Unit 93

Sand Creek and its associated reservoir anchor the southern portion of the unit and provide reliable water and landmark navigation. The North Fork and South Fork Frenchman Creek drainages cut through the territory, creating shallow valleys and draws that focus wildlife movement. Cole Ditch runs through the unit and serves as a secondary water source and orientation reference.

Marks Butte rises as a low prominence useful for navigation and orientation from distance. Sand Draw and smaller tributary valleys offer travel corridors and cover that contrast with the open prairie. These features are subtle but critical for navigation in otherwise uniform grassland.

Elevation ranges from roughly 3,400 to 4,400 feet across gently rolling terrain. This is open prairie and agricultural grassland with minimal forest cover—mostly short grass and mid-grass prairie interspersed with cultivated fields and pastureland. Vegetation is sparse and low-growing, typical of the high plains ecosystem.

Sandy and rocky soils support native grasses and sparse shrub cover, particularly in draws and undisturbed areas. The landscape offers excellent visibility for glassing and spotting from distance. Vegetation greens up with spring moisture and cures by late summer into dormant tan prairie.

The unit features extensive road networks—nearly 2,000 miles total—reflecting the agricultural character and ranch infrastructure throughout the region. County roads and ranch roads provide good access to most areas. However, most land is privately owned, requiring landowner permission to hunt.

Access pressure typically concentrates along public rights-of-way and near major drainages where private access agreements exist. The flat terrain and connected road system mean hunters can cover large distances efficiently, but the small percentage of public land limits real estate options. Opening weekend sees pressure along I-76 and U.S. 6 corridors where day-use access is possible.

GMU 93 occupies the northeast corner of Colorado, spanning portions of Logan, Sedgwick, and Phillips counties. The unit is bounded on the north by I-76 and the Nebraska state line, on the south by U.S. 6, and on the west by I-76, creating a rectangular block of high plains country. The region sits at the transition between Wyoming grasslands and Colorado's front range foothills.

Population centers like Haxtun and Fleming provide supply and staging points. The unit's location along major highway corridors means hunting pressure can concentrate during opening seasons.

Water is limited but concentrated in reliable locations. Sand Creek and Sand Creek Reservoir represent the primary water feature in the unit—a perennial source that draws game across surrounding grassland. The Frenchman Creek system (north and south forks) provides secondary drainage and seasonal water availability.

Johnson Spring and Coyote Spring offer localized water sources where present. During wet periods, isolated ponds and stock tanks supplement these major features. Late-season hunting becomes water-dependent; animals concentrate near reliable sources as smaller seeps and temporary water disappear.

Understanding which water sources hold through different seasons is critical for hunting strategy.

GMU 93 supports populations of mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, elk, moose, mountain lion, and black bear, though abundance varies seasonally and by drainage. The flat grassland offers excellent long-range spotting opportunities—glass from elevated points overlooking drainages and creek bottoms where animals concentrate, especially during heat or pressure. Pronghorn migrate through the unit and respond well to glassing from distance and strategic stalking across open country.

Deer and elk use creek drainages as cover corridors and staging areas; focus effort near Sand Creek and Frenchman Creek systems where riparian vegetation provides food and security. Early season hunting capitalizes on animals in open grassland; late season pressure deer and elk toward water and remaining green vegetation. Water-dependency increases as summer moisture fades, making creek bottoms and reservoirs primary focus areas.