Unit 147

Window Rock and Picture Window provide distinctive geological markers useful for orientation on the open plains. Trinchera Falls marks a significant water feature in Trinchera Creek drainage. Heart Rock pillar serves as a navigational reference point.

The spring system—Million Dollar Water Hole, Barriet Spring, Rail O Spring, and others—represents critical water caches in this limited-water unit. Major canyon systems including Barriet, Lost, Sandoval, and Whitewater canyons funnel game movement and provide glassing vantage points. O V Mesa anchors the higher terrain and offers panoramic views for spotting.

These features create a usable mental map for hunters planning water strategy and movement corridors.

The unit spans shortgrass prairie and pinyon-juniper woodland without high-elevation complexity. Lower valleys support sparse grassland typical of southeastern Colorado's semi-arid plains, while ridges and mesa tops support scattered pinyon, juniper, and ponderosa in an open, park-like arrangement. Vegetation is predominantly low-cover species adapted to limited moisture.

This isn't dense forest country—you're looking at open terrain where long-range glassing is viable from higher points. The relatively low and moderate elevation keeps snow minimal during most seasons, though higher canyon rims can see seasonal moisture.

The unit has 131 miles of roads but sparse density means access is somewhat limited and concentrated. The western boundary adjoins the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site, which restricts entry from that direction. Most hunting pressure channels through accessible entry points off Highway 160 and established drainage access.

The limited road network means most hunters stick to canyon bottoms near reliable water, leaving the open ridges and mesa tops less pressured if you're willing to hike. The straightforward terrain (complexity 4.2/10) makes navigation manageable for foot traffic, which is your advantage in finding solitude. Plan your entry point carefully—the limited road network creates natural funnels.

This Las Animas County GMU occupies the transitional country between the high plains and the Sangre de Cristo foothills. The northern boundary follows the Las Animas-Otero County line, while the eastern edge traces the Purgatoire River and Chacuaco Creek drainage. Highway 160 forms the southern boundary, and the western edge runs along San Francisco Creek and the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site—a significant feature affecting access patterns.

The unit sits between roughly 4,300 and 5,800 feet, placing it firmly in lower-elevation pronghorn and deer country with elk using higher ridge systems seasonally.

Water is the limiting factor in this unit. The Purgatoire River and its major tributaries—Trinchera Creek, Chacuaco Creek, and Salt Creek—represent reliable sources but are concentrated in canyon bottoms. Between creeks, hunting pressure often centers on the scattered springs: Million Dollar Water Hole, Barriet Spring, Rail O Spring, and Surratt Spring among others.

Early season can leave some springs intermittent, so verification before committing to a drainage is essential. The arroyos (Taylor, Lockwood, and others) provide seasonal runoff but shouldn't be counted as reliable. Understanding the spring network is critical to hunting effectively away from canyon bottoms where pressure concentrates.

This unit hunts for mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, and seasonal elk with black bears and mountain lions present. Mule deer and pronghorn are core species in the open, lower-elevation terrain. Early season finds deer in high country on mesa tops before cooling weather pushes them toward canyons and water.

Pronghorn utilize the open plains year-round, requiring long-range glassing and careful stalking through sparse cover. Elk are transient—present in fall during migration between the Sangre de Cristos and lower foothills, concentrating near water and canyon breaks. Hunt the springs and canyon systems for waterhole activity, but don't overlook the open ridges during early season.

Water locations drive late-season movements, so scouts the spring network thoroughly before hunt dates.