Colorado is well-known for its beautiful open spaces and variety of animals, making pursuing here a unique event. No matter if you’re a experienced hunter or just starting, the state’s varied game opportunities give plenty of chances to explore the outdoors and follow a hobby. Colorado’s seasons offer hunting for different animals from big elk and graceful deer, to hard-to-find pronghorn and impressive moose, drawing hunters with diverse interests.

Let’s take a tour of the outdoor world in this state, plentiful with varied seasons, animal types, and rules. It’s a bounty for hunters! We’ll map out the unique regions, share must-knows about licenses and permits, and focus on the thrilling hurdles and benefits waiting. Whether a practiced hunt enthusiast or fresh to the field, let’s arm you with wisdom and tools for an unforgettable hunting adventure.

CO Hunting Schedule

Colorado Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025

Archery

Elk, deer, bear, pronghorn
Sep 2 – Sep 30
West of I-25 & Unit 140
Non-resident elk tags: Draw required

Muzzleloader

Elk & deer (select units)
Sep 13 – Sep 21
Limited draw only

Rifle Seasons

First Rifle (Elk only)
Oct 15 – Oct 19
Second Rifle (Elk & deer)
Oct 25 – Nov 2
Third Rifle
Nov 8 – Nov 16
Fourth Rifle
Nov 19 – Nov 23
Plains Rifle (Eastern Colorado)
Oct 25 – Nov 4

Turkey Hunting

Spring Turkey

Main season: Apr 12 – May 31
Youth hunts: Mentor required
Fishers Peak SP: Limited permits

Fall Turkey

Sep 1 – Oct 31
Limited & OTC licenses

Late Season Turkey

Dec 15 – Jan 15 (private land only)
Max 2 beardless turkeys

Furbearer Seasons

Primary Season

Nov 1 – Feb 28
Includes fox, raccoon, skunk, weasel

Extended Seasons

Beaver: Oct 1 – Apr 30
Bobcat: Dec 1 – Feb 28

Upland Birds & Small Game

Grouse

Dusky Grouse: Sep 1 – Mar 31 (3/day)
Sage Grouse: Sep 9 – Jan 31 (2/day)
Sharp-tailed Grouse: Sep 1 – Jan 31 (2/day)

Pheasant & Partridge

Ring-necked Pheasant: Sep 1 – Mar 31 (3/day)
Chukar Partridge: Sep 1 – Mar 31 (4/day)

Rabbits & Squirrels

Cottontail, hare: Sep 1 – Mar 31 (10/day)
Fox squirrel: Sep 1 – Mar 31 (5/day)

Other Small Game

Dove: Sep 1 – Nov 29
Quail: Nov 11 – Jan 31 (8/day)
Ptarmigan: Sep 1 – Mar 31 (3/day)

Waterfowl Seasons

Ducks & Coots

Western Zone:
Oct 5 – Oct 22
Nov 6 – Jan 31
Eastern Zone: Oct 5 – Jan 17
Mountain Zone:
Sep 30 – Nov 26
Dec 25 – Jan 31

Geese

Dark Geese: Nov 4 – Feb 16 (5/day)
Light Geese: Nov 2 – Feb 16 (50/day)
North Park: Oct 5 – Jan 17

Special Waterfowl

Rails: Sep 1 – Nov 9
Snipe: Sep 1 – Dec 16
Light Goose Conservation: Feb 17 – Apr 30

Other Game

Mountain Lion

Nov 24 – Mar 31 (draw required)

Year-Round

Eurasian collared dove, starling
No limit (small game license needed)

Crow Season

Nov 1 – Feb 28

All dates subject to regulation updates. Check CPW for latest rules.

License Fees and Requirements

Every hunter requires a legitimate hunting permit.
Deer & Elk: A set number of licenses are distributed through a lottery, with priority going to those with preference points. Over-the-counter (OTC) licenses are also accessible.
Turkey: There are a set number of licenses for both spring and fall seasons, which can be acquired via a lottery. Over-the-counter (OTC) licenses are also available for both seasons. We even offer licenses for younger hunters.
Waterfowl: To hunt, you need a small game permit, a Habitat Stamp, a Federal Duck Stamp (except during Light Goose Season), and HIP registration.

CO Hunting Regulations

Essential Gear Colors: Hunter Orange or Pink for hunting deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, and bear using firearms.
Seasons: They change depending on the species and your chosen method (like archery, muzzleloader, or rifle). Details can be found in regulations.
Shooting Times: From half an hour before dawn to dusk. Bag and Possession Boundaries: They exist for each species and hunting season. Check specific regulations for more info.
Mandatory Tags: You must tag all caught wildlife. Each species has its own tagging instructions.
Testing for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD): Required for deer in certain areas. Check deer regulations.
Forbidden Methods: Don’t use bait, electronic calls, hunt while impaired, or keep a loaded firearm in your vehicle.
Ammo: Non-toxic shot is a must for waterfowl. Shotguns: Keep it to a max of 10 gauges and a total of 3 shells in magazine and chamber for waterfowls.
Dogs: They can only retrieve, not hunt (except in big game hunting with horses – check deer regulations).

Additional Regulations:

Deer: If you own land, there’s a program just for you. Interested in shed antler collecting or chasing big game? Need advice on hunting with horses? Check out the Big game brochure.
Turkey hunting rules are different. For spring season, no rifles or handguns. There are specific bullet requirements in other seasons. This new update might excite you: Now, precharged pneumatic air guns are allowed, but only in fall or late season. You’ll find more in our turkey flier.
Waterfowl: You must use non-toxic shots. Your shotgun can have max 3 shells. Hunting blind and vessels come with rules. Dogs can assist, but only in retrieval. You can use decoys, but only artificial ones. For more, refer to our waterfowl manual. But please, in Pueblo County, respect safe distances from roads and homes while hunting. Details in the waterfowl manual.

Top Colorado Hunting Locations by Place Name and Species

Colorado is a dream for hunters. Its stunning landscapes, teeming with wildlife, make for thrilling adventures. You can find anything – from mighty elk and deer to coy pronghorn and huge moose.

Wondering what you can find there? Let’s check out:

1. San Juan National Forest

In the southwestern part, there’s a vast forest. This spot is perfect for those who like hunting elk and mule deer. It’s got tough landscapes, varied tree cover, and grassy mountain fields. All perfect for these noble creatures.

2. White River National Forest

Think about the White River National Forest. It’s huge! Over 2.3 million acres in the northwest part of the state. And guess what? It’s a top-notch spot for those who love hunting elk and mule deer. So much variety! Dense woods, wide open fields… it’s a real slice of hunter’s paradise. Totally worth checking out!

3. Uncompahgre National Forest

Nestled in southwest corner, Uncompahgre National Forest proves to be an impressive spot for hunting elk, mule deer, and bighorn sheep. The place tests hunters’ skills with its tough terrain, while its unique variety of habitats offer a satisfying hunt.

4. Pike National Forest

Near Colorado Springs sits a national forest, just perfect for deer and elk. The landscape has all types, forests, fields, even jagged peaks. Each presents unique hunting chances.

5. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lands in the Eastern Plains

Eastern Plains, overseen by the BLM, draw in hunters seeking pronghorn antelopes and deer. With wide, bare grasslands and infrequent trees, it’s a great living space for these creatures.

6. Gunnison Valley

Gunnison Valley is commonly chosen for its amazing views and plentiful wildlife, particularly for hunting large games like elk, mule deer, and black bear. Spoilt with choice, you can hunt in various settings, from elevated grasslands to watercourse valleys.

7. Routt National Forest

Think northwest Colorado’s national forest. It’s perfect for finding elk, deer, plus different big game. A mix of trees, meadows, and mountains means wildlife sightings can happen anywhere.

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Eric Hale

Author & Chief Editor at AskHunting.com

Eric Hale, a veteran hunter with more than a decade of experience, imparts his knowledge via AskHunting.com. He offers guidance for hunting, adding strategies, and delivers in-depth guides for the novice and the old hand. He loves family camping sessions, watching Marvel films with his spouse, and going on thrilling road journeys.

Hunting in Colorado: 2025-2026 Key Season Dates and Rules