Hunting

Curecanti is part of six game management units. Hunters are responsible for knowing the boundaries of their unit. Visit the Colorado hunting atlas for more information.

Park Regulations

  • A valid Colorado State hunting license is required.
  • Shooting from vehicles is illegal.
  • Hunters must wear fluorescent orange including a head covering.
  • It is illegal to abandon wounded animals or to remove only parts of a carcass.
  • Hunters are responsible for knowing all regulations before hunting.
  • Hunters must be a minimum of 100 yards away from any road, trail, campground, picnic area, facility, or other developed area to discharge a weapon. Use map to see areas closed to hunting.
  • Do not shoot toward, across, or from any visitor use area.
  • The discharge of a weapon from, towards, or across the frozen surface of the main body of Blue Mesa Reservoir is prohibited. This restriction does not apply to the area upstream of the "no wake" buoys in Soap Creek, West Elk, Lake Fork, and Cebolla arms.
  • Bears may frequent campgrounds. Proper food/trash storage is required.

Restricted Areas

Elk Creek to Lake City Bridge (hwy149)

Lake City Bridge (hwy149) to Neversink

May 1-
Sept 30

ONLY shotguns for bird/small game; bows for big game

ONLY shotguns for bird/small game; bows for big game

Oct 1-
April 30

All legal methods permitted for all species in accordance with state law

ONLY shotgun/rifle for bird/small game; bows for big gameCampgrounds

Campgrounds

Campgrounds with trash pickup, vault toilets, fire grates, and picnic tables are available at Elk Creek, Dry Gulch, Red Creek, Cimarron, and Ponderosa. Water is typically not available past mid-September.

Horse Use

Horses may be used on the Dillon Pinnacles trail to access the West Elk Wilderness north of Curecanti. Horse corrals are located at Dry Gulch and Ponderosa campgrounds. Picketing, hobbling or tying livestock to natural features such as trees is prohibited. All hay utilized in Curecanti must be certified as weed free in compliance with Gunnison County standards.

OHV/ATV Regulations

Off-road vehicle (OHV) travel is prohibited. All-terrain vehicles are permitted below high water line of Blue Mesa Reservoir where access is by road. All-terrain vehicles are allowed at the following campgrounds only for the purpose of accessing Forest Service roads during big game hunting season: East Elk Creek Groupsite, Red Creek, and Ponderosa. Other use on park roads is prohibited.

Be Safe During Hunting Season

  • Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
  • Have a map and compass and know how to use them.
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions and emergencies; carry a survival kit.
  • Beware of elevation changes and carry plenty of water.
  • Be extra cautious of other hunters, hikers and recreation area users.
  • Be careful with fires; extinguish campfires completely.
  • Report all accidents and illegal hunting activity to a park ranger.
 

Last updated: May 21, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

102 Elk Creek
Gunnison, CO 81230

Phone:

970 641-2337 x205
This phone is not monitored when the building is closed. If you are having an emergency, call 911.

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