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: from $38.49 — Non-Resident: from $104.86
- Managed by: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
- License year: 2026-2027 (valid for dates within this period)
- Hunter education required for first-time buyers — verify with the state agency
- Discounts available for: youth, senior, disabled veteran, active military
- Buy online through the agency-linked portal at https://www.cpwshop.com/licensing.page
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 elk hunting and uses both limited-license draws and over-the-counter (OTC) licenses. CPW says a qualifying license is required before applying for limited licenses through the big-game draws, while OTC licenses do not require buying or having a qualifying license. OTC does not mean statewide free choice: CPW limits OTC licenses by species, unit, season, manner of take, and individual purchase rules. CPW's current OTC fee table lists nonresident Elk/Fishing Combo rows at $803.39, White-tailed Deer/Fishing Combo at $481.52, Bear/Fishing Combo at $251.75, and the annual Habitat Stamp at $12.15. Use the CPW Big Game Brochure and CPW Shop for the final hunt code and checkout total.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Small Game (qualifying) | $38.49 | — | 1 year | |
| Non-Resident Small Game (qualifying for draw planning) | — | $104.86 | 1 year | Required before applying for limited licenses through the big-game draw; confirm current row in CPW Shop |
| Resident Elk | $70.40 | — | Season | |
| Non-Resident Elk/Fishing Combo | — | $803.39 | Season | CPW OTC fee-table row; draw applications require separate qualifying-license and application steps |
| Resident Deer | $51.25 | — | Season | |
| Non-Resident White-tailed Deer/Fishing Combo | — | $481.52 | Season | CPW OTC fee-table row; mule deer and limited licenses require hunt-code confirmation |
| Resident Black Bear | $64.01 | — | Season | |
| Non-Resident Bear/Fishing Combo | — | $251.75 | Season | CPW OTC fee-table row; add-on bear eligibility depends on overlapping deer or elk license rules |
| 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 | $12.15 | $12.15 | 1 year | CPW lists this as required with a license |
Prices from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Last verified: 2026-06-19. 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 listed by the state agency.
- 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.
- CPW lists the annual Habitat Stamp at $12.15.
- Qualifying license is required before applying for limited licenses through the big-game draws.
- CPW says OTC licenses do not require buying or having a qualifying license, but they remain restricted by unit, season, and manner of take.
Read full Colorado regulations on CPW
Not sure if you qualify for a discount? Take the Eligibility Quiz →
Colorado Proof Checklist
Use official owner pages for license, access, education, season, and transport decisions before entering the field.
Use the official portal
Confirm the state agency, product year, cart items, receipt, and field-proof rules before buying.
Open guideVerify access owner
Check public-land, WMA, refuge, road, closure, parking, camping, and private-boundary rules at the source.
Open guideSolve transport early
Save CWD, carcass, meat, head, cape, waterfowl, transit-state, processor, and proof requirements.
Open guide
Colorado Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in Colorado?
For nonresident big game planning, CPW's current OTC fee table lists Elk/Fishing Combo rows at $803.39, White-tailed Deer/Fishing Combo at $481.52, Bear/Fishing Combo at $251.75, and the annual Habitat Stamp at $12.15. Limited-license draw applications require separate qualifying-license and application steps.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in Colorado?
Yes, hunter education is required for all first-time license buyers. Colorado accepts certificates from other states.
Can non-residents hunt in Colorado?
Yes. Non-residents can apply for limited licenses, buy leftover limited licenses, or buy OTC licenses where CPW lists valid species, units, seasons, and methods. A qualifying license is required before applying through the draw; CPW says OTC licenses do not require buying or having a qualifying license.
What is the elk season in Colorado?
Archery typically runs late August through September, muzzleloader in mid-September, and combined rifle seasons from October through mid-November.
Are there free hunting licenses in Colorado?
Colorado does not offer fully free licenses but provides reduced fees for youth, seniors (Habitat Stamp exemption at 65+), and disabled veterans.
Do I need a draw to hunt in Colorado?
Many big game licenses require a draw application, but OTC licenses are available for certain species, units, seasons, and manners of take. Use the CPW Big Game Brochure and CPW Shop to confirm your hunt code before buying.