The Guide to Colorado Hunting Season Dates 2026

One notable change is that you'll no longer be able to get non-resident over-the-counter licenses available for the elk archery season in specific areas.

So, as you plan your 2026 hunting season in Colorado, let us help! We've got the information you need for bag limits, season dates, and more. We'll also help you find the best spots to hunt before you head out for your hunt. 

Updated March 30, 2026

When Can I Hunt in Colorado?

If you're anxious to get out for an elk hunt this year, you're in the right place to learn about season dates and more.

Note that the information we provide is the latest we can find from Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW). As new information for the upcoming season becomes available, we'll update it here. However, Colorado makes things easier than many other states. The same dates typically apply annually unless otherwise noted by official sources.

We always recommend checking official resources for the latest season dates for big game and other animals you plan to hunt before finalizing plans. As the State of Colorado establishes season dates for future seasons, we'll make those updates here, too. 

For all big game hunts, be sure to double-check rules, hunt areas, and dates before finalizing your plans! For additional details about specifics for the game animals listed above (and any animals not listed in this guide), visit the CPW website.

What are the Bag Limits for Colorado Hunting Seasons?

How many elk or marmots can you bring home this year? To comply with Colorado hunting regulations, make sure you know the bag limits for every animal you plan to hunt. 

For more information on bag limits, visit the CPW website. 

What Do I Need to Know About Colorado Hunting Regulations?

All hunters born after January 1, 1949, must pass a hunter education course before getting a Colorado hunting license. This is in addition to the specific license you need based on the game you plan to hunt.

Make sure you understand the terminology for different types of licenses (qualifying, limited, or over-the-counter) and which ones apply to the species you're after. Licensing also differs if you're a resident vs. a non-resident hunter. Colorado also offers exclusive hunting dates and license variations for youth, military, students, and hunters with disabilities.

For draw hunts, get familiar with the rules and how preference points work.

Why Do Hunters Hunt in Colorado?

Colorado is one of the best destinations for big game hunts, and it has the largest population of elk in North America. You'll find elk and mule deer worthy of trophy-class designation when hunting in this state.

You can also bring home a bear, antelope, moose, or bighorn sheep if you plan your season well. Or, if you prefer smaller game, hunt turkey in the spring or fall or try your hand at a grouse or ptarmigan hunt.

Where Should I Hunt in Colorado?

Hunters have access to more than 23 million acres of public hunting land in Colorado, so there's plenty of terrain to explore and hunt. However, you'll want to do your research and be prepared for some tough treks across rugged mountains, valleys, desert lands, rivers, mesas, and canyons.

Within these acres of public land, HuntWise mapping features can help you target (and mark) the best hunting areas. So, when it's time for the big game seasons Colorado offers this year, you already know where to go for a more successful day in the field. 

What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?

You'll need the right gear! 

Make sure you have everything you need in the field to tag out, including a hunting knife, a good pair of binoculars, and a spotting scope for glassing big game.

Gearing up on a budget? From clothing (including layers) to optics and odor control, HuntWise hunting app users can save hundreds on gear from our partners.

HuntWise Helps You Tag Out When Hunting in Colorado

We hope the dates and details we shared in this guide help you plan a successful hunt for the Colorado hunting season dates this year! It's a lot of information to process, so be sure to consult official resources, too.

What else do you need for a successful hunt? The HuntWise hunting app! You'll find up-to-date information on hunting seasons, including links to the latest regulations and season and license information. With the app, you can also strategically plan your hunt using weather and animal movement forecasting before heading out to gain an advantage over other hunters. Our detailed maps and LiDAR map layer help you view the terrain with high resolution and accuracy. As you e-scout the terrain, you can place unique markers to identify landmarks, animal activity, pathways, and more. 

Plus, Elite subscribers have full access to every tool, gain access to our exclusive FieldGuide+ content, and save up to 40% on gear from our partners.

Download the app and start your free trial today! 
Explore Pro and Elite features for free during your first week, so you'll be ready to hunt when the season opens.

Content most recently reviewed and updated for the latest season dates and details March 30, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to some of the top questions about the Colorado hunting seasons!

Q: What can you hunt all year round in Colorado?

A: In Colorado, certain small game and nuisance species can be hunted year-round, including coyotes, prairie dogs, and some small rodents (with landowner permission and subject to local regulations).

Q: Can I shoot a deer in my backyard out of season?

A: No, in Colorado, you can't shoot a deer in your backyard out of season. Deer are protected game animals, and hunting them outside legal seasons without proper authorization is illegal—even on private property. Special permits may be issued only in specific damage-control situations.

Q: What is the average cost of a Colorado elk hunt?

A: Costs for a Colorado elk hunt vary widely. Resident DIY hunts can be a few hundred dollars (licenses/gear), while guided hunts typically range from about $3,000 to $10,000+.

Q: How many elk tags do you get in Colorado?

A: Most hunters can obtain one elk license per season, but Colorado offers over-the-counter tags and limited draw tags, so some hunters may hold multiple licenses across different seasons or units depending on eligibility.

Q: How much is a moose hunt in Colorado?

A: Moose tags in Colorado are extremely limited and allocated by draw. If successful, a resident tag is relatively inexpensive (a few hundred dollars), but guided hunts can cost $8,000 to $15,000 or more.

Q: What is the hardest elk tag to draw in Colorado?

A: In Colorado, premium limited units (especially for trophy bull elk, such as Units 2, 10, or 201) are among the hardest to draw and can take decades of preference points.