Whether you’re a first-timer trying to figure out preference points or a seasoned hunter optimizing your draw strategy, this Colorado hunting guide covers:
- License costs and season dates in simple tables you can actually use
- Species breakdowns for elk, deer, moose, bear, and everything else
- Where to hunt without fighting crowds on public land
Quick reminder: CPW is your official source for regulations. Things change, so double-check before you hunt. Now let’s talk numbers.
Quick Overview: Season Dates, Colorado Hunting Licenses, and Regulations
Colorado’s licensing system hits you with qualifying licenses, species tags, habitat stamps, and application fees. Non-residents get sticker shock fast. Residents get a sweet deal but still need to play the preference point game smart. New hunters, listen up: you need a “qualifying license” before you can even apply for big-game draws, and hunter education is required if you were born after January 1, 1949.
Colorado Hunting License Costs (2026-2027)
| License Type | Description | Resident Cost | Non-Resident Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Habitat Stamp (Ages 18–64) | Required for all hunters | $12.47 | $12.47 |
| Qualifying License (Annual Small Game) | Required to apply for big-game draw | $36.68 | $102 |
| Big Game Draw Application Fee (Per species) | Fee for each species application | $8.00 | $11.00 |
| Youth Qualifying License (Under 18) | Reduced rate for youth hunters | $1.50 | $1.50 |
| Elk (Bull or Either-sex) | Elk hunting license | $66.12 | $825.03 |
| Elk Preference Point | Annual point purchase | $18.45 | $126.18 |
| Deer | Deer hunting license | $49.15 | $494.47 |
| Deer Preference Point | Annual point purchase | $18.45 | $126.18 |
| Pronghorn | Pronghorn hunting license | $47.91 | $494.47 |
| Pronghorn Preference Point | Annual point purchase | $18.45 | $126.18 |
| Black Bear | Bear hunting license | $60.05 | $294.75 |
| Bear Preference Point | Annual point purchase | $18.45 | $61.46 |
| Turkey (Spring/Fall) | Turkey hunting license | $30–$36 | $188.86 |
| Turkey Preference Point | Annual point purchase | $19.21 | $126.49 |
| Moose/Sheep/Goat | Premium species license | $300.00 | $2,758.49 |
| Weighted Point Fee (Moose/Sheep/Goat) | Optional point purchase | $50.00 | $100.00 |
All fees include a 25-cent search-and-rescue fee and $1.50 for the Wildlife Education Fund.
Colorado runs staggered seasons with archery, muzzleloader, and rifle periods spread across different dates. The 2025-2029 Big Game Season Structure is live now, and it brought some changes that’ll affect your hunting plans.
⚠️ HEADS UP FOR NON-RESIDENTS: You can’t buy over-the-counter archery elk licenses for GMUs west of I-25 and GMU 140 anymore. These are draw-only now. The Parks and Wildlife Commission made this change because of overcrowding issues.
Season dates shift based on species and weapon type, with the main draw application deadline hitting April 7, 2026.
Colorado Hunting Season Dates (2026-2027)
Big Game Species:
| Species | Season Type | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elk | Archery | Sept 2 | Sept 30 |
| Elk | Muzzleloader | Sept 12 | Sept 20 |
| Elk | Rifle S1 | Oct 14 | Oct 18 |
| Elk | Rifle S2 | Oct 24 | Nov 1 |
| Elk | Rifle S3 | Nov 7 | Nov 15 |
| Elk | Rifle S4 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 |
| Deer | Archery | Sept 2 | Sept 30 |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | Sept 12 | Sept 20 |
| Deer | Rifle S2 | Oct 24 | Nov 1 |
| Deer | Rifle S3 | Nov 7 | Nov 15 |
| Deer | Rifle S4 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 |
| Moose | Archery | Sept 5 | Sept 30 |
| Moose | Muzzleloader | Sept 12 | Sept 20 |
| Moose | Rifle (Antlered/Antlerless) | Sept 30 | Oct 13 |
| Pronghorn | Archery | Aug 14 | Sept 19 |
| Pronghorn | Muzzleloader | Sept 20 | Sept 28 |
| Pronghorn | Rifle | Oct 3 | Oct 11 |
| Bear | Archery/Rifle | Sept 2 | Sept 30 |
| Bear | Muzzleloader | Sept 12 | Sept 20 |
| Bear | PLO (Private Land Only) | Sept 1 | Nov 22 |
| Mountain Lion | Spring | April 1 | April 30, 2026 |
| Mountain Lion | Fall/Winter | Nov 23, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 |
Turkey, Upland Game & Waterfowl:
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | Spring | April 11 – May 31 | 2 bearded |
| Turkey | Fall | Sept 1 – Oct 30 | 1 either-sex |
| Turkey | Late Fall | Dec 15 – Jan 15, 2027 | 1 either-sex |
| Dove (Mourning/White-wing) | Regular | Sept 1 – Nov 28 | 15 daily |
| Quail | Regular | Nov 7 – Jan 31, 2027 | 8 daily |
| Pheasant | Regular | Nov 7 – Jan 31, 2027 | 3 roosters daily |
| Grouse (Dusky, Sharp-tailed, Chukar) | Regular | Sept 1 start | Varies |
| Sage Grouse | Limited | Sept 12 – Sept 18 | Limited |
| Teal (Early) | Special | Sept 12 – Sept 20 | 6 daily |
| Ducks & Coots | Segment 1 | Oct 3 – Nov 29 | Varies by flyway |
| Ducks & Coots | Segment 2 | Dec 24 – Jan 30, 2027 | Varies by flyway |
| Dark Goose | Regular | Nov 2 – Feb 14, 2027 | Varies |
| Light Goose | Regular | Oct 31 – Feb 14, 2027 | Varies |
| Light Goose | Conservation Order | Feb 15 – April 30, 2027 | No limit |
| Sandhill Crane | Limited | Oct 3 – Nov 29 | Limited |
| Cottontail | Regular | Sept 1 – Jan 30, 2027 | |
| Squirrel | Regular | Oct 3 – Jan 30, 2027 | |
| Year-Round Species | No closed season | Coyote, Badger, Skunk, Raccoon, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Starling |
Tired of researching draw odds and fighting crowds on public land? You’re not alone. Most hunters spend more time planning than actually hunting. That’s why we created Hunting Locator—to connect you directly with private landowners who offer hunting access. Skip the public land circus entirely. We’ll dive into Colorado hunting leases later, but first, let’s break down each species.
Colorado Elk Hunting
Colorado has the biggest elk herd in North America. These animals were nearly wiped out in the early 1900s, but conservation efforts and hunter funding brought them back strong. Now we’ve got over 300,000 hunters chasing deer, elk, and pronghorn every year. The White River National Forest holds some of the most productive elk habitat on the planet, making Colorado the go-to destination for elk hunters everywhere.
Want the full elk hunting playbook? Check out our complete Colorado elk hunting guide.
Colorado Elk Hunting Seasons
Archery Season (September 2–30): Twenty-nine days of hunting during peak bugling season. Bulls are fired up and responding to calls, but here’s the catch—non-residents can’t buy over-the-counter archery elk tags for GMUs west of I-25 and GMU 140 anymore. These units are draw-only now. Non-residents can still hunt OTC archery elk in some units east of I-25.
Muzzleloader Season (September 12–20): Nine days overlapping with archery season, putting you in the woods during prime bugling time. Muzzleloader licenses are limited, so you’re entering the draw system for this one.
Rifle Seasons: Colorado spreads rifle hunting across four periods to manage pressure. S1 (October 14–18) usually has lighter pressure and requires limited licenses through the lottery. S2 (October 24–November 1) is popular—eight days during prime fall weather. S3 (November 7–15) brings cooler temps and potentially continued rut activity. S4 (November 18–22) can be brutal weather-wise but offers great hunting if you’re tough enough.
Non-residents pay $825.03 for elk tags, whether it’s a bull or cow, making draw strategy crucial.
Colorado Elk Hunting Regulations
Always check current regs with CPW since rules change by GMU and license type:
- Non-resident OTC Changes: No more over-the-counter archery elk licenses for non-residents in GMUs west of I-25 and GMU 140—these are draw-only now
- Qualifying License Required: You need a qualifying hunting license to apply for big-game draws
- CWD Testing: CPW might require mandatory CWD test samples from elk harvested during specific hunt codes
- Group Hunting: Any number of people can hunt elk together in a group
- License Verification: Check your physical license and the Colorado Big Game Brochure for exact hunting dates and legal hours
Colorado Deer Hunting
Colorado serves up incredible mule deer and whitetail hunting from high alpine basins to eastern plains grasslands. Colorado deer hunting includes limited licenses through primary and secondary draws for archery, rifle, and muzzleloader, plus over-the-counter licenses for certain units. The state’s deer populations offer both trophy opportunities and solid meat hunting.
Get the complete deer hunting strategy in our detailed Colorado deer hunting guide.
Colorado Deer Hunting Seasons
Archery Season (September 2–30): Twenty-nine days targeting deer when bucks are still running in bachelor groups and starting pre-rut behavior. Longest season with moderate pressure—good opportunity for patient bowhunters.
Muzzleloader Season (September 12–20): Overlaps with archery season, giving primitive weapon hunters access during prime early-season conditions. Most muzzleloader licenses require the draw.
Rifle Seasons: Deer rifle seasons follow the elk structure minus S1. S2 (October 24–November 1) hits during peak mule deer rut activity. S3 (November 7–15) continues rut action with changing weather. S4 (November 18–22) offers late-season hunting in tough conditions but concentrated deer movement.
Notice deer hunting skips the first rifle season (S1)—that’s elk-only.
Colorado Deer Hunting Regulations
Key rules for deer hunting:
- Draw Requirements: Premium deer units need limited licenses through the draw system
- CWD Testing: CPW requires mandatory CWD test samples from deer harvested during rifle seasons in specific hunt codes
- Group Hunting: Any number of people can hunt deer together
- Qualifying License: All big-game draw applicants need a qualifying hunting license
- License Verification: Always check your physical license for exact dates, bag limits, and unit restrictions
Colorado Moose Hunting
Colorado moose hunting is about as exclusive as it gets for big game. Moose licenses are extremely limited and only available through the draw system—this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime hunt for most people. Colorado’s moose population has grown steadily, creating sustainable hunting opportunities in select Game Management Units.
Master moose hunting tactics in our Colorado moose hunting season guide.
Colorado Moose Hunting Seasons
Archery Season (September 5–30): Twenty-six days of archery hunting during early fall when moose are active and accessible. Longest season available.
Muzzleloader Season (September 12–20): Nine days overlapping with archery, giving primitive weapon hunters access during prime conditions.
Rifle Season (September 30–October 13): Fourteen days for both antlered and antlerless moose during peak fall conditions when they’re preparing for winter.
All moose licenses are limited and require successful draw applications. Residents pay $300 while non-residents pay $2,758.49 for moose licenses.
Colorado Moose Hunting Regulations
Moose hunting comes with specific requirements:
- Draw Only: All moose licenses are limited and awarded only through draws
- Harvest Requirements: All moose harvests must complete a questionnaire and have inspection within five working days
- Tooth Extraction: A tooth gets extracted from harvested moose for aging
- Weighted Points: Buy weighted points for $50 (residents) or $100 (non-residents) to boost draw odds
- Unit Restrictions: Moose hunting is limited to specific GMUs with established populations
Colorado Pronghorn Hunting
Colorado’s Eastern Plains deliver excellent pronghorn hunting, and these speed demons offer a completely different challenge than mountain hunting. Pronghorn hunting combines spot-and-stalk techniques with long-range shooting skills, making it a favorite for hunters wanting something different from the typical elk and deer experience.
Learn pronghorn hunting tactics in our Colorado pronghorn hunting guide.
Colorado Pronghorn Hunting Seasons
Archery Season (August 14–September 19): Over a month of hunting during late summer and early fall. Hot weather and open terrain make this challenging but rewarding for dedicated bowhunters.
Muzzleloader Season (September 20–28): Nine days as temperatures start cooling and pronghorn behavior shifts toward fall patterns.
Rifle Season (October 3–11): Nine days during ideal fall weather when pronghorn are grouped up and active.
Colorado Pronghorn Hunting Regulations
Important rules for pronghorn hunters:
- Draw System: Most pronghorn licenses require successful draw applications
- Eastern Plains Focus: The Eastern Plains are known for pronghorn, turkey, and waterfowl
- Group Hunting: Any number of people can hunt pronghorn together
- License Costs: Residents pay $47.91 while non-residents pay $494.47
- Open Terrain: Most pronghorn hunting happens on private land or accessible public areas
Colorado Black Bear Hunting
Colorado offers some of the West’s best black bear hunting, with healthy populations and generous seasons. All archery, muzzleloader and rifle bear licenses sold over the counter are unlimited, making bear hunting accessible without preference points.
Learn bear hunting techniques in our Colorado black bear hunting guide.
Colorado Black Bear Hunting Seasons
Archery/Rifle Season (September 2–30): Twenty-nine days during early fall when bears are actively feeding before winter. Both archery and rifle hunting allowed during this period.
Muzzleloader Season (September 12–20): Overlaps with the main season, giving muzzleloader hunters access during prime bear activity.
Private Land Only (PLO) Season (September 1–November 22): Extended season for private land access, spanning nearly three months. Great opportunity for landowners and lessees.
Colorado Black Bear Hunting Regulations
Bear hunting regulations focus on safety and conservation:
- Over-the-Counter Available: Colorado bear hunting licenses include over-the-counter rifle bear licenses with unlimited numbers
- Add-On Licenses: Limited add-on bear licenses available if you’re also hunting deer or elk
- Private Land Extended Season: PLO licenses provide extended hunting on private property
- Safety Requirements: Bears require proper shot placement and tracking skills
- Baiting Prohibited: Bear baiting isn’t legal in Colorado
Colorado Mountain Lion Hunting
Mountain lion hunting in Colorado provides one of the most challenging and rewarding big-game experiences you can have. These cats are incredibly elusive and require specialized hunting techniques, often involving hounds and experienced guides. Colorado maintains healthy lion populations while providing hunting opportunities across two distinct seasons.
Master advanced lion hunting in our Colorado mountain lion hunting guide.
Colorado Mountain Lion Hunting Seasons
Spring Season (April 1–30, 2026): Thirty days during late winter/early spring when snow might help with tracking and lions are active.
Fall/Winter Season (November 23, 2026–March 31, 2027): Extended season spanning over four months, providing the main hunting opportunity when tracking conditions are optimal and lions are most active.
Colorado Mountain Lion Hunting Regulations
Mountain lion hunting involves specific requirements:
- Limited Licenses: All mountain lion licenses are limited and require draw applications
- Hound Hunting: Most successful lion hunting involves trained hounds and experienced guides
- Harvest Reporting: All lion harvests require immediate reporting and inspection
- Unit Quotas: Each GMU has specific lion quotas that close the season when reached
- Specialized Equipment: Lion hunting requires specialized gear and tracking skills
Colorado Minor Game Species Hunting
Colorado’s minor game species provide excellent opportunities for hunters seeking variety, skill development, and extended seasons. These species often require different techniques and equipment while offering accessible hunting for beginners and families.
Colorado Turkey Hunting Information
Colorado turkey hunting offers solid opportunities for both spring and fall seasons, with Merriam’s turkeys providing exciting hunting across diverse terrain. Spring Season (April 11–May 31) targets gobblers during breeding season when toms are most vocal and responsive to calling—you can harvest 2 bearded birds. Fall Season (September 1–October 30) allows harvest of 1 either-sex bird and focuses on scattered flocks. Late Fall Season (December 15–January 15, 2027) provides 1 either-sex opportunity during winter when turkeys concentrate around food sources. Spring licenses are limited and awarded through draws, with applications due February 4. Fall licenses are also draw-based, with applications due June 19. Master turkey hunting with our Colorado turkey hunting guide.
Colorado Dove Hunting Information
Mourning and white-winged doves provide fast-paced shooting from September 1 through November 28, with a generous 15-bird daily limit. Dove hunting typically happens around water sources, grain fields, and roosting areas during morning and evening flights. Great practice for waterfowl seasons and requires quick reflexes and solid wing-shooting skills.
Colorado Quail and Pheasant Hunting Information
Upland bird hunting for quail and pheasant runs November 7 through January 31, 2027. You can harvest 8 quail daily and 3 rooster pheasants daily. These birds live in agricultural areas, grasslands, and brushy cover throughout eastern Colorado. Get the full upland strategy in our Colorado upland game hunting guide.
Colorado Grouse Hunting Information
Multiple grouse species provide hunting opportunities starting September 1, including dusky, sharp-tailed, and chukar grouse. Sage grouse hunting is limited to September 12–18 with restricted licenses. Grouse hunting happens in high-country habitat and requires good physical conditioning and mountain hunting skills.
Colorado Waterfowl Hunting Information
Colorado waterfowl hunting includes early teal seasons, regular duck and goose seasons, and special conservation orders. Early teal season runs September 12–20 with a 6-bird daily limit. Regular duck and coot seasons split into two segments: October 3–November 29 and December 24–January 30, 2027. Dark goose season runs November 2–February 14, 2027, while light goose season extends October 31–February 14, 2027. A special conservation order for light geese runs February 15–April 30, 2027, with no bag limits. Get waterfowl strategies in our Colorado waterfowl hunting guide.
Colorado Sandhill Crane Hunting Information
Sandhill crane hunting occurs October 3–November 29 with limited licenses through the draw system. These large birds provide unique hunting opportunities in agricultural areas and wetlands. Crane hunting requires special techniques and offers excellent table fare. Learn more in our Colorado sandhill crane hunting guide.
Colorado Small Game Hunting Information
Cottontail rabbit hunting runs September 1–January 30, 2027, while squirrel hunting begins October 3 and continues through January 30, 2027. These species provide excellent opportunities for beginning hunters and families. Year-round hunting with no limits is available for coyote, badger, skunk, raccoon, Eurasian collared-dove, and starling.
Where to Hunt in Colorado
More than one-third of Colorado is public land, with a large portion open for hunting. CPW manages State Wildlife Areas and State Trust Lands, while federal agencies including the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management manage extensive hunting areas. Colorado’s landscape ranges from high alpine peaks to eastern plains, providing habitat for all major game species.
Best Public Lands for Colorado Hunting
Colorado offers exceptional public land hunting across multiple agencies and programs:
- National Forests: Colorado has 14.5 million acres of National Forest and Grasslands providing extensive hunting access for big game, upland birds, and small game
- BLM Lands: The BLM manages more than 8 million acres of public land in Colorado, with most areas open to hunting unless specifically prohibited
- State Wildlife Areas: Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres
- Walk-in Access Program: WIA properties cover about 166,493 acres and are open for hunting from fall into spring every year, with some properties open for both small game and big game
- Ranching for Wildlife: Participating RFW ranches provide public hunting access to about 1 million acres free of charge to Colorado residents who draw licenses
Guided Hunts in Colorado
Hunting guides must be registered, bonded and insured in Colorado, and need permits to operate on public land. Professional outfitters provide comprehensive services including Full-Service Guided Hunts with complete packages including lodging, meals, guides, and equipment for elk, deer, bear, and other species. Drop Camps offer outfitter transport to remote locations with base camp setup without daily guiding services. Day Hunts provide single-day guided experiences for specific species or locations. Specialty Hunts focus on specific species like mountain lions (with hounds), archery elk, or trophy mule deer in premium units.
For quality hunting gear to enhance your guided hunt experience, visit the Hunting Locator store for equipment recommendations.
Private Land Hunting in Colorado
Private land hunting offers significant advantages including reduced hunting pressure, ability to set up stands and blinds well before season, and often higher success rates. Seasonal or multi-year agreements with landowners for exclusive hunting rights provide control over hunting pressure and management practices.
Leasing Private Land: Private hunting leases typically range from day-use permits to multi-year agreements. Lease costs vary based on game species, property size, amenities, and exclusivity. Many landowners offer combination hunting for multiple species.
Buying Private Land: Purchasing hunting property provides ultimate control but requires significant investment. Consider factors like water rights, access, game populations, and local regulations when evaluating properties.
Hunting Locator SaaS Platform: Finding quality private land hunting opportunities has never been easier. Our platform connects hunters directly with verified landowners offering hunting leases and land sales across Colorado. With detailed property information, photos, game species data, and direct landowner contact, you can secure hunting access quickly and confidently. Most hunters find suitable leases within two weeks of joining our platform. Skip the uncertainty of public land draws and crowded hunting areas—explore Colorado hunting leases today and discover your next great hunting opportunity.
FAQ
When is the application deadline for Colorado big game hunting?
The primary draw application deadline is April 7, 2026. The secondary draw opens June 19, and leftover licenses become available after draws are completed. Missing the primary draw significantly reduces your chances of drawing premium units.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in Colorado?
Yes, anyone born on or after January 1, 1949, must complete an approved hunter education course before applying for or buying a Colorado hunting license. The hunter education course costs $34.95. Alternatively, the Apprentice Hunter Certificate is a free, one-year waiver allowing apprentice hunters to purchase hunting licenses up to two times only, but requires hunting with a mentor.
Can non-residents still buy over-the-counter elk licenses?
Non-residents can no longer purchase over-the-counter archery elk licenses for GMUs west of I-25 and GMU 140. However, non-residents can still hunt OTC archery elk in certain GMUs east of I-25 with specific hunt codes. All other elk licenses require entering the draw system.
How much do Colorado hunting licenses cost for non-residents?
Non-residents pay significantly more than residents. Elk licenses cost $825.03, deer and pronghorn licenses cost $494.47 each, and bear licenses cost $294.75. Premium species like moose, sheep, and goat cost $2,758.49. All non-residents must also purchase a qualifying license for $101.54 before applying for big-game draws.
What is the best time to hunt elk in Colorado?
The archery season (September 2–30) coincides with peak bugling activity during the rut, making it ideal for calling bulls. The first rifle season (October 14–18) typically has less pressure and good weather. Each season offers different advantages depending on hunting style and preferences.
The Final Shot
Colorado hunting offers unmatched opportunities for hunters willing to learn the system and plan strategically. From September’s bugling elk to November’s late-season deer hunts, Colorado’s seasons and abundant wildlife create experiences that stick with you forever. Whether you’re building preference points for that dream elk unit, exploring over-the-counter opportunities, or considering private land access, success comes down to preparation and persistence.
The draw system can be frustrating, public land can be crowded, but Colorado’s wildlife populations and hunting opportunities remain world-class. Do your homework, make your plans, and get ready for some of the best hunting North America has to offer.
