Colorado 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
Colorado's listed 2026-27 firearm deer season runs Oct 14-18, 2026.
Archery - Plains Deer - Plains opens Oct 1, 2026 and closes Dec 31, 2026.
Regular - First Season Duck and Coot opens Oct 3, 2026 and closes Oct 20, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
- firearm deer
- Oct 14-18, 2026
- archery deer
- Oct 1-Dec 31, 2026
- waterfowl
- Oct 3-20, 2026
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Key seasons by species
How to read Colorado's seasons
Game management units and points come first
Colorado structures elk and deer hunting around Game Management Units and separate archery, muzzleloader, and rifle seasons, with a mix of over-the-counter and draw-only tags built on a preference-point system. The dates below matter only alongside a specific unit and license.
Check the official Colorado Parks and Wildlife source for unit numbers, season codes, draw deadlines, and which tags are still available over the counter.
We summarize official agency information and link to the source for verification. Regulations can change, and zone details matter. Always confirm final dates, bag limits, permits, and legal requirements with Colorado Parks & Wildlife before hunting.
New 2026-27
federal openings
in Colorado
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opened or expanded hunting and fishing access at 1 station in Colorado. The final rule took effect August 31, 2026.
Deer
Deer
Private Land Only (PLO)
PLO deer season lies within August 15 - January 31 annually. Limited either-sex and antlerless deer licenses issued by GMU/DAU as needed. PLO buck licenses available where necessary.
Zone: Private Land Only
Deer - Plains
Archery - Plains
Plains archery deer season runs 10/01-10/23 and 11/04-11/30 and 12/15-12/31 OR 10/01-10/23 and 11/04-12/31 OR 10/01-11/30 and 12/15-12/31 depending on unit. Season closes during plains rifle seasons. All licenses limited, either-sex or antlered deer only, issued by GMU/DAU.
Zone: East of I-25 except GMU 140
Deer - Plains
Muzzleloader - Plains
9-day season starting second Saturday of October. All licenses limited. Antlered and antlerless deer or antlered deer only, issued by GMU/DAU.
Zone: East of I-25 except GMU 140
Deer
Rifle - First Regular (Optional Deer)
5-day season opening first Wednesday after October 8th. Deer and elk combined season, deer hunting is optional. All optional deer licenses are limited. Antlered and antlerless deer or antlered deer only, issued by GMU/DAU.
Zone: West of I-25 and GMU 140
Deer
Rifle - Second Regular Combined
9-day season followed by 5-day break. Opens on Saturday, includes two full weekends. All deer licenses limited. Antlered and antlerless deer or antlered deer only, issued by GMU/DAU.
Zone: West of I-25 and GMU 140
Deer - Plains
Rifle - Plains Regular
11-day season starting Saturday of last full weekend of October. All licenses limited. Antlered and antlerless deer or antlered deer only, issued by GMU/DAU.
Zone: East of I-25 except GMU 140
Deer
Rifle - Third Regular Combined
9-day season followed by 2-day break. Opens on Saturday. All deer licenses limited. Antlered and antlerless deer or antlered deer only, issued by GMU/DAU.
Zone: West of I-25 and GMU 140
Deer
Rifle - Fourth Regular Combined (Optional Deer)
5-day season. Deer and elk combined, deer hunting is optional. All licenses limited. Limited either-sex or limited antlered, and limited antlerless; issued by GMU/DAU.
Zone: West of I-25 and GMU 140
Deer - Plains
Rifle - Late Plains
Late plains rifle deer season, fixed dates annually. All licenses limited. Antlered and antlerless deer or antlered deer only, issued by GMU/DAU.
Zone: East of I-25 except GMU 140
Deer - High Country
Rifle - High Country
Limited 9-day antlered deer season, opening first or second Saturday of September to avoid Labor Day weekend.
Zone: High Country/Wilderness portions of select deer units
Deer (Mule/Whitetail)
Archery - West of I-25 and GMU 140
29-day season. All archery deer licenses are limited either-sex or limited buck, issued by GMU/DAU.
Zone: West of I-25 and GMU 140
Deer (Mule/Whitetail)
Muzzleloader - West of I-25 and GMU 140
9-day season opening second Saturday of September. Limited either-sex or limited antlered, and limited antlerless in some GMUs; all licenses issued by GMU/DAU.
Zone: West of I-25 and GMU 140
Turkey
23 listed rowsWild Turkey
Fall Limited License
Multiple units with different end dates. Units 15/27/37/361, 25, 34, 47, 59, 85, 140, 444, 851 close Oct. 4. Units 91, 92, 96, 101/102, 103/107/109, 124/125/129, 126/146, 127/132, 139 close Oct. 23. Closed units: 2, 21, 26, 30, 35, 36, 44, 45, 80, 81, 89, 90, 93, 95, 97, 98, 99, 100, 106, 111, 115, 120, 201, 371, 471. Earliest open date used; latest close date used.
Zone: Various GMUs - see notes
Wild Turkey
Fall OTC
OTC license sales begin June 18 at 9 a.m. MT. West of I-25 and GMU 140: Sept. 1-Oct. 4. East of I-25 except GMU 140: Sept. 1-Oct. 23. Valid in numerous units. Also valid on private land only in units 101, 102. Sales agents only code: T-E-000-U2-R.
Zone: Statewide OTC units - see notes
Wild Turkey
Fall Limited License - Youth Only
Youth-only fall limited licenses. 35 licenses for 91/92/96/101/102, 10 for 103/107/109, 15 for 124/125/129.
Zone: Units 91, 92, 96, 101, 102 (youth); Units 103, 107, 109 (youth); Units 124, 125, 129 (youth)
Wild Turkey
Fall Over-the-Counter (OTC)
OTC license sales begin June 18 at 9 a.m. MT. Use code T-E-000-U2-R (sales agents only). East of I-25 (except GMU 140) season ends Oct. 23. Private land only in units 101, 102.
Zone: East of I-25, except GMU 140
Wild Turkey
Fall Limited License
Units east of I-25 (except GMU 140) run Sept. 1-Oct. 23. Includes units 91, 92, 96, 101/102, 103/107/109, 124/125/129, 126/146, 127/132, 139. Youth-only limited licenses also available for units 91/92/96/101/102, 103/107/109, 124/125/129.
Zone: Units 91, 92, 96, 101/102, 103/107/109, 124/125/129, 126/146, 127/132, 139 (east of I-25)
Wild Turkey
Youth Extended Fall Season
Youth under 18 with unfilled limited or OTC fall turkey license. Must be accompanied by a mentor who cannot hunt. Valid in units listed on original fall license.
Zone: Units listed on original fall license
Wild Turkey
Youth Extended Fall Season
Youth under 18 with unfilled limited or OTC turkey license. Must be accompanied by mentor who cannot hunt. All applicable regulations apply. Big-game hunters may also be in the field.
Zone: Same units as original fall license
Wild Turkey
Late Season Private Land Only OTC
Private land only. Available over-the-counter. Get landowner permission before buying a license. Sales agents only code: T-F-000-U2-R.
Zone: Units 112, 113
Wild Turkey
Late Season Private Land Only
Available over-the-counter for private land only. Get landowner permission before buying a license. Hunt code T-F-000-U2-R (sales agents only). OTC sales begin June 18.
Zone: Units 112, 113
Wild Turkey
Spring Ranching for Wildlife (RFW) - Purgatoire Ranch
Colorado residents only by draw. Hunt code T-M-136-W1-R. 5 licenses.
Zone: Units 136, 143, 144, 147
Wild Turkey
Spring Ranching for Wildlife - Purgatoire Ranch
RFW license, Colorado residents only by draw. 5 licenses. Hunt code: T-M-136-W1-R.
Zone: Units 136, 143, 144, 147
Wild Turkey
Spring OTC
OTC license sales begin March 1 at 9 a.m. MT. Valid in numerous units statewide (shaded on map). Also valid on private land only in units 91, 92, 101, 102, 103, 107, 109, 124, 125, 127, 129, 132, 139. Closed units: 26, 45, 201, 371, 471. Sales agents only code: T-M-000-U1-R.
Zone: Statewide OTC units - see notes
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Wild TurkeySpring Over-the-Counter (OTC) · Numerous GMUs west and east of I-25; some private land only unitsOTC license sales begin March 1 at 9 a.m. MT. Valid in listed units including some private-land-only units (91, 92, 101, 102, 103, 107, 109, 124, 125, 127, 129, 132, 139). Use code T-M-000-U1-R (sales agents only). Units 26, 45, 201, 371, 471 closed to all spring turkey hunting. | Closed | |
| Wild TurkeySpring Limited License - Hunters with Mobility Impairments · Units 91, 92, 96 - private land only10 licenses for qualified hunters with mobility impairments. Valid only on private land in units 91, 92, and 96 for specific dates. Go to cpw.state.co.us/hunters-with-disabilities for more info. | Closed | |
| Wild TurkeySpring Limited License - Youth Only · Units 91, 92, 96, 101, 102 (youth); Units 103, 107, 109 (youth); Units 124, 125, 129 (youth); Unit 59 Beaver Creek SWA/Table Mtn. STL (youth)Youth-only limited licenses available for various unit groupings. 125 licenses for units 91/92/96/101/102, 35 for 103/107/109, 15 for 124/125/129, 10 for unit 59. Must be accompanied by mentor if under 16. | Closed | |
| Wild TurkeySpring Youth Limited License · Various GMUs including 59, 91/92/96/101/102, 103/107/109, 124/125/129Youth-only limited licenses available for several unit groups. Unit 59 youth (Beaver Creek SWA and Table Mtn. STL only): April 11-May 31, 10 licenses (T-M-059-K1-R). Units 91/92/96/101/102 youth: April 11-May 31, 125 licenses (T-M-091-K1-R). Units 103/107/109 youth: April 11-May 31, 35 licenses (T-M-103-K1-R). Units 124/125/129 youth: April 11-May 31, 15 licenses (T-M-124-K1-R). | Closed | |
| Wild TurkeySpring Limited License · Various GMUs - see notesUnits vary; most spring limited licenses run April 11-May 31. Unit 59 (Beaver Creek SWA and Table Mtn. STL only) has two periods: April 11-May 1 and May 2-31. Units 91, 92, 96, 101/102, 103/107/109 also split into two periods: April 11-May 1 and May 2-31. Unit 96 private land only: April 11-May 1 and May 2-31. Rifles and handguns illegal in spring season. | Closed | |
| Wild TurkeySpring Ranching for Wildlife - Mountain Meadows Ranch · Unit 84RFW license, Colorado residents only by draw. 10 licenses. Hunt code: T-M-084-W1-R. | Closed | |
| Wild TurkeySpring Ranching for Wildlife (RFW) - Mountain Meadows Ranch · Unit 84Colorado residents only by draw. Hunt code T-M-084-W1-R. 10 licenses. | Closed | |
| Wild TurkeyFall Over-the-Counter (OTC) · West of I-25 and GMU 140OTC license sales begin June 18 at 9 a.m. MT. Use code T-E-000-U2-R (sales agents only). West of I-25 and GMU 140 season ends Oct. 4. | Closed | |
| Wild TurkeyFall Limited License · Units 15/27/37/361, 25, 34, 47, 59, 85, 140, 444, 851 and others ending Oct. 4Units west of I-25 and GMU 140 end Oct. 4. Units 15/27/37/361, 25, 34, 47, 59 (Beaver Creek SWA/Table Mtn. STL), 85 (Spanish Peaks SWA tracts), 140 (Lake Dorothey and James M. John SWA only), 444, 851 (Bosque del Oso SWA only) all Sept. 1-Oct. 4. Units 2, 21, 26, 30, 35, 36, 44, 45, 80, 81, 89, 90, 93, 95, 97, 98, 99, 100, 106, 111, 115, 120, 201, 371, 471 closed to all fall turkey hunting. | Closed | |
| Wild TurkeyFall Ranching for Wildlife (RFW) - Purgatoire Ranch · Units 136, 143, 144, 147Colorado residents only by draw. Hunt code T-E-136-W1-R. 2 licenses. | Closed | |
| Wild TurkeyFall Ranching for Wildlife - Purgatoire Ranch · Units 136, 143, 144, 147RFW license, Colorado residents only by draw. 2 licenses. Hunt code: T-E-136-W1-R. | Closed |
Bear
Black Bear
Rifle - PLO
PLO rifle bear season: September 2 - September 30 annually and October 1 through end of fourth regular rifle deer/elk combined season annually. Licenses OTC or limited depending on DAU management strategy.
Zone: Private Land Only
Black Bear
Rifle - Plains
Plains rifle bear season in select plains GMUs. Unlimited OTC licenses issued by DAU/GMU; no season participation restrictions.
Zone: Select Plains GMUs
Black Bear
Rifle - Concurrent
2026 concurrent rifle bear season dates: 10/14-10/18 and 10/24-11/01 and 11/07-11/15 and 11/18-11/22. Licenses valid only during open rifle deer or elk seasons (no hunting during breaks). Earliest open and latest close dates used; see notes for split dates.
Zone: Statewide by DAU/GMU
Black Bear
Archery
Fixed dates annually. Add-on licenses available for archery deer/elk license holders in reduce/suppress DAUs. Limited licenses available through draw in stable DAUs.
Zone: Statewide by DAU/GMU
Black Bear
Rifle - September
28-day season, fixed dates. Licenses issued by DAU/GMU, no season participation restrictions. Unfilled licenses may not be used during regular deer/elk seasons.
Zone: Statewide by DAU/GMU
Black Bear
Muzzleloader
9-day season concurrent with muzzleloader deer and elk season. Add-on licenses available in reduce/suppress DAUs. Limited licenses through draw in stable DAUs.
Zone: Statewide by DAU/GMU
Elk
Elk
Private Land Only (PLO)
PLO elk season lies within August 15 - January 31 annually. Limited either-sex and antlerless elk licenses issued by GMU/DAU as needed. PLO either-sex elk licenses available where necessary.
Zone: Private Land Only
Elk - Plains
Rifle - Plains
Opens September 1 and runs through January 31, either-sex. All legal methods of take permitted.
Zone: East of I-25 except GMUs 104, 133, 134, 140, 141, 142
Elk
Rifle - First Regular
5-day season opening first Wednesday after October 8th. All elk licenses limited. Either-sex and antlered elk licenses issued by GMU/DAU; antlerless elk licenses may be offered in DAUs over population objective.
Zone: West of I-25 and GMU 140
Elk
Rifle - Second Regular Combined
9-day season followed by 5-day break. Opens on Saturday, includes two full weekends. Limited either-sex, antlered, and antlerless elk licenses issued by GMU/DAU. Unlimited OTC licenses available for antlered elk in certain units.
Zone: West of I-25 and GMU 140
Elk
Rifle - Third Regular Combined
9-day season followed by 2-day break. Opens on Saturday. Limited either-sex, antlered, and antlerless elk licenses issued by GMU/DAU. Unlimited OTC licenses available for antlered elk in certain units.
Zone: West of I-25 and GMU 140
Elk
Rifle - Fourth Regular Combined
5-day season. All licenses limited. Limited either-sex or limited antlered, and limited antlerless; all licenses issued by GMU/DAU.
Zone: West of I-25 and GMU 140
Elk
Rifle - Late
Limited antlerless seasons as needed to achieve population objectives. Season lengths variable within time frame by GMU/DAU and set annually.
Zone: Statewide by GMU/DAU
Elk
Archery - West of I-25 and GMU 140
29-day season. Limited either-sex, antlered and antlerless elk licenses issued by GMU/DAU. Unlimited OTC either-sex, antlered, and antlerless archery elk licenses can be made available to residents in certain units. Nonresident archery elk licenses are limited, issued by GMU/DAU.
Zone: West of I-25 and GMU 140
Elk
Muzzleloader - West of I-25 and GMU 140
9-day season opening second Saturday of September. Limited either-sex or limited antlered, and limited antlerless; all licenses issued by GMU/DAU.
Zone: West of I-25 and GMU 140
Elk - Plains
Archery - Plains
29-day season. Plains archery elk season, fixed dates annually.
Zone: East of I-25 except select GMUs
Elk - Plains
Muzzleloader - Plains
Aligned with general muzzleloader season dates west of I-25. Opens 2nd Saturday in September, runs 9 days.
Zone: Plains GMUs 104, 133, 134, 141, 142
Moose
Moose
Rifle
14-day season with fixed dates of October 1-14 annually. Antlered and antlerless.
Zone: Statewide by GMU/DAU
Moose
Rifle - Late Antlerless (Optional Concurrent)
Optional late concurrent antlerless rifle moose season. 2026 dates: 10/14-10/18 and 10/24-11/01 and 11/07-11/15 and 11/18-11/22. Valid during regular rifle deer and elk seasons with no hunting during breaks. Earliest open date used; latest close date used.
Zone: Statewide by GMU/DAU
Moose
Archery
Opens first Saturday after Labor Day in September, runs through close of archery deer and elk season. Antlered/either-sex licenses are season choice. Antlerless licenses not season choice.
Zone: Statewide by GMU/DAU
Moose
Muzzleloader
9-day season concurrent with muzzleloader deer and elk season.
Zone: Statewide by GMU/DAU
Waterfowl
28 listed rowsDuck and Coot
Regular - First Season
No scaup may be taken after January 12, 2027
Zone: Pacific Flyway Western Zone - All areas west of Continental Divide not included in Eastern Zone
Duck and Coot
Regular - First Season
Zone: Central Flyway Mountain/Foothills Zone - All areas west of I-25 and east of Continental Divide, except El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano and Las Animas Counties
Duck and Coot
Regular - First Season
No scaup may be taken after December 27, 2026
Zone: Pacific Flyway Eastern Zone - All of Routt, Grand, Summit, Eagle, and Pitkin counties, portions of Saguache, San Juan, Hinsdale, and Mineral counties west of Continental Divide, portions of Gunnison…
Goose - Dark Goose
Regular - First Season
Zone: South Park - All of Chafee, Custer, Fremont, Lake, Park, and Teller Counties
Goose - Dark Goose
Regular - First Season
Two-season structure; dates vary by season
Zone: San Luis Valley - All of Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, and Rio Grande counties, and those portions of Archuleta, San Juan, Saguache, Mineral, and Hinsdale counties east of Continental Divide
Goose - Dark Goose
Regular - First Season
Zone: North Park - Jackson County
Goose - Dark Goose
Regular - First Season
Zone: Pacific Flyway Eastern Zone - All of Routt, Grand, Summit, Eagle, and Pitkin counties, portions of Saguache, San Juan, Hinsdale, and Mineral counties west of Continental Divide, portions of Gunnison…
Goose - Dark Goose
Regular - First Season
Two-season structure for goose
Zone: Pacific Flyway Western Zone - All areas west of Continental Divide not included in Eastern Zone
Duck, Coot, and Goose
Youth/Veteran/Active Military
Youth must be 17 or younger accompanied by adult mentor. Veterans and active military also eligible. Mentors may not hunt ducks, geese, mergansers, or coots.
Zone: Central Flyway Northeast Zone - All areas east of I-25 and north of I-70
Duck and Coot
Regular - First Season
Zone: Central Flyway Northeast Zone - All areas east of I-25 and north of I-70
Duck, Coot, and Goose
Youth/Veteran/Active Military
Youth must be 17 or younger accompanied by adult mentor. Veterans and active military also eligible.
Zone: Central Flyway Southeast Zone - All areas east of I-25 and south of I-70, and all of El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano and Las Animas Counties
Duck, Coot, and Goose
Youth/Veteran/Active Military
Youth must be 17 or younger accompanied by adult mentor. Veterans and active military also eligible.
Zone: Pacific Flyway Western Zone - All areas west of Continental Divide not included in Eastern Zone
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Canada GooseEarly Canada Goose · Pacific Flyway - All areas west of Continental DivideAnnual dates | Closed | |
| Duck and CootRegular · Central Flyway Southeast Zone - All areas east of I-25 and south of I-70, and all of El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano and Las Animas Counties | Upcoming | |
| Duck and CootRegular - Second Season · Pacific Flyway Western Zone - All areas west of Continental Divide not included in Eastern ZoneNo scaup may be taken after January 12, 2027 | Upcoming | |
| Duck and CootRegular - Second Season · Central Flyway Northeast Zone - All areas east of I-25 and north of I-70 | Upcoming | |
| Duck and CootRegular - Second Season · Central Flyway Mountain/Foothills Zone - All areas west of I-25 and east of Continental Divide, except El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano and Las Animas Counties | Upcoming | |
| Duck, Coot, and GooseYouth/Veteran/Active Military · Pacific Flyway Eastern Zone - All of Routt, Grand, Summit, Eagle, and Pitkin counties, portions of Saguache, San Juan, Hinsdale, and Mineral counties west of Continental Divide, portions of Gunnison…Youth must be 17 or younger accompanied by adult mentor. Veterans and active military also eligible. | Closed | |
| Duck, Coot, and GooseYouth/Veteran/Active Military · Central Flyway Mountain/Foothills Zone - All areas west of I-25 and east of Continental Divide, except El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano and Las Animas CountiesYouth must be 17 or younger accompanied by adult mentor. Veterans and active military also eligible. | Closed | |
| Goose - Dark GooseRegular · Balance of Central Flyway - All areas east of Continental Divide, except North Park, South Park and San Luis Valley | Upcoming | |
| Goose - Dark GooseRegular - Second Season · Pacific Flyway Western Zone - All areas west of Continental Divide not included in Eastern Zone | Upcoming | |
| Goose - Dark GooseRegular - Second Season · San Luis Valley - All of Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, and Rio Grande counties, and those portions of Archuleta, San Juan, Saguache, Mineral, and Hinsdale counties east of Continental Divide | Upcoming | |
| Goose - Light GooseRegular · San Luis Valley - All of Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, and Rio Grande counties, and those portions of Archuleta, San Juan, Saguache, Mineral, and Hinsdale counties east of Continental Divide | Upcoming | |
| Goose - Light GooseRegular · South Park - All of Chafee, Custer, Fremont, Lake, Park, and Teller Counties | Upcoming | |
| Goose - Light GooseRegular · North Park - Jackson County | Upcoming | |
| Goose - Light GooseRegular · Balance of Central Flyway - All areas east of Continental Divide, except North Park, South Park and San Luis Valley | Upcoming | |
| Light Goose (Snow/Ross's)Conservation Order · Central Flyway - All areas east of I-25Recorded/electronically amplified calls allowed. Hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. Federal duck stamp not required. Shotguns capable of holding more than 3 rounds allowed. | Upcoming | |
| Teal (Blue-winged/Green-winged)September Teal · Lake and Chaffee counties and all areas east of I-25 | Closed |
Dove
Mourning Dove and White-Winged Dove
Regular
Annual dates. All dressed doves count against daily bag/possession limit while in field or during transport.
Zone: Statewide
Band-Tailed Pigeon
Regular
Annual dates. Requires annual band-tailed pigeon permit ($5.00) in addition to small game license.
Zone: Statewide
Migratory Birds
Sandhill Crane
Regular
Requires annual sandhill crane permit ($0.00) in addition to small game license
Zone: All areas east of Continental Divide except North Park (Jackson County) and San Luis Valley
Sora and Virginia Rail
Regular
Annual dates
Zone: Statewide
Wilson's Snipe
Regular
Annual dates
Zone: Statewide
Crow
Regular
Recorded or electronically amplified calls may be used during this season.
Zone: Statewide
Pronghorn
Pronghorn
Rifle - First Season
9-day season opening first Saturday in October. Limited buck and limited doe licenses issued by GMU/DAU.
Zone: Statewide by GMU/DAU
Pronghorn
Rifle - Second Season (Optional)
Optional 9-day second rifle season opening third Saturday in October, when necessary to meet biological or social management objectives. All licenses limited and issued by GMU/DAU.
Zone: Statewide by GMU/DAU
Pronghorn
Rifle - Late (Optional)
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Optional late rifle pronghorn seasons vary in length, starting no earlier than November 1, closing no later than January 31, annually.
Zone: Statewide by GMU/DAU
Pronghorn
Archery - Bucks Only
37-day archery season. August portion is bucks only. Licenses unlimited except in certain limited units, issued by GMU/DAU.
Zone: Statewide by GMU/DAU
Pronghorn
Archery - Either-sex
September portion of archery season is either-sex (buck and doe). Fixed dates annually.
Zone: Statewide by GMU/DAU
Pronghorn
Muzzleloader
9-day season, fixed dates annually. Limited buck and limited doe, statewide licenses with a small fixed number of licenses. Unit-specific limited licenses may be issued in low-license units.
Zone: Statewide (some units closed)
Mountain Lion
Mountain Lion
Regular Season
Opens day following close of 4th regular rifle deer/elk season, closing March 31. Unlimited licenses sold spanning both regular and April seasons. GMUs/DAUs close once annual harvest limit reached.
Zone: Statewide by GMU/DAU
Mountain Lion
Fall Season
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Fall mountain lion season opens with 1st rifle elk season and ends with close of 4th rifle deer/elk combined season. Implementation delayed pending management discussions. Season dates to be provided in future.
Zone: Select DAUs/GMUs
Mountain Lion
April Season
April season in select GMUs. Unlimited licenses sold spanning both regular and April seasons. GMUs/DAUs close to hunting once annual harvest limit is reached.
Zone: Select GMUs
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Colorado Hunting Season FAQ
When does deer season start in Colorado?
August 15, 2026 is the first listed deer opener for Colorado; it is private land only (plo) deer Aug 15, 2026-Jan 31, 2027.
When is Colorado's firearm deer season?
Oct 14-18, 2026 is the listed firearm deer window for Colorado. Check zone and permit details with Colorado Parks & Wildlife before hunting.
Do I need a license to hunt in Colorado?
Yes. Hunters generally need the appropriate Colorado hunting license, and some seasons may require tags, permits, stamps, or zone-specific authorizations. Confirm final requirements with Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
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