Bison Trophy Bull

Big Game

The primary system for allocating Colorado big game licenses is through a limited license draw. Most deer, elk, pronghorn, bear, and moose tags are distributed via an application and lottery draw each spring (typically with an early April application deadline). Hunters earn preference points for each year they are unsuccessful in a draw, which improves odds for high-demand units in future years.

Elk: Colorado offers over-the-counter (OTC) elk licenses for certain seasons/units (for example, archery elk hunts in some units are available without drawing). However, limited units and muzzleloader or first rifle seasons for elk are all by draw.

Deer: All buck deer licenses are limited draw; some leftover or OTC antlerless licenses may be available after the draw.

Pronghorn, Sheep and Moose: all licenses are limited draw (Moose and Sheep tags are very limited).

Black bear: Colorado has a unique system where hunters can buy an OTC bear license in many units if they hold a deer or elk license for the same area/season (an “add-on” bear license), or they can apply for a limited bear tag.

Mountain lion: licenses are sold OTC (season runs winter months) but mountain lion hunters must call in to check available quotas in the unit before hunting.

Small Game

Colorado offers a separate Small Game license which covers upland game (such as pheasant, quail, grouse), small game mammals (rabbits, squirrels), and migratory birds (waterfowl, doves). Small game licenses are available over-the-counter to residents and non-residents.

All migratory bird hunters must obtain a HIP registration number (free) when they buy their license. Waterfowl hunters need to purchase a Colorado State Waterfowl Stamp and carry a Federal Duck Stamp.

Wild turkey: Turkey hunting in Colorado is regulated separately; a turkey license/tag is required for spring or fall turkey seasons. Many turkey units are limited and require applying in the license draw (spring turkey applications are due in February). Some turkey licenses (especially fall or leftover spring tags) can be bought OTC if quotas allow.

Documents Required

• A valid Colorado hunting license and a Habitat Stamp for resident hunters
• The huntable big game species tag (big game and Turkey)
• State Waterfowl Stamp and Federal Duck Stamp for waterfowl
• Hunter Education Card

Minimum Hunter Age

The minimum age to hunt big game in Colorado is 12 years old. For small game, there is no strict minimum age – children under 12 may hunt small game under close adult supervision (with a mentor’s license or a youth mentor license program). Hunters under 16 must be accompanied by an adult while hunting.

Official Links

• https://cpw.state.co.us/ - Colorado Parks & Wildlife