Colorado Hunting Guide
Complete Colorado hunting guide. Colorado hunting seasons, license costs, bag limits, and regulations for all major game species. Updated for the current season.
Wildlife Agency
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers
Draw Application Deadlines
| Species | Type | Opens | Deadline | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk | Primary Draw | Mar 1 | Apr 1 | Late May |
| Mule Deer | Primary Draw | Mar 1 | Apr 1 | Late May |
| Pronghorn | Primary Draw | Mar 1 | Apr 1 | Late May |
| Moose | Primary Draw | Mar 1 | Apr 1 | Late May |
| Mountain Goat | Primary Draw | Mar 1 | Apr 1 | Late May |
| Elk | Leftover List | Jul 1 | Ongoing | Immediate |
| Bighorn Sheep | Primary Draw | Mar 1 | Apr 1 | Late May |
Colorado Hunting Seasons
Elk
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Aug 26 | Sep 24 |
| Muzzleloader | Sep 9 | Sep 17 |
| Rifle | Oct 14 | Nov 12 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1
Colorado is the #1 elk hunting state. Rifle season split into 4 periods. Over-the-counter bull tags available in some units. Cow tags by draw.
Mule Deer
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Aug 26 | Sep 24 |
| Muzzleloader | Sep 9 | Sep 17 |
| Rifle | Oct 14 | Nov 12 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1
Draw-only for most units. Preference point system. Some units have over-the-counter licenses. 4 rifle seasons.
Turkey
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Apr 8 | May 28 |
| Archery | Apr 8 | May 28 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 (spring)
Spring bearded turkey season. Merriam's turkeys predominant. Fall season available in limited units.
Bear
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 2 | Sep 30 |
| Rifle | Sep 2 | Sep 30 |
| Muzzleloader | Sep 9 | Sep 17 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1
Over-the-counter licenses available in many units. Bear baiting and dogs prohibited. Concurrent with deer/elk seasons in some units.
Moose
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle | Sep 9 | Oct 15 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1
Extremely limited draw-only permits. Among the most coveted tags in North America. Shiras moose in mountainous areas.
Pronghorn
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Aug 15 | Sep 20 |
| Rifle | Sep 25 | Oct 31 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 per year
Draw-only in most western states
Mountain Goat
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle | Sep 1 | Nov 15 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 per lifetime
Once-in-a-lifetime draw. Extremely limited tags.
Bighorn Sheep
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle | Sep 1 | Nov 30 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 per lifetime (most states)
Extremely limited tags. Once-in-a-lifetime draw.
Mountain Lion
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall/Winter | Nov 1 | Mar 31 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 per year
Hound hunting legal in most western states. Quotas apply.
Planning Tools
- Colorado Draw Odds by Unit — success rates for every limited-entry hunt
- Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
- Season Tag Planner — never miss an opening day
- Preference Point Tracker — when should you burn your points?
Colorado Hunting Guides
draw odds
Colorado Pronghorn Draw Odds: Units, Points, and Application Strategy
methods
Colorado Mule Deer Hunting Tactics: OTC and High-Country
draw odds
Colorado Archery Elk Draw Odds: Best Units and Strategy
draw odds
Colorado Elk Draw Odds: Unit Strategy and Preference Point Math
destinations
Colorado Turkey Hunting: Merriam's in Mountain Country
species