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South Park Ranger District, Pike NF: where and how to hunt
National forest ranger district in Park County and Teller County covering 457,778 acres.
Photo: F Delventhal (CC BY 2.0)
Getting to South Park Ranger District, Pike NF
South Park Ranger District by the numbers
By the count in the USFS EDW Lands Area Statistics, there are 457,778 acres at South Park Ranger District. Of 32 ranger districts listed here, South Park Ranger District ranks 11th for size. Hunters in Park County can choose from 4 ranger districts; this is one.
On the game list: Deer, Pronghorn, Elk.
From the agency page (USDA Forest Service); retrieved 2026-11-04, checked November 5, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around South Park Ranger District, Pike NF
South Park Ranger District game management units
South Park Ranger District lies in 7 game management units: GMU 49, GMU 50, GMU 58, GMU 500, GMU 501, GMU 511, GMU 581.
Point restriction for bulls: GMU 511 and GMU 581. Selected rifle elk hunt codes in GMU 49, GMU 50, GMU 58, GMU 500 and GMU 501 require a free CWD test of harvested elk. Mountain lion harvest-limit groups 5, 8 and 11 cover these units.
| GMU | In counties | Flags |
|---|---|---|
| GMU 49 | Park, Lake, Chaffee | elk CWD testing, lion group 8, spring turkey OTC |
| GMU 50 | Park | elk CWD testing, lion group 5, spring turkey OTC |
| GMU 58 | Park, Fremont, Chaffee | elk CWD testing, lion group 8, spring turkey OTC |
| GMU 500 | Park | elk CWD testing, lion group 5, spring turkey OTC |
| GMU 501 | Park, Jefferson | elk CWD testing, lion group 5, spring turkey OTC |
| GMU 511 | Teller, El Paso, Park | elk antler point rule, lion group 11, spring turkey OTC |
| GMU 581 | Park, Fremont, Teller | elk antler point rule, lion group 8, spring turkey OTC |
The 2024 GMU harvest tables below are unit totals, not counts for South Park Ranger District; GMU 49 had the largest figure, 378 elk.
| Unit | Game | 2024 harvest | Hunters | Success |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMU 49 | Elk | 378 | 971 | 39% |
| GMU 49 | Deer | 343 | 729 | 47% |
| GMU 49 | Pronghorn | 2 | 24 | 7% |
| GMU 49 | Black bear | 1 | – | – |
| GMU 50 | Elk | 273 | 850 | 32% |
| GMU 50 | Deer | 74 | 220 | 34% |
| GMU 50 | Pronghorn | 17 | 56 | 31% |
| GMU 50 | Black bear | 0 | – | – |
| GMU 58 | Elk | 288 | 906 | 32% |
| GMU 58 | Deer | 228 | 495 | 46% |
| GMU 58 | Pronghorn | 44 | 88 | 51% |
| GMU 58 | Black bear | 6 | – | – |
| GMU 500 | Elk | 234 | 777 | 30% |
| GMU 500 | Deer | 20 | 108 | 18% |
| GMU 500 | Pronghorn | 2 | 19 | 12% |
| GMU 501 | Elk | 125 | 378 | 33% |
| GMU 501 | Deer | 216 | 368 | 59% |
| GMU 501 | Pronghorn | 4 | 9 | 44% |
| GMU 511 | Elk | 95 | 1,425 | 7% |
| GMU 511 | Deer | 296 | 534 | 55% |
| GMU 511 | Pronghorn | 0 | 2 | 0% |
| GMU 511 | Black bear | 3 | – | – |
| GMU 581 | Elk | 196 | 1,521 | 13% |
| GMU 581 | Deer | 292 | 572 | 51% |
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 South Park Ranger District
South Park Ranger District needs no Forest Service hunting permit; a Colorado license for the GMU and season is what counts. Forest rule 261.10(d): 150 yards from any occupied site, no shooting on or across roads or water. Motor Vehicle Use Maps show which roads and trails are open to vehicles.
From the forest hunting page: Hunting, fishing and shooting opportunities of all kinds can be found on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands.
Hunting opportunities include small game birds or waterfowl on the grasslands and hunting deer, pronghorn or elk on the forested districts.
Cast your line from the banks or a boat for some great fishing! Fishing opportunities include lake and pond fishing, river and stream fishing and ice fishing.
In general, recreational shooting is allowed on most National Forest System lands. However, discharging a firearm is always prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area; into or within a cave; across or on a National Forest System road or a nearby body of water or in any manner or place where any person or property is exposed to injury or damage (36 CFR 261.10(d)).
From the agency source; checked November 5, 2026.
Big game dates that apply on South Park Ranger District
Big game hunters on South Park Ranger District can choose from 39 dated windows, each tied to a hunt code. Over-the-counter rows (4) cover elk; the rest need a drawn or leftover license. 5 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; 20 other big game rows are dropped.
| Animal | Method | Sex | License | Start | End | Valid in |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Sep 1, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | 58 |
| Elk | Archery | cow | Limited, nonresident | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 511, 581 |
| Elk | Archery | cow | OTC, residents | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 511, 581 |
| Elk | Archery | either sex | Limited draw | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 49, 50, 58, 500 + |
| Elk | Archery | either sex | Limited, nonresident | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 511, 581 |
| Elk | Archery | either sex | OTC, residents | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 511, 581 |
| Elk | Muzzleloader | bull | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 49, 50, 58, 500 + |
| Elk | Muzzleloader | cow | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 49, 50, 58, 500 + |
| Elk | Rifle | bull | Limited draw | Oct 14, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | 49, 50, 58, 500 + |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Oct 14, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | 58, 511, 581 |
| Elk | Rifle | bull | Limited draw | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 49, 50, 58, 500 + |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 49, 50, 58, 500 + |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited, split | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 49 |
| Elk | Second rifle | bull | OTC | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 511, 581 |
| Elk | Rifle | bull | Limited draw | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 49, 50, 58, 500 + |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 49, 50, 58, 500 + |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited, split | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 49 |
| Elk | Third rifle | bull | OTC | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 511, 581 |
| Elk | Rifle | bull | Limited draw | Nov 18, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 49, 50, 58, 500 + |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Nov 18, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 49, 50, 58, 500 + |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited, split | Nov 18, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 49 |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited, late | Dec 12, 2026 | Dec 20, 2026 | 500, 501 |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited, late | Dec 26, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | 50 |
| Deer | Rifle | doe | Limited, late | Sep 1, 2026 | Oct 31, 2026 | 581 |
| Deer | Archery | buck | Limited draw | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 511 |
| Deer | Archery | either sex | Limited draw | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 49, 50, 58, 500 + |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | buck | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 49, 50, 58, 500 + |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | doe | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 49, 58, 501, 511 + |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited draw | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 49, 50, 58, 500 + |
| Deer | Rifle | doe | Limited draw | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 49, 58, 501, 511 + |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited draw | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 49, 50, 58, 500 + |
| Deer | Rifle | doe | Limited draw | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 49, 58, 501, 511 + |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited draw | Nov 18, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 501, 511 |
| Pronghorn | Archery | buck | Limited draw | Aug 15, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 49, 50, 58, 500 + |
| Pronghorn | Archery | doe | Limited draw | Sep 1, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 49, 50, 58, 500 + |
| Pronghorn | Muzzleloader | buck | Limited draw | Sep 21, 2026 | Sep 29, 2026 | 49, 50, 500, 501 |
| Pronghorn | Muzzleloader | doe | Limited draw | Sep 21, 2026 | Sep 29, 2026 | 49, 50, 500, 501 |
| Pronghorn | Rifle | buck | Limited draw | Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 11, 2026 | 49, 50, 58, 500 + |
| Pronghorn | Rifle | doe | Limited draw | Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 11, 2026 | 49, 50, 58, 500 + |
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 South Park Ranger District on the map
The list below starts with Eleven Mile STL, 8 miles away to the south. Six neighbours, by kind: 3 trust land parcels, 2 SWAs and 1 state park. Off limits to hunting close by: Badger Basin State Trust Land (CPW lists no hunting), Badger Basin State Wildlife Area (CPW lists no hunting) and Knight-Imler State Wildlife Area (Fishing Easement) (CPW lists no hunting).
| Place | Type | Acres | County | Straight line | Which way |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eleven Mile STL | State trust land | 2,887 | Park | 8 miles | south |
| Badger Flats STL | State trust land | 3,570 | Park | 9 miles | southeast |
| Spinney Mountain State Park | State park | 3,990 | Park | 10 miles | southwest |
| Charlie Meyers SWA | SWA | 1,082 | Park | 10 miles | south |
| Tarryall Reservoir SWA | SWA | 711 | Park | 10 miles | northwest |
| Mud Springs STL | State trust land | 640 | Park | 11 miles | west |
Point: CPW Hunting Atlas Land Management (COMaP) Forest Service polygons inside the USFS EDW Ranger Districts 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 South Park Ranger District
The pin sits at 39.0992, -105.5308.
point from CPW Hunting Atlas Land Management (COMaP) Forest Service polygons inside the USFS EDW Ranger Districts boundary (polygon centroid of the largest part); checked November 5, 2026.
South Park Ranger District in its forest
The parent forest is Pike National Forest.
| County | Acres (EDW) |
|---|---|
| Park County | 441,923 |
| Teller County | 15,855 |
From the agency source, USFS EDW Lands Area Statistics; checked November 5, 2026.
Shooting-light table for South Park Ranger District
The sun rises about twenty minutes later at Grand Junction than at Burlington, so use the times worked out for South Park Ranger District.
| Date | Season point | Sunrise | Sunset | Big game | Birds and small game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 15, 2026 | Pronghorn bow opener | 6:15 a.m. | 8:00 p.m. | 5:45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. | 5:45 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. |
| Sep 2, 2026 | Archery opener | 6:32 a.m. | 7:34 p.m. | 6:02 a.m. to 8:04 p.m. | 6:02 a.m. to 7:34 p.m. |
| Sep 12, 2026 | Muzzleloader opens | 6:40 a.m. | 7:18 p.m. | 6:10 a.m. to 7:48 p.m. | 6:10 a.m. to 7:18 p.m. |
| Oct 3, 2026 | Duck season opens | 6:59 a.m. | 6:44 p.m. | 6:29 a.m. to 7:14 p.m. | 6:29 a.m. to 6:44 p.m. |
| Oct 24, 2026 | Second rifle opens | 7:21 a.m. | 6:13 p.m. | 6:51 a.m. to 6:43 p.m. | 6:51 a.m. to 6:13 p.m. |
| Nov 23, 2026 | Lion season opens | 6:54 a.m. | 4:45 p.m. | 6:24 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. | 6:24 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. |
| Dec 21, 2026 | Shortest day | 7:18 a.m. | 4:43 p.m. | 6:48 a.m. to 5:13 p.m. | 6:48 a.m. to 4:43 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 South Park Ranger District
Gas, groceries and a motel bed: Hartsel is the nearest, 15 miles away. Cripple Creek tops the list for size, 1,122 people. Closest CPW office: Colorado Springs, 40 miles.
| Nearest towns | County | Population | Miles | Heading |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hartsel | Park | – | 15 miles | west |
| Westcreek | Douglas | – | 20 miles | east |
| Fairplay | Park | 755 | 27 miles | west |
| Midland | Teller | – | 27 miles | southeast |
| Cripple Creek | Teller | 1,122 | 31 miles | southeast |
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.
South Park Ranger District country in pictures
South Park Ranger District (Pike National Forest) hunters: public range plus clubs
For a no-dues line, South Park Ranger District (Pike National Forest) hunters head 23 miles to Park County 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.
South Park Ranger District in brief, question by question
Which seasons matter on South Park Ranger District?
Agency sources name deer, pronghorn and elk.
Which unit should my license be for on South Park Ranger District?
GMU 49, GMU 50, GMU 58, GMU 500, GMU 501, GMU 511 and GMU 581; GMU lines follow roads and ridges, so check the map near a line.
Are there antler point restrictions on South Park Ranger District?
Bulls must meet the antler point rule in GMU 511 and GMU 581. If your rifle elk code is selected, test the elk (free) when it comes from GMU 49, GMU 50, GMU 58, GMU 500 and GMU 501.
Can I buy an elk license over the counter for South Park Ranger District?
Only for some hunts. 4 OTC elk rows reach these GMUs, archery among them (OTC, residents).
Who looks after wildlife on South Park Ranger District?
Reach CPW Colorado Springs Office in Colorado Springs, (719) 227-5200 (40 miles away).
Which town makes the best base for South Park Ranger District?
Hartsel, about 15 miles away in a straight line.
May I use food lures for bear on South Park Ranger District?
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 South Park Ranger District?
Required for firearm big game; mesh is legal, camouflage orange is not.
Which official page should I bookmark for South Park Ranger District?
USDA Forest Service publishes it: official page.
How early may a rifle hunter shoot on South Park Ranger District?
For deer and elk, 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 after sunset; around Park County on November 7, 2026 about 6:06 a.m. to 5:27 p.m.
How many acres are listed for South Park Ranger District in the agency count?
457,778 acres on the agency count.
What documents must I carry on South Park Ranger District?
Your Colorado license for the unit and season. No access fee is listed for hunting.
What counties does South Park Ranger District reach into?
Inside Park County and Teller County.
South Park Ranger District: double-check list
Saw poaching on South Park Ranger District? 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: NPS Photo (Public domain); ShenandoahNPS (Public domain); USFWS Mountain Prairie (Public domain).