Special Wildlife Licenses
Colorado wildlife law generally prohibits the live possession of both native and exotic wildlife.
However, Special Wildlife Licenses can be issued which authorize the private possession of live wildlife for a limited number of particular purposes (such as rehabilitation, falconry, or scientific collection).
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has biological reasons to regulate the possession of live wildlife. An escaped exotic animal could potentially hybridize with a native species; cause habitat destruction; or compete for habitat space with native species. Captive-raised wildlife also pose a potential threat for the introduction of disease into native populations. All of these complex factors must be taken into account when managing privately held live wildlife in the state of Colorado.
Licenses
Types of Special Wildlife Licenses
- Aquatic
- Dog Field Trials
- Group Dog Training
- Falconry
- Scientific Collections
- Wildlife Parks
- Wildlife Rehabilitation
Aquatics
Aquatic licenses or permits allow for the commercial or nonprofit importation, stocking, possession, and/or operation of fishing lakes. Prior to stocking fish anywhere in Colorado, an individual must acquire CPW permission, however, a special permit is required west of the Continental Divide.
- Aquatic Importation License
- West Slope Stocking Permit
- Commercial Fishing License
- Commercial Lake License
- Private Lake License
Aquatic Importation License
- Required for the importation of any aquatic wildlife into Colorado
- Mandatory reporting requirements
- Wildlife regulations chapters 0 and 12
West Slope Stocking Permit
- Required for stocking aquatic wildlife west of the Continental Divide
- Mandatory reporting requirements
- Wildlife regulations chapters 0 and 12
Commercial Fishing License
- For the taking or possession of fish, amphibians, mollusks or crustaceans for commercial purposes
- Mandatory reporting requirements
- Wildlife regulations chapters 0 and 1
Commercial Lake License
- For the operation of privately owned lakes for the purpose of fishing
- A fee is charged for fishing
- No live fish or eggs may be sold
- No live fish or eggs may be transported from the premises
- Inlet/outlet screening is required
- Exempt from bag and possession limits
- Organizations may apply
- Individuals may apply
- Wildlife regulations chapter 12
Private Lake License
- For the operation of privately-owned lakes for the purpose of fishing
- No fee is charged for fishing
- No fish or eggs may be sold
- No live fish or eggs may be transported from the premises
- Inlet/outlet screens are required
- Exempt from bag and possession limits
- Organizations may apply
- Individuals may apply
- Wildlife regulations chapter 12
Regulations
Field Trails
This license is specific to holding field trials with dogs on Colorado Parks and Wildlife-managed properties. Please familiarize yourself with the regulations (linked below) prior to conducting any field trial as you may not need a license, but you may need to notify CPW of your event.
"Field Trial" means any hunting dog trial held under the rules of a dog- or kennel-club for the purpose of gaining points toward a hunting dog championship, including any sanctioned practice or training trial where there is organized competition; and any hunt test or other performance event in which hunting dogs compete against an accepted standard.
A field trial license must be obtained prior to holding any field trial or group training on any CPW property. Participants in field trials may be charged a nominal fee by the licensee to cover the costs associated with the field trial.
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Review the field trial regulations
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Collect the following information for your field trial application:
Start and end date
Minimum and maximum number of participants
Minimum and maximum number of dogs
Minimum and maximum number of horses
Name(s) of designated gunner(s) (must hold valid small game licenses)
State Wildlife Area(s), the counties they are located in, the portions of them and how many acres you will be using (remember: if you are not using a CPW property, you need to file a Field Trial Notification, not apply for a license)
If you are releasing birds, the common and scientific names of them
How many birds you are releasing
Any anticipated impacts to wildlife resources and habitat, including any actions proposed to avoid or remediate the impact
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Submit your application
Use CPWshop, linked below, to submit your application
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Application review
Within 45 days of your application being received it will be reviewed and a letter will be emailed notifying and explaining the approval or denial of your application. You will also receive a paper copy of the letter by regular mail. Approved licenses will include conditional provisions or maps to describe areas of allowed use.
If an applicant is noncompliant with application requirements, CPW will contact the applicant and describe what additional information or what specific modifications would be necessary for the application to be complete.
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Pre-field trial consultation
As part of the field trial, CPW and the applicant will have discussions via phone before (pre-field trial) your field trial to answer any questions and help you complete the trial free from violations. If needed, CPW may request an in-person discussion with the applicant.
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Post-field trial review
Within 10 working days after the field trial, CPW and the applicant will have a wrap-up discussion and review. These conversations are usually conducted by phone, unless damage occurred to the property. If damage occurred during the trial, the conversation afterward will be in-person at the trial location.
If any violations happened during the trial, CPW will immediately notify the applicant by phone and/or email.
Regulations
Group Dog Training
This permit is for those wishing to conduct group hunting dog training on Colorado Parks and Wildlife owned land. Please familiarize yourself with the regulations (linked below) prior to conducting any group dog training.
"Training" means the noncommercial act of a person(s) instructing a hunting dog(s) to follow scent, point or flush birds, retrieve and respond to related verbal and nonverbal commands to improve the dog's performance in hunting wildlife or for field trials. Merely exercising or conditioning a dog is not training. "Group training" means training involving ten or more people and their associated hunting dogs.
An annual dog training permit, valid from April 1 through March 31, must be obtained by each individual who wishes to train dogs under the following conditions:
- Ten or more individuals will be participating in the training
- Training on CPW property (in compliance with Wildlife Regulations Chapter 9)
- Releasing and shooting privately-owned game birds for training
- A maximum of two dogs may be trained by an individual at any one time
No permit is required for individual dog training by nine or fewer people who are not releasing privately-owned game birds during training.
Horses are not permitted to be used during individual dog training.
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Review the dog training regulations
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Collect the following information for your dog training application:
Start and end date
Minimum and maximum number of participants
Minimum and maximum number of dogs
Minimum and maximum number of horses
Name(s) of designated gunner(s) (must hold valid small game licenses)
State Wildlife Area(s), the counties they are located in, the portions of them and how many acres you will be using (remember: if you are not using a CPW property, you may not need to apply for a permit)
If you are releasing birds, the common and scientific names of them
How many birds you are releasing
Any anticipated impacts to wildlife resources and habitat, including any actions proposed to avoid or remediate the impact
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Submit your application
Applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the training
Regulations
Falconry
Falconry is a sport that allows an individual to hunt quarry with a trained raptor. There are multiple license applications and forms available related to falconry. Please familiarize yourself with this information prior to applying.
- Resident Falconry
- Nonresident Falconry
- Falconry Reference Materials
- Forms, Updates, and Federal Information
Below are the steps to getting your Colorado falconry license. Each step must be completed prior to moving on to the next step in the process.
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Review the falconry regulations
Carefully review the state regulations pertinent to falconry which can be found in Chapters W-00, W-03, W-05, and W-06 of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Regulations, which are linked below.
Please note that you must be at least 12 years of age and a Colorado resident at the time of your application. Residency is established by living in this state for at least six consecutive months immediately prior to the date of your license application.
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Find a licensed falconer to be your sponsor
Applicants must complete a two-year apprenticeship program. Find a falconer licensed by Colorado as a master or as a general (with at least three years experience at that level) by contacting the Apprentice Director at one of the state’s falconry clubs for assistance in locating a sponsor. A Falconry Sponsor Form completed by your sponsor must be included with your application.
We recommend you contact the Apprentice Director at one of the state’s falconry clubs for assistance with locating a sponsor. Currently there are two active clubs in Colorado: the Colorado Hawking Club and High Plains Falconers.
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Take your falconry exam
Pass the Colorado falconry exam with a score of 80% or better.
You will have two hours to complete the exam. There will be a total of 100 questions which are a mix of true/false, multiple choice, and short answers drawn from three categories: falconry practices, the biology/ecology of raptors, and regulations/laws. You will be allowed up to two hours to complete the exam. To prepare for testing, work with your sponsor and study all available reference materials such as those recommended below. Exams are administered at Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices located throughout the state. When you are ready to set up a time and place for testing contact Special Licensing at (720) 660-1001.
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Construct your mews
After passing the exam you are required to construct a facility to house falconry raptors which meets the minimum facility requirements as outlined in Chapter 6 Falconry Regulations.
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Submit your application and sponsor form
Have your sponsor complete the Falconry Sponsor Form, submit your Resident Falconry License Application with the sponsor form attached through CPWshop.com.
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Mews inspection
After you submit your application and sponsor form, Special Licensing will review for completeness and accuracy, and notify your local District Wildlife Manager (DWM). The DWM will contact you to set up and conduct an inspection of your facility (mews).
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License issuance
When Special Licensing receives an approved facility (mews) inspection from your DWM, your Apprentice Resident Falconry License will be issued and mailed to you.
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Upgrading your falconry license
You will be considered an apprentice falconer, and must follow the applicable rules and regulations, for at least two years. After at least two years, you can submit a Falconry Upgrade Certification Form to request an upgrade to a General Falconry License. When you have held a falconry license at the General level for at least five years, you may apply to upgrade to the Master level.
In order to be considered for a General Falconry License, you must be at least 16 years old.
Which nonresident license(s) do I need for falconry?
Nonresident Falconry License
- Temporarily visiting Colorado
- Requires proof that you possess a valid falconry license in your home state
- Allows you to possess a raptor in Colorado for the purpose of falconry
- Allows you to hunt small game with a raptor
- Colorado Wildlife Regulations Chapter 6, Article II #601
Note: nonresidents visiting Colorado temporarily may qualify for the falconry license level (apprentice, general, or master) appropriate for their experience as determined by CPW, and are required to follow the regulations associated with each level.
Nonresident Small Game License
- Temporarily visiting Colorado
- Allows you to possess a raptor in Colorado for the purpose of falconry
- Allows you to hunt small game with a raptor
- Requires proof that you possess a valid falconry license in your home state
- Colorado Wildlife Regulations Chapter 6, Article VI #614
Falconry Resources
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Falconry Regulations
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Commission Regulations Chapters W-00 (regarding importation of raptors #003 and waste of wildlife #020D2), W-03 (small game hunting requirements), W-05 (migratory bird hunting requirements), and W-06 (all other regulations related to falconry).
- Note that although the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is no longer involved in falconry licensing, CPW Regulations do require the submission of falconry bird acquisition and disposition reports (3-186A forms) to the Federal Falconry Database.
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Falconry Books
- Beebe, Frank The Compleat Falconer
- Beebe & Webster North American Falconry and Hunting Hawks
- California Hawking Club Apprentice Manual: A Starter Guide for the Prospective Falconer (2000) and Apprentice Study Guide (1999)
- Ford, Emma Falconry: Art and Practice
- Fox, Nick Understanding Birds of Prey
- Glasier, Philip Falconry and Hawking
- Hallgarth, Adrian Hawking & Falconry For Beginners
- Hollinshead, Martin Hawking Ground Quarry
- Hollinshead, Martin The Complete Rabbit and Hare Hawk
- McGranaghan, Liam The Red-Tailed Hawk
- Mullenix, Matthew American Kestrels in Modern Falconry
- Oakes, William The Falconer's Apprentice: A Guide to Training the Red-Tailed Hawk
- Wheeler & Clark A Photographic Guide to North American Raptors
- Woodruff, Ben Trapping Essentials
- Various Field Guides such as Peterson Reference Guides
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Falconry Suppliers
P.O. Box 874
Rainier, WA 98576
Phone (360) 446-3212
4700 SE Chase Rd.
Gresham, OR 97080
Phone (888) 663-5601
P.O. Box 939
Ranchester, WY 82839-0939
Phone (307) 672-0445
845 W. Center St.
North Salt Lake, UT 84054
Phone (800) 729-7123
Reports, updates, and federal permits
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State reporting
Colorado Department of Natural Resources Falconry Reporting Site:
- Raptor acquisition and disposition reports
- Address/phone changes to an existing license
- Requesting a caretaker extension
- Requesting raptor rake mobility-impaired status
- Reporting a temporary facility
- Reporting a lost/removed band
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Federal reporting and permits
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Falconry Reporting Site:
- Falconry bird acquisition and disposition reports (3-186A forms)
Regulations
Avian Influenza Recommendations for Falconers
Avian influenza virus can be transmitted to birds of prey from feeding on infected birds. As a precaution, we advise falconers to avoid hunting wild avian species and not to feed wild species (particularly waterfowl) to raptors during this HPAI outbreak. Minimize contact with wild birds, enhance cleaning and biosecurity practices and consult with a veterinarian immediately if any of your birds show signs of illness.
Scientific Collections
These licenses are for marking or banding wildlife, temporary or permanent possession of wildlife, and collection of specimens outside of established seasons and bag and possession limits for the purpose of collecting scientific data.
Scientific collection applications can be grouped into five categories:
- Aquatic
- Bird Banding
- Herptile
- Salvage
- Terrestrial (Avian & Mammal)
Applications for scientific collection can be submitted through our online application site. You will be able to save a draft of your application prior to submission. You will be able to upload your federal permit(s) through this site as well.
Regulations
Wildlife Parks
Wildlife Producers Park
Issued for trading, selling, propagating, bartering, shooting, brokering, and transporting live wildlife (except birds) and wildlife parts.
Wildlife Exhibitors Park
Issued for the exhibition of live wildlife (except birds) for educational or promotional activities.
Upland Bird & Waterfowl Hunting & Producers Park
Issued for the propagation and release of commercially raised upland game birds and waterfowl for preserve shooting.
Zoological Park
Issued for the operation of facilities, other than AZA-accredited zoos, open to the public for wildlife exhibition.
Wildlife Sanctuary
Issued to nonprofit entities for the conditional operation of a wildlife sanctuary.
Big Game Hunting Park
No new licenses - renewals ONLY.
Issued for hunting privately-owned big game animals on private property. No new big game hunting park licenses shall be issued after July 1, 1996, except when a change of ownership occurs on an existing Big Game Hunting Park.
Non-Commercial Wildlife Park
Non-commercial Wildlife Park licenses are issued to a person or persons for the purpose of keeping birds other than raptors.
Nonresident Temporary Exhibitor
Issued for the importation and exhibition of live regulated wildlife for educational, training or entertainment purposes from a facility outside Colorado that is properly licensed by the state of origin.
Regulations
Maintaining Your License
Commercial Wildlife Parks Licensees
Licensees are required by law to submit dispositions (i. e. birth, death and type of death, import, export, etc.) of animals at their licensed facility to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Wildlife Rehabilitation
Wildlife rehabilitation is the process of providing aid to injured, orphaned, displaced, or distressed wild animals in such a way that they may survive when released to their native habitats. The spectrum of activities ranges from direct care of wildlife to arranging suitable release sites. Wildlife rehabilitation also involves anticipating and helping to prevent problems with wildlife as well as humanely resolving human-wildlife conflicts. Wildlife rehabilitation is part science, part education, part problem-solving, and part care-giving.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulates and licenses wildlife rehabilitators operating within the state. To find out more about wildlife rehabilitation, including reference materials, how to get licensed, and to find a list of licensed rehabilitators, please visit our wildlife rehabilitation page.
FAQs
Common Questions
- Exactly what is considered wildlife?
- What types of animals can I have?
- Prohibited Species
- Venomous Snakes
- What other laws do I need to be aware of to own wildlife?
- Where do I obtain wildlife?
- How do I bring wildlife into Colorado from other states?
- Who can import red swamp crayfish (Louisiana crawfish)?
The statutory definition of "wildlife " means wild vertebrates, mollusks, and crustaceans, whether alive or dead, including any part, product, egg or offspring thereof, that exist as a species in a natural wild state in their place of origin, presently or historically, except those species determined to be domestic animals by rule or regulation by the commission and the state agriculture commission.
That will depend greatly upon:
- The intended use of the wildlife species (commercial park, noncommercial park, falconry, etc.)
- Its protection status at either the state or federal level
- Whether or not it is a prohibited, restricted for commercial use only, domestic, or unregulated species.
Visit the Wildlife Are Not Pets page for a list of species that may be possessed without a license.
Please review the Colorado's Prohibited Species (Chapter 0 #008 A & B) for a list of Colorado's prohibited species. The live possession of these species is severely restricted.
Live venomous snakes may only be possessed through a Commercial Wildlife Park License issued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Private, noncommercial possession or the possession of a live venomous snake as a pet is prohibited. Once a Commercial Wildlife Park License is issued, a licensee must ensure continued compliance with all inspection, facility, record keeping and reporting requirements, including the acquisition, production and disposition of all venomous snakes. Licensees are required to renew their Commercial Wildlife Park License on an annual basis.
Prior to the issuance of a Commercial Wildlife Park License where venomous snakes will be housed, a license applicant must:
- Obtain authorization from both Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Colorado State Veterinarian Office before importing or otherwise arranging for delivery of any venomous snake into Colorado.
- Clearly establish the commercial purpose behind the proposed possession
- Construct a facility sufficient to ensure containment of the snakes. All facilities will be inspected for compliance with all applicable facility requirements before issuing the Commercial Wildlife Park License.
Escapes
Any escape of a venomous snake from a licensed facility must be reported to Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the local law enforcement agency within 24 hours of discovery.
Local Jurisdictions
Applicants should also contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Colorado Department of Agriculture and their local jurisdiction (city or county) for additional requirements that may apply to their proposed possession of venomous snakes.
Generally it can be assumed that ownership of wildlife may require regulation by several agencies. No matter which agency or agencies regulate the wildlife you are interested in, the agency that has the most restrictive law is the law that applies. For example: if the city of Denver prohibits the possession of wildlife for any reason, there is no agency or law that will override this local law. There would simply be no way to own wildlife in that city unless the local laws were to change.
Follow these steps to ensure you are abiding by all applicable laws, regulations, and rules:
- Check with your local city and county laws to ensure there are no restrictions or prohibitions against possession of wildlife
- Check with Special Licensing: wildlife.speciallicensing@state.co.us
- Check with federal agencies.Depending upon the use and classification of the proposed species, a federal permit may be required in addition to the state permit. Federal permits for possession are issued by the USDA or the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service or both depending upon the use and protection status of the animals
Wildlife can NOT be taken from the wild in the State of Colorado. Wildlife may be obtained for private possession by purchase from a propagated (commercially raised) legal source, but only with the appropriate licenses and intended uses.
Most wildlife requires a health certificate issued by a veterinarian within 30 days of the date of the proposed importation. Contact the State of Colorado Veterinarian's Office by phone (303) 239-4161 to obtain an Entry Permit Number.
For the importation of raptors (birds of prey) and fish, a Colorado Parks and Wildlife Raptor Importation License is also required.
In most cases, the business importing live crayfish will apply for the importation license and a copy of the approved license must accompany the shipment of crayfish. Consumers buying live crayfish from a vendor must receive a copy of the importation license along with the required receipt. Consumers buying cooked crayfish from a restaurant do not need an importation license.