Colorado 2026 Turkey Season: Spring Hunting Dates Explained

You’re at the perfect place if you’ve been thinking about calling in a bearded tom with the Rockies in the background. Planning ahead for the 2026 hunting season is very important, especially since there are only a few draw permits available, a lot of options to buy licenses over the counter, and a lot of management units that cover a wide range of territory, from the eastern plains to the alpine zones.

From my experience getting ready for spring hunts in the high country, having all your dates, rules and license information ready ahead of time makes the difference between a frustrated scramble and a successful expedition. This book has all the information you need to hunt Merriam’s in several wildlife management units in the Centennial State. It includes precise dates for all hunting seasons, bag limits, license costs, and important rules.

Table of Contents

Quick Season Overview

Here’s what you need to know at a glance for the 2026 hunting year:

Season Type	Open Date	Close Date	Legal Methods
Spring (Limited & OTC)	April 11, 2026	May 31, 2026	Shotgun, archery, crossbow (no rifles)
Fall (Limited & OTC)	September 1, 2026	October 31, 2026	Shotgun, archery, crossbow, rifles/handguns
Late Season (Private Land)	December 15, 2026	January 15, 2027	Shotgun, archery, crossbow, rifles/handguns

2026 Complete Hunting Schedule

Whether you’re applying through the draw system or picking up an over-the-counter license, here’s the detailed breakdown:

Season Name	Dates	License Type	Zones/Units	Bag Limit	Special Notes
Spring Limited Draw	April 11 – May 31, 2026	Limited (Draw)	Various GMUs statewide	1 bearded bird per limited license	Application deadline: February 3, 2026
Spring OTC	April 11 – May 31, 2026	Over-the-Counter	See CPW brochure for specific GMUs	1 bearded bird per OTC license	Available starting March 2026
Spring RFW (Residents Only)	Varies by ranch	Ranching for Wildlife Draw	Specific private ranches	1 bearded bird	Colorado residents only
Fall Limited Draw	September 1 – October 31, 2026	Limited (Draw)	Various GMUs statewide	1 either-sex bird	Application deadline: May 31, 2026
Fall OTC	September 1 – October 31, 2026	Over-the-Counter	See CPW brochure for GMUs	1 either-sex bird	Available starting June 2026
Late Season	December 15, 2026 – January 15, 2027	OTC (Private Land Only)	All units with landowner permission	2 beardless birds maximum	Private land access required before purchase

Important: You can harvest up to 2 bearded birds during the spring—one with a limited license and one with an OTC license. That’s your total bag limit for spring.

More Bird Species 🕊️

Beyond the primary focus, the state offers excellent opportunities for other upland birds. If you’re already heading into the field, consider these additional options:

White-Tailed Ptarmigan

Dates: September 1 – November 24, 2026
Bag Limit: 3 per day (9 in possession)
Special requirement: $5 annual upland game permit
Found in alpine zones above treeline

Dusky Grouse (Blue Grouse)

Dates: September 1 – November 23, 2026
Bag Limit: 3 per day (9 in possession)
Habitat: Mountain forests and meadows west of I-25

Greater Sage-Grouse

Dates: September 13 – September 19, 2026 (limited units)
Bag Limit: 2 per day (4 in possession)
Special requirement: $5 annual upland game permit
Very limited areas; check GMU restrictions

Mountain Sharp-Tailed Grouse

Dates: September 1 – September 21, 2026
Bag Limit: 3 per day (9 in possession)
Special requirement: $5 annual upland game permit
Found in GMUs 4, 5, 12, 13, 14

Ring-Necked Pheasant

East of I-25: November 8, 2026 – January 31, 2027
West of I-25: November 8, 2026 – January 4, 2027
Bag Limit: 3 roosters per day (9 in possession)

These additional species can add variety to your hunt and help you make the most of your time outdoors. The November pheasant opener is particularly popular on the eastern plains.

Regulations You Need to Know 🌾

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has specific rules designed to maintain healthy populations and ensure hunter safety. Here’s what you must follow:

Legal Weapons & Equipment

Spring Season: Shotguns (shot sizes 4-9), archery equipment (long bows, recurves, compounds), and crossbows are permitted. Rifles and handguns are illegal during spring.
Fall & Late Seasons: All of the above plus rifles and handguns are allowed. Firearms must be muzzleloading, centerfire, or rimfire with bullets weighing at least 17 grains and manufacturer’s energy rating of 110 foot-pounds at 100 yards.
Electronic calls are legal for use in all periods
Portable blinds and decoys are permitted

Shooting Hours

Legal hunting begins one-half hour before sunrise
Ends at sunset (not after sunset)
Check exact sunrise/sunset times for your specific hunting location through NOAA’s online calculator

Land Access & Ethical Practices

Always obtain written permission before hunting on private land
Respect property boundaries and posted signs
Public land opportunities exist on BLM, USFS, state wildlife areas, and Walk-In Access properties
Leave gates as you find them
Pack out all trash and respect other outdoor users

Tagging & Transportation

Validate your license immediately upon harvest
Keep your license with the bird during transport
Report your harvest through CPW’s online system or by phone
Do not possess more birds than your legal bag and possession limits

Safety & Ethics

Wear hunter orange when required on other hunting overlaps (check regulations)
Positively identify your target and what’s beyond it
Be certain of a bearded bird in spring before taking a shot
Practice fair chase principles at all times
Never shoot from or across roadways

Following these regulations isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about being part of a conservation-minded community that ensures future generations can enjoy these opportunities. Similar regulations apply across western states, which you can explore in resources like Alabama’s turkey regulations or Arizona’s approach.

License & Tag Fees 🎟️

Pricing varies significantly based on residency status and age. Here’s the current fee structure for 2026:

Resident Fees

Spring or Fall Adult: $30.44
Spring or Fall Youth (under 18): $19.21
Habitat Stamp (ages 18-64): $12.47 annually
Application processing fee: $11.00 per application

Non-Resident Fees

Spring or Fall Adult: $188.86
Spring or Fall Youth (under 18): $194.21
Habitat Stamp (all ages 18-64): $12.47 annually
Application processing fee: $11.00 per application

Where to Purchase
Licenses can be obtained through multiple convenient channels:

Online: Visit the official CPW website at cpw.state.co.us (most convenient)
By Phone: Contact CPW directly during business hours
In Person: CPW offices, state parks, and licensed agents throughout the state
Draw Applications: Submit through CPW’s online portal during application windows

Youth under 18 qualify for reduced-cost licenses, making this an affordable family activity. Keep in mind that the Habitat Stamp is mandatory for most hunters aged 18-64 and supports critical wildlife conservation projects.

For those considering guided hunts or wanting to explore hunting gear options before the opening day, plan your budget accordingly. Quality hunting equipment and potentially firearms safety training courses may add to your preparation costs but are worthwhile investments.

License Requirements

Before you can legally pursue birds in the field, you’ll need to meet specific requirements:

Who Needs a License?

Anyone hunting on public or private land in the state
Both residents and non-residents
Youth hunters of any age (though youth licenses are available at reduced costs)

Hunter Education

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1949
Must complete an approved hunter education course before applying for or purchasing licenses
Carry your hunter education card in the field at all times
Exception: Hunters 50 years and older can test out of the requirement
Military: Active duty military may be exempt; check specific requirements

Age Requirements

No minimum age to hunt if accompanied by a mentor
Youth under 16 must be accompanied by a mentor (age 18+) who has completed hunter education
Mentor and youth must maintain visual and auditory contact without aids
Youth aged 16-17 can hunt independently with hunter education certification
Youth age is determined on the date of application submission

Landowner Exemptions

Some landowner licenses exist for qualifying properties
Check with CPW for specific qualifications
Private land late-season licenses still require standard licensing

Qualifying License for Draw Applications

To apply in the limited draw, you may need a qualifying license
Options include small game license or a spring/fall license from previous purchase
Review CPW’s requirements before application deadlines

The online hunter education courses make certification more accessible than ever. If you’re planning a family hunt, getting kids certified early opens opportunities for them to participate in mentored hunts and build outdoor skills safely.

Understanding these requirements ensures you’re legal in the field and helps maintain public land access for all outdoor enthusiasts. For more information about hunting regulations in neighboring states, you might find it useful to compare with resources like California’s turkey season guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best time of day to hunt during spring?

Early morning is prime time. Birds typically fly down from roost trees shortly after first light and are most vocal during the first few hours after sunrise. Late afternoon can also be productive as birds move toward roosting areas, though they’re generally less vocal. I’ve found that setting up near known roosting areas about 30 minutes before legal shooting hours gives you the best positioning.

Can a beginner hunt independently, or do I need to go with someone experienced?

If you’re 16 or older and have completed hunter education, you can hunt solo. However, going with an experienced hunter for your first few outings is highly recommended. The learning curve for calling, positioning, and bird behavior is steep. Many local hunting clubs and CPW offer mentorship programs specifically for novice hunters.

Are electronic calls legal in all areas?

Yes, electronic calls are legal throughout the state for all hunting periods. However, some argue that traditional mouth calls and box calls provide a more authentic experience and better learning opportunity. Regardless of which you choose, practice before opening day makes a huge difference.

Can I hunt on public land, or do I need private access?

Both options are available. Public land opportunities exist on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, U.S. Forest Service (USFS) properties, Colorado State Wildlife Areas, and through the Walk-In Access program. These areas can be competitive during prime times, especially near metro areas. Private land requires written landowner permission but often offers less pressure and better success rates.

Is there a separate license needed for fall hunting compared to spring?

Yes, spring and fall are separate license periods with different application deadlines and dates. You cannot use a spring license for fall hunting or vice versa. Bag limits and regulations also differ between periods—spring focuses on bearded birds only, while fall allows either-sex harvest.

What’s the difference between a limited license and an OTC license?

Limited licenses are distributed through a draw system and restricted in number. They offer access to premium units or specific properties. OTC (over-the-counter) licenses are unlimited in quantity and available for purchase without applying in a draw, though they’re restricted to certain units. During spring, you can harvest one bird with each type if you’re successful in obtaining both.

Do I need additional permits for hunting on National Forest land?

No separate permits are required specifically for hunting, but you’ll need your valid state hunting license. However, camping on National Forest land may require permits during certain times of year, and some areas have special restrictions. Always check with the local ranger district before your hunt.

Conservation & Sustainability

The Centennial State’s hunting laws are meticulously developed, grounded in population surveys and wildlife management research, and are not arbitrary. Every year, CPW surveys birds to keep an eye on habitat conditions, nesting success, and bird numbers. These conservation initiatives are directly funded by the licence payments you pay.

Breeding populations are safeguarded by the seasonal arrangement. Bag limitations on bearded birds and the conclusion of spring seasons before the start of peak nesting guarantee that hens are mostly protected during their most vulnerable time. Late seasons target local overpopulations on private properties where birds may cause agricultural harm, whereas autumn seasons take place after young birds have reached adulthood.

Conservation of habitat is equally vital. Funding for required Habitat Stamps is used for anything from grassland management to riparian restoration initiatives that benefit entire ecosystems, not just birds. As a licensed hunter, you are supporting one of the world’s most effective conservation systems, the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.

Supporting Wildlife Through Ethical Hunting:

Harvest only what you can properly utilize
Report unusual wildlife die-offs or sick birds to CPW
Participate in hunter surveys when contacted
Support habitat improvement projects in your local area
Practice selective harvest that aligns with management goals

Safety Reminders

While pursuing birds is generally considered one of the safer hunting activities, accidents can and do happen. Keep these safety principles in mind:

Know your target: Positively identify your bird before shooting, including verifying beards during spring
Know what’s beyond: Pellets and bullets travel far beyond your intended target
Safe firearm handling: Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded; keep muzzles pointed in safe directions
Communication: If hunting with others, establish clear shooting zones and maintain radio contact
Weather awareness: Mountain weather changes rapidly; carry appropriate gear
Physical preparedness: Some terrain is demanding; know your limits
Emergency planning: Carry first aid supplies and have a communication plan
Hydration: High-altitude dehydration happens quickly, even in cool weather

Never let the excitement of a gobbling bird override your safety protocols. A successful hunt is one where everyone returns home safely.

Conclusion

From the ponderosa woods of the highlands to the pinyon-juniper foothills and river bottoms of the eastern plains, the 2026 hunting season provides exceptional opportunity in a variety of environments. Whether you’re a resident drawing tags for premium units or a visiting hunter purchasing OTC licenses, proper planning makes all the difference.

Note the application dates on your calendar: May 31 for autumn applications and February 3 for spring draw applications. In the off-season, get your equipment ready, practice calling and, if you can, scout the regions you want to visit. Most importantly, because restrictions can change, make sure you are aware of any current regulations before you go out into the field by checking with Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

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