Colorado 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
Colorado's 2026-27 firearm deer season runs Oct 14-18, 2026 (West of I-25 and GMU 140).
Archery deer season runs Sep 2-30, 2026 (West of I-25 and GMU 140).
Duck season opens between October 3, 2026 and October 17, 2026 depending on zone; the last zone closes January 15, 2027.
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
- Sep 2-30, 2026
- duck
- opens Oct 3-17, 2026 by zone
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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
14 listed rowsDeer
Private Land Only (PLO)
PLO deer seasons lie within these dates; licenses issued by GMU/DAU.
Zone: Private Land Only
Deer - Plains
Archery - Plains
2026: 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. Archery closes during plains rifle seasons in GMUs where they occur.
Zone: East of I-25 except GMU 140
Deer
Rifle - Third Regular Combined
All deer licenses limited.
Zone: West of I-25 and GMU 140
Deer
Rifle - Fourth Regular Combined (Optional Deer)
Deer and elk combined season, but deer hunting is optional. All licenses limited.
Zone: West of I-25 and GMU 140
Deer - Plains
Rifle - Late Plains
All licenses limited.
Zone: East of I-25 except GMU 140
Deer - Plains
Archery - Plains
2026: 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. Archery closes during plains rifle seasons in GMUs where they occur.
Zone: East of I-25 except GMU 140
Deer
Rifle - First Regular (Optional Deer)
Deer and elk combined season, but deer hunting is optional. All optional deer licenses are limited.
Zone: West of I-25 and GMU 140
Deer
Rifle - Second Regular Combined
All deer licenses are limited.
Zone: West of I-25 and GMU 140
Deer - High Country
Rifle - High Country
Limited 9-day antlered deer season.
Zone: High Country/Wilderness portions of select deer units
Deer - Plains
Archery - Plains
2026: 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. Archery closes during plains rifle seasons in GMUs where they occur.
Zone: East of I-25 except GMU 140
Deer - Plains
Muzzleloader - Plains
All licenses limited. Antlered and antlerless deer or antlered deer only, issued by GMU/DAU.
Zone: East of I-25 except GMU 140
Deer - Plains
Rifle - Plains Regular
All licenses limited. Antlered and antlerless deer or antlered deer only, issued by GMU/DAU.
Zone: East of I-25 except GMU 140
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Deer (Mule/Whitetail)Archery - West of I-25 and GMU 140 · West of I-25 and GMU 140All archery deer licenses are limited either-sex or limited buck and issued by GMU/DAU. | Closed | |
| Deer (Mule/Whitetail)Muzzleloader - West of I-25 and GMU 140 · West of I-25 and GMU 140Limited either-sex or limited antlered, and limited antlerless in some GMUs. | Closed |
Turkey
15 listed rowsWild Turkey
Youth Extended Fall Season
Youth under 18 with an unfilled limited or over-the-counter fall turkey license; must be accompanied by a mentor, who cannot hunt.
Zone: Units listed on original fall license
Wild Turkey
Late Season Private Land Only OTC
Over-the-counter, private land only. Sales agents only: T-F-000-U2-R.
Zone: Units 112, 113
Wild Turkey
Spring Limited License - Hunters with Mobility Impairments
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Ten licenses offered for qualified hunters with mobility impairments for the spring season; see cpw.state.co.us/hunters-with-disabilities.
Zone: Units 91, 92, 96 - private land only
Wild Turkey
Spring Limited License - Youth Only
Zone: Units 91, 92, 96, 101, 102; Units 103, 107, 109; Units 124, 125, 129; Unit 59 Beaver Creek SWA/Table Mtn. STL
Wild Turkey
Spring Ranching for Wildlife (RFW) - Purgatoire Ranch
Colorado residents only, by draw. 5 licenses.
Zone: Units 136, 143, 144, 147
Wild Turkey
Spring Limited License
Units 59, 91, 92, 96, 101/102 and 103/107/109 have separate hunt codes for April 11–May 1 and May 2–31.
Zone: Various GMUs - see notes
Wild Turkey
Spring Over-the-Counter (OTC)
Spring OTC license sales begin March 1. Units closed to all spring turkey hunting: 26, 45, 201, 371, 471. Rifles and handguns are illegal in the spring season.
Zone: Numerous GMUs west and east of I-25; some private land only units
Wild Turkey
Spring Limited License - Private Land Only
35 licenses, hunt code T-M-023-P1-R.
Zone: Unit 23 - private land only
Wild Turkey
Spring Ranching for Wildlife (RFW) - Mountain Meadows Ranch
Colorado residents only, by draw. 10 licenses.
Zone: Unit 84
Wild Turkey
Fall Limited License - Youth Only
Zone: Units 91, 92, 96, 101, 102; Units 103, 107, 109; Units 124, 125, 129
Wild Turkey
Fall Limited License
Zone: Units 15/27/37/361, 25, 34, 47, 59, 85, 140, 444, 851
Wild Turkey
Fall Over-the-Counter (OTC)
Fall OTC license sales begin June 18. Valid only on private land in units 101, 102.
Zone: East of I-25, except GMU 140
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Wild TurkeyFall Over-the-Counter (OTC) · West of I-25 and GMU 140Fall OTC license sales begin June 18. | Closed | |
| Wild TurkeyFall Limited License · Units 91, 92, 96, 101/102, 103/107/109, 124/125/129, 126/146, 127/132, 139 | Closed | |
| Wild TurkeyFall Ranching for Wildlife (RFW) - Purgatoire Ranch · Units 136, 143, 144, 147Colorado residents only, by draw. 2 licenses. | Closed |
Bear
Black Bear
Rifle - PLO
September 2 - September 30 and October 1 - end of fourth regular rifle deer/elk combined season.
Zone: Private Land Only
Black Bear
Rifle - Plains
Unlimited, OTC licenses issued by DAU/GMU; no season participation restrictions.
Zone: Select Plains GMUs
Black Bear
Rifle - Concurrent
Licenses valid only during open rifle deer or elk seasons (no hunting during breaks).
Zone: Statewide by DAU/GMU
Black Bear
Rifle - Concurrent
Licenses valid only during open rifle deer or elk seasons (no hunting during breaks).
Zone: Statewide by DAU/GMU
Black Bear
Archery
Add-on archery bear licenses for archery deer or elk license holders in DAUs where the strategy is to reduce or suppress; limited bear-only archery licenses also available.
Zone: Statewide by DAU/GMU
Black Bear
Rifle - September
Limited licenses issued by DAU/GMU; unfilled licenses may not be used during the regular deer and/or elk seasons.
Zone: Statewide by DAU/GMU
Black Bear
Muzzleloader
Concurrent with muzzleloader deer and elk season.
Zone: Statewide by DAU/GMU
Black Bear
Rifle - Concurrent
Licenses valid only during open rifle deer or elk seasons (no hunting during breaks).
Zone: Statewide by DAU/GMU
Black Bear
Rifle - Concurrent
Licenses valid only during open rifle deer or elk seasons (no hunting during breaks).
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 - 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
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 - 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 - Late Antlerless (Optional Concurrent)
Optional late antlerless season valid during regular rifle deer and elk seasons, with no hunting during the breaks between seasons.
Zone: Statewide by GMU/DAU
Moose
Rifle - Late Antlerless (Optional Concurrent)
Optional late antlerless season valid during regular rifle deer and elk seasons, with no hunting during the breaks between seasons.
Zone: Statewide by GMU/DAU
Moose
Archery
Antlered or either-sex moose licenses are season choice licenses.
Zone: Statewide by GMU/DAU
Moose
Muzzleloader
Concurrent with muzzleloader deer and elk.
Zone: Statewide by GMU/DAU
Moose
Rifle
Antlered and antlerless rifle moose season.
Zone: Statewide by GMU/DAU
Moose
Rifle - Late Antlerless (Optional Concurrent)
Optional late antlerless season valid during regular rifle deer and elk seasons, with no hunting during the breaks between seasons.
Zone: Statewide by GMU/DAU
Moose
Rifle - Late Antlerless (Optional Concurrent)
Optional late antlerless season valid during regular rifle deer and elk seasons, with no hunting during the breaks between seasons.
Zone: Statewide by GMU/DAU
Waterfowl
28 listed rowsDuck 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…
Duck and Coot
Regular - First Season
Zone: Central Flyway Northeast Zone - All areas east of I-25 and north of I-70
Duck and Coot
Regular
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
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
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
Zone: Balance of Central Flyway - All areas east of Continental Divide, except North Park, South Park and San Luis Valley
Goose - Light Goose
Regular
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 - Light Goose
Regular
Zone: South Park - All of Chafee, Custer, Fremont, Lake, Park, and Teller Counties
Goose - Light Goose
Regular
Zone: North Park - Jackson County
Goose - Light Goose
Regular
Zone: Balance of Central Flyway - All areas east of Continental Divide, except North Park, South Park and San Luis Valley
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Canada GooseEarly Canada Goose · Pacific Flyway - All areas west of Continental DivideAnnual dates | Closed | |
| Duck and CootRegular - First Season · Pacific Flyway Western Zone - All areas west of Continental Divide not included in Eastern ZoneNo scaup may be taken after January 12, 2027 | Closed | |
| 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 | |
| Duck, Coot, and GooseYouth/Veteran/Active Military · Central Flyway Northeast Zone - All areas east of I-25 and north of I-70Youth must be 17 or younger accompanied by adult mentor. Veterans and active military also eligible. Mentors may not hunt ducks, geese, mergansers, or coots. | Closed | |
| Duck, Coot, and GooseYouth/Veteran/Active Military · 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 CountiesYouth must be 17 or younger accompanied by adult mentor. Veterans and active military also eligible. | Closed | |
| Duck, Coot, and GooseYouth/Veteran/Active Military · Pacific Flyway Western Zone - All areas west of Continental Divide not included in Eastern ZoneYouth must be 17 or younger accompanied by adult mentor. Veterans and active military also eligible. | Closed | |
| Goose - Dark GooseRegular - First 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 DivideTwo-season structure; dates vary by season | Closed | |
| Goose - Dark GooseRegular - First Season · Pacific Flyway Western Zone - All areas west of Continental Divide not included in Eastern ZoneTwo-season structure for goose | Closed | |
| 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 | |
| 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
Crow
Regular
Recorded or electronically amplified calls may be used during this season.
Zone: Statewide
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
Pronghorn
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)
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
Mountain Lion
Mountain Lion
Regular Season
Unlimited licenses span both the regular and April seasons. GMUs/DAUs close to hunting once the annual harvest limit is reached.
Zone: Statewide by GMU/DAU
Mountain Lion
April Season
Unlimited licenses span both the regular and April seasons. GMUs/DAUs close to hunting once the annual harvest limit is reached.
Zone: Select GMUs
Mountain Lion
Fall Season
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Opens with the 1st rifle elk season and ends with the close of the 4th rifle deer/elk combined season; implementation delayed until supporting management process is developed. Pursuit with hounds is not legal.
Zone: Select DAUs/GMUs
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Colorado Hunting Season FAQ
When does deer season start in Colorado?
Archery deer season runs Sep 2-30, 2026 (West of I-25 and GMU 140). Firearm deer season runs Oct 14-18, 2026 (West of I-25 and GMU 140). Dates can differ by zone and permit; confirm with Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
When is Colorado's firearm deer season?
Firearm deer season runs Oct 14-18, 2026 (West of I-25 and GMU 140). 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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