Hunting in Colorado

Colorado is the top elk hunting destination in the country, holding the largest elk herd in North America. The state also offers strong opportunities for mule deer, pronghorn, black bear, mountain lion, and a limited number of moose tags. Whether you are a resident or planning a trip from out of state, you need to understand the draw system and public land options before you commit to a plan.

Start with the official agency

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) manages all hunting in the state. Always confirm the rules for your species and unit on the official CPW website at cpw.state.co.us. This includes season dates, legal methods, bag limits, and mandatory harvest reporting. CPW also publishes the Big Game Brochure each year, which is the single most important document for planning your hunt.

Check the Colorado hunting seasons and Colorado hunting regulations pages for quick-reference summaries.

Focus on three planning questions

• Where can you hunt legally in Colorado, and which Game Management Unit (GMU) fits your target species.
• What season and method apply to your hunt (archery, muzzleloader, or rifle).
• Which licenses, tags, or stamps are required, and do you need to enter the draw or buy an over-the-counter (OTC) tag.

Understanding the draw system

Colorado uses a weighted preference point system for most big game species. Each year you apply unsuccessfully, you earn a preference point that improves your odds in future draws. Some elk units still offer OTC tags for archery and rifle seasons, which means you can buy a tag without entering the draw. However, the best mule deer, pronghorn, moose, and mountain goat units require years of accumulated points. Plan your point strategy early, especially if you are a non-resident.

Access types in Colorado

Colorado has over 23 million acres of public land, making it one of the best western states for access:

• National Forests including White River, Routt, San Juan, Gunnison, Arapaho-Roosevelt, and Pike-San Isabel.
• BLM land across the Western Slope, Northwest Colorado, and the San Luis Valley.
• State Land Board (SLB) parcels open to hunting with a valid license.
• State Wildlife Areas (SWAs) managed by CPW with specific hunting regulations.
• Private land with written permission or through Ranching for Wildlife programs.

Explore the Land access hub and the Colorado land access guide.

Build a season plan

• List your priority species and GMUs.
• Add the draw application deadline (typically early April) as your first calendar entry.
• Add season windows and scouting time.
• Decide whether to apply for limited tags or buy OTC elk tags as a backup plan.
• Check leftover license lists after the draw for additional opportunities.

See Build a hunting season planning calendar.

Local city guides

Use the city guides below to plan access, travel, and logistics.

Colorado Game Species Guides

• Whitetail deer hunting in Colorado
• Turkey hunting in Colorado
• Waterfowl hunting in Colorado

See also the Colorado hunting license guide.

Final checklist

• Confirm rules on the official CPW website and download the Big Game Brochure.
• Save maps for offline use, especially in backcountry GMUs with no cell service.
• Pack essentials and verify all licenses and tags, including habitat stamps.
• Review safety and access rules before you leave.
• Check preference point standings before the application deadline.
• Verify whether your GMU requires OTC tags or draw-only tags for your chosen season.

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