Hunting

Come hunt with us! With more than 23 million acres of public land, Colorado is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise.​
Small game hunting
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Video: Hunting Colorado's Public Lands

Hunting Access

Hunting Colorado's Public Lands

An overview of big game, small game and waterfowl hunting on Colorado's public lands. Including National Forests, Bureau of Land Management, State Wildlife Areas, State Trust Lands, State Parks.

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2024-25 Eastern Plains Pheasant & Quail Forecast

Pheasant populations across the eastern plains of Colorado will range from slightly better to significantly better than 2023, depending on local conditions.  Generally across the core range in Northeast Colorado, we are now two nesting seasons away from the lasting negative effects of the severe drought of 2020-23 and the severe winter of 2022-23, which severely decreased populations of pheasants.  Further, weather conditions in 2024, being fairly warm and dry in May and June, probably helped the hatch and survival of pheasant chicks, which can be hampered by wet, cool conditions right after nests hatch.   

Colorado Outdoors Hunting Guide cover

Special Edition

Colorado Outdoors Hunting Guide

This special to Colorado Outdoors is loaded with great content including articles on hunting during rut, staying safe in the field, guided youth hunts, preparing for Colorado's temperature swings, hunting dusky grouse, and so much more! 

View the contents page.

Be in the Know

Important Hunting Dates, Deadlines and Reminders

January 1

12:01am MST

Coyote Season Open Year-round

April 12

12:01am MDT

Turkey Spring Season Opens

June 15

12:01am MDT

Prairie Dog: White-tailed, Black-tailed, Gunnison’s - Public Land Seasons Open

June 15

12:01am MDT

Prairie Rattlesnake Season Opens

August 10

12:01am MDT

Marmot Season Opens

September 1

12:01am MDT

Turkey Fall Season Opens

December 15

12:01am MST

Turkey Late Season Opens

Note: Always check your physical license and the Colorado Big Game Brochure for specific hunting dates and legal hunting hours.

New to hunting in Colorado?

Colorado law requires that anyone born on or after January 1, 1949, complete an approved hunter education course before applying for or buying a Colorado hunting license.

C​olo​rado Parks and Wildlife Hunter Education Courses, led by certified volunteer hunter education instructors and/or CPW staff, are offered throughout the state year-round.

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Course Options

Hunter education extends beyond hunters, serving as a valuable program for outdoor enthusiasts with an interest in conservation. From traditional classroom courses to online/classroom combination courses, there is a class option for every student.

Find an option that works for you.
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Grow Your Skills

Learning does not end when you complete your hunter education course. Continue to grow your skills and knowledge through hunter outreach opportunities.

Explore hunter outreach opportunuities.

Colorado Hunting Opportunities

Explore Colorado's Hunting Opportunities!

Reindeer and Santa Day graphic

Dec

14

Reindeer and Santa Day

Saturday, Dec 14

Cherry Creek State Park

Meet real reindeer and take a picture with Santa!
Reindeer and Santa Day graphic

Dec

14

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Reindeer and Santa Day

Saturday, Dec 14

Cherry Creek State Park

Meet real reindeer and take a picture with Santa!
Colorado Natural Areas photos

Dec

14

Earthy Insights

Saturday, Dec 14

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Come join us for an engaging and hands-on lesson about what rocks can tell you!
Colorado Natural Areas photos

Dec

14

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Earthy Insights

Saturday, Dec 14

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Come join us for an engaging and hands-on lesson about what rocks can tell you!
12-14-2024 Christmas holiday event at Staunton State Park

Dec

14

Christmas with the Stauntons

Saturday, Dec 14

Staunton State Park

The holiday event includes cabin tours, Christmas carols, s'mores, hot cocoa and holiday crafts! Events are at the Staunton cabin. Use the Lazy V parking lot.
12-14-2024 Christmas holiday event at Staunton State Park

Dec

14

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Christmas with the Stauntons

Saturday, Dec 14

Staunton State Park

The holiday event includes cabin tours, Christmas carols, s'mores, hot cocoa and holiday crafts! Events are at the Staunton cabin. Use the Lazy V parking lot.
Reindeer and Santa Day graphic

Dec

14

Reindeer and Santa Day

Saturday, Dec 14

Cherry Creek State Park

Meet real reindeer and take a picture with Santa!
Reindeer and Santa Day graphic

Dec

14

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Reindeer and Santa Day

Saturday, Dec 14

Cherry Creek State Park

Meet real reindeer and take a picture with Santa!
Colorado Natural Areas photos

Dec

14

Earthy Insights

Saturday, Dec 14

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Come join us for an engaging and hands-on lesson about what rocks can tell you!
Colorado Natural Areas photos

Dec

14

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Earthy Insights

Saturday, Dec 14

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Come join us for an engaging and hands-on lesson about what rocks can tell you!
12-14-2024 Christmas holiday event at Staunton State Park

Dec

14

Christmas with the Stauntons

Saturday, Dec 14

Staunton State Park

The holiday event includes cabin tours, Christmas carols, s'mores, hot cocoa and holiday crafts! Events are at the Staunton cabin. Use the Lazy V parking lot.
12-14-2024 Christmas holiday event at Staunton State Park

Dec

14

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Christmas with the Stauntons

Saturday, Dec 14

Staunton State Park

The holiday event includes cabin tours, Christmas carols, s'mores, hot cocoa and holiday crafts! Events are at the Staunton cabin. Use the Lazy V parking lot.