Colorado Regulations
Hunting and fishing regulations, seasons, species information, and public access resources for the state of Colorado.
Overview
Colorado offers world-class outdoor opportunities across mountains, forests, high plains, and alpine lakes.
Below are quick links to seasons, species, licensing, and access information.
Season Information
- Elk (archery, muzzleloader, rifle — OTC & draw)
- Mule deer (draw-only)
- Whitetail deer (limited areas)
- Pronghorn (draw-only)
- Black bear (archery, muzzleloader, rifle)
- Turkey seasons (spring & fall)
- Small game (rabbit, squirrel, upland birds)
- Waterfowl (Central & Pacific Flyways)
- Fishing seasons (trout, salmon, pike, walleye)
Licensing
Colorado requires appropriate licenses for hunting and fishing activities.
- Annual small game license (required for big game applications)
- Big game licenses (elk, deer, bear, pronghorn)
- OTC elk tags (select units)
- Turkey permits
- Habitat stamp (mandatory)
- Fishing license (annual, 1-day, 5-day)
- Harvest reporting (mandatory for select species)
Key Species
- Elk
- Mule Deer
- Whitetail Deer
- Pronghorn
- Black Bear
- Turkey
- Trout (rainbow, brown, brook, cutthroat)
- Walleye, Pike, Kokanee Salmon
Public Land & Access
Colorado offers massive public land access through national forests, BLM land, state wildlife areas, and high-country lakes.
- National Forests (Arapaho, Roosevelt, San Juan, Gunnison, etc.)
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands
- State Wildlife Areas (SWAs)
- State Trust Lands (STLs — access varies)
- High-alpine lakes & rivers
- Walk-in access for small game & waterfowl