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Martin Luther King Jr. Day Office Closure

Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices, including park visitor centers, will be closed for the state holiday, Monday, Jan. 19.

Rookie Sportsperson

​​The Rookie Sportsperson Program offers opportunities for individuals and/or families with limited outdoor experience to try their hand at hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. ​Priority is given to applicants who are new to hunting and whose family/friends are also new to hunting.
The Bilton family with their CPW Rookie Sportsperson hunting mentor.
The Bilton family with their CPW Rookie Sportsperson hunting mentor.

Join the Program

The program links participants to a mentor who will guide them through a year-long safe, ethical and educational experience. In addition to the offered events, the program gives participants the opportunity to take part in mentored hunts for turkey, dove, pheasants, and big game. Some of the program events and classes include hunting, firearm safety, fishing, navigation, camping, archery and many more. Program events only occur in the Colorado Springs area. Participants are required to commit to attending events from March to January.​

Reasons to Join

  • Learn to hunt and fish from Colorado Parks and Wildlife experts
  • Know where your food comes from and how to prepare it yourself
  • Provide natural, organic meat for your family
  • Quality family time without technological distractions

Apply for the Program

The application period for the 2026 Rookie Sportsperson Program is currently open.  

Please note that events take place in the Pikes Peak Region. Participants are required to commit to attending all program events from March 2026 to January 2027, including mandatory hunter education. Exact dates will be available by mid-January and sent to applicants. The deadline to apply is January 19th, 2026.

information

Questions?

For questions, contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Colorado Springs Office at 719- 227-5200.

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