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Hunting, Fishing and Shooting

The GMUG National Forests provide millions of acres of habitat, thousands of miles of streams and a variety of lakes and ponds. These beautiful places provide a great backdrop for hunting, fishing and recreational shooting.

Lake and Pond Fishing

The GMUG National Forests support many different species of trout and other game fish.  Cast your line from the bank or a boat for some fine fishing exploits. Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 970-247-0855 for information on seasons, licenses, restrictions and fish stocking reports

Hunting

Big game hunting draws hunters from just about every state to southwestern Colorado and to the GMUG National Forests. The major big-game species that live in the GMUG National Forests are mule deer, elk, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, moose, black bear and mountain lion. Game bird species include turkey, blue grouse, rock and mourning dove and various waterfowl species.

While the Forest Service does not sell hunting licenses, a license is required to hunt in Colorado. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife and local retailers sell licenses. Visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for more hunting information. 

Recreational and Target Shooting

Target shooting is a fun sport that is allowed on the GMUG National Forests under certain conditions:

According to the Code of Federal Regulations (title 36), recreational shooting can take place on the National Forests and Grasslands if:

  1. You are at least 150 yards from a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation area or occupied area.
  2. You are not shooting across or on a National Forest System Road or an adjacent body of water.
  3. You are not shooting into or within a cave.
  4. You are not shooting in any manner or place where any person, property or resource is exposed to injury or damage due to such discharge.
  5. You are not firing any tracer bullet or incendiary ammunition.

For recommended areas and additional information contact the local Ranger Districts.


For everyone's safety, please remember that ricochets can cause fires. Conditions in the forest can be dry at any time of year. When shooting firearms, please take safety precautions and be mindful that hot projectiles and sparks from ricochets can ignite fires in dry, grassy and brushy fuels.

Search for Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Opportunities

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Sheep Corrals Fishing Site

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Outdoor Science and Learning
This parking lot accesses fishing in the South Fork of the San Miguel River. Approximately 10 vehicles can park here. A restroom is available.

Silver Jack Campground - Ouray RD

Site Closed
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Silver Jack Campground has 60 campsites around three loops - Chipeta, Ouray and Sapinero. Each loop is heavily wooded with Aspen and a few spruce trees and an understory of tall grass and…

Silver Jack Fisherman Access

Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Silver Jack Fisherman Access is a parking lot to access Silver Jack Reservoir. A natural surface boat launch is at end of the access road. Depending on the reservoir water level, walk-in boat…

Silver Jack Shoreline #129

Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Horse Riding and Camping
The Silver Jack Shoreline Trail #129 begins near the East Fork inlet of the Cimarron River and follows the shoreline of the Silver Jack Reservoir.  This trail provides access to some great fishing…

Sink Creek #861

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Biking
The Sink Creek Trail #861 begins at the Throughline Trailhead on Forest Service Road #814 and ends at an intersection with the Curecanti Trail #870. It offers the shortest route to the West Elk…

Skyline #465

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
The Skyline Trail #465 begins at the Eddiesville Trailhead and ends at the Tumble Creek Trailhead.  It travels most of its length in the La Garita Wilderness where Wilderness Regulations apply.…

Spring Creek #116

Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Biking Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
The Spring Creek Trail #116 begins at the end of Forest Service Road #402.9A, Spring Creek Trailhead Road, and ends near the National Forest Boundary at Forest Service Road #536, Spring Creek Road.…

Last updated March 25th, 2025