Hunting Near Castle Rock, CO
 

Our cousins are moving to Castle Rock in Sept and we're going to go out to visit them next year. What DIY hunting opportunities are close? We would go out for a week for a family vacation but my son and I would like to try hunting for a day or two. Maybe pronghorn? Thanks.

Hunting around Castle Rock used to be really good. Problem is, so many people have moved into the general area that any real good hunting will be locked up by private property or leased by outfitters. Most of the front range and plains areas that are any good have been gobbled up and the regular hunter can no longer get access.

That being said, a 100 mile drive can get you into some really good mulie and elk country. Pronghorns can be difficult since most of them reside on private property and the outfitters have leased almost all of it. There is good public land pronghorn hunting around Craig but that is a pretty far drive from the Castle Rock area. The Pawnee National Grasslands used to be good but they get way too much pressure now. most the guys I know in CO that want pronghorns hunt WY.

Thanks for the reply. I'll have to investigate a little more. A little bit of a drive wouldn't be too bad.

I was thinking pronghorn as they are smaller and the tags aren't outrageous. I think elk would be a little much. Maybe a mule deer, I'll have to check out the tags.

If you are looking at deer might want to start getting pp for the future. If you plan a future hunt you can always use the vacations for a scouting trips. If you trout fish there is some really good areas about 45 to 90 minutes away on the platte.

I hunted a small private place NW of Castle Rock for several years, saw deer and elk. Too much development for safe shot! Gave it up several years ago. The whole area is getting too developed.
Dan

Doesn't sound too encouraging. :D

Still lots of good hunting to be had around Castle Rock and plenty of public land to do it on. I will be hunting antelope south of Castle Rock again this year, I have always found good hunting just south towards the Gorge.