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Hunting Resources and Tips
Hunting Resources and Tips

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The following resources and tips are provided to enhance your total hunting experience.

Be sure to read the Plan Your Hunt​ page for a step-by-step process for making the most of your Colorado hunt!

Before You Leave Home

  • Use the Sunrise/Sunset Tables off the U.S. Naval Observatory website to plan your hunt.  

  • Fill out the Hunting Trip Information Form to ​​​leave important information for friends and family about your hunting plans in the event of an emergency. 

  • Remember, a Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) registration or non-resident permit is required for all OHVs/ATVs that are operated on public lands. See registration, permits and full program details​. (OHVs/ATVs must be registered or permitted even if the vehicles will be operated only on USFS or BLM land.) 

  • Read Important Reminders Before Hunting​: Activities and behaviors to be avoided.    

  • Learn about Altitude sickness: What it is, the symptoms, how to lessen your chances of being affected, and treatments. Altitude sickness can affect you even if you aren't venturing into Colorado's high country. 

  • Hunter Harassment​: If, while hunting, you feel you are being harassed, you must respond reasonably and ethically to reduce tensions and conflict. Ethics and behavior.  

  • Review Fire Bans and Danger:​ A link to the Colorado Division of Emergency Management fire bans and restrictions information. 

  • Weed-Free Forage Program​: It's important to use only certified, weed-free forage. ​​


In the Field

​​​If you’ll be camping during your hunting trip, please help protect our forests by buying your firewood in Colorado. Firewood can spread harmful insect pests and diseases such as emerald ash borer, sirex wood wasp, gypsy moth, Asian longhorned beetle and oak wilt disease. If you have firewood from another state, please burn it immediately. For more information, visit our Invasive Species pages or contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture at (303) 239-4140. Thank you for your help.

  

  • Don't Destroy the Things You Love firewood imageEthical and Respectful Care of Game Meat: As an ethical hunter, you must field dress and transport your prized animal properly. Show the same respect for your game after harvest as you did before harvest.

  • Field Dressing Big Game: Hunters should know exactly what to do after bagging their game. Meat can spoil, and pounds of venison may be wasted if not handled correctly — and immediately. Field dressing game is not difficult if done properly.   

  • The Art of Survival:​ This information is taken from The Art of Survival pamphlet prepared by Papa Bear Whitmore. It is meant as a guide only and perhaps an inspiration to look further into the art of survival.

  • Antler-Point Restrictions for Elk: Important information for antlerless and antlered elk to help harvest the proper animal.

  • Bear Hunting Tips: The key to hunting Colorado black bears in September is understanding that the physiology and behavior of bears dramatically change in mid-August. 

  • Mountain Lion Education and Identification Course: An informative course covering mountain lion behavior and biology, as well as tips and techniques for determining gender in mountain lions. Passing the accompanying exam is required of anyone purchasing a Colorado mountain lion license or who hunts or pursues mountain lions in Colorado.