Colorado Deer Season 2025-2026 Like Never Before ! [When and Where to Hunt]
Planning your next wild game adventure in the Centennial State? Our guide breaks down everything you need to know about Colorado’s deer hunting opportunities for 2025–2026, including key dates, tag details, wildlife zones, and regulations. Whether you’re pursuing mule deer or exploring other big game options, we’ve got you covered!
🗓️ Quick Overview: Colorado Deer Seasons
Here’s a summary of the key seasons for deer hunting in Colorado:
| Species | Method | Open Date | Close Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | Archery | Sept 2, 2025 | Sept 30, 2025 | OTC for residents only |
| Mule Deer | Muzzleloader | Sept 13, 2025 | Sept 21, 2025 | Draw-only |
| Mule Deer | Rifle (1st) | Oct 15, 2025 | Oct 19, 2025 | Limited licenses |
| Mule Deer | Rifle (2nd) | Oct 25, 2025 | Nov 2, 2025 | Combined elk/deer |
| Mule Deer | Rifle (3rd) | Nov 8, 2025 | Nov 16, 2025 | Draw-only |
🏹 Detailed Breakdown: All Deer Seasons in Colorado
Archery Season
- Dates: September 2 to September 30, 2025
- Details: This 29-day period is open for residents with over-the-counter (OTC) licenses in designated units. Non-residents must now apply through the draw system for all archery elk and deer licenses, a significant change from previous years .
Muzzleloader Season
- Dates: September 13 to September 21, 2025
- Details: Licenses are draw-only for both residents and non-residents. This method offers a primitive hunting experience and is available in specific game management units (GMUs).
Rifle Seasons
Rifle seasons are divided into multiple segments to manage pressure and resource allocation:
- First Rifle Season: October 15–19, 2025
- Traditionally elk-only, but some GMUs now offer limited deer licenses to address crowding and CWD management .
- Second Rifle Season: October 25–November 2, 2025
- A 9-day combined elk and deer season.
- Third Rifle Season: November 8–16, 2025
- Lasts 7 days and is draw-only for deer.
🦌 Other Big Game Opportunities
Colorado offers diverse opportunities beyond deer:
- Elk: Archery (Sept 2–30), muzzleloader (Sept 13–21), and rifle seasons (1st: Oct 15–19, 2nd: Oct 25–Nov 2, 3rd: Nov 8–16) .
- Moose: Limited draw-only hunts, with an optional late cow hunt spanning rifle seasons .
- Sheep and Goat: Highly limited draw-only seasons with strict quotas .
📜 Colorado Deer Regulations
To ensure ethical and legal hunting, adhere to these rules:
- Blaze Orange Requirement: Hunters must wear at least 500 square inches of solid fluorescent orange or pink above the waist, plus a hat, during firearm seasons .
- Hunter Education: Mandatory for anyone born after January 1, 1949, unless using an apprentice license .
- Electronic Registration: Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) used on public land must have valid Colorado registration .
- Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management: Follow mandatory harvest reporting and testing rules in specified zones to help monitor CWD .
🎟️ License and Tag Fees for 2025
Here’s a breakdown of costs for non-residents (residents pay lower fees) :
- Deer License: $494.47
- Bull Elk License: $825.03
- Cow Elk License: $803.39
- Bear License: $251.75
- Youth Big Game License: $126.18
- Habitat Stamp (required for first license): $12.15–$12.47
Note: All non-resident licenses include an annual fishing license valid through March 31 .
📋 License Requirements
- Draw System: All deer licenses are draw-only for both residents and non-residents. Apply by April 1, 2025 .
- Preference Points: Used for sheep, moose, and goat; not for deer, elk, or antelope .
- Group Applications: Allowed for most species, with points based on the member with the lowest points .
- Habitat Stamp: Required for all applicants aged 18+ .
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can non-residents purchase OTC archery deer licenses?
A: No. Starting in 2025, all non-resident archery licenses are draw-only .
Q: Are there any over-the-counter rifle licenses for deer?
A: No, all rifle licenses for deer are draw-only .
Q: What is the application deadline for the primary draw?
A: April 1, 2025 .
Q: Is hunter education mandatory?
A: Yes, for those born on or after January 1, 1949. Apprentice licenses are available for beginners .
Q: How can I apply for a license?
A: Applications must be submitted online via the CPW website .
✅ Conclusion
Colorado’s 2025–2026 deer seasons offer structured opportunities for both residents and non-residents, with draw-only licenses ensuring sustainable management. Key dates include archery (Sept 2–30), muzzleloader (Sept 13–21), and rifle seasons (Oct 15–Nov 16). Remember to apply early, follow regulations, and prioritize safety and ethics in the field.
🔗 Always verify details with official sources. For the most accurate and updated information, visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.
- Hawaii Deer Season 2025-2026: Lānaʻi Axis Deer Hunting Schedule-Latest Guide! - 27 August 2025
- Florida Deer Season 2025-2026: Latest Hunting Schedules, Regulations & Bag Limits! - 27 August 2025
- Georgia Deer Season 2025-2026 New Dates & Rules! - 27 August 2025
