Both white-tailed and mule deer are free-ranging within the state’s boundaries, providing a wide range of possibilities during different seasons. This comprehensive guide is an essential resource when planning your next journey across Colorado’s wild landscape.
Colorado Deer Hunting Season Dates
| Archery | Sept 9-30 |
| Aug 15–31 | |
| Sept 1–20 | |
| Muzzleloader | Sept 21-29 |
| Rifle | Oct 1–14 |
| Oct 26–Nov 3 | |
| Nov 9–15 | |
| Dec 1–14 | |
| Oct 1–14 | |
| Oct 12–16 | |
| Oct 26–Nov 3 | |
| Nov 9–154 | |
| Rifle Late plains | Dec 1–14 |
Bag Limits
- Mule and white-tailed combined: 2
- Antlerless mule deer: 2
- Antlerless white-tailed : Unlimited
Elk
| Archery | Sept. 2–30 |
| Oct. 1–27 | |
| Nov. 8–30 | |
| Dec. 15-31 | |
| Muzzleloader | Sept. 9–17 |
| Oct. 14–22 | |
| Rifle Limited Elk | |
| (1st season) | Oct. 14–18 |
| (2nd season) | Oct. 28–Nov. 1 |
| (3rd season) | Nov. 11–15 |
| 4th season) | Dec. 1–14 |
Pronghorn
| Archery (Bucks only) | 7-Sep – 30-Sep |
| 15-Aug – 31-Aug | |
| 1-Sep – 20-Sep | |
| Archery (Either sex) | 2-Sep – 30-Sep |
| 1-Oct – 25-Oct | |
| 6-Nov – 30-Nov | |
| 15-Dec – 31-Dec | |
| Muzzleloader | 14-Sep – 22-Sep |
| 12-Oct – 20-Oct | |
| 21-Sep – 29-Sep | |
| Rifle Pronghorn | 28-Oct – 7-Nov |
Moose
| Archery | 2-Sep – 30-Sep |
| 1-Oct – 25-Oct | |
| 6-Nov – 30-Nov | |
| 15-Dec – 31-Dec | |
| Muzzleloader | N/A |
| Rifle Moose | 14-Oct – 18-Oct |
Note:
- Archery: Scouting period with crossbows and hand-held bows before rifle seasons.
- Muzzleloader: Archery and rifle seasons for muzzleloaders and smoothbore muskets.
- Rifle: Main game period, divided by sex, age, and unit, with specific dates in regulations.
- Late Plains Rifle: Targets high-deer areas in the east with rifle hunting throughout December.
Regulations
- License Requirements: It is required to obtain the proper license for the season and unit they want to hunt. Residents and non-residents pay different license costs. Licenses for young hunters (ages 12 to 17) are cheap.
- Hunter Education: Anybody born after January 1, 1949, must have a valid hunter education card. Before applying for licenses, make sure your card is current.
- Blaze Orange Requirements: Must wear at least 500 square inches of blaze orange above the waist during any rifle season. To identify hunters in the field safely, this is a must.
- Method of Take Regulations: Certain rules governing permitted guns, archery gear, and other means of take must be followed. Hunters must be aware of caliber limitations, equipment requirements, and other constraints.
- Evidence of Sex Regulations: Hunters are required to abide by rules governing any evidence of sex that must continue to be naturally connected to deer that have been taken. Head, antlers, mammary glands, penis, or vulva are some examples.
- Regulations for Tagging and Transport: A number of guidelines regulate the tagging and transportation of the harvest. Immediately after harvest, carcass tags must be verified and signed, and they must be kept on throughout transit.
Licenses
- Limited: Distributed through a draw mechanism and having predetermined quotas per unit. The likelihood of drawing is based on preference points.
- OTC : Unlimited licenses that are available without submitting an application to the draw. go on sale in August after the first drawing.
- Private Land Only : Only usable on private lands with the consent of the proprietor. Apply using the draw process.
- Leftover : Limited quota that remained after the primary and secondary drawings are known as “leftover licenses.” start selling in August.
- Youth: Deer licenses are less expensive for sportsmen aged 12 to 17. preference granted in certain restricted drawings.
License Fees
| Type | Fees |
| Resident | $43.71 |
| Nonresident | $454.39 |
| Youth Big Game (ages 12-17) | $16.07 |
| Qualifying – Resident Small Game | $32.21 |
| Qualifying – Nonresident Small Game | $92.03 |
| Preference Point Fee | Free |
| Habitat Stamp (required) | $11.50 |
| Search and Rescue Fee | $0.25 |
| Wildlife Education Fee | $1.50 |
Top Colorado Deer Hunting Spots
Northwestern
| Region | Unit | Description | Key Features |
| Northwestern | 10 | Abundant in Flat Tops Wilderness & White River National Forest; Bucks up to mid-180s expected | Prime hunting area |
| 201 | White River Basin; Home to some of state’s largest mule deer; Bucks over 200 inches; Lots of public lands to explore | Opportunities for trophy bucks | |
| 4 | I-70 corridor from Rifle to Gypsum; Access to public & private lands; Bucks over 170 inches possible | Convenient access; Potential for mature bucks | |
| San Luis Valley | 79 | Leading mule deer producer; Foothills east of the valley during early plains rifle seasons | High density; Prime hunting area |
| 80 | West of Rio Grande River; BLM & state property; Presence of mule deer does and young males | Plenty of accessible land; Fair numbers | |
| 81 | East side of the valley; Hunting on public & private lands; Steady mule deer populations; Opportunities for does or bucks | Varied hunting options; Stable population | |
| Southeastern | 133 | Between La Junta and Lamar; Private ranches along the Arkansas River; High whitetail population | Pay-to-hunt ranches; Landowner vouchers for access |
| 135 | South of La Junta, Comanche National Grassland; Great possibilities on public lands | Abundance of young does and bucks | |
| 140 | Between Colorado Springs and Limon; Oak bushes and stream bottoms; Attracts large whitetails | Prime habitat for whitetail; Scenic foothills |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is deer season in Colorado?
The arrow period runs from September 2 to September 30 in the area west of I-25 and Unit 140. From October 1 to November 30, with a break from October 28 to November 7 and a late season from December 15 to December 31. From September 9 to September 17. The rifle period runs from October 1 to November 26.
Is Colorado good for deer hunting?
Yes, Colorado is regarded as one of the best places to go deer hunting. The state provides a broad range of game locations, from alpine basins to sage hills and canyons, offering a variety of chances for hunters.
What differences exist between mule and white-tailed deer hunting in Colorado?
Mule deer are bigger, with enormous ears, a tail with a black tip, and antlers that fork twice. They like woods and shrublands in the mountains. Antlers of white-tailed have primary beams that point upward, a smaller frame, and a brown coat. The eastern plains beside rivers and in agricultural regions are where whitetails are most prevalent.
What is the process if my desired deer hunting unit in Colorado has mandatory CWD testing?
If your hunt code is chosen for required CWD sampling, you must deliver the head of any harvested deer to an authorized CWD sample site within five days after the conclusion of the hunting season. The required CWD test is free of charge. Simply deliver the skull that hasn’t been frozen to a drop-off location, and the necessary tissue samples will be taken right there. Testing is required to track CWD prevalence throughout herds.
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