Discover the 2023–2024 Colorado Hunting Seasons for a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure. To help you organize the perfect outdoor trip, we’ve provided helpful information about the Centennial State’s latest games and schedules in this page.
Colorado Hunting Seasons 2023-2024
The big game typically begins in late August and continues through December, while the small game schedule typically begins in October and continues until April.
Big Game Overview
| CPW's Update | Information |
|---|---|
| Changes in Big-Game Hunting | Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) announces "unprecedented" changes in the northwest region's big-game hunting. |
| Reason for Changes | A historically harsh winter in the region severely affected elk, deer, and pronghorn due to deep snow and food shortages. |
| Hunting Season Dates | First rifle season in the "severe winter zone" is from Oct. 14-18, with other openings in late October and November (Oct. 28-Nov.4, Nov. 11-17 and Nov. 22-26). |
| Impact on Animal Survival | Collared elk had the lowest survival rates ever documented, and deer and pronghorn faced similar devastation. |
| Reduction in Licenses | In the "severe winter zone," there will be significant reductions in elk(up to 89% reduction), deer(up to 94% reduction), and pronghorn licenses (up to 83% reduction). |
| Financial Impact | CPW acknowledges the financial effect on its operations and regional economies, which depend on revenues from hunting and fishing license sales. |
| Reminder for Other Outdoor Activities | CPW reminds hikers, cyclists, and off-roaders about shared lands and the possibility of increased hunting activity in different areas. |
Deer
| For 2023 | |
| Archery | 2-Sep - 30-Sep |
| Muzzleloader | 9-Sep - 17-Sep |
| High Country (Limited 9-day antlered deer) | 9-Sep - 17-Sep |
| Plains archery | 10/01- 10/27 and 11/08- 11/30 and 12/15- 12/31 |
| OR 10/01- 10/27 and 11/08- 12/31 | |
| OR 10/01- 11/30 and 12/15- 12/31 | |
| Plains muzzleloader | 14-Oct - 22-Oct |
| Plains rifle | 28-Oct - 7-Nov |
| Late Plains rifle | 1-Dec - 14-Dec |
| For 2024 | |
| Late Plains rifle | 1-Dec - 14-Dec |
| Archery | 2-Sep - |
| Plains archery | 10/01- 10/25 and 11/06- 11/30 and 12/15- 12/31 |
| OR 10/01- 10/25 and 11/06- 12/31 | |
| OR 10/01- 11/30 and 12/15- 12/31 | |
| Muzzleloader | 14-Sep - 22-Sep |
| High Country (Limited 9-day antlered deer ) | 7-Sep - 15-Sep |
| Plains muzzleloader | 12-Oct - 20-Oct |
| Plains rifle deer | 26-Oct - 5-Nov |
Elk
| Year 2023 | ||
| Plains Archery | 2-Sep - 30-Sep | |
| Plains muzzleloader | 9-Sep - 17-Sep | |
| Plains rifle | 1-Sep - 31-Jan | |
| 1st | Regular rifle | 14-Oct - 18-Oct |
| 2nd regular rifle | 28-Oct - 5-Nov | |
| 3rd regular rifle deer and elk combined season | Deer and elk combined season | 11-Nov - 17-Nov |
| 4th regular rifle deer and elk combined season | 22-Nov - 26-Nov | |
| 1st Separate Limited | Separate Limited Elk | 14-Oct - 18-Oct |
| 2nd Combined Deer & Elk | Combined Deer & Elk | 28-Oct - 5-Nov |
| 3rd Combined Deer & Elk | 11-Nov - 17-Nov | |
| 4th Combined Limited Deer & Elk | Combined Limited Deer & Elk | 22-Nov - 26-Nov |
| Late rifle elk season | 27-Nov - 31-Jan | |
| Private Land Only (PLO) Deer and Elk | 15-Aug - 31-Jan | |
| Year 2024 | ||
| Plains Archery | 2-Sep - 30-Sep | |
| Plains muzzleloader Elk | 14-Se - 22-Sep | |
| Plains rifle | 1-Sep - 31-Jan | |
| 1st regular rifle | 12-Oct - 16-Oct | |
| 2nd regular rifle | Deer and elk combined season | 26-Oct - 3-Nov |
| 3rd regular rifle | 9-Nov - 15-Nov | |
| 4th regular rifle | 20-Nov - 24-Nov | |
| Late rifle elk season | 25-Nov - 31-Jan | |
| 1st | Separate Limited Elk | 12-Oct - 16-Oct |
| 2nd | Combined Deer & Elk | 26-Oct - 3-Nov |
| 3rd | 9-Nov - 15-Nov | |
| 4th | Combined Limited Deer & Elk | 20-Nov - 24-Nov |
Moose
| Year 2023 | |
| Archery | 9-Sep - 30-Sep |
| Muzzleloader | 9-Sep - 17-Sep |
| Antlered and antlerless rifle | 1-Oct - 14-Oct |
| Alternative concurrent antlerless | 14-Oct - 18-Oct |
| 28-Oct - 5-Nov | |
| 11-Nov - 17-Nov | |
| 22-Nov - 26-Nov | |
| Year 2024 | |
| Archery | 7-Sep - 30-Sep |
| Antlered and antlerless rifle | 1-Oct - 14-Oct |
| Alternative concurrent antlerless rifle | 12-Oct - 16-Oct |
| 26-Oct - 3-Nov | |
| 9-Nov - 15-Nov | |
| 20-Nov - 24-Nov | |
| Muzzleloader | 14-Sep - 22-Sep |
Pronghorn
| Archery | 15-Aug-24 | 31-Aug-24 |
| Archery-Either-Sex | 1-Sep-24 | 20-Sep-24 |
| Muzzleloader | 21-Sep-24 | 29-Sep-24 |
| Rifle | 5-Oct-24 | 13-Oct-24 |
Black Bear
| For Year 2023 | ||
| Archery | 2-Sep | 30-Sep |
| Muzzleloader | 9-Sep | 17-Sep |
| Muzzleloader | 14-Sep | 22-Sep |
| September Rifle | 2-Sep | 30-Sep |
| Concurrent rifle | 14-Oct | 18-Oct |
| 28-Oct | 5-Nov | |
| 11-Nov | 17-Nov | |
| 22-Nov | 26-Nov | |
| PLO rifle | 2-Sep | 30-Sep |
| 1-Oct | End of 4th regular rifle deer/elk combined season | |
| Plains rifle | 2-Sep | 26-Nov |
| For Year 2024 | ||
| Archery | 2-Sep | 30-Sep |
| September | 2-Sep | 30-Sep |
| Concurrent | 12-Oct | 16-Oct |
| 26-Oct | 3-Nov | |
| 9-Nov | 15-Nov | |
| 20-Nov | 24-Nov | |
| PLO rifle | 2-Sep | 30-Sep |
| 1-Oct | End of 4th regular rifle deer/elk combined season | |
| Plains rifle | 2-Sep | 24-Nov |
Furbearer Season
Coyote
| 1-Jan | 31-Dec | Unlimited bag and possession limit |
Beaver
| 1-Oct | 30-Apr | Unlimited bag and possession limit |
Bobcat
| 1-Dec | End of February | Unlimited bag and possession limit |
Badger
| 1-Nov | End of February | Unlimited bag and possession limit |
Mink
| 1-Nov | End of February | Unlimited bag and possession limit |
Pine Marten
| 1-Nov | End of February | No Possession and bag Limit |
Fox
| Gray | 1-Nov | End of February | Unlimited bag and possession limit |
| Red | |||
| Swift |
Raccoon
| 1-Nov | End of February | No Possession and bag restrictions |
Ring-Tailed Cat
| 1-Nov | End of February | No Possession and bag Limit |
Skunk
| Striped Skunk | 1-Nov till End of February | No Possession and bag Limit |
| Western Spotted Skunk |
Weasel
| Long-Tailed | 1-Nov till End of February | No Possession and bag Limit |
| Short-Tailed |
Opossum
| 1-Nov | End of February | No Possession and bag Limit |
Muskrat
| 1-Nov | End of February | Unlimited bag and possession limit |
Waterfowl Season
Goose
| Regular Season (Dark Geese) | 31-Oct - 12-Feb | AREA: (EAST OF THE CONTINENTAL DIVISION, EXCEPT FOR THE SPECIAL SEASONS BELOW IN THE North Park, San Luis Valley, AND SOUTH PARK) |
| Regular Season (Light Geese) | 29-Oct - 12-Feb | |
| San Luis Valley Season (Dark Geese) | 1-Oct - 19-Oct | Areas: (Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla and Rio Grande counties, and the parts of Archuleta, Hinsdale, Mineral, Saguache and San Juan counties east of the Continental Divide) |
| San Luis Valley Season (Light Geese) | 19-Nov - 12-Feb | |
| South Park Season (Dark Geese) | 1-Oct - 13-Jan | Areas: (Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, Lake, Park and Teller counties) |
| South Park Season (Light Geese) | 28-Oct - 11-Feb | |
| North Park Season (Dark Geese) | 1-Oct - 13-Jan | Areas: (Jackson County) |
| North Park Season (Light Geese) | 29-Oct - 12-Feb | |
| Light Goose Conservation Order Season* (*see Habitat Stamp information below) | 14-Feb - 30-Apr | Areas: (East of I-25) |
| Early Canada Goose Season | 1-Sep - 9-Sep | Pacific Flyway |
| Regular Season (Western Zone) | 1-Oct - Oct | |
| 6-Nov - 31-Jan | ||
| Regular Season (Eastern Zone) | 1-Oct - 4-Jan |
There is no longer a Goose Northern Front Range Zone. It is now a part of the larger Central Flyway Zone.
Duck and Coots
| Northeast Zone (Central Flyway) | 8-Oct - Nov 27 | Areas: (East of I-25 and north of I-70) |
| 18-Dec - 31-Jan | Areas: (East of I-25 and north of I-70) | |
| Southeast Zone (Central Flyway) | 28-Oct - 31-Jan | Areas: (East of I-25 and south of I-70, and all of El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano and Las Animas counties) |
| Mountain/Foothills Zone (Central Flyway) | 1-Oct - 27-Nov | Areas: (West of I-25 and east of Continental Divide, except El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano and Las Animas counties) |
| 25-Dec - 31-Jan | Areas: (West of I-25 and east of Continental Divide, except El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano and Las Animas counties) | |
| Western Zone (PACIFIC FLYWAY) | 1-Oct - 18-Oct | Areas: (West of Continental Divide not included in the Eastern Zone) |
| 6-Nov - 31-Jan | Areas: (Routt, Grand, Summit, Eagle and Pitkincounties, part of the Saguache, San Juan, Hinsdale and Mineral counties west of ContinentalDivide, and part of Gunnison County exceptthe North Fork of the Gunnison River Valley(GMUs 521, 53 and 63) and the part of Moffat Co east of the northern intersection of CR 29 with the Moffat-Routt Co line, south along CR 29 to the intersection of CR 29 with the Moffat-Routt Co line-(Elkhead Reservoir State Park) | |
| Eastern Zone (PACIFIC FLYWAY) | 1-Oct - 13-Jan |
Teal
| September Teal Season | 10-Sep - 18-Sep | Areas: (Lake and Chaffee counties and all areas east of I-25) (Youth, Veteran & Active Military Hunt) | |
| Northeast Zone | Central Flyway | 1-Oct - 2-Oct | Areas: (East of I-25 and north of I-70) |
| Southeast Zone | 22-Oct - 23-Oct | Areas: (East of I-25 and south of I-70, and all of El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano and Las Animas counties.) (Youth, Veteran & Active Military Hunt) | |
| Mountain/Foothills Zone | 24-Sep - 25-Sep | Areas: (West of I-25 and east of the Continental Divide, except El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano and Las Animas counties.) (Youth, Veteran & Active Military Hunt) | |
| Western Zone | Pacific Flyway | 22-Oct - 23-Oct | Areas: (West of Continental Divide not included in the Eastern Zone). (YOUTH, VETERAN & ACTIVE MILITARY HUNT ) |
| Eastern Zone | 24-Sep - 25-Sep | Areas: (Routt, Grand, Summit, Eagle andPitkin counties, part of the Saguache, SanJuan, Hinsdale and Mineral counties west ofContinental Divide, and part of GunnisonCounty except the North Fork of the GunnisonRiver Valley (GMUs 521, 53 and 63), and the part of Moffat Co. east of the northern intersection of CR 29 with the Moffat-Routt Co. line, south along CR 29 to the intersection of CR 29 with the Moffat-Routt Co. line (Elkhead Reservoir StatePark). (YOUTH, VETERAN & ACTIVE MILITARY HUNT ) |
Turkey
| Spring | ||
| Mountain Meadows Ranch | 22-Apr - 31-May | Unit-84 |
| Purgatoire Ranch | 15-Apr - 24-Apr | Unit (136,143,147) |
| Twin Peaks Ranch | 26-Apr - 7-May | Unit-85 |
| 17-May - 28-May | Unit-85 | |
| Twin Peaks Ranch-Youth Only | 26-Apr - 7-May | Unit-85 |
| 17-May - 28-May | Unit-85 | |
| Fall | 1-Sep - 27-Oct | |
| Late Season | 15-Dec - 15-Jan | |
Mountain Lion
Dates for Hunting: April 1–30, 2023, followed by November 28, 2023–March 31, 2023.
The dates of April 1-30, 2023 and November 28-20, 2023-March 31-2023 are included in these harvest quotas. The maximum number of lions that may be collected at once is referred to as the “harvest limit” for that particular unit.
| Regular mountain lion season | 27-Nov-23 | 31-Mar-24 |
| 25-Nov-24 | 31-Mar-25 | |
| April mountain lion season | 1-Apr-24 | 30-Apr-24 |
Print Mountain Lion Season Summary here
Read the Mountain Lion brochure for additional details.
Small Game
| Abert's squirrels | Statewide | 15-Nov - 15-Jan |
| Common snapping turtle | 1-Apr - 31-Oct | |
| Cottontails | 1-Oct till End of Feb | |
| Snowshoe hare | 1-Oct till End of Feb | |
| White-tailed jackrabbits | 1-Oct till End of Feb | |
| Black-tailed jackrabbits | 1-Oct till End of Feb | |
| Coyote | 1-Jan - 31-Dec | |
| Squirrels | 1-Oct till End of Feb | |
| Marmot | 10-Aug - 15-Oct | |
| Wyoming ground squirrel | 1-Jan - 31-Dec | |
| Prairie rattlesnake | 15-Jun - 15-Aug | |
| Prairie dogs | Public land | 15-Jun till End of Feb |
| Prairie dogs | 1-Jan - 31-Dec |
Birds
| Species | Zones | Scedules |
|---|---|---|
| Band-tailed pigeon | Statewide | 1-Sep - 14-Sep |
| Chukar partridge | 1-Sep - 30-Nov | |
| Crow | 1-Nov - 28-Feb | |
| Doves | 1-Sep - 29-Nov | |
| Wilson's snipe | 1-Sep - 16-Dec | |
| Eurasian-collared dove | Year-round | 1-Jan - 31-Dec |
| European starlings, House sparrow | 1-Jan - 31-Dec | |
| Greater prairie-chicken | GMUs 93, 97, 98, 100, 101, 102, 103 and 109, Morgan Co, portions E of Colo 71, S of Colo 14 and Hwy 138 | 1-Oct - 31-Jan |
| Grouse: Dusky (Blue) | West of I-25 | 1-Sep - 27-Nov |
| Grouse: Greater sage-grouse | GMUs 3, 11, 13, 18, 27, 28, 37, 181, 201, 211, 301, 441 | 10-Sep - 16-Sep |
| Grouse: Mountain sharp-tailed grouse | GMUs 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 131, 211, 214, 441 | 1-Sep - 18-Sep |
| Pheasant | East of I-25 | 12-Nov - 31-Jan |
| Pheasant | West of I-25 | 12-Nov - 2-Jan |
| Quail (Northern bobwhite, Gambel's & scaled) | Area 1: East of I-25 and south of I-70; Area 2: East of I-25 and north of I-70; Area 3: West of I-25 except Pueblo, Fremont, Huerfano, El Paso and Las Animas counties | Season 1: Nov 12 - Jan 31; Season 2: Nov 12- Jan 2; Season 3: Nov 12 - Jan 2 |
| Sandhill crane | East of Continental Divide except North Park and San Luis Valley | 1-Oct - 27-Nov |
| Rails: Sora and Virginia | Statewide | 1-Sep - 9-Nov |
| Teal | Lake and Chaffee counties, areas east of I-25 | 11-Sep - 19-Sep |
| White-tailed ptarmigan | Season 1: Statewide except GMUs 44, 45, 53, 54, 66, 67, 68, 70, 71, 74-81, 444, 751; Season 2: GMUs 44, 45, 53, 54, 66, 67, 68, 70, 71, 74-81, 444, 751 | Season 1: Sept 10 - Oct 2; Season 2: Sept 10 - Nov 27 |
Hawking & Falconry
| European starling, House sparrow, Eurasian collared-dove | Year-round | Statewide |
| Cottontail rabbits, snowshoe hares, white-tailed & black-tailed jackrabbit | 1-Sep - 31-Mar | |
| Chukar partridge | ||
| Squirrels: Fox & pine | ||
| Pheasant | ||
| Quail: Northern bobwhite, scaled & Gambel's | ||
| White-tailed ptarmigan | ||
| Grouse: Dusky (Blue) | West of I-25 | |
| Grouse: Mountain sharp-tailed (Also known as Columbian sharp-tailed grouse) | GMUs 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 131, 211, 214, 441 | |
| Grouse: Greater sage-grouse | GMUs 3, 11, 13, 18 except east of Colo 125 in Grand County, 27, 28 except north and east of Grand CR 50 (Church Park Rd) and US 40, 37, 181, 201, 211, 301 and 441; and in North Park (GMUs 6, 16, 17, 161 and 171) |
Each hunting license and geographic region has its own season opening and closing dates. Pages 4–7 of the booklet have useful tables with further information. Certain licenses have time restrictions and may only be utilized during certain periods. There are optimal times for shooting, and you should be aware of such times.
For Complete hunting rule category wise, find the list of regulation brochure below:
For more list of brochures visit the cpw.state.co.us website.
Safety and Consideration for for Outdoor Recreation
| Aspects | Information |
|---|---|
| Outdoor Activities | Colorado promotes hunting, hiking, riding, wildlife watching, and more. |
| Support for Wildlife Management | 70% of wildlife management funding come from hunting and fishing. |
| Preparation for Nonhunters | Nonhunters should know hunting season dates and safety advice. Fluorescent clothing is advised. |
| Respect and Courtesy | It's prohibited to harass hunters. All outdoor users deserve respect and civility. |
| Hunters and Conservation | Hunters are vital to wildlife conservation and CWD control. |
| Hunting Season Expectations | The hard northwest winter lessened hunting pressure. The Eastern Plains improved after rain. |
| Hunting Forecast | Despite hurdles, hunters have a good hunting prediction. |
| Small Game License | Small game permits have caliber limits during large game rifle seasons. |
| Planning Your Hunt | CPW's Hunting Atlas includes locations, maps, migratory pathways, and OHV paths. Extra licenses are available. |
| Contact Information | Call center agents and hunt planners are available for assistance. |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is it often legal to go hunting in Colorado?
Late August through December is prime time for big game, whereas October through April is prime time for small game.
Do I need a license to hunt in Colorado?
Absolutely everyone, regardless of age or residence status, needs a license to go hunting in Colorado. The hunters must also follow any extra rules that apply to the species they are targeting.
What are the different species of game animals in Colorado?
Elk, deer, bear, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mountain lion, and many more kinds of game animals call Colorado home.
Do I need a permit to hunt on Colorado's public lands?
While the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Property Management both permit hunting on public land in Colorado, hunters must still follow any restrictions that apply to that particular parcel of land.
John Lewis, the passionate founder of HuntingSeasons.org, is committed to promoting responsible hunting and a profound love for the wilderness. With years of expertise, his platform serves as a reliable guide for hunting enthusiasts, advocating ethical practices and nature preservation.
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