black bear | Archery | either sex | Limited draw | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 52, 53, 60, 61 + |
| Black bear | Archery | either sex | OTC | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 52, 53, 60, 61 + |
| Black bear | Rifle | either sex | Limited draw | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 52, 53, 60, 61 + |
| Black bear | Muzzleloader | either sex | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 52, 53, 60, 61 + |
| Black bear | Muzzleloader | either sex | OTC | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 52, 53, 60, 61 + |
| Black bear | Rifle | either sex | OTC | Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 7, 2026 | 61 |
| Black bear | Rifle | either sex | Limited draw | Oct 14, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 61 |
| Black bear | Rifle | either sex | OTC | Oct 14, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 52, 53, 60, 62 + |
| Mountain lion | All methods | – | Group harvest limit | Nov 23, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | 52, 53, 63, 411 + |
| Wild turkey | Spring | – | OTC | Apr 11, 2026 | May 31, 2026 | 52, 53, 60, 61 + |
| Wild turkey | Fall | – | OTC | Sep 1, 2026 | Oct 4, 2026 | 52, 53, 60, 61 + |
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.
What lies near BLM Uncompahgre Field Office on the map
The list below starts with Carter Place STL, 16 miles away to the southeast. Six neighbours, by kind: 2 trust land parcels, 2 national forests and 1 BLM field office.
| Place | Type | Acres | County | Straight line | Which way |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carter Place STL | State trust land | 320 | San Miguel | 16 miles | southeast |
| Poison Spyder STL | State trust land | 640 | San Miguel | 17 miles | southeast |
| Manti-La Sal National Forest | National forest | 27,051 | Montrose | 18 miles | northwest |
| Uncompahgre National Forest | National forest | 952,961 | Montrose | 19 miles | northeast |
| BLM Tres Rios Field Office | BLM field office | 600,000 | San Miguel | 21 miles | south |
| Dry Creek Basin SWA | SWA | 12,775 | San Miguel | 21 miles | southeast |
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.
Route and map files for BLM Uncompahgre Field Office
The pin sits at 38.3227, -108.7242.
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.
Shooting-light table for BLM Uncompahgre Field Office
The sun rises about twenty minutes later at Grand Junction than at Burlington, so use the times worked out for BLM Uncompahgre Field Office.
| Date | Season point | Sunrise | Sunset | Big game | Birds and small game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2, 2026 | Archery opener | 6:43 a.m. | 7:44 p.m. | 6:13 a.m. to 8:14 p.m. | 6:13 a.m. to 7:44 p.m. |
| Sep 12, 2026 | Muzzleloader opens | 6:51 a.m. | 7:28 p.m. | 6:21 a.m. to 7:58 p.m. | 6:21 a.m. to 7:28 p.m. |
| Oct 3, 2026 | Duck season opens | 7:09 a.m. | 6:55 p.m. | 6:39 a.m. to 7:25 p.m. | 6:39 a.m. to 6:55 p.m. |
| Oct 24, 2026 | Second rifle opens | 7:30 a.m. | 6:24 p.m. | 7:00 a.m. to 6:54 p.m. | 7:00 a.m. to 6:24 p.m. |
| Nov 23, 2026 | Lion season opens | 7:03 a.m. | 4:57 p.m. | 6:33 a.m. to 5:27 p.m. | 6:33 a.m. to 4:57 p.m. |
| Dec 21, 2026 | Shortest day | 7:26 a.m. | 4:55 p.m. | 6:56 a.m. to 5:25 p.m. | 6:56 a.m. to 4:55 p.m. |
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.
Where to fuel up and buy ice near BLM Uncompahgre Field Office
Gas, groceries and a motel bed: Redvale is the nearest, 20 miles away. Montrose tops the list for size, 21,646 people. Closest CPW office: Montrose, 47 miles.
| Nearest towns | County | Population | Miles | Heading |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redvale | Montrose | – | 20 miles | southeast |
| Norwood | San Miguel | 523 | 27 miles | southeast |
| Dove Creek | Dolores | 663 | 40 miles | south |
| Delta | Delta | 9,688 | 46 miles | northeast |
| Montrose | Montrose | 21,646 | 48 miles | east |
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 Uncompahgre Field Office country in pictures
BLM Uncompahgre Field Office: the nearest public range, then clubs
Cameo Shooting and Education Complex is 61 miles from BLM Uncompahgre Field Office and is the nearest public range in CPW’s finder.
From the CPW Shooting Range Finder, ranges’ own pages and directory listings, checked November 5, 2026.
BLM Uncompahgre Field Office in brief, question by question
What documents must I carry on BLM Uncompahgre Field Office?
Your Colorado license for the unit and season. No access fee is listed for hunting.
Which official page should I bookmark for BLM Uncompahgre Field Office?
Bureau of Land Management, Southwest District Office publishes it: official page.
Which county lines does BLM Uncompahgre Field Office cross?
Montrose County, Delta County, San Miguel County, Mesa County, Ouray County and Gunnison County; the county page lists the nearby ground.
How many acres are listed for BLM Uncompahgre Field Office in the agency count?
680,000 acres on the agency count.
Does BLM Uncompahgre Field Office limit species?
Go by the season tables on this page; no separate list exists.
Which unit should my license be for on BLM Uncompahgre Field Office?
GMU 52, GMU 53, GMU 60, GMU 61, GMU 62, GMU 63, GMU 64, GMU 65 and 3 more; GMU lines follow roads and ridges, so check the map near a line.
Are there antler point restrictions on BLM Uncompahgre Field Office?
Bulls must meet the antler point rule in GMU 52, GMU 53, GMU 60, GMU 62, GMU 63 and 5 more. If your rifle elk code is selected, test the elk (free) when it comes from GMU 52, GMU 61, GMU 62, GMU 64, GMU 65 and 3 more.
Can I buy an elk license over the counter for BLM Uncompahgre Field Office?
Only for some hunts. 3 OTC elk rows reach these GMUs, archery among them (OTC, residents).
Who looks after wildlife on BLM Uncompahgre Field Office?
Reach CPW Montrose Office in Montrose, (970) 252-6000 (47 miles away).
Which town makes the best base for BLM Uncompahgre Field Office?
Redvale, about 20 miles away in a straight line.
May I use food lures for bear on BLM Uncompahgre Field Office?
No. Food-scented sticks are illegal for bear, and knowingly luring bears with food breaks C.R.S. 33-6-131.
Does the orange rule apply on BLM Uncompahgre Field Office?
Required for firearm big game; mesh is legal, camouflage orange is not.
How early may a rifle hunter shoot on BLM Uncompahgre Field Office?
For deer and elk, 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 after sunset; around Montrose County on November 7, 2026 about 6:15 a.m. to 5:39 p.m.
BLM Uncompahgre Field Office: double-check list
Saw poaching on BLM Uncompahgre Field Office? CPW's Turn In Poachers program rewards reports that lead to charges with licenses and preference points.
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 Mountain Prairie (Public domain); ShenandoahNPS (Public domain).