Unit 113

Nelson Lake and Kinney Lake provide notable water references and potential glassing vantage points across the flatter terrain. Schafer Reservoir and Clingingsmith Number 2 offer additional water features worth scouting early in the season. Sevenmile Creek and Coon Creek run as drainage corridors through the unit—these follow natural funnels where wildlife concentrates and serve as practical navigation references.

Schoolhouse Gulch and Folger Gulch provide elevation and cover relief in otherwise open country. Lofdahl Springs marks a reliable water source in this water-limited unit. These features help hunters establish reference points in terrain that can feel uniform at first glance.

Elevations stay entirely in the lower reaches—roughly 4,500 to 5,300 feet—placing the unit squarely in plains and lower foothill country. The vegetation is sparse according to the data, meaning open grassland dominates with scattered pockets of ponderosa pine and juniper rather than forest coverage. What timber exists tends to cluster in draws and along water courses.

The open terrain allows for extensive glassing across the grassland, while the scattered timber provides transition habitat and cover for wildlife moving through the country. This is not high-country hunting; expect mostly exposed country with seasonal green-up that drives pronghorn and deer distribution.

The unit maintains over 250 miles of roads with fair connectivity, meaning most country is reasonably accessible by vehicle from Highway 40 and local county roads. This level of access suggests moderate pressure during season, particularly early on when pronghorn hunting is prime. The open terrain means private land boundaries and access restrictions matter significantly—verify public land access before planning.

The straightforward topography and road network mean most hunters can reach primary habitat without extensive hiking, so expect competition in accessible areas. Pressure typically concentrates near major roads and known water sources; hunting further from roads and exploring marginal terrain reduces encounters.

Unit 113 occupies the northeastern corner of Colorado's front range region, bounded by US Highway 40 to the north, County Road 8 to the east, Colorado 94 to the south, and County Primary 109 to the west. The unit spans parts of Lincoln and Cheyenne counties and encompasses the small communities of Clifford and Boyero. This is high plains country—not mountainous terrain but rather the rolling, open landscape where the Front Range transitions into the eastern Colorado prairie.

The simplicity of the boundary and straightforward topography make navigation and route planning relatively uncomplicated for hunters.

Water is the limiting factor here. The unit supports scattered reservoirs and springs rather than reliable perennial streams, making water scouting essential before opening day. Nelson Lake, Kinney Lake, and Schafer Reservoir offer reliable water sources if access is available.

Lofdahl Springs and Sevenmile Creek provide supplemental options. Coon Creek may hold water seasonally depending on conditions. The spacing of water sources means successful hunts often revolve around proximity to known sources—both for your camp logistics and for understanding where wildlife will concentrate during dry periods.

Early season can see water shortages on the plains; later season may improve.

Unit 113 supports mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, and potentially elk and moose in the lower plains habitat. The sparse timber and open grassland favor pronghorn hunting, particularly early season when visibility is maximum across the plains. Mule deer use the scattered draws and timber pockets; focus there during midday when they seek shade.

White-tailed deer frequent drainage bottoms and any brush cover. Elk are possible but rare this low and exposed; target any timber blocks or creek bottoms where they might stage. Water source hunting can be effective—glass reservoirs and springs from distance during early morning and evening.

The simple terrain and open country reward hunters who glass extensively rather than those who hike high ridges; use optics to locate game from afar, then stalk accordingly.