Colorado Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply
Your complete guide to Colorado hunting licenses — elk, deer, and more through Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Colorado Hunting License — Quick Facts
- Resident license: from $38.49 — Non-resident: from $101.54
- Managed by: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
- License year: 2026-2027 (valid for dates within this period)
- Hunter education required for first-time buyers — complete online
- Discounts available for: youth, senior, disabled veteran, active military
- Buy online 24/7 at https://cpw.state.co.us/buyapply
Colorado Hunting License Fees (2026-2027)
Colorado is a premier destination for big game hunting in the American West, managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The state is renowned for its elk hunting, attracting hundreds of thousands of hunters annually. Colorado uses a combination of over-the-counter (OTC) and draw-based licensing. Resident hunters benefit from significantly lower fees, while non-residents face some of the highest big game license costs in the country. All hunters must first purchase an Annual Small Game License as a qualifying license before purchasing big game tags. A Habitat Stamp ($12.76) is required for hunters aged 18-64. Colorado's draw system uses preference points for most big game species, and applications open in March each year. The state offers diverse terrain from alpine meadows above timberline to semi-arid plains in the east, supporting a wide variety of game species including elk, mule deer, pronghorn, black bear, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain lion.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Small Game (qualifying) | $38.49 | — | 1 year | |
| Non-Resident Small Game (qualifying) | — | $101.54 | 1 year | |
| Resident Elk | $70.40 | — | Season | |
| Non-Resident Elk | — | $845.16 | Season | |
| Resident Deer | $51.25 | — | Season | |
| Non-Resident Deer | — | $506.92 | Season | |
| Resident Black Bear | $64.01 | — | Season | |
| Non-Resident Black Bear | — | $302.56 | Season | |
| Resident Turkey | — | — | Season | Included in small game license |
| Non-Resident Turkey | — | $188.86 | Season | |
| Resident Moose (draw) | $385.66 | — | Season | Limited draw only |
| Non-Resident Moose (draw) | — | $2823.53 | Season | Limited draw only |
| Habitat Stamp | $12.76 | $12.76 | 1 year | Required ages 18-64 |
Prices from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Last verified: 2026-04-01. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
When does your Colorado license expire? See our license validity guide →
Hunter Education Requirements
How to Buy a Colorado Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to Colorado Parks and Wildlife or an authorized retail agent (Walmart, sporting goods stores).
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in Colorado.
Need help? Call Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 303-297-1192
Not sure what you need? Use our License Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate →
Step-by-step: How to buy your hunting license online for any state →
Colorado Hunting Seasons (2026-2027)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk | Archery | September 2 | September 30 | |
| Elk | Muzzleloader | September 12 | September 20 | |
| Elk | Rifle (Combined) | October 14 | November 22 | |
| Mule Deer | Archery | September 2 | September 30 | |
| Mule Deer | Rifle | October 24 | November 1 | |
| Pronghorn | Archery | August 15 | September 20 | |
| Pronghorn | Rifle | October 3 | October 11 | |
| Black Bear | General | September 2 | November 22 | |
| Turkey | Spring | April 11 | May 24 |
View full Colorado season regulations on CPW
Compare deer tag costs and season dates across all 50 states →
Elk hunting? See tag prices and draw odds for every elk state →
Compare turkey license costs and season dates across all states →
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Youth | Reduced | Youth big game tags at discounted rate ($20.30) |
| Senior | Reduced | 65+ exempt from Habitat Stamp requirement |
| Disabled Veteran | Reduced | Disabled veterans may qualify for reduced-fee licenses |
| Active Military | Resident rates | Active duty stationed in Colorado with orders |
Colorado Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the Colorado official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Crossbows are legal. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange is required during firearms deer season.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
- Daylight fluorescent orange or pink required during rifle seasons — 500 sq inches above waist including head.
- All big game licenses require a qualifying small game license first.
- Habitat Stamp ($12.76) required for ages 18-64.
- Draw applications open March 1, close April 7.
Read full Colorado regulations on CPW
Not sure if you qualify for a discount? Take the Eligibility Quiz →
Recommended Colorado Hunting Gear
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Colorado Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in Colorado?
A resident hunting license in Colorado starts at $38.49. Non-resident licenses start at $101.54. Additional tags and endorsements may be required depending on the species you plan to hunt.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in Colorado?
Yes, Colorado requires hunter education for first-time buyers. The state accepts hunter education certificates from other states.
Can non-residents hunt in Colorado?
Yes, non-residents can purchase a Colorado hunting license. The non-resident general hunting license costs $101.54. Some special tags or units may have limited non-resident allocations.
What is the deer season in Colorado?
Archery: September 2 – September 30. Rifle: October 24 – November 1
Are there free hunting licenses in Colorado?
Colorado does not offer completely free hunting licenses, but does provide discounts for certain groups including youth, seniors, and military.
Can I buy a Colorado hunting license online?
Yes, you can purchase a Colorado hunting license online through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website at https://cpw.state.co.us/buyapply. Licenses may also be available at authorized retail locations.