Unit 103

Sand Creek and Bonny Creek provide the primary drainage corridors running through the unit, offering navigation guides and the best chance for water and shade. Bonny Reservoir and Hale Ponds serve as reliable water sources and glassing landmarks in otherwise open country. The Hale Ditch and aqueduct system are visible infrastructure features useful for orientation.

These reservoirs are significant water features in an otherwise limited-water landscape, making them tactical focal points for both wildlife and hunter movement. Armknecht and Beaver creeks are secondary drainages worth scouting for seasonal water and habitat concentration.

This is low-elevation plains country sitting entirely below 4,000 feet, characteristic of Colorado's northeastern grasslands. The landscape is predominantly short-grass prairie with minimal tree cover—sparse cottonwood draws along drainages and scattered timber breaks provide the only relief. Vegetation is adapted to semi-arid conditions: bunch grasses, rabbitbrush, and yucca dominate the open country.

The lack of elevation change means habitat remains consistent across the unit rather than transitioning through zones. This is working rangeland—combination of public grasslands and private grazing country.

The road network is well-developed with 194 miles of maintained roads providing straightforward access throughout the unit. U.S. 36 and U.S. 385 bracket the unit, making entry simple. This accessibility means the unit sees regular hunting pressure, though the open nature of the terrain makes solitude difficult regardless.

Most pressure concentrates near water sources and around the reservoirs. The connected road system allows efficient scouting and quick repositioning, but it also means other hunters can access the same country easily. Early-season and off-peak timing offer the best chance for quieter hunting.

Unit 103 occupies the northeastern corner of Yuma County, bordered by U.S. 36 to the north (Kansas state line), U.S. 385 to the west, and the Kit Carson–Yuma County line to the south. The unit sits in the high plains region where Colorado transitions to the Kansas border. The terrain is straightforward and relatively compact by high-plains standards, with no significant elevation change across the unit.

Access points are logical: U.S. 36 and U.S. 385 provide clear entry corridors, with interior roads connecting to the main highways.

Water is the limiting factor in this unit. Bonny Creek and Sand Creek are the main drainages, though flow is often intermittent or limited outside of runoff seasons. Bonny Reservoir is the largest reliable water source, followed by Hale Ponds and O'Brien Reservoir.

The Hale Ditch system provides irrigation infrastructure that can influence wildlife movement patterns. Beaver Creek and Landsman Creek are smaller draws that may hold water seasonally. Hunting strategy here must account for dry stretches—water sources will concentrate game, particularly in late season.

Scout reservoirs and ditch systems before the hunt.

Unit 103 is pronghorn and mule deer country first, with white-tailed deer present in creek bottoms and draws. Elk and moose are possible but uncommon at these low elevations and open conditions. Pronghorn hunting relies on glassing open prairie and stalking to water sources—Bonny Reservoir and the main creek drainages are key.

Mule deer concentrate in the sparse timber breaks and along drainages; early morning and evening glassing from roads or high points can locate them. White-tailed deer inhabit the cottonwood draws along Sand and Bonny creeks. Mountain lion and bear are present but rarely encountered.

Success depends on patient glassing, understanding wind in open country, and locating animals near water.