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Hunting in Colorado
Hunting in Colorado
Colorado is widely regarded as one of the premier hunting destinations in North America, drawing hundreds of thousands of hunters each year to its spectacular Rocky Mountain landscapes. The state’s diverse terrain—from high alpine tundra above 14,000 feet to shortgrass prairies and canyon lands—supports world-class populations of elk, mule deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and black bear. Colorado consistently leads the nation in elk harvest, with the largest elk herd in North America calling this state home.
With over 24 million acres of public land including 11 national forests, dozens of wilderness areas, and extensive BLM holdings, Colorado offers extraordinary access for hunters on a budget. The state’s hunting management system is carefully designed to balance harvest pressure with sustainable wildlife populations, ensuring quality experiences for both residents and non-residents. Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages one of the most sophisticated wildlife programs in the country.
Hunting is deeply woven into Colorado’s culture and economy. The state’s combination of high-quality wildlife, stunning scenery, and abundant public access makes it a bucket-list destination for hunters of all backgrounds. Whether you’re applying for coveted bighorn sheep permits or hunting general deer and elk tags in the high country, Colorado delivers unforgettable experiences in some of the most breathtaking terrain in North America.
Key Insights
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- Colorado hosts North America’s largest elk herd, estimated at over 280,000 animals, making it the top elk hunting state in the nation.
- Over 23 million acres of public land including 11 national forests provide outstanding hunting access for residents and non-residents.
- Colorado regularly produces record-class mule deer bucks from its canyon lands and high country units.
- The state offers both over-the-counter and limited draw tags, giving hunters options at all experience and budget levels.
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages 350+ State Wildlife Areas providing additional public hunting access throughout the state.
Table of Contents
Hunters (Based on Hunting Licenses)
Land Types (Acres)
Colorado ranks 18th among all 50 states for percentage of private land.
Colorado Hunting Seasons
For the most accurate information on Colorado Hunting Seasons, along with the state’s requirements for tag and bag limits, it’s a good idea to check with the Colorado DNR. We’ve provided their contact information below, along with links to helpful resources, including licensing.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
6060 Broadway
Denver, CO 80216
- (303) 297-1192
Popular Game in Colorado
Colorado is synonymous with big game hunting, and for good reason. The state hosts North America’s largest elk herd and some of the finest mule deer hunting in the West. Pronghorn antelope roam the eastern plains in large numbers, while bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and moose offer once-in-a-lifetime trophy opportunities. Black bear hunting is excellent across the forested mountain ranges, and mountain lion tags are available on a limited basis. For upland bird hunters, Colorado delivers outstanding pheasant hunting in the east and Merriam’s turkey hunting in the foothills and mountains.
Small Game Hunting in Colorado
Colorado’s small game hunting is as diverse as its landscape. Ring-necked pheasant hunting is a tradition on the eastern plains, where agricultural areas and CRP fields support strong pheasant populations. Blue grouse and dusky grouse inhabit the mountain forests and aspen groves, providing exciting upland hunting for those willing to hike into the high country. White-tailed and Gunnison’s prairie dogs are also widely pursued on the eastern plains.
Wild turkey hunting is exceptionally popular in Colorado, with Merriam’s turkey found throughout the foothills and mountain regions. Both spring and fall turkey seasons are available, and Colorado’s mountain turkeys offer a unique hunting experience in spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery. Rio Grande turkey can also be found in some areas of the state.
Waterfowl hunting along Colorado’s major river corridors and reservoirs provides excellent duck and goose hunting opportunities. Canada geese in particular are abundant throughout the state, and early season hunting in September can be outstanding on agricultural fields along the Front Range.
Big Game Hunting in Colorado
Colorado is home to North America’s largest elk herd, estimated at over 280,000 animals. The state’s elk hunting is world-famous, with the San Juan Mountains, White River National Forest, and Gunnison Basin producing some of the finest bull elk in North America. Colorado issues both over-the-counter general season tags and limited draw tags, giving hunters of all experience levels the opportunity to pursue elk in spectacular mountain terrain.
Mule deer hunting is equally impressive, with the state’s high country and canyon lands supporting robust deer populations. Colorado is known for producing exceptional mule deer bucks, and hunters regularly take record-class animals from units like the Dolores River Canyon and Book Cliffs areas. Pronghorn antelope hunting on the eastern plains offers exciting and highly accessible hunting, with many tags available over the counter for resident hunters.
For once-in-a-lifetime trophies, Colorado’s bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and moose hunts are among the most coveted in North America. These limited draw tags may require years of preference point accumulation, but successful hunters are rewarded with the opportunity to pursue magnificent animals in Colorado’s most breathtaking wilderness areas.
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Hunting Areas in Colorado
Colorado offers great hunting opportunities across the state, both on public and private land. We’ve included some of the best areas for public hunting below and as we have access we’ll be adding more private land too.
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We’re working with landowners all across Colorado to provide private land access for more activities. Add your information below to stay up to date.
Public Land Hunting in Colorado
Colorado has over 23 million acres of public land open to hunting, including 11 national forests, numerous BLM field offices, and extensive state wildlife areas. The White River National Forest near Meeker is one of the most famous elk hunting destinations in North America, producing tremendous numbers of bull elk annually. The Gunnison National Forest and surrounding wilderness areas in southwest Colorado are equally renowned for their elk and deer hunting quality.
The Rio Grande National Forest in southern Colorado provides outstanding hunting across diverse terrain from high mountain meadows to pinyon-juniper foothills. The San Juan National Forest in the southwest corner of the state encompasses some of the most remote and spectacular hunting country in Colorado. BLM lands in western Colorado’s canyon country, including the Uncompahgre Plateau and Book Cliffs areas, are legendary for producing trophy mule deer.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages over 350 State Wildlife Areas totaling more than 700,000 acres specifically for public hunting and fishing access. These properties provide critical hunting access across the state, supplementing the extensive national forest and BLM holdings.
1. White River National Forest
2. Gunnison National Forest
3. San Juan National Forest
4. Rio Grande National Forest
5. Uncompahgre National Forest
Hunting Private Land in Colorado
Since a large portion of Colorado is private land, getting access for hunting can be very appealing. When you hunt private land, it’s not only less crowded, the animals also tend to be less skittish and this means you’ll have a better day out in the field. Traditionally, accessing private land for hunting has been complicated and expensive. You either needed to join a club, hire a guide, or start knocking on doors.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying this for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts of all types. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some options below.