2025–2026 Colorado Big Game and Small Game Hunting: Dates, Licenses, and Zones
Planning your hunting adventures in Colorado for the 2025–2026 season? Whether you’re a local or visiting hunter, this guide breaks down everything you need to know—from key dates and species regulations to permit details and wildlife zones. Colorado offers diverse opportunities, but staying updated on the latest rules is essential for a successful and legal experience. Let’s dive in! 🌲🦌
📅 Quick Reference Points
Here’s a snapshot of major game categories and highlights for the 2025–2026 season:
- Big Game: Elk, deer, bear, moose, and pronghorn seasons vary by method (archery, rifle, muzzleloader) and zone.
- Turkey: Spring and fall seasons, with dedicated youth hunts.
- Small Game: Includes species like squirrel, rabbit, and dove.
- Waterfowl: Ducks, geese, and other migratory birds follow federal and state guidelines.
- Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat, and others may have year-round or seasonal rules.
- Youth Opportunities: Special seasons and discounted licenses are available.
- Licenses: Required for all hunters, with options for residents, non-residents, and youth.
🦌 Big Game Overview
Colorado is renowned for its big game hunting, especially for elk and mule deer. Below is a general overview of seasons for 2025–2026. Always check the official Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) website for zone-specific exceptions.
| Species | Archery Season | Rifle Season | Muzzleloader Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk | Sept 2–30 | 1st Season: Early Oct (5 days) | Late Sept (9 days) | Non-residents must now draw for all archery licenses west of I-25 . |
| 2nd Season: Mid-Oct (9 days) | ||||
| 3rd Season: Late Oct (9 days) | ||||
| 4th Season: Early Nov (5 days) | ||||
| Deer | Sept 2–30 | 1st Season: Early Oct (5 days) | Late Sept (9 days) | Limited licenses only; some units may offer 1st season rifle hunts . |
| 2nd Season: Mid-Oct (9 days) | ||||
| 3rd Season: Late Oct (9 days) | ||||
| 4th Season: Early Nov (5 days) | ||||
| Bear | Sept 2–30 | 1st Rifle: Mid-Sept | Not applicable | Archery and rifle seasons vary by unit. |
| 2nd Rifle: Late Sept–Early Oct | ||||
| Moose | Limited draw seasons | Limited draw seasons | Not applicable | Required 3+ preference points to draw . |
| Pronghorn | Late Aug–Early Sept | Oct (varies by unit) | Not applicable | Limited licenses only. |
🎯 Key Big Game Notes:
- Preference Points: Used for elk, deer, moose, sheep, and goat draws. Your points determine draw priority .
- Non-Resident Changes: Non-residents can no longer purchase over-the-counter archery elk licenses west of I-25; they must enter the draw .
- Group Applications: Allowed for most species, but members must apply for identical hunt codes .
🦃 Turkey Dates
Turkey seasons are split into spring and fall periods, with youth seasons available.
| Season | Dates | Methods | Bag Limits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | April 12–May 25 (approx.) | Shotgun, bow | 1–2 bearded | Unit-specific restrictions may apply. |
| Fall | Sept 7–Oct 6 (approx.) | Shotgun, bow | 1–2 of either sex | Some units limited. |
| Youth | April 5–7 (spring); Sept 1–6 (fall) | Shotgun, bow | Same as above | Must be accompanied by adult. |
🦝 Furbearer Opportunities
Furbearer seasons vary widely; some species like coyote may be hunted year-round.
| Species | Season | Methods | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Year-round | Firearms, trapping | No license required for private land. |
| Bobcat | Dec 1–Feb 28 (approx.) | Trapping, calling | License required. |
| Raccoon | Year-round (private land) | Trapping, firearms | Check public land restrictions. |
| Fox | Dec 1–Feb 28 (approx.) | Trapping, calling | Unit-specific rules may apply. |
🐦 Small Game Section
Small game seasons offer great opportunities for beginners and families.
| Species | Season | Daily Bag Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrel | Sept 1–Feb 28 (approx.) | 4–8 (varies by unit) | A good option for new hunters. |
| Rabbit | Sept 1–Feb 28 (approx.) | 4–8 (varies by unit) | Snowshoe hare in some zones. |
| Dove | Sept 1–Nov 29 (approx.) | 15 | Early season is popular. |
| Quail | Nov 1–Feb 28 (approx.) | 8–15 (varies by unit) | Mainly in eastern zones. |
| Grouse | Sept 1–Dec 31 (approx.) | 2–3 (varies by unit) | Blue and dusky grouse in mountain areas. |
🦆 Complete Waterfowl Seasons
Waterfowl seasons align with federal frameworks but may have state-specific zones.
| Species | Season | Daily Bag Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | Early Oct–Late Jan (zones vary) | 6 | Includes mergansers. |
| Geese | Early Oct–Late Feb (zones vary) | 3–5 (varies by zone) | Light and dark goose seasons differ. |
| Teal | Sept 14–22 (approx.) | 6 | Early season only. |
| Sandhill Crane | Sept 1–Oct 31 (approx.) | 3 | Limited permits required. |
Permits: Federal duck stamp and Colorado waterfowl license required.
🐗 Other Available Game
Don’t overlook these unique opportunities!
| Species | Season | Methods | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crow | Oct 1–Feb 28 (approx.) | Calling, shotgun | No bag limit. |
| Frog | June 15–April 30 | Gig, bow, hand | License required. |
| Sandhill Crane | Sept 1–Oct 31 | Shotgun | Limited draw units . |
🗺️ Hunting Zones
Colorado is divided into Game Management Units (GMUs), each with unique rules and quotas. Use the Colorado Hunting Atlas to explore zones, public lands, and access points.
- Western Slope: Renowned for elk and mule deer.
- Eastern Plains: Pronghorn, turkey, and waterfowl.
- Mountains: Moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat.
Pro Tip: Always verify public vs. private land boundaries. Some WMAs require additional permits.
🎟️ Permits, Tags & Licenses Details
All hunters must carry valid licenses and stamps. Here’s a breakdown:
| License Type | Fee (Non-Resident) | Fee (Resident) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Game License | $101.54 | ~$30–$40 | Required to apply for big game draws . |
| Habitat Stamp | $12.47 (adults) | ~$10 | Required for all applicants . |
| Elk License | $825.03 | ~$50–$60 | Post-draw fee if successful . |
| Deer License | $494.47 | ~$40–$50 | Post-draw fee if successful . |
| Turkey License | $188.86 | ~$25–$30 | Spring and fall seasons. |
| Youth License | Discounted rates | Discounted rates | Big game tags start at $126.18 . |
| Waterfowl Stamp | Federal + state fees | Federal + state fees | Required for waterfowl hunters. |
🔑 Key Licensing Notes:
- Draw System: Primary draw deadline is April 1, 2025 . Secondary draw opens June 19, 2025 .
- Preference Points: Accumulate points for better draw odds. Points are species-specific .
- Group Applications: Allowed for most species; the group uses the lowest point total among members .
- License Surrender: Available until June 2 (primary) and July 9 (secondary) for point restoration .
❓ Colorado Hunting Quick FAQ
- Can non-residents buy over-the-counter elk tags?
Not for archery west of I-25. All non-resident archery elk licenses must now be obtained through the draw . - What is the preference point system?
Points improve your draw odds for limited licenses. They are accumulated if you don’t draw your first-choice tag . - Are there youth-specific hunts?
Yes! Youth get 100% preference in the secondary draw and have dedicated seasons for turkey and big game . - When do leftover licenses go on sale?
August 5, 2025, at 9 a.m. MT . - Is hunter education required?
Yes, for anyone born after January 1, 1949. Apprentice licenses are available for beginners . - What’s new for moose hunting?
Late-season cow moose licenses have been added in some units .
🔗 List of Related Guides
- Colorado Parks & Wildlife Official Site
- Colorado Hunting Atlas
- 2025 Big Game Brochure
- For hunting seasons in other states, check out Arizona and California.
Conclusion
Colorado’s 2025–2026 hunting season offers something for everyone, from trophy big game to casual small game pursuits. Remember to verify all dates and rules with CPW, as regulations can change. Apply early for draws, check for leftover tags, and always prioritize safety and ethics. Happy hunting! 🏹🎯
