Qualifying License
How to Buy A Qualifying License
Qualifying license purchases must be completed prior to applying for the big game draws. A qualifying license purchase and application for the big game draw can be completed in the same transaction but the qualifying license must be added to the cart first.
All hunters who want to apply for a limited license (including youth hunters) must purchase one of the listed qualifying licenses above.
- All annual qualifying licenses are valid for the current license year if purchased on or after March 1.
- Fishing licenses do not count as qualifying licenses.
- You do not need a qualifying license to purchase leftover or over-the-counter licenses.
All annual qualifying licenses can be purchased starting March 1.
- Spring turkey licenses may also be awarded during the spring turkey draw in February.
- Fall turkey licenses may also be awarded during fall turkey draw in June.
If you will not hunt small game (i.e., you will only hunt deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, moose, bear, lion, or turkey), you should not register with HIP.
Hunters planning to use their small game license to hunt or trap (not just as a qualifying license for the big game draw) will need to obtain their HIP number through the Colorado HIP website or by calling and speaking with a live operator, 24 hours a day, at 1-866-265-6447 before they can legally hunt.
No refunds. Annual licenses, including qualifying licenses, are non-refundable.
Qualifying License Options
Qualifying License Options for Residents and Nonresidents
Annual Spring Turkey License
Valid for the primary draw ONLY.
Annual Youth Spring Turkey License
Valid for the primary draw ONLY.
Annual Fall Turkey License
Valid for the secondary draw ONLY.
Annual Youth Fall Turkey License
Valid for the secondary draw ONLY.
Annual Small Game License
Valid for the primary or secondary draws.
Annual Youth Small Game and Furbearers License
Valid for the primary or secondary draws.
Qualifying License Options for Residents Only
Annual Resident Combination Small Game/Fishing License
Valid for the primary or secondary draws.
Annual Resident Senior Combination Small Game/Fishing License
For Colorado seniors (65 or older) only. Valid for the primary or secondary draws. The previous licenses are valid March 1, 2023 - March 31, 2024.
Annual Small Game License for Resident Senior Lifetime Fishing License Holders
For Colorado seniors (65 or older) with a lifetime fishing license only. Valid for the primary or secondary draws.
Resident Disabled Veteran Lifetime Combination Small Game/Fishing License
For Colorado veterans with disabilities only. Valid for the primary or secondary draws.
Resident Disabled First Responder Lifetime Combination Small Game/Fishing License
For Colorado first responders with disabilities only. Valid for the primary or secondary draws.
Veterans and First Responders
Submit an Application for Veterans Lifetime Combo or First Responder Lifetime Combo Licenses
Residents applying for the resident veteran lifetime combo or resident first responder lifetime combo may submit their application form and qualifying information at any time; please allow 14 business days for processing.
Prior to the draws application processing time may be extended, so please submit your application by:
- March 15 in order for them to be processed by the big game primary draw application deadline in April.
- June 13 in order for your application to be processed by the big game secondary draw application deadline at the end of June.
Qualifying License Fees
License Type |
Hunter Type |
Fee |
|---|---|---|
|
Annual Habitat Stamp |
Resident and Nonresident |
$12.15 |
|
Colorado Waterfowl Stamp |
Resident and Nonresident |
$11.50 |
|
Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp (Duck Stamp) |
Resident and Nonresident |
$31.00 |
|
Turkey |
Spring Resident Limited and Over-the-Counter |
$35.76 |
|
Turkey |
Fall Resident Limited and Over-the-Counter Fall or Late Season |
$29.69 |
|
Turkey |
Spring or Fall Nonresident Limited, Over-the-counter or Late Season |
$183.94 |
|
Turkey |
Resident Limited Youth and Over-the-Counter Youth |
$18.75 |
|
Turkey |
Nonresident Limited Youth and Over-the-Counter Youth (under 18 only) |
$123.21 |
|
Turkey |
Resident Application Processing Fee |
$8.00 |
|
Turkey |
Nonresident Application Processing Fee |
$10.00 |
|
Annual Small Game |
Resident |
$33.96 |
|
Annual Small Game |
Nonresident |
$93.78 |
|
Annual Youth Small Game and Furbearer License |
Resident and Nonresident Youth (under 18 only) |
$1.40 |
|
Small Game and Fishing Combo |
Resident |
$56.97 |
|
Senior Small Game and Fishing Combo |
Resident (65 and older) |
$33.54 |
|
Senior Annual Small game for Lifetime Fishing License Holders |
Resident (aged 65 and older) |
$24.34 |
|
First Responder Lifetime Small Game and Fishing Combo |
Resident (permanent occupational disability) |
Free |
|
Veterans Lifetime Small Game and Fishing Combo |
Resident (60% disabled or Purple Heart recipient) |
Free |
Colorado Hunting Brochures
Colorado Turkey Hunting Brochure
Hunters interested in hunting turkey should review the Turkey brochure for more information on legal methods of take and hunting laws.
Download the BrochureFolleto de Regulación del Pavo (En Español)
This is placeholder text. It's here by mistake and we'd appreciate it if you could email us with a link to the page you found it on.
Descargue el FolletoColorado Small Game and Waterfowl Hunting Brochure
Be sure to read the “What’s New” pages to see a full list of changes on tap for the upcoming hunting seasons.
Download the BrochureFolleto de Regulación de Caza Menor y Aves Acuáticas (En Español)
Asegúrese de leer las páginas "Novedades" para ver una lista completa de los cambios disponibles para las próximas temporadas de caza.
Descargue el Folleto