Colorado Hunting Laws Licensing & Regulations

Colorado deer hunting

Colorado has a wide range of opportunities for big and small game hunting. The state is made mostly of undeveloped territory and a beautiful landscape. It is also well-known for its numerous outdoor leisure opportunities. The state of Colorado is ideal for large game hunters.

Colorado hunting laws and regulations

Before you begin hunting in Colorado, you should be familiar with the following state hunting rules, restrictions, and regulations:

The following are some of the most important Colorado hunting regulations and requirements:

The Hunter Education Certificate in Colorado

A Colorado hunter education certificate certifies that you have the necessary expertise to take game and wildlife in the state. Before hunting in the state, everyone born in or after 1949 must receive a Hunter Education Certificate. In Colorado, there is no minimum age restriction for purchasing a Hunter Education Certificate.

Regulation of Hunting Licenses

In Colorado, hunting licenses and the Hunter Education Certificate are not the same thing. A valid Colorado hunting license is required before you can hunt game or wildlife in the state. Residents and non-residents can apply for a variety of licenses. In Colorado, hunting permits are typically classified depending on criteria such as the type of game to be hunted, the hunter’s age, and whether or not the hunter is a resident of the state.

In Colorado, there is a practice known as game tagging.

Colorado hunting regulations mandate that particular game animals be tagged after being hunted. These creatures include deer, turkeys, bears, and elk. Before you may hunt in Colorado, you must first grasp the state tagging requirements for the animals you intend to take. to avoid violations of this legislation. Check that the animal is appropriately tagged.

The following are some of the tagging requirements for hunting in Colorado:

You must attach the tag to the animal carcass in accordance with the hunting regulations. The type of game you are playing will determine the tagging instruction, restriction, or obligation.
Attaching a tag to an animal carcass prior to and during transportation of the game with a vehicle, when the animal carcass is stored in a storage capacity, or at a campsite, is a violation of tagging regulations.
The tag must include crucial information such as the date the animal was taken, the hunter’s signature, and any additional information required for the specific game. It is illegal in Colorado to sign a tag before hunting a game.

Colorado Hunter Dressing

Before hunting in Colorado during certain game seasons, you must wear at least 500 square inches of either a pink or orange hunting overall. Pronghorn, beat, moose, elk, and deer are among the games and fauna for which this dressing is required.

The pink or orange dress should be worn as an outer garment and should cover the waist. It should also be worn with a head cover made of the same fabric. A cap or hat could be used as a head cover. Hunter clothing regulations also apply to hunters participating in muzzle loading, rifle, and archery seasons.

Although there is an exception for archery hunters who hunt on privately held property in Colorado, it is nonetheless suggested that they do so. When hunting from a pop-up blind or a ground blip, you must wear either orange or pink apparel whenever you are not within the blind. It is illegal to wear disguised pink or orange apparel because the color must be visible.

Colorado bag restrictions

In Colorado, there are also bag limit rules that limit the amount of game that a hunter can take. Depending on the game species, the Colorado bag limit might be based on seasonal or daily hunting. A daily bag restriction for a game species limits the number of that game species you can hunt in a day. The seasonal bag restriction restricts the number of games you can take during a given hunting season.

Hunting on private property

The vast majority of land in Colorado is privately owned. You are free to hunt on privately owned grounds without restriction, and if you do not directly own the area, you can obtain permission from the proprietor to do so. Privately owned lands, on the other hand, are still subject to Colorado hunting restrictions, requirements, and laws. Hunters on private property must also follow any landowner regulations or requirements. In addition, hunters must respect all landowner property and rights.

Hunting on Public Lands

Colorado’s public lands total more than 23 million acres, and the state’s forested areas, parks, and conservation zones provide many public hunting opportunities. Aside from hunting, Colorado’s public lands offer possibilities for hiking, trapping, fishing, and animal viewing. Some public lands controlled by states will also have their own set of rules and laws that must be followed. Before hunting in these places, it is your responsibility to be familiar with the local restrictions.

Hunting in Wildlife Reserves

Colorado wildlife areas are state-owned public properties that are managed by the state park and wildlife. Colorado has about 300 wildlife areas, totaling millions of acres of land in mountain regions, marshes, forests, grassland, and so on.

All of these areas of the state will be open to hunting and other outdoor recreational activities.

Hunting Regulations in Colorado Wildlife Areas

Aside from state hunting regulations, there may be extra limits on hunting or recreational use of Colorado wildlife areas. The regulations for most of these wildlife management areas will be posted for hunters to review before hunting. Regulations will differ depending on the locality. The following are some examples of popular wildlife area regulations:

There are restrictions on the type of firearm and the method used to capture wildlife and games.
Restrictions and regulations on hunting with dogs
Restriction and regulation of vehicle use and access within the regions
Additional licensing and permits are required.
Recreational activities, including camping, are prohibited in the state.

Colorado Hunting Licenses, Tags, and Permits

A valid hunting license is required before hunting any animal or wildlife in Colorado. Colorado hunting licenses are provided based on age, residency, and the type of game animal to be hunted.

The following are included in Colorado hunting licenses:

Licenses for large games

Colorado big game licenses are provided based on the species of big game hunted. These licenses are available to both citizens and nonresidents; however, the prices differ. You must have a large game license to take the animal.

An application fee will be required for a large game license issued based on state draws. A big game license draw permit costs $7 for Colorado residents and $9 for non-residents. This money is also non-refundable.

Other sorts of large game permits available in Colorado include:

Colorado Bear Hunting Permit

This is the current Colorado hunting license for bear species. Residents pay $39.75, while non-residents pay $101.75.

Colorado Big Horn Sheep Hunting Permit

In Colorado, this is the sole valid license required for bighorn sheep. It costs locals $305.61 and non-residents $2,240.20. In the state, there are separate licenses for desert and Rocky Mountain permits, but they cost the same for citizens and non-residents.

Colorado deer hunting permit

This is a legitimate deer hunting license in Colorado. A hunter can take both doe and buck deer with the license. Residents pay $40.24, while non-residents pay $401.83.

Colorado Elk Hunting Permit

This is a legitimate Colorado elk hunting license. In the state, the license can be used to take both bull and cow elk. Residents pay $55.43, while non-residents pay $670.25.

Colorado Moose Hunting Permit

This is a legitimate moose hunting license in Colorado. It costs locals $305.61 and non-residents $2240.

License to Hunt Mountain Goats in Colorado

This is a legal Colorado mountain goat hunting license. It costs locals $305.61 and non-residents $2240.

Mountain Lion Hunting License in Colorado

This is a legal Colorado mountain goat hunting license. Residents pay $50.37, while non-residents pay $351.75.

Pronghorn Lion Hunting License in Colorado

This is a legal Colorado pronghorn hunting license. Residents pay $40.24, while non-residents pay $401.83.

Colorado Youth Big Game Permit

This is a legal license for Colorado youth who want to hunt big game. Non-residents pay $102.78, while residents pay $15.1.

Licenses for small games

Small game licenses for numerous species are available in Colorado, much like big game licenses. The license will be based on the small game that the hunter desires to take, and it is open to both citizens and non-residents.

The following Colorado small game hunting licenses are available:

Colorado Small Game Annual License

This is a one-year license that allows you to take small game animals throughout the state, including furbearers. Residents pay $30.11, while non-residents pay $82.78.

Colorado Small Game and Fishing Combo License (Annual)

This is a Colorado small game hunting and fishing license valid for one year. It is exclusively available to state residents and costs $50.37.

Colorado turkey hunting permit

This license is only available through a random drawing. Hunters who are drawn will be able to go turkey hunting in Colorado. Hunters must pay the required application processing fee of $7 for residents and $9 for non-residents in order to be drawn.

Permit to Hunt Band-Tailed Pigeons in Colorado

This is the permission required in Colorado for band-tailed pigeon hunting. Residents and nonresidents both pay $5.

Stamp for Hunting Migratory Birds in Colorado

This is a migratory bird hunting stamp from Colorado. It costs $25 for both state residents and non-residents.

Colorado Furbears Hunting Permit

This license is only valid in Colorado for hunting furbearers. Residents pay $30.11, while non-residents pay $82.78.

Permit to Capture a Peregrine Falcon in Colorado

This authorization is necessary in Colorado for the capture of peregrine falcons. It is exclusively available to state residents and costs $304.1.

Hunting License for Colorado Raptor Residents

This is a Colorado hunting license for raptor possession in the state. It is exclusively available to residents and has a three-year validity period. It is $152.18.

Nonresident Hunting License for Colorado Raptors

This is a Colorado out-of-state hunting license for people who do not live in the state. It is good for a year and allows them to capture or possess raptors. It is $81.28.

Colorado Small Game Hunting License for One Day

This license is necessary for a single day of small game hunting in Colorado. Residents pay $13.9, while non-residents pay $16.94.

Colorado Small Game Hunting License for an Extra Day

This license is necessary for an additional day of hunting small game in Colorado. Residents and nonresidents both pay $6.81.

Colorado turkey hunting permit

Colorado hunting licenses are divided into two categories based on the season. Fall turkey hunting costs $25.05 for residents and $153.68 for non-residents. Spring turkey hunting costs $30.11 for residents and $153.68 for non-residents.

Colorado Small Game Hunting License for Youth

Youth who want to hunt small game in Colorado must have this license. Residents and nonresidents both pay $1.26.

Colorado Fishing Permits and Licenses

Colorado fishing licenses, permits, and tags include the following:

Annual Colorado Fishing License

An annual fishing license in Colorado costs $35.17 for residents and $97.97 for non-residents.

Colorado Senior Fishing License (Annual)

This is an annual fishing license valid for residents over the age of 65. The price is $9.85.

Stamp for Colorado Aquatic Nuisance Species

This is a Colorado fishing stamp for nuisance species. Residents pay $25, while non-residents pay $50.

Colorado One-Day Fishing Permit

This is a single-day fishing license. Residents pay $13.9, while non-residents pay $16.94.

Colorado Five-Day Fishing Permit

The fishing license is good for five days. It is exclusively available to non-residents and costs $32.14.

Additional Colorado Fishing License

This license entitles you to one additional day of fishing. Residents and nonresidents both pay $6.81.

Colorado Youth Fishing Permit

In Colorado, there are two categories of fishing licenses. The first is for young people aged 16 or 7, and it is exclusively available to citizens of the state. The price is $9.85.

The second youth fishing license is for individuals under the age of 16. The license is free and open to both citizens and non-residents.

2020-2021 Colorado Hunting Season

There are several hunting seasons for different games. Taking or capturing an animal outside of their hunting season or using a weapon outside of their hunting season is a hunting infraction.

Colorado’s shooting season for various species in 2020–21 includes the following:

Elk Hunting Season in Colorado

Archery hunting for deer in Colorado to September 30th)
Muzzleloader Season (September 12th to September 20th)
Rifle Season (October 10th to 14th, October 24th to November 1st, November 7th to November 13th, and November 18th to November 22nd)

Deer hunting season in Colorado

Archery Season (September 2nd to September 30th)
Muzzleloader Season (September 12th to September 20th)
Plains Muzzleloader Season (October 12th to October 20th)
Rifle Season (October 24th to November 1st, November 7th to November 13th, and November 18th to November 22nd)

Season for hunting plain deer in Colorado

Archery Season (October 1–Pronghorn Hunting in Colorado, November 4th–November 30th, and December 15th–December 31st)
Muzzleloader Season (October 10th to October 18th)
Rifle Season (October 24th to November 3rd, and December 1st to December 14th)

Pronghorn Season in Colorado

Archery Buck Hunting Season (15th August to 31st August)
Archery Season for Bucks and Does (September 1st to SeptemMoose Hunting in Coloradoder Season (September 21st to September 29th))
Rifle Season (October 3rd to October 11th)

Moose Hunting Season in Colorado

Archery Season (September 12th to September 30th)
Muzzleloading Season (September 12th to September 20th)
Rifle Season (October 1st to October 14th)

Bear hunting season in Colorado

Archery Season (September 2nd to September 30th)
Muzzleloader Season (September 12th to September 20th)
Rifle Season (September 2nd to September 30th, October 10th to October 14th, October 2nd to November 1st, November 7th to November 13th, November 18th to November 22nd, and November 2nd to November 22nd)

Turkey Season in Colorado

Fall Season (September 1st to October 23rd)
Small Game Hunting Season in Colorado
Squirrel Season (November 15th to January 15th)
Beaver Season (October 1st to April 39th)
Bobcat Season (December 1st to February 28th)
Snapping Turtle Season (April 1st to October 31st)
Rabbit Season (October 1st to February 28th)
Open Season for Coyotes
Fox Season (October 1st to February 28th)
Marmot Season (August 10th to August 15th)
Prairie Dog Season (June 15th to February 28th)
Rattlesnake Season (June 15th to August 15th)
Ground squirrel season (available)

The seasons for each game differ from one hunting zone to the next.

Colorado Wildlife, Recreation, and Fishing

The following are some of the most prevalent games and wildlife in Colorado:

Hunting for elk in Colorado

Because of the abundance of elk in the state, elk hunting in Colorado is well-known. According to the most recent estimates, the state has approximately 280,000 residents. Colorado has the greatest elk herds in the United States and the world. During elk seasons, sportsmen from across the country flock to the state to capture elk.

Colorado Moose Hunting

The moose population in Colorado is rapidly expanding, and it remains one of the state’s favorite big game species.

Colorado deer hunting

The white-tailed deer and the mule deer are the two most prevalent deer species in Colorado. Mule deer are widely spread in Colorado, whereas white-tailed deer are located in the state’s eastern part and in lesser numbers in the west.

Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Colorado

Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are predominantly found in the state’s steeper hills and rough terrain. The estimate is about 7,000, making Colorado one of the best states in the country for bighorn hunting. The desert sheep is another type of bighorn sheep found in Colorado; however, they are less frequent and only found in the western section of the state.

Mountain Goat Hunting in Colorado

Mountain goats are another large dam species found in Colorado’s high terrain. They are incredibly agile game animals, which, along with their mountain habitat, makes them extremely tough to hunt.

Colorado Pronghorn Hunting

Pronghorns are abundant in Colorado, with a population of around 90,000. They are currently most abundant in Colorado. They live in flatland areas in the state’s northwest and some eastern plains as well. Small herds of pronghorns can be seen in the state’s northern, southern, and misled parks.

Mountain Lion Hunting in Colorado

Mountain lions are another common big-game species in Colorado’s rugged terrain.

Black Bear Hunting in Colorado

Because of the state’s high number of animals, black bear hunting is popular in Colorado, just like mountain lion hunting.

Turkey hunting in Colorado

Wild turkeys are well-known among Colorado sportsmen. Aside from hunting, they are incredibly intriguing animals to watch, especially during their spring mating season.

Coyote hunting in Colorado

Coyotes are widely distributed throughout Colorado, and inhabitants consider them to be one of the most difficult predators to hunt. This demonstrates their intelligence.

Hunting for foxes in Colorado

The red fox is the most frequent species of fox in Colorado. Because of their speed, they are tough to hunt, as are most predators. They are also extremely sensitive, having excellent eyesight and smell. They are also excellent swimmers.

Shooting ranges in Colorado

The following are some of the shooting ranges in Colorado:

The Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Range is located in Wyoming.
Magnum Shooting Club
Izaak Walton Range at Pikes Peak Gun Club
Whistling Pines Shooting Club
Gold Camp Range Teller County Shooting Society
Whistling Pines Shooting Club
Tactical Group Kenaz
Magnum Shooting Club
Blanchard shotgun training

Hunting Lands in Colorado for Sale and Lease

Colorado hunting lands for sale include the following:

2258 Montrose, Colorado (San Miguel County) 03 acres
8,080 acres in Trinchera, Colorado (Las Animas County).
360 acres in Cripple Creek, Colorado (Teller County).
794 acres in Wellington, Colorado (Larimer County).

The following hunting lands are available for lease in Colorado:

Archery Elk Hunting on Private Land (Garfield County), 7600 Acres
Windance Ranch, 750 acres in Eagle County