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Hunting on Collins Mountain Ranch State Wildlife Area (Access Easement) in 2026-27
State wildlife area in Rio Blanco County covering 2,421 acres.
Photo: Jeffrey Beall (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Getting to Collins Mountain Ranch State Wildlife Area (Access Easement)
Parking, trailheads and gates near Collins Mountain Ranch State Wildlife Area (Access Easement)
- Parking areaParking · 3.5 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.
Facts on file for Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement)
By the count in the CPW SWA page, there are 2,421 acres at Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement). Of 224 state wildlife areas listed here, Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement) ranks 54th for size. Hunters in Rio Blanco County can choose from 8 state wildlife areas; this is one. Wildlife officers for Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement) work out of Area 6, Northwest Region; district: Meeker S. The CPW page sends questions to the Area 6 CPW Office, Meeker office, 970-878-6090. The printed guide lists elk and deer only in restricted seasons, by reservation only for hunters on Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement). CPW does not list camping among the amenities for Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement).
From the agency page, 2026 Recreation Lands brochure, p. 9 (Colorado Parks and Wildlife); retrieved 2026-11-04, checked November 5, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Collins Mountain Ranch State Wildlife Area (Access Easement)
Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement) game management units
Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement) lies in 1 game management unit: GMU 23.
Point restriction for bulls: GMU 23. Selected rifle elk hunt codes in GMU 23 require a free CWD test of harvested elk. Mountain lion harvest-limit group 2 covers these units.
The 2024 GMU harvest tables below are unit totals, not counts for Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement); GMU 23 had the largest figure, 423 elk.
| GMU | Game | Animals taken | Hunters | Success |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMU 23 | Elk | 423 | 1,870 | 23% |
| GMU 23 | Deer | 150 | 565 | 26% |
| GMU 23 | Pronghorn | 2 | 7 | 21% |
| GMU 23 | Black bear | 19 | – | – |
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 Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement)
Bring a current Colorado hunting or fishing license, or the State Wildlife Area Pass, if you are 16 or over; that is the standing SWA entry rule. Drive only on roads open to motor vehicles and camp only where CPW authorizes it. Only portable stands or blinds may go up, no sooner than 30 days ahead of the season. Parking areas, campgrounds and picnic spots are no-shoot zones for guns and bows.
CPW restrictions, as lettered on the page:
- Elk and deer hunting only.
- Hunting by reservation only. For reservations, hunters must already have a big-game hunting license for one of the specific hunt codes permitted on the property. Reservations must be made through the Hunting Reservation System: See “Reservations: Hunting” (page 1) for details. Hunters may only access the property during dates specified on their reservation. Hunters with a reservation may bring one nonhunting companion.
- Motor vehicle use prohibited except on designated roadways or with permission of ranch owners. All other access restricted to walk-in access only.
- Discharge of firearms or bows is prohibited, except while hunting.
- Fishing is prohibited.
Brochure note: Limited Access. This property is private land that is open only to elk and deer hunters with a confirmed reservation made through the Hunting Reservation System: cpw.state.co.us/hunting-reservations
Limited access, per CPW: ['b. Hunting by reservation only. For reservations, hunters must already have a big-game hunting license for one of the specific hunt codes permitted on the property. Reservations must be made through the Hunting Reservation System: See “Reservations: Hunting” (page 1) for details. Hunters may only access the property during dates specified on their reservation. Hunters with a reservation may bring 1 nonhunting companion. continued on next page State Wildlife Areas c.
Where a reservation is needed, use the Hunting Reservation System, phone 1-800-244-5613.
From the agency source, CPW SWA finder, Big Game brochure, reservations; checked November 5, 2026.
Big game dates that apply on Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement)
Big game hunters on Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement) can choose from 19 dated windows, each tied to a hunt code. Over-the-counter rows (2) cover elk; the rest need a drawn or leftover license. 19 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. Only the listed species are kept; 13 other big game rows are dropped.
| Animal | Method | Sex | License | Start | End | Valid in |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk | Archery | either sex | Limited draw | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 23 |
| Elk | Muzzleloader | cow | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 23 |
| Elk | Muzzleloader | either sex | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 23 |
| Elk | Rifle | bull | Limited draw | Oct 14, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | 23 |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Oct 14, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | 23 |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 23 |
| Elk | Second rifle | bull | OTC | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 23 |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 23 |
| Elk | Third rifle | bull | OTC | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 23 |
| Elk | Rifle | bull | Limited draw | Nov 18, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 23 |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Nov 18, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 23 |
| Deer | Archery | either sex | Limited draw | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 23 |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | buck | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 23 |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | doe | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 23 |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited draw | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 23 |
| Deer | Rifle | doe | Limited draw | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 23 |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited draw | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 23 |
| Deer | Rifle | doe | Limited draw | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 23 |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited draw | Nov 18, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 23 |
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 Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement) on the map
The list below starts with Meeker Pasture SWA, 6 miles away to the northeast. Six neighbours, by kind: 6 SWAs. Off limits to hunting close by: Rifle Falls State Park (no hunting designation).
| Nearby | Type | Acres | County | Miles | Heading |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meeker Pasture SWA | SWA | 48 | Rio Blanco | 6 miles | northeast |
| Oak Ridge SWA | SWA | 13,663 | Rio Blanco | 10 miles | east |
| Coal Creek Ranch SWA (Access Easement) | SWA | 1,122 | Rio Blanco | 15 miles | northeast |
| Jensen SWA | SWA | 5,955 | Rio Blanco | 16 miles | northeast |
| Rio Blanco Lake SWA | SWA | 383 | Rio Blanco | 17 miles | northwest |
| Piceance SWA | SWA | 25,193 | Rio Blanco | 17 miles | west |
Point: CPW Managed Properties (public access only) layer, CPWAdminData (1 polygon) (polygon centroid of the largest part). Straight-line distances. Closed places from lands.json closed rows. Statewide public land map.
Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement) route and map files
The pin sits at 39.9552, -107.9133.
map files from the CPW property page; point from CPW Managed Properties (public access only) layer, CPWAdminData (1 polygon) (polygon centroid of the largest part); checked November 5, 2026.
Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement) sunrise, sunset and shooting times
The sun rises about twenty minutes later at Grand Junction than at Burlington, so use the times worked out for Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement).
| Date | Season point | Sunrise | Sunset | Big game | Birds and small game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 15, 2026 | Pronghorn bow opener | 6:24 a.m. | 8:12 p.m. | 5:54 a.m. to 8:42 p.m. | 5:54 a.m. to 8:12 p.m. |
| Sep 2, 2026 | Archery opener | 6:41 a.m. | 7:45 p.m. | 6:11 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. | 6:11 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. |
| Sep 12, 2026 | Muzzleloader opens | 6:50 a.m. | 7:29 p.m. | 6:20 a.m. to 7:59 p.m. | 6:20 a.m. to 7:29 p.m. |
| Oct 3, 2026 | Duck season opens | 7:10 a.m. | 6:54 p.m. | 6:40 a.m. to 7:24 p.m. | 6:40 a.m. to 6:54 p.m. |
| Oct 24, 2026 | Second rifle opens | 7:32 a.m. | 6:22 p.m. | 7:02 a.m. to 6:52 p.m. | 7:02 a.m. to 6:22 p.m. |
| Nov 23, 2026 | Lion season opens | 7:07 a.m. | 4:53 p.m. | 6:37 a.m. to 5:23 p.m. | 6:37 a.m. to 4:53 p.m. |
| Dec 21, 2026 | Shortest day | 7:31 a.m. | 4:51 p.m. | 7:01 a.m. to 5:21 p.m. | 7:01 a.m. to 4:51 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 Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement)
Gas, groceries and a motel bed: Meeker is the nearest, 7 miles away. Rifle tops the list for size, 10,663 people. Closest CPW office: Meeker, 5 miles.
| Nearest towns | County | Population | Miles | Heading |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meeker | Rio Blanco | 2,390 | 7 miles | north |
| Rifle | Garfield | 10,663 | 30 miles | south |
| Silt | Garfield | 3,727 | 31 miles | southeast |
| New Castle | Garfield | 4,894 | 33 miles | southeast |
| Maybell | Moffat | – | 40 miles | north |
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.
Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement) country in pictures
Collins Mountain Ranch State Wildlife Area (Access Easement) hunters: public range plus clubs
For a no-dues line, Collins Mountain Ranch State Wildlife Area (Access Easement) hunters head 50 miles to Hayden Shooting Range. After the public range come the nearest clubs within 30 miles.
From the CPW Shooting Range Finder, ranges’ own pages and directory listings, checked November 5, 2026.
Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement) FAQ from the agency sources
How early may a rifle hunter shoot on Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement)?
For deer and elk, 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 after sunset; around Rio Blanco County on November 7, 2026 about 6:18 a.m. to 5:35 p.m.
Is it legal to hunt over bait on Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement)?
No. It is illegal to hunt big game, turkey, small game or migratory birds over bait in Colorado, whoever placed it.
Can I pitch a tent on Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement) during the hunt?
Not by the CPW page, which shows no camping.
Is any hunting on Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement) by draw or reservation?
['b. Hunting by reservation only. For reservations, hunters must already have a big-game hunting license for one of the specific hunt codes permitted on the property. Reservations must be made through the Hunting Reservation System: See “Reservations: Hunting” (page 1) for details. Hunters may only
What documents must I carry on Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement)?
Entry rule: hunting license, fishing license or SWA Pass at 16 and over. Check the property restrictions for any exception.
Which official page should I bookmark for Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement)?
Colorado Parks and Wildlife publishes it: official page.
Which county sheriff and county roads serve Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement)?
GIS puts it in Rio Blanco County.
How many acres are listed for Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement) in the agency count?
2,421 acres on the agency count.
Does Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement) keep set hours or dates?
The restrictions say: Hunting by reservation only. For reservations, hunters must already have a big-game hunting license for one of the specific hunt codes permitted on the property. Reservations must be made through the Hunting Reservation System: See “Reservations: Hunting” (page 1) for details. Hunters may only access the property during dates specified on their reservation. Hunters with a reservation may bring one nonhunting companion.
Which unit should my license be for on Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement)?
GMU 23; GMU lines follow roads and ridges, so check the map near a line.
Can I buy an elk license over the counter for Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement)?
Only for some hunts. 2 OTC elk rows reach these GMUs, second rifle among them (OTC).
Which seasons matter on Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement)?
Agency sources name deer and elk.
Where should I stay when hunting Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement)?
Meeker is your nearest base, 7 miles off.
Are there antler point restrictions on Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement)?
Bulls must meet the antler point rule in GMU 23. If your rifle elk code is selected, test the elk (free) when it comes from GMU 23.
Does the orange rule apply on Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement)?
Required for firearm big game; mesh is legal, camouflage orange is not.
Who looks after wildlife on Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement)?
Reach Area 6 CPW Office in Meeker, 970-878-6090.
Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement): double-check list
Saw poaching on Collins Mountain Ranch SWA (Access Easement)? 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).