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 for 2024-2024

Big Games

Deer

Archery

Whitetail-Only
- October 1st to 25th,
- November 6th to 30th,
- December 15th to 31^st
Plains deer (east of I-25, except Unit 140):
- October 1st to 25th,
- November 6th to 30th,
- December 15th to 31^st
West of I-25 and Unit 140:
- September 2nd to 30th

Muzzleloader (by draw only)

Whitetail-only (limited):
- October 12th to 20^th
Plains deer (east of I-25, except Unit 140):
- October 12th to 20^th
Statewide:
- September 14th to 22nd

Rifle Deer

Seasons:
- 2nd:
  - October 26th to November 3rd
- 3rd:
  - November 9th to 15th
- 4th:
  - November 20th to 24th
Whitetail-only (limited):
- October 26th to November 5th
Plains deer (east of I-25, except Unit 140):
- October 26th to November 5^th
Late Whitetail-only (limited):
- December 1st to 14th
Late plains deer (east of I-25, except Unit 140):
- December 1st to 14th

Elk

Muzzleloader By Draw Only

Statewide:
- September 14th to 22nd

Archery

West of I-25 and Unit 140:
- September 2nd to 30th

Rifle

Seasons:
- 1st:
  - October 12th to 16th
- 2nd:
  - October 26th to November 3rd
- 3rd:
  - November 9th to 15th
- 4th:
  - November 20th to 24th

Moose

Statewide:

Archery
September 7th to 30th
Muzzleloader-by draw only
September 14th to 22nd
Rifle
October 1st to 14th

Sheep & Goat

Mountain Goat:
- September 3rd to October
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep:
- August 1st to December 31st
Desert Bighorn Sheep:
- November 1st to 30th

Pronghorn

Archery:
- Limited:
  - August 15th to 20th or August 15th to 20^th
  - September 1st to 20th (split season)
- Bucks only (OTC):
  - August 15th to 31st
- Either sex (OTC):
  - September 1st to 20th
Muzzleloader – by draw only:
- September 21st to 29th (statewide)
Rifle:
- October 5th to 13th (limited)

Bear

Archery:
- September 2nd to 30th
- OTC and/or limited
Muzzleloader by draw only:
- September 14th to 22nd
Rifle Bear:
- September 2nd to 30th (limited)
- Seasons:
- 1st:
  - October 12th to 16th (OTC and/or limited)
- 2nd:
  - October 26th to November 3rd (OTC and/or limited)
- 3rd:
  - November 9th to 15th (OTC and/or limited)
- 4th:
  - November 20th to 24th (OTC and/or limited)
- Private-Land-Only:
  - September 2nd to November 24th (OTC)

Mountain Lion

November 25th, 2024 to March 31st, 2025

Turkey

Spring
- April 13th to May 31st
Fall
- September 1st to October 25th
Late Schedule
- December 15th to January 15th

Small Games

Squirrel

Abert’s Squirrel

November 15th to January 15th

Squirrel (Fox, Pine)

October 1st to end of February

Wyoming (Richardson’s) Ground Squirrel

Year-round

Common Snapping Turtle

April 1st to October 31^st

Rabbit & Hare

Cottontail Rabbit, Snowshoe Hare, Jackrabbit

October 1st to end of February

Marmot

August 10th to October 15th

Prairie Dog

Public Land: June 15th to end of February
Private Land: Year-round

Prairie Rattlesnake

June 15th to August 15th

Furbearers

Coyote

Year-round

Badger, Fox, Mink, Muskrat, Opossum, Pine Marten, Raccoon, Ring-tailed Cat, Skunk, Weasel

November 1st to end of February

Beaver

October 1st to April 30th

Bobcat

December 1st to end of February

Upland Birds

Pheasant

November 9th to January 31^st
- East of I-25
November 9th to January 5^th
- west of I-25

Quail

November 9th to January 31^st
- East of I-25 and south of I-70
November 9th to January 5^th
- East of I-25 and north of I-70
- West of I-25, except specified areas

Chukar Partridge

September 1st to November 30th

European Starling, House Sparrow

Year-round

Greater Prairie-Chicken

October 1st to January 31st

Grouse

Dusky/Blue

September 1st to November 24th
(west of I-25)

Greater Sage

September 14th to 20th
September 14th to 15th

Mountain Sharp-tailed

September 1st to 15th

Migratory Birds And Waterfowls

Crow

November 1st to end of February

Dove

September 1st to November 29th

Eurasian Collared Dove

Year-round

Band-tailed Pigeon

September 1st to 14th

White-tailed Ptarmigan

September 14th to October 6^th
- Statewide/except specified GMUs
September 14th to November 24^th
- Only specified GMUs

Wilson’s Snipe

September 1st to December 16^th

Rail

September 1st to November 9th

Sandhill Crane

October 5th to December 1st,
- East of the Continental Divide

Ducks

Northeast Zone

October 19th to December 1st
December 11th to January 31st

Southeast Zone

October 28th to January 31st

Mountain/Foothills Zone

October 5th to December 1st
December 25th to January 31st

Western Zone

October 5th to 22nd
November 6th to January 31st

Eastern Zone

October 5th to January 17th

September Teal

September 14th to 22nd

Goose

Central Flyway

Regular

Dark Goose:
- November 4th to February 16th, 2025
  - East of the Continental Divide
Light Goose:
- November 2nd to February 16th, 2025
  - East of the Continental Divide

Light Goose Conservation Order

February 17th, 2025 to April 30th, 2025
- East of I-25

North Park (Jackson County)

Dark Goose:
- October 5th to January 17th, 2025
Light Goose:
- November 2nd to February 16th, 2025

San Luis Valley

Dark Goose:
- October 5th to 23rd
- November 23rd to February 16th, 2025
Light Goose:
- November 2nd to February 16th, 2025

South Park

Dark Goose:
- October 5th to January 17th, 2025
Light Goose:
- November 2nd to February 16th, 2025

Pacific Flyway

Early Canada Goose

September 1st to 9th

Regular

Western Zone:
- October 5th to 13^th
- November 6th to January 31st, 2025
Eastern Zone:
- October 5th to January 8th, 2025

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.