Colorado is a true paradise for those who love the great outdoors, featuring some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States. The state's abundance of wildlife makes it a prime destination for hunters of all skill levels from around the world. As hunting season draws near, it's essential to understand the game that can be hunted, when and where, as well as which regulations apply during your hunt. In this guide, we'll provide you with everything you need to know about the 2023 Colorado hunting season, including license requirements, hunt dates, and bagging totals by species.
A Comprehensive Guide to Colorado Hunting Seasons
Colorado is known for its great hunting experiences. The state offers a range of game species, from the regionally unique pronghorn, mountain lion, and black bear populations to breathtaking scenery and exciting hunts with great rewards. If you're planning on hunting in Colorado this year, we have all the information you need to get started!
Big Game Species Hunt Dates & Bagging Totals
Elk
Archery: September 2nd – 30th
Muzzleloader: September 10th – 18th
Rifle: October 15th – 19th, October 29th – November 6th, November 12-18, and November 23rd-27th
Deer
Archery: September 2nd – 30th
Muzzleloader: September 10th-18th
Rifle: October 15 – 19, October 29-November 6, November 12-18, and November 23rd– 27th
Plains Deer
Archery: October 1st– 28th and November 9-30th December 15th -31st
Muzzleloader: October 8-16
Rifle: Oct. 29 Nov. 8 Dec.1 14
Pronghorn (bucks only)
Archery: August 15 – 31st
Archery Bucks & Does: September 1st-20th
Muzzleloader: September 21-29
Rifle: Oct. 1-9
Moose
Archery: Sept 10-30
Muzzleloaders: Sept 10-18
Rifle: Oct 2-30
Bear (private land)
Archers: Sept 2nd-30th
Muzzleloaders: Sept 10th-18th
Rifles: Sept 2nd to Oct 27th
Turkey
Fall season: Sept 1st—Oct 28th
Late season: Dec 15th—Jan 15th
License Requirements for Hunting in Colorado
Hunters must obtain a valid license from their local county office or online application via Parks & Wildlife website. Each individual species requires a separate permit, with prices varying depending on what type of animal is being hunted and the duration of the permit (resident/non-resident). Specific tags are also required, such as "archery only" permits that can be obtained from certain retailers across the state. Hunters must ensure they meet all necessary criteria before proceeding with their hunt.
Overview of Hunting Areas in Colorado 2023
Colorado is divided into hunting areas called game management units (GMUs). For deer, elk, and bear hunting, the archery season usually starts in early September and lasts almost a month. Muzzleloader season kicks off during the mid-archery season, with four rifle seasons following afterward. Hunting regulations differ by species, so be sure to check out our overview below for more details on specific dates or visit Hunt Big Game Colorado website for a complete listing, including bag limits/zones per species/type of weapon used, etc.
