Colorado Hunting Season Breakdown for 2025-2026

Colorado’s diverse landscapes offer some of the finest hunting opportunities in North America. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to expansive plains, the Centennial State provides hunters with access to over 23 million acres of public land teeming with wildlife. Whether you’re pursuing trophy elk, mule deer, or small game, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Colorado’s 2025 hunting seasons, including key dates, licensing requirements, wildlife zones, and essential regulations.

Colorado Hunting Seasons: Your 2025 Overview

Colorado’s hunting regulations operate on a five-year structure, with 2025 marking the beginning of a new Big Game Season Structure (BGSS) that will run through 2029. This guide provides the latest information on season dates, licensing requirements, and wildlife management areas to help you plan your perfect Colorado wilderness excursion.

📋 Colorado 2025-2026 Season Summary

Species	Season Type	Opens	Closes	Method
Elk/Deer	Archery	Sept 2	Sept 30	Bow
Elk/Deer	Muzzleloader	Sept 13	Sept 21	Muzzleloader
Elk	1st Rifle	Oct 15	Oct 19	Rifle
Elk/Deer	2nd Rifle	Oct 25	Nov 2	Rifle
Turkey	Spring	April 12	May 31	All Methods
Ducks	Western Zone	Oct 5-22	Nov 6-Jan 31	Shotgun
Geese	Regular	Nov 4	Feb 16	Shotgun

🦌 All Big Game: Archery & Rifle Seasons

Colorado’s big game opportunities offer some of the best experiences in North America. The state operates on a structured five-year framework that provides consistency for planning your adventures.

Archery Opportunities 🏹

Dates: September 2 – September 30, 2025
Species: Elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, bear, pronghorn
Zones: West of I-25 and Unit 140
Tag Info: Both over-the-counter and limited draw options available
Special Note: Non-resident archery elk licenses now require application through the primary draw for all Game Management Units

Muzzleloader Options 🔫

Dates: September 13 – 21, 2025
Available for: Elk and deer in select units
Requirements: Limited draw only
Overlap: Runs concurrent with archery opportunities

Rifle Periods

First Rifle (Elk Only)

Dates: October 15 – 19, 2025
Duration: 5-day period
Application: Draw required

Second Rifle (Combined)

Dates: October 25 – November 2, 2025
Duration: 9-day period
Species: Both elk and deer
Most Popular: Highest application numbers

Third Rifle

Dates: November 8 – 16, 2025
Duration: 7-day period

Fourth Rifle

Dates: November 19 – 23, 2025
Duration: 5-day period

Plains Rifle

Dates: October 25 – November 4, 2025
Area: Eastern Colorado plains units

🦃 Turkey Season: Spring, Fall & Youth

Colorado’s turkey populations provide excellent opportunities across multiple seasons with varying regulations.

Spring Turkey 🌸

Primary Period: April 12 – May 31, 2025
License Types: Limited draw, over-the-counter, and Ranching for Wildlife options
Youth Opportunities: Reduced-cost licenses with mentor requirements for under-16
Special Access: Fishers Peak State Park permits (5 hunters maximum)

Fall Turkey 🍂

Season Dates: September 1 – October 31, 2025
Options: Limited and over-the-counter licenses
Application: Fall applications due in May

Late Season Turkey ❄️

Dates: December 15, 2025 – January 15, 2026
Restriction: Private land only
Limit: Up to two beardless turkey licenses per individual

Youth Mentor Programs 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Age Requirement: Under 16 must be accompanied by mentor (18+ with hunter education)
Visibility Rule: Youth and mentors must maintain sight and sound contact
Education: All participants must meet Colorado’s education requirements

🦫 Furbearer Opportunities

Colorado’s furbearer populations provide excellent trapping and pursuing opportunities during the colder months.

Primary Furbearer Period

Dates: November 1 – February 28
Species: Badger, red fox, gray fox, swift fox, mink, muskrat, opossum, pine marten, raccoon, ring-tailed cat, striped skunk, western spotted skunk, long-tailed weasel, short-tailed weasel
Bag Limits: Unlimited for most species

Extended Periods

Beaver

Dates: October 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025
Limits: Unlimited

Bobcat

Dates: December 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025
Requirements: Valid small game license

🐦 Upland Birds

The diverse terrain of Colorado supports various upland species throughout extended periods.

Grouse Species

Dusky Grouse (Blue)

Dates: September 1– March 31, 2025
Daily Limit: 3 birds
Possession: 9 birds

Greater Sage Grouse

Dates: September 9 – January 31
Daily Limit: 2 birds (North Park) / Regular limit elsewhere
Possession: 2-4 birds depending on location

Mountain Sharp-tailed Grouse

Dates: September 1, 2024 – January 31, 2025
Daily Limit: 2 birds
Possession: 4 birds

Pheasant & Partridge

Ring-necked Pheasant

Dates: September 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025
Daily Limit: 3 birds
Possession: 9 birds

Chukar Partridge

Dates: September 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025
Daily Limit: 4 birds
Possession: 12 birds

🐿️ Upland Animals & Small Game

Rabbits & Hares

Species: Cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, white-tailed jackrabbit, black-tailed jackrabbit
Dates: September 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025
Daily Limit: 10 of each species
Possession: 20 of each species

Squirrels

Species: Fox squirrel, pine squirrel
Dates: September 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025
Daily Limit: 5 of each species
Possession: 10 of each species

🕊️ Other Small Game Species

Species	Season Opens	Season Closes	Daily Limit	Possession
Mourning/White-winged Dove	Sept 1	Nov 29	Varies by zone	Triple daily
Northern Bobwhite Quail	Nov 11	Jan 31	8 each species	24 each
Scaled Quail	Nov 11	Jan 31	8 each species	24 each
Gambel’s Quail	Nov 11	Jan 31	8 each species	24 each
Band-tailed Pigeon	Sept 1	Sept 14	3 birds	9 birds
Wilson’s Snipe	Sept 1	Dec 16	Varies	Triple daily
White-tailed Ptarmigan	Sept 1	Mar 31	3 birds	6 birds

🦆 Migratory Birds Overview

Colorado’s position along major flyways makes it a premier destination for waterfowl enthusiasts. The state is divided into multiple zones with specific regulations.

Federal Requirements 🎟️

Valid Colorado small game license
Federal Duck Stamp (except during Light Goose Conservation)
Habitat Stamp
HIP (Harvest Information Program) registration

🦆 Ducks, Scaup, Mergansers & Coots

Colorado’s waterfowl zones provide diverse opportunities across different geographic regions.

Western Zone (Pacific Flyway)

First Split: October 5 – 22, 2025
Second Split: November 6 – January 31, 2026
Area: West of Continental Divide (excluding Eastern Zone areas)

Eastern Zone (Central Flyway)

Dates: October 5 – January 17, 2025
Area: East of Continental Divide

Mountain/Foothills Zone

First Split: September 30 – November 26, 2025
Second Split: December 25 – January 31, 2026
Elevation: Higher elevation areas

Northeast Zone

First Split: October 14 – November 26, 2025
Second Split: December 11 – January 31, 2026

Southeast Zone

Dates: October 28 – January 31
Area: Southeastern Colorado counties

🪿 Geese Seasons

Central Flyway Regular Periods

Dark Geese (Canada, Brant)

Dates: November 4 – February 16
Daily Limit: 5 birds
Possession: 15 birds

Light Geese (Snow, Ross’, Blue)

Dates: November 2 – February 16
Daily Limit: 50 birds
Possession: Unlimited

Special Zone Periods

North Park

Dark Geese: October 5 – January 17
Light Geese: November 2 – February 16

San Luis Valley

Dark Geese: October 5-23 & November 23 – February 16
Light Geese: November 2 – February 16

South Park

Dark Geese: October 5 – January 17
Light Geese: November 2 – February 16

Pacific Flyway Areas

Western Zone

Dates: October 5-13 & November 6 – January 31
Dark Geese: 5 daily limit
Light Geese: 10 daily limit

Eastern Zone

Dates: October 5 – January 8
**Same limits as Western Zone

🦢 Other Waterfowl

Rails & Snipe

Sora Rail & Virginia Rail

Dates: September 1 – November 9
Limits: Follow federal guidelines

Wilson’s Snipe

Dates: September 1 – December 16
Distribution: Statewide in suitable habitat

Conservation Order Period

Light Goose Conservation

Dates: February 17 – April 30, 2025
Area: East of I-25
Limits: Unlimited daily and possession
Special Rules: Extended pursuing methods allowed

🎯 More Game Opportunities

Mountain Lion

Dates: November 24, 2025 – March 31, 2026
Requirements: Limited licenses through draw system
Quota System: Unit-specific harvest limits

Year-Round Species

European Starling, House Sparrow, Eurasian Collared Dove

Period: Year-round
Limits: Unlimited
License: Small game license required

Crow Period

Dates: November 1 – February 28
Note: Check current regulations for updated dates

Colorado Hunting Zones Map 🗺️

Colorado divides its territory into Game Management Units (GMUs) to effectively manage wildlife populations. Hunters should consult the Colorado Hunting Atlas for detailed maps showing unit boundaries, public lands, and hunting access.

Key features of the Colorado Hunting Atlas include:

Interactive mapping of all GMUs
Public land identification
Seasonal habitat ranges for big game species
Road access information
Walk-in access properties

License Information and Requirements 🎟️

Resident Licenses

Annual Hunting License: Required for most species
Habitat Stamp: Required for hunters aged 18-64
Big Game Licenses: Available through draw or over-the-counter, depending on species and unit

Non-Resident Licenses

Annual Hunting License: Higher fees than resident licenses
Habitat Stamp: Required for hunters aged 18-64
Limited Access: Some units and species have caps on non-resident licenses

Youth Licenses

Available at reduced rates for hunters under 18
Hunter education certification required
Youth under 16 must be accompanied by a mentor

Special Add-Ons

Fishing Privilege: Can be added to annual hunting licenses
Second Rod Stamp: For fishing with two lines
Colorado State Wildlife Area Pass: Required for anyone without a proper hunting/fishing license who wishes to access State Wildlife Areas

Hunting FAQ ❓

Q: Do I need a preference point to hunt elk in Colorado?

A: Not necessarily. While limited licenses require draw applications (where preference points help), many units offer over-the-counter elk licenses that don’t require preference points.

Q: Can I hunt on public lands in Colorado?

A: Yes, Colorado offers over 23 million acres of public hunting land, including national forests, BLM lands, and state wildlife areas. Always verify access rules for specific areas.

Q: Is night hunting permitted in Colorado?

A: Night hunting is generally prohibited in Colorado, with limited exceptions for certain species under specific circumstances. Check regulations for details.

Q: How do I apply for a limited license?

A: Applications for limited licenses are submitted through Colorado’s draw system. The primary draw deadline is April 1, with a secondary draw held after the primary results are announced.

Q: What is a qualifying license?

A: A qualifying license is required before applying for limited licenses through the big game draw. Options include annual small game, annual spring turkey, and combination hunting/fishing licenses.

Related Colorado Hunting Resources 🔗

Wrapping Up Your Colorado Adventure 🏕️

Colorado’s extraordinary wilderness offers some of North America’s finest hunting opportunities. Whether you’re stalking trophy elk in the high country, pursuing pronghorn across the plains, or calling in Merriam’s turkey in the foothills, the state provides diverse experiences for hunters of all skill levels.

Before heading afield, always double-check the latest regulations from Colorado Parks & Wildlife, secure your licenses early, and carefully research the game management units where you plan to hunt. The success of your trip depends on thorough preparation, understanding the landscape, and respecting wildlife conservation principles that ensure these hunting traditions continue for generations to come.

Remember that hunting regulations can change, and specific units may have special restrictions or season variations. Always verify the most current information before your hunt, and consider using digital mapping apps to enhance your field experience in Colorado’s magnificent backcountry.

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