Unit 114

Willow Spring and West Sevenmile Creek anchor the unit's limited water features and serve as navigation points during planning. Hugo and Wareland, small communities on the unit's margins, function as reference landmarks and resupply bases. The North-South county roads and major highways (I-70, U.S. 40) provide clear boundary references for orientation.

Given the open, rolling terrain with minimal distinct features, GPS and topographic mapping are essential tools. Landmarks are few, so navigation relies on understanding road networks and following terrain contours across the plains.

The entire unit sits in a narrow elevation band between roughly 4,500 and 5,600 feet, characteristic of Colorado's eastern plains. Vegetation is primarily shortgrass prairie with scattered brush and extremely limited tree cover. The landscape is fundamentally open—rolling rather than rugged, with gentle terrain that appears deceptive when hunting on foot.

Sagebrush and native grasses dominate, interspersed with agricultural lands. This is not forested country; hunters should expect expansive views and minimal cover, making glassing and long-range movement the default hunting approach.

Over 520 miles of roads thread through the unit, but density metrics are unavailable—likely indicating a mix of well-maintained ranch roads and rougher county routes. Major highways (I-70 and U.S. 40) provide highway access for staging, though direct access from these routes varies. The combination of open terrain and limited water naturally concentrates hunting pressure around reliable water sources and accessible road corridors.

Hunting pressure is lower than mountain units simply due to the terrain's straightforward nature and limited amenities. Strategic positioning away from main roads can reduce encounter likelihood despite the open country.

GMU 114 occupies the far eastern plains of Colorado, spanning Lincoln, Kit Carson, and Cheyenne counties. Interstate 70 forms the northern boundary, while U.S. 40 marks the southern and western edges. The eastern boundary runs along county roads (CRs 5, G, 6, A, GG, and 9) toward the Flagler-Wildhorse Road.

Towns like Hugo and Wareland serve as reference points and staging areas. The unit encompasses vast, open prairie typical of Colorado's high plains, with minimal developed infrastructure beyond agricultural access roads and ranch properties.

Water is the critical limiting factor in GMU 114. Willow Spring and West Sevenmile Creek represent the unit's primary water sources, but both are seasonal or limited in reliability. The plains environment receives minimal precipitation, and permanent water features are sparse. Hunters must plan movements around known springs and creek bottoms, particularly during early season when surface water is uncertain.

Late-season hunting becomes increasingly water-dependent. Understanding the location and condition of available water sources is fundamental to successful hunting strategy in this unit.

GMU 114 supports pronghorn, mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, moose, and mountain lion, though moose and lion seasons vary by year. The open plains favor pronghorn and mule deer hunts using glassing and stalking tactics across sagebrush and grassland. Elk and white-tailed deer occupy riparian areas near West Sevenmile Creek and other drainage bottoms where vegetation thickens.

Early season emphasizes water-source hunting and long-range glassing of open slopes. Rut activity (particularly pronghorn and deer) shifts animals' movement patterns. Late season requires concentrating on remaining reliable water and protected drainage corridors.

Success depends on mobility, patience with vast spaces, and disciplined water management.