Hunting Seasons in Colorado
Key Dates and Species Guide
This Article is Part of Our Hunting Seasons Guide for All 50 US States
Colorado's hunting seasons are an eagerly anticipated time of year for sportsmen and sportswomen, offering a variety of opportunities across the state's diverse ecosystems. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the expansive plains, the state provides habitats teeming with game such as deer, elk, pronghorn, bear, and moose. Colorado Parks and Wildlife meticulously manages these species and sets hunting seasons to ensure sustainable populations and healthy ecosystems.
To partake in Colorado's hunting traditions, individuals must complete hunter education certification. This program is designed to promote safe, responsible, and ethical hunting practices while conserving wildlife for future generations. The specific season dates and fees are updated annually and are readily accessible through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife resources, which aim to provide hunters with comprehensive guidelines and planning tools for a successful season.
With regulations and seasons carefully decided upon each year, it is essential for hunters to remain informed of the latest updates. Each hunting season is determined by extensive research and wildlife management objectives, balancing the needs of the ecosystem with the interests of the hunting community. The Big Game Hunting Planner and other accessible resources aid hunters in this endeavor, ensuring they are well-prepared for the hunting opportunities that Colorado's wilderness has to offer.
Understanding Colorado Hunting Regulations
Navigating Colorado hunting regulations is fundamental for hunters to ensure compliance with state laws. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission sets forth these directives to manage wildlife sustainably and provide fair chase opportunities for all.
General Hunting Regulations
Colorado hunting regulations are designed to preserve wildlife populations and promote safety. Key components include:
Legal hunting hours: From 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset
Bag and possession limits: Vary by species and are strictly enforced
Hunting methods: Restrictions on baiting, the use of dogs, and electronic calls
Safety regulations: Mandatory wear of blaze orange or pink during rifle seasons
Hunters should consult the Colorado Parks & Wildlife brochure for specific information regarding the species they intend to hunt.
Hunting License Requirements
All hunters must secure a relevant license for the species they intend to hunt. Requirements and availability entail:
Proof of hunter education: Necessary to purchase any Colorado hunting license
Residency status: Determines license costs with distinct criteria and fees for residents versus non-residents
Draw system: Many licenses are issued through a lottery system, requiring applications ahead of time
The purchase of a hunting license is contingent on following application deadlines and lottery results as published by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
Habitat Stamp and Qualifying Licenses
To conserve and improve wildlife habitats, Colorado instated the Habitat Stamp Program. Essential facts include:
Mandatory stamp: All hunters aged 18 to 64 must buy a Habitat Stamp for $10.13 annually.
Qualifying licenses: Include small game, fishing, or combination licenses as prerequisites to apply for a big game draw.
Further, this mandate supports the conservation efforts crucial for maintaining the diversity of Colorado’s wildlife.
Big Game Hunting Seasons
Colorado offers a dynamic range of dates and methods for hunters interested in pursuing big game, including deer, elk, and moose. It is essential for hunters to be aware of the specific season dates and deadlines as well as the draws for limited licenses.
Season Dates and Deadlines
Species Archery Muzzleloader Rifle Deer/Elk Sept 2 - Sept 30 Sept 9 - Sept 17 Oct 14 - Oct 22 (1st season) Oct 28 - Nov 5 (2nd season) Nov 11 - Nov 19 (3rd season) Nov 22 - Nov 26 (4th season)* Moose Sept 9 - Sept 24 Sept 9 - Sept 17 Oct 1 - Oct 14 Pronghorn Aug 15 - Aug 31 (bucks only) N/A Oct 7 - Oct 13
*4th rifle season for deer/elk is limited and requires a special license.
For pronghorn and moose, seasons are generally set in early fall, whereas deer and elk hunting extends into late fall, with specific dates varying by hunting method. These dates are inclusive of a 25-cent search-and-rescue fee and a $1.50 Wildlife Council surcharge. Nonresident licenses also come as a combination with an annual fishing license valid through March 31. Hunters should check the Big Game Hunting Planner for finalized dates each year, as these are subject to change.
Big Game Draw and Secondary Draws
To hunt big game in Colorado, one typically requires a limited license, which is allocated through a primary draw system. The primary big game draws are a pivotal step for sportsmen and women to plan their hunt. For most species, applications must be submitted by early April, with results announced by late May or early June.
In the event a hunter is not successful in the primary draw or if there are leftover licenses, Colorado offers a secondary draw. This system provides another chance at securing a hunting license and allows for those without preference points to have an opportunity to obtain a license. The secondary draw occurs after the primary results are released and typically requires a completed application by early July.
For both draws, hunters must have a qualifying license, such as a spring turkey or small game license, before applying. Over-the-counter licenses are also available for certain species, units, and seasons for those who miss the draw or prefer a less planning-intensive hunting experience. Hunters should remain vigilant about application deadlines and season dates to ensure a legal and successful hunting venture.
Species-Specific Hunting Details
Colorado's hunting seasons offer varied opportunities for hunters pursuing different species. Regulations are species-specific and designed to manage populations sustainably while providing ample hunting experiences.
Elk Hunting
Elk hunting in Colorado is a major draw for sportsmen and sportswomen. The state delineates distinct seasons for archery, muzzleloader, and rifle hunting, providing multiple opportunities to harvest elk. Archery seasons typically run from late August to late September, while rifle seasons are staggered across October and November.
Deer Hunting
Deer hunters can also access separate archery, muzzleloader, and rifle seasons. The rifle deer hunting on Colorado's eastern plains is noteworthy for being concise yet ample. Hunting planners and brochures detail precise dates and units for these seasons to optimize hunter success while maintaining deer population health.
Moose and Mountain Goat
Moose and mountain goat are esteemed trophies in Colorado. Hunting these species requires a special draw as tags are limited. Moose hunting typically occurs from early September to late November, while mountain goat hunting seasons are similarly timed to ensure ethical harvesting under optimal conditions.
Bear Hunting
Bear hunting seasons are specifically regulated to coincide with the availability of natural food sources and to prevent conflicts. In Colorado, there are established bear hunting periods during the archery, muzzleloader, and various rifle seasons, typically falling in September to November.
Bighorn Sheep and Pronghorn
Bighorn sheep and pronghorn are iconic species with tightly controlled hunting seasons to protect their populations. Bighorn seasons vary by unit and are broken down into Rocky Mountain and desert bighorn, with hunts mainly held from August to December. Pronghorn archery seasons often take place in late August, while rifle hunters traditionally target the early October period.
Small Game and Waterfowl
Colorado's hunting seasons for small game and waterfowl offer a range of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Hunters must be aware that specific regulations apply and seasons vary annually.
Small Game Regulations
Small game in Colorado encapsulates a variety of species, including, but not limited to, hares, squirrels, rabbits, doves, grouse, pheasants, chukar, and quail. Hunting small game requires adherence to designated seasons, which are detailed annually in the Small Game & Waterfowl regulations brochure.
Key Small Game Dates and Fees:
Hares and Rabbits: Open seasons for these species typically span much of the year, although exact dates can vary.
Squirrels: The hunting season dates are set within state wildlife areas, with specific regions outlined in the regulations brochure.
Grouse: Often found in varied habitats, their hunting seasons are typically established in the fall.
Pheasant: Noted for their late-fall season, these birds are a popular target for hunters in Colorado.
Chukar and Quail: Similar to pheasants, chukar and quail seasons occur in the later part of the year.
Hunters should be cognizant of area restrictions such as the prohibition around Mt. Evans Summit Lake cirque.
Waterfowl Season Information
The state of Colorado defines waterfowl to include species like ducks, geese, cranes, snipe, and the seasonally sought-after turkey. Waterfowl seasons are generally aligned with migratory patterns to ensure sustainable hunting practices.
Crucial Waterfowl Season Dates:
Ducks and Geese: Waterfowl seasons typically begin in the fall and continue into early winter, with specific dates varying based on zones and species.
Crane: These large birds offer unique hunting experiences, with their seasons also occurring in the fall months.
Snipe: With a season often concurrent with other waterfowl, snipe provide additional hunting opportunities.
Turkey: There are both spring and fall turkey seasons, with the spring season usually starting in April.
In addition to the state regulations, hunters targeting migratory birds must obtain a new Harvest Information Program (HIP) number annually, which begins April 1 and ends March 31 of the following year. Licenses and HIP registration can be acquired through sales agents, Colorado Parks & Wildlife offices, or by phone.
Compliance with all regulations and possession of the correct licenses are critical for anyone participating in Colorado's small game and waterfowl hunting seasons.
Hunting Methods and Gear
In Colorado, hunters can pursue game using various methods, each requiring specific gear. The primary methods include rifle, archery, and muzzleloader hunting, aligning with different seasons to optimize wildlife management and ensure sustainable use of the resource.
Rifle Hunting
Rifle hunting is the most common method during the general big game seasons. Hunters typically use high-powered rifles for long-distance shooting, which demands precision and skill. In the plains, the late plains rifle season offers additional opportunities after the primary seasons have concluded.
High-powered rifle
Ammunition suitable for game
Rifle scope for improved accuracy
Blaze orange clothing for visibility
Archery Hunting
Archery hunting requires stealth and close-range precision. During the archery season, hunters can enjoy the quiet, challenging experience offered by this method. The plains archery season provides a specialized timeframe for hunters using bows in those geographic areas.
Essential Gear:
Compound bow or recurve bow
Hunting arrows with broadheads
Archery targeting sight (optional)
Camouflage clothing for concealment
Muzzleloader Hunting
Muzzleloader hunting, harking back to traditional methods, is celebrated during the muzzleloader season. This period appeals to those seeking a more primitive hunting experience. On the plains, the plains muzzleloader season caters to a similar crowd under different ecological conditions.
Essential Gear:
Muzzleloading firearm (traditional or in-line)
Black powder or approved substitute
Lead balls or conical projectiles
Primers or flint, depending on ignition system
Wildlife Management and Conservation
Wildlife management and conservation in Colorado are diligent efforts to maintain and restore habitats, ensuring sustainable populations of various species. Through specific strategies such as the Habitat Stamp and defined conservation zones, these efforts align closely with regulated hunting seasons to balance ecosystem health and recreational needs.
Colorado Habitats and Conservation Zones
Colorado's diverse ecosystems range from the high-elevation mountains to the expansive North Park grasslands. A crucial tool in these conservation efforts is the Habitat Stamp, which hunters, anglers, and park visitors must purchase to access state lands. Funds from the stamp directly contribute to conserving wildlife habitats and enhancing public land for future generations. Conservation zones have been established to protect critical areas, each with its specified management objectives. For example:
High Mountain Zones: Focused on preserving alpine ecosystems, these areas often coincide with sought-after muzzleloader elk hunting areas.
Forest Zones: Including ​_pine_​-dominated regions, these are vital for various wildlife species and are managed to promote biodiversity and forest health.
Hunting for Conservation
Hunting season in Colorado acts not only as a recreational activity but as a strategic conservation tool. By setting specific seasons, such as for muzzleloader elk, wildlife officials can control animal populations in line with the carrying capacity of their habitats. This balance reduces negative impacts on vegetation and other wildlife species. Hunting also supports conservation through the licensing and stamp fees that fund habitat restoration projects. Zones and specific hunting areas are designated to target management efforts and support sustainable hunting practices. For example:
North Park: Recognized for its big game populations, this area's hunting regulations are tailored to maintain balanced ecosystems.
Hunting Areas with Muzzleloader Restrictions: These promote traditional hunting methods that can be less disruptive to wildlife while maintaining hunter success rates.
Additional Game Hunting Opportunities
Colorado offers a varied landscape for hunters seeking species beyond the traditional big game targets. Here, they can engage in turkey and waterfowl hunting seasons, as well as pursue predatory and varmint species, which are abundant and provide additional hunting challenges throughout the state.
Turkey and Waterfowl Prospects
Turkey Hunting: Colorado's turkey hunters can enjoy both spring and fall seasons, which cater to the populations of Merriam's and Rio Grande turkeys.
Spring Season: Generally runs from April to May
Fall Season: Typically opens in September and extends into October
Waterfowl Hunting: With required licenses and stamps, hunters can hunt various waterfowl species, including ducks and geese. This opportunity encompasses state-wide zones, and season dates typically range as follows:
Ducks: Occur in multiple phases throughout fall and winter, into early next year
Geese: Have similar seasonal phases as ducks, with some variations depending on the zone
Hunting Predators and Varmints
Predators:
Coyote and fox hunting are year-round activities in Colorado, offering hunters the chance to test their skills against these clever animals. There is no bag limit for coyotes.
Fox species, including the red and gray fox, have specified seasons which hunters must be aware of before planning their hunt.
Small mammals like jackrabbits, marmots, and prairie dogs are considered varmint and are often hunted to manage their populations and protect agricultural interests. Specific regulations regarding the hunting of these species should be checked.
The prairie rattlesnake may also be legally hunted in Colorado, although this activity is far less common and requires adherence to safety precautions and legal guidelines.
This section of hunting opportunities emphasizes the diversity of wildlife management and hunting activities available across Colorado's vast terrains, catering to a wide range of hunting enthusiasts.
Seasonal Specialties and Bag Limits
The regulations in Colorado regarding hunting seasons are specific, with distinct bag and possession limits for various game and migratory birds. These limits are designed to maintain balance within ecosystems while allowing hunters to enjoy the sport.
Fall Game and Migratory Birds
In Colorado, fall marks the season for hunting a variety of game and migratory birds. Hunters can pursue species like ducks and sandhill cranes during this time. Each species comes with its own set of regulations to ensure sustainable population levels:
Ducks: Bag limits for ducks in Colorado often vary based on species and sex but are typically constrained to a certain number per day.
Sandhill Crane: This species requires a special permit, and hunters are often limited to a low number of sandhill cranes per season.
Teal: The early teal season allows for hunting blue-winged and green-winged teal with restricted daily bag limits to maintain populations.
White-winged Dove: Regulated with a modest daily bag limit to ensure a sustainable harvest.
The possession limit for these migratory birds generally restricts the number of birds a hunter can have in their possession to twice the daily bag limit after the first day.
Game Birds and Bird Limits
Game birds such as the greater prairie chicken and the Eurasian-collared dove have their own season dates and limits:
Greater Prairie Chicken: A controlled species with regulated hunting seasons and limited permits issued to preserve the species.
Eurasian-collared Dove: Typically has no bag or possession limits in Colorado, offering more liberal hunting opportunities.
For small game, hunters can find:
Squirrels: Species like the Wyoming ground squirrel have specific seasons and bag limits, ensuring that hunting takes place responsibly without threatening their numbers.
Crows: Hunting seasons and bag limits for crows are in place, but they tend to be more liberal given the species' abundance.
All hunters in Colorado must abide by these regulations which are subject to change annually. Hunters are responsible for checking current laws before engaging in any hunting activity.
Planning Your Colorado Hunting Trip
When planning a hunting trip to Colorado, one must consider the diverse regions and weather patterns to ensure a successful and safe adventure. Navigating the hunting zones and preparing for the elevation and climatic conditions is crucial for any hunter's checklist.
Selecting the Right Hunting Zone
Colorado offers a variety of hunting opportunities across different zones, each with distinct environments and game species. The state is divided into several hunting regions:
Western Zone: Known for its vast mountains, this zone provides excellent opportunities for trophy-class mule deer and elk.
Mountain/Foothills Zone: Teeming with wildlife, it's a blend of challenging terrain and rewarding hunting experiences.
Eastern Zone: Featuring prairies and lower elevations, it's ideal for hunters seeking pronghorn and deer.
Northeast Zone: This zone offers a mix of plains and rolling hills, frequented by a variety of game birds and small game.
Hunters should acquire the appropriate hunting license for their selected zone and targeted species. Researching specific game management units within these zones will aid in selecting an area that aligns with one's hunting goals.
Preparing for the Elevation and Weather
Given Colorado's reputation as the Centennial State with its significant elevation, hunters must prepare for the physical demands and weather conditions they might encounter, which can include:
High Elevation: Acclimatization to areas exceeding 5,000 feet to prevent altitude sickness.
Variable Weather: Rapid weather changes, especially in mountainous areas, necessitate layering and waterproof clothing.
Elevation Preparation Weather Adaptation Acclimatize gradually Wear layers Stay hydrated Carry waterproof gear Know symptoms of altitude sickness Monitor weather forecasts
By understanding Colorado's geographical diversity and weather patterns, hunters can enhance their experience and ensure they are prepared for their journey in the state's various hunting zones.
