Colorado archery season offers hunters a premium destination for big game. The Centennial State has seasons for black bears, pronghorns, deer, and mountain lions, and it’s a great choice for your next hunting trip.
The game choices are outstanding, and the scenery is breathtaking. The Colorado river and mountain range have some of the most scenic backdrops you’ll witness on any hunting trip.
Colorado (CO) Archery Season, 2022-2023
You can expect a truly memorable hunting trip in Colorado. The state’s annual big game hunting seasons occur during the same time frame, with dates of specific seasons differing slightly each year.
When does Archery Season Start in CO?
Colorado Elk Seasons
Archery September 2-30
Colorado Deer Seasons
Archery September 2-30
Colorado Plains Deer Seasons
Archery season (2022) October 1–28, November 9–30, and December 15–31
Colorado Pronghorn Seasons
Archery
Bucks Only August 15-31
Bucks and Does September 1-20
The deer population in Colorado is divided into two groups. Species east of I-25, known as “plains” or “grassland” deer. Hunters have a choice of three archery seasons throughout the year, with options in fall and winter.
Colorado Moose Seasons
Archery September 10-30
Moose permits cost $2,000 for non-residents, making this big game species the most expensive hunting option in the state. Participants may take one bull moose, and it’s a lifetime bag limit. Every moose hunter must file their report with the CPW by the end of the season.
Colorado Bear Seasons
Archery September 2-30
Private land September 2-27
The state uses big game draws for allocating black bear permits. These licenses are available over the counter from late August. The CPW office must inspect any hunted moose or black bear.
Colorado Turkey Seasons
Fall September 1-October 28
Late Season December 15-January 15
*Season dates vary by region.
Colorado Small Game Seasons
Abert’s Squirrel November 15-January 15
Beaver October 1-April 30
Bobcat December 1-February 28
Common Snapping Turtle April 1-October 31
Rabbit October 1-February 28
Coyote Open season
Fox and Pine Squirrel October 1-February 28
Marmot August 10-October 15
Prairie Dogs June 15-February 28
Prairie Rattlesnake June 15-August 15
Wyoming Ground Squirrel Open season
What are the legal hunting hours in Colorado?
Unless specifically restricted, hunting hours are between 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in CO
You can purchase your hunting license directly from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.
Colorado Resident
A resident must have lived in Colorado for at least six months to qualify for a resident hunting permit. Active-duty military personnel and non-resident students residing in Colorado and attending an educational institution are considered residents.
Residents aged 18 to 64 must buy a Habitat Stamp to qualify to apply for or buy a hunting license. Hunters need only one stamp per license per year.
Non-Resident
Non-residents must purchase a non-resident hunting license. Additional permits and licenses may be required. Non-residents aged 18 to 64 must purchase their Habitat Stamp to qualify to buy or apply for a hunting license.
Youth Hunting License
Colorado residents and non-residents under 18 may purchase youth small game licenses and youth big game licenses.
Disability License
Residents with mobility impairments can apply for the Mobility-Impaired Hunting License.
Military and Veteran License
Active-duty military personnel permanently stationed in the state can purchase a resident hunting license. Resident veterans with a 60% service-connected disability qualify for a lifetime fishing and small game license.
Migratory Waterfowl Requirements
Hunters aged 16 or older must buy a Federal Duck Stamp and Colorado Waterfowl Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl.
License Expiration
Hunting licenses for small game are valid from April 1 to March 31 of the following year. Big game hunting licenses expire on the date printed on the permit.
Check out our guide 30+ Hunting Rules to Keep You Safe while bowhunting in the wild.
