New to Hunting
Getting Started
Do You Have Your Hunter Education?
You'll need to have your hunter education certification and card number before applying for the draw(s) or purchasing a hunting license if you were born after Jan. 1, 1949. Remember that you must carry proof of hunter education in the field when you hunt!
Hunter Education Exemptions
- Individuals over age 50 or active duty U.S. military and veterans can obtain a hunter education certificate by testing out of hunter education.
- An apprentice certificate can be obtained for hunters who are at least 10 years old (age 12 for big game) and who must be accompanied by a mentor in the field. This hunter education waiver can be obtained twice in a lifetime.
Which Species Do You Want To Hunt?
Colorado offers 10 big-game species. This brochure has hunting rules and options for deer (mule and white-tailed), elk, pronghorn, moose and bear. Pick the species and sex you're interested in hunting.
Colorado's Ten Big-Game Species
Where Do You Want To Hunt?
Colorado is divided into hunting areas called game management units (i.e. Game Management Units). It's important that every hunter knows the boundaries of their hunting area, including private land boundaries.
When Do You Want To Hunt?
In general for deer, elk and bear hunting, archery season starts in early Sept. and lasts almost a month. Muzzleloader season starts in the middle of archery season, and four rifle seasons follow that. The first rifle season is limited to elk and bear hunting only. The second, third and fourth rifle seasons are for elk, bear and deer hunters, who will be in the field at the same time.
What Do You Want To Hunt With?
Colorado has seasons for archery, muzzleloader and rifle/associated methods hunting. “Associated methods” are shotguns, handguns, muzzleloaders that are a minumum of .40 caliber (.50 caliber for elk and moose), hand-held bows and crossbows. Legal requirements for the various methods and transporting them in the field are described in this brochure.
Types of Licenses You Can Get
Each year, a set (limited) number of licenses is allotted to each GMU. You can apply for the big game draw(s) to get one of these limited licenses, or after the draws are over, you can purchase a remaining (leftover) limited license when they go on sale. Some licenses for elk, pronghorn and bear are also available without needing to enter the draw(s) and are not restricted in quantity (unlimited). These can be purchased over the counter after they go on sale online, by phone and in person at sales agents around the state.
Read This Brochure!
Now that you have a plan, be sure to read through this brochure to help you get your license and be prepared out in the field.
The first 19 pages have all of your basic hunting information: new changes, license information, options and sales dates, general information, hunting laws, application information and deadlines, and how to read the hunt code tables.
Pages 20–67 break out each of the six big-game species in this brochure into their own sections. Each section has speciesspecific regulation changes, season dates, how to get more than one license and hunt code tables.
The last few pages, 68–73, provide a GMU map and detailed descriptions of the GMU boundaries and specific land restrictions.
Have you taken Hunter Education?
New hunters will have to complete a hunter education course before applying for a mentored hunt or purchasing a hunting license.
Take a Hunter Education Class
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.
Find out moreTake a Bowhunter Course
Bowhunter Education is an optional course offered to hunters. It cover archery equipment, proper use of tree stands, and hunting techniques.
Find out moreApprentice Hunter Certificate
The Apprentice Hunter Certificate is a free, one-year waiver of the hunter education requirement and allows the apprentice hunter to purchase hunting licenses. Hunters can obtain the certificate up to two times only.
Apprentices:
- Apprentices must be 10 years old and older
- Hunters 10-11 years old can hunt small game
- Hunters 12 years and older can hunt big and small game
- Any hunter using the Apprentice Hunter Certificate to hunt must have a mentor with them in the field, no matter their experience or age. The hunter must be able to see and hear the mentor at all times while in the field.
Mentors:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be hunter education-certified or born before January 1, 1949
- Carries proof of age and hunter education certification while in the field
- Can accompany up to two apprentices in the field
New hunters can get the certificate online through cpwshop, at a CPW office or from a sales agent. The certificate is valid from March 1 to March 31 of the following year.
Primary Draw
If someone obtains the Apprentice Hunter Certificate between April 1 and the application deadline (early April), they can apply for a preference point for that year. Be sure you select the correct year for your certificate if it is obtained before April 1.
Spring Turkey Draw
There will be two Apprentice Hunter Certificates with different dates available for purchase during the turkey application process. The dates of the Apprentice Hunter Certificate need to be the same as the dates of the spring turkey season. Be sure to purchase the certificate that will be valid for hunting the year the license will be used.
Nonresidents
Only Colorado Apprentice Hunter Certificates are valid in Colorado, and the Colorado waiver is not valid in other states.
Develop Your Skills with Clinics and Seminars
Throughout the year, clinics and seminars are offered to give hunters opportunities to improve their hunting skills, practices and techniques. Clinics are typically more hands-on and often take place in the field or at the range. They are usually geared toward shooting, archery, hunting or basic outdoor skills. Seminars are generally classroom-based and cover specific topics for a variety of species, such as Hunting 101, or any skill set needed to be a safe, ethical and successful hunter.
Start Small
Hunting small game like pheasant, rabbit and squirrel is a great place to start if you are new to hunting. There are many reasons why hunters should consider growing their hunting skills by hunting small game.
Improve Your Skills on a Turkey Hunt
Learn the basics of turkey hunting in Colorado. Topics will cover turkey biology & behavior, habitat, hunting techniques, calling, and gear.
Ready for a New Challenge? Hunt Big Game
Many hunters who want to hunt big game start with hunting deer, elk and pronghorn.
Special Edition
Colorado Outdoors 2025 Annual Preference Point Issue
Big-game preference points for planning your 2025 hunt, plus herd counts and much more! Get your copy today!
Learn to Hunt Videos
Learn to Hunt Webinar Series
Good hunters know that developing their skills takes time and training. The Learn to Hunt video series offers tips and tactics on topics ranging from dove decoys to scouting big games. Get started on building the skills needed to be a successful hunter.
Learn to Hunt Pheasant
Learn to Hunt Turkey
Learn to Hunt Big Game
Learn to Hunt from a Mentor
Mentored Hunts for Adults
This program is geared at providing adults a concise, distraction-free experience to learn how to hunt with other adults.
Mentored Hunts for Women
This program dedicated to teaching women basic hunting, shooting sport, and angling skills in a comfortable environment.
Mentored Hunts for Youth
This program offers free educational hunting opportunities for youth to ensure their first experiences in the field are safe and ethical.
Novice Pheasant Hunter Program
This supports new hunters (adults and youth), with detailed pheasant hunting knowledge, practical field experience, and quality instruction on a trap range.
Rookie Sportsperson Program
This program offers opportunities for individuals and/or families with limited outdoor experience to try their hand at hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation.