Colorado Hunting Season Dates and Important Information

Updated August 7, 2025 Table of Contents

Colorado offers diverse hunting opportunities from high country elk to plains antelope and abundant small game. Understanding the state's hunting season structure is key to a successful experience. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) manages all wildlife and hunting regulations in the state1.

General Season Overview

Colorado's hunting seasons are generally divided by species, weapon type, and geographic area (Game Management Units or GMUs). Big game seasons often involve a draw system for limited licenses, especially for popular species like elk, deer, and antelope. Over-the-counter (OTC) licenses are available for some seasons and species.

Small game and waterfowl seasons usually have longer, more generalized dates, and licenses are typically available OTC.

Always confirm specific dates and regulations directly with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website, as they can change annually.

Big Game Hunting Seasons

Big game hunting is a major draw in Colorado. The primary big game species include:

  • Elk
  • Mule Deer
  • Whitetail Deer
  • Moose
  • Bighorn Sheep
  • Mountain Goat
  • Pronghorn (Antelope)
  • Bear (Black Bear)
  • Mountain Lion

Most big game seasons run from late August through November, with some extending into December for specific weapon types or seasons.

Archery Seasons

Archery seasons typically start earlier, often in late August or early September, and run into late September. Over-the-counter archery elk tags are often available. Other species, like deer and big horn sheep, are typically draw only.

Muzzleloader Seasons

Muzzleloader seasons usually fall in mid-September, often between the archery and rifle seasons. Draw success for muzzleloader tags can be challenging due to limited quotas.

Rifle Seasons (Limited and OTC)

Colorado's rifle seasons for big game are structured into multiple phases, commonly referred to as "Rifle Seasons 1, 2, 3, and 4."

  • Rifle Season 1: Often a shorter, limited draw season in October, sometimes for specific GMUs or species.
  • Rifle Season 2: Begins in late October, offering both limited draw and popular over-the-counter elk options in many GMUs.
  • Rifle Season 3: Early to mid-November, continuing limited draw and OTC elk opportunities.
  • Rifle Season 4: Mid to late November, generally a limited draw season for deer and elk with fewer tags available.

Specific dates for these seasons vary slightly each year but follow a predictable pattern. Hunters must review the annual big game brochure released by CPW for exact dates and unit-specific information.

Small Game Hunting Seasons

Colorado offers extensive small game hunting. These seasons typically have longer durations and are often open to residents and non-residents with general small game licenses.

  • Rabbit and Hare: Cottontail rabbits and snowshoe hares are popular. Seasons often run from early September through February.
  • Squirrel: Abert's, fox, and pine squirrels can be hunted. Seasons typically run from September through February.
  • Furbearers: Hunters can pursue bobcats, coyotes, foxes, and raccoons. Seasons vary but often span from October through March.
  • Upland Birds:
    • Pheasant: Primarily in eastern Colorado. Seasons typically open in early November and run into January.
    • Quail: Gambel's, scaled, and Bobwhite quail are found in different regions. Seasons generally align with pheasant season.
    • Chukar and Partridge: Limited opportunities, often in rugged terrain. Seasons vary.
    • Doves: Mourning doves are popular. Season typically opens September 1st and lasts into November.
    • Grouse: Dusky, Sharp-tailed, Greater Prairie Chicken, and Sage Grouse have specific, often short, seasons, usually in September. Some grouse species are draw-only or have limited quotas.

Always check bag limits and possession limits for all small game species.

Waterfowl Hunting Seasons

Colorado is part of the Central Flyway, offering good waterfowl hunting. Seasons are split into various segments based on zones (North Park, South Park, Mountain/Foothills, East/West, etc.) and species.

  • Ducks (Ducks, Mergansers, Coots): Seasons typically open in late September or early October and run through much of the winter, often with a mid-season closure.
  • Geese: Canada Geese, Light Geese (Snow and Ross's), and Brant have separate season dates. Canada goose seasons are often staggered from late September through mid-February. Light goose conservation orders extend later into spring.
  • Sandhill Cranes: A limited season, often in specific areas, usually in September or October. A special permit is required through the draw.

Hunters need a Colorado hunting license, a state waterfowl stamp, and a federal duck stamp to hunt waterfowl. HIP (Harvest Information Program) registration is also required.

Licensing and Hunter Education

To hunt in Colorado, you need a valid hunting license. Residents and non-residents have different fees.

  • Hunter Education: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1949, must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license in Colorado. Hunter education certifications from other states or provinces are recognized.
  • License Purchase: Licenses can be purchased online through the CPW website, at authorized license agents, or CPW offices.
  • Draw System: For limited big game licenses, hunters apply through a lottery draw system, usually in the spring (March-April). Preference points accumulate for unsuccessful applicants.

Planning Your Hunt

  • Regulations First: Your first step for any hunt in Colorado should be to read the latest CPW regulations for the species you plan to pursue. These are available online as brochures (Big Game, Small Game, Waterfowl).
  • GMU Research: Understand the Game Management Units (GMUs) where you plan to hunt. Research habitat, public access, and success rates.
  • Public Land Access: Colorado has extensive public lands including National Forests, BLM lands, and State Trust Lands. Make sure to understand access rules for each. Private land hunting requires permission.
  • Safety: Always prioritize safety. Know your weapon, follow firearm safety rules, and be aware of weather conditions, especially in the mountains.

Check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website (cpw.state.co.us) for the most current regulations, season dates, and license information before planning your hunt.1

  1. Colorado Parks and Wildlife. (n.d.). Hunting. Retrieved from https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/Hunting.aspx ↩ ↩

Explore Related Topics:

Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.