HUNTING COLORADO

Colorado has a little bit of everything for every type of hunter and as such, is a must apply state in the West. The groceries are there for growing the biggest bucks in the Lower-48, there are more elk here than any other state, and it is one of the last over-the-counter states for nonresidents.

The preference point game is mature, so if you want the top of top hunts, chances are not good of catching the top end if you just got started in the last decade. That said, there are quality hunt opportunities at every other preference point level and a variety of weapon types, season dates, and terrain types.

Whether you need to hunt from the truck daily or want to backpack to 13K feet and hunt alpine bucks, Colorado has hunt options for everyone.

“Jaden’s always been a go-to guy for me to get a second opinion on the hunts I draw that I’ve never stepped foot in before. He’s helped me immensely.” – Jordan Staley, NM

How to Hunt Colorado: A First-Timer’s Guide to Big Game Hunting

So you’re thinking about hunting in Colorado for the first time? Good call. With over 23 million acres of public land and more elk than any other state, Colorado is one of the best spots in the West to notch your tag. But if you're new to the game—or new to the state—there are some key things to know before you throw on the orange and head into the backcountry.

This guide breaks down everything a first-time Colorado hunter needs to know—licenses, seasons, gear, access, and how not to tick off a game warden.

Getting Legal: Colorado Hunting Licenses & Rules

Before you can draw your bow or dial your rifle, you’ll need to get squared away with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Here's the skinny:

✅ You Need a License

Every hunter—resident or not—needs a valid Colorado hunting license. You can snag one online at CPWShop.com, by phone at (303) 297-1192, or from in-person retailers statewide.

🎯 Hunter Ed Is a Must (for most)

If you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1949, you’ll need to complete an approved hunter education course before buying a license. CPW offers courses online and in-person year-round.

🏠 Residency Rules

To claim Colorado resident status, you have to live in the state for at least six straight months. Non-residents pay more for licenses and may face draw quotas for high-demand species.

🌿 Habitat Stamp

If you're 18–64, you're required to buy a Habitat Stamp ($12.47 for 2025) with your first hunting license of the year. The money goes toward wildlife conservation.

🎟️ License Types Breakdown

OTC Licenses: Elk, bear in specific units | On sale August 5, 2025 @ 9am MT. | No draw needed

Limited Licenses: Moose, mule deer, high-demand elk hunts. | Apply by April 2, 2025 | Draw results in June

Habitat Stamp: Everyone 18–64. | Buy with first license: $12.47

🚫 Big Change in 2025: Non-residents can no longer buy OTC archery elk tags west of I-25 or in GMU 140. You now have to apply in the draw, and non-residents only get 25% of tags (20% in high-demand units).

🧪 Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Testing

CPW requires CWD testing for deer harvested in certain units during rifle seasons. Mandatory tests are free; voluntary ones cost $25. Don’t skip it.

When to Hunt: 2025 Big Game Seasons in Colorado

Colorado seasons are based on weapon type and species. Here’s a high-level overview—double-check the CPW Big Game Brochure for specific GMU rules and updates.

Elk & Deer

2025 Dates

Archery: Sept 2–30

Muzzleloader: Sept 13–21

1st Rifle: Oct 15–19

2nd Rifle: Oct 25–Nov 2

3rd Rifle: Nov 8–16

4th Rifle: Nov 19–23

Plains deer season runs Oct 25–Nov 4 in certain units.

Pronghorn

  • Archery: Aug 15–Sept 20

  • Muzzleloader: Sept 21–29

  • Rifle: Oct 4–12

Black Bear

  • Seasons often overlap with elk and deer. Archery, muzzleloader, and rifle seasons all run from Sept to Nov depending on tag type.

  • Private-land-only season: Sept 2–Nov 23

Moose

  • Highly limited, dates vary by unit. Check the regs!

What Can You Hunt in Colorado?

Colorado’s wildlife lineup is impressive. Here's a quick rundown of the major players:

  • Elk – Colorado has the biggest elk herd in North America. Hunt ‘em in alpine timber, deep canyons, and everything in between.

  • Mule Deer – Iconic Western species. You’ll find 'em from sage flats to alpine basins.

  • Whitetail Deer – Mostly on the Eastern Plains.

  • Pronghorn – Fast, spooky, and fun to chase in open country.

  • Moose – Tags are tough to draw, but it’s a dream hunt if you land one.

  • Black Bear – Often a bonus while elk or deer hunting.

Big game gets the spotlight, but small game and upland birds offer good options too.

Where to Hunt: Access & Maps

Colorado’s got plenty of elbow room if you know where to look:

🏞️ Public Land

Over 23 million acres are fair game—national forests, BLM land, and State Wildlife Areas. You’ll need a valid license to hunt in SWAs, and some require a reservation.

📍Private Land

Private access requires landowner permission. CPW’s Ranching for Wildlife (RFW) and Landowner Preference Program (LPP) offer draw tag and voucher options.

🗺️ Planning Tools

Gear Up: What You’ll Need in the Field

Colorado hunts are no joke. Whether you’re chasing bulls at 10,000 feet or stalking bucks on the plains, you need to prep for changing weather and rugged terrain.

Here’s the gear checklist:

  • Clothing – Layer up. Waterproof outer layers and warm base layers are key.

  • Boots – Waterproof, supportive, and broken-in before you get to camp.

  • Optics – Good binos are a must. I trust Maven Optics in my own kit.

  • Navigation – GPS or downloaded offline maps. Cell service is spotty.

  • Field Gear – Knives, game bags, headlamp, first aid kit, paracord.

  • Firearm or Bow – Dialed in and legal for your season.

  • Altitude Awareness – You might be hunting at 8,000–12,000 feet. Acclimate, hydrate, and listen to your body.

Safety & Ethics

Hunting is a privilege, not a right. Here’s how to keep it safe and above board:

  • Blaze Orange – 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange or pink during firearm seasons.

  • Know Your Target – Always ID your target and what’s behind it.

  • Follow the Rules – No baiting, no drones, no shooting from roads.

  • Respect the Animal – Take clean shots, use what you kill, and don’t leave trash behind.

  • Stay Sober – Alcohol + guns = bad combo. Stay sharp out there.

Handy Resources

Here’s where to get your questions answered straight from the source:

Final Thoughts

If you're new to Colorado hunting, don’t stress. With the right prep and a little patience, you’ll have the hunt of a lifetime. This state is packed with opportunity—but also full of rules that are easy to trip over if you don’t do your homework.

Use this guide as your foundation, dig into the CPW resources, and always hunt with purpose and respect. You’ll come back with more than meat—Colorado has a way of changing hunters for the better.

Good luck out there. Tag me in your grip-n-grins. 👊

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