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:

Season Type	Opens	Closes	Notes
Archery	September 2, 2025	September 30, 2025	Statewide archery season. Over-the-counter archery licenses available for most units.
Muzzleloader	September 13, 2025	September 21, 2025	Muzzleloader season. Limited licenses by unit.
Combined Rifle First	October 12, 2025	October 16, 2025	First combined rifle season. Limited licenses by unit.
Combined Rifle Second	October 18, 2025	October 26, 2025	Second combined rifle season. Limited licenses by unit.
Combined Rifle Third	October 28, 2025	November 2, 2025	Third combined rifle season. Limited licenses by unit.
Combined Rifle Fourth	November 12, 2025	November 16, 2025	Fourth combined rifle season. Limited licenses by unit.

Season Type	Opens	Closes	Notes
Archery	September 2, 2025	September 30, 2025	Statewide archery season. Over-the-counter licenses available in some units.
Muzzleloader	September 13, 2025	September 21, 2025	Muzzleloader season. Limited licenses by unit.
Combined Rifle	October 12, 2025	November 2, 2025	Combined rifle season. Dates vary by unit; most units fall within this range. Limited licenses.

Season Type	Opens	Closes	Notes
Archery	August 15, 2025	September 21, 2025	Archery pronghorn season. Limited licenses by unit draw.
General Rifle	October 1, 2025	October 22, 2025	Rifle pronghorn season. Dates and availability vary by unit. Draw-only.
Muzzleloader	September 13, 2025	September 21, 2025	Muzzleloader pronghorn season. Draw-only.

• 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.

Season Type	Opens	Closes	Notes
Archery	September 2, 2025	September 30, 2025	Concurrent with elk/deer archery. Over-the-counter bear licenses available.
General Rifle	September 2, 2025	November 30, 2025	Runs concurrent with elk/deer rifle seasons. Season closes when harvest quota is reached in each unit.

Season Type	Opens	Closes	Notes
Controlled Hunt	September 13, 2025	November 2, 2025	Extremely limited draw-only. Fewer than 300 licenses statewide. Dates vary by unit and season type.

Season Type	Opens	Closes	Notes
Spring	April 12, 2026	May 25, 2026	Gobblers and bearded turkeys only. Over-the-counter licenses available. Merriam's turkey.
Fall	September 1, 2025	November 30, 2025	Either-sex in most units. Dates vary by unit.

Archery Seasons

Archery seasons typically start earlier, often in late August or early September, and run into late September. Elk archery season runs September 2, 2025 through September 30, 2025. Mule deer archery runs September 2, 2025 through September 30, 2025. Pronghorn archery runs approximately August 15, 2025 through September 21, 2025. Over-the-counter archery elk tags are often available. Other species, like deer and big horn sheep, are typically draw only.

Muzzleloader Seasons

Elk muzzleloader season runs approximately September 13, 2025 through September 21, 2025. 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

License/Permit	Residency	Fee	Includes
Resident Hunting License	Resident	$36.08	hunting
Non-Resident Hunting License	Nonresident	$101.39	hunting
Resident Elk License	Resident	$56.32	elk tag
Non-Resident Elk License	Nonresident	$662.68	elk tag
Resident Deer License	Resident	$41.14	deer tag
Non-Resident Deer License	Nonresident	$421.16	deer tag
Resident Pronghorn License	Resident	$41.14	pronghorn tag
Non-Resident Pronghorn License	Nonresident	$421.16	pronghorn tag
Resident Bear License	Resident	$41.14	bear tag
Non-Resident Bear License	Nonresident	$421.16	bear tag
Resident Turkey License	Resident	$26.08	turkey tag
Non-Resident Turkey License	Nonresident	$101.39	turkey tag
Resident Moose License	Resident	$306.07	moose tag
Non-Resident Moose License	Nonresident	$2586.68	moose tag
Habitat Stamp	All	$10.39	habitat conservation
Elk Preference Point	Resident	$56.32	preference point
Deer/Pronghorn Preference Point	Resident	$41.14	preference point
Federal Duck Stamp	All	$25.00	waterfowl hunting

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

Last verified: February 13, 2026 — Official source

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