In January 2023, Colorado Parks and Wildlife launched the planning process for the 2025-2029 Big Game Season Structure.
What's the purpose of the Big Game Season Structure Process?
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) uses a five-year Big Game Season Structure (BGSS) as a framework for annual big game hunting regulations.
Establishes a multi year big game hunting framework:
- What types of hunting opportunities will be available.
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When opportunities will be available.
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Where opportunities will be available.
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How the opportunities will be divided amongst methods of take.
What's the process look like for 2025-2029 BGSS planning?
Big game management in Colorado is built on several planning processes, all of which are approved by the Commission:
Herd Management Plans (HMPs) establish long-term objectives for big game species in specific geographic areas (Data Analysis Units) through a public process, using the best scientific information on populations and habitat conditions.
Annual license recommendations are set annually via regulation and are based on HMP objectives.
BGSS policies define a framework for achieving HMP objectives through a variety of hunting opportunities and seasons.
What are the 2025-2029 BGSS topics?
CPW presented an initial list of topics for discussion to the Commission at the January 18 Commission meeting, and requested guidance from the Commission to move forward with these proposed topics for public and stakeholder engagement. See the full memo sent to the Commission.
BGSS topics being considered include:
Alternatives regarding over-the-counter archery and rifle elk licenses
Alternatives for rifle season date structures for deer and elk
Adding rifle deer opportunities to the first regular rifle season
Adding a second regular rifle buck and doe pronghorn season
Early season (archery and muzzleloader) date structures
Current weighted-point draw system for bighorn sheep, mountain goat and moose
The Commission approved including all staff-recommended primary and administrative topics in the 2025-2029 BGSS process. (Updated 3/16/2023)Public Input
During this process the public will have a lot of opportunities to share their ideas and input on how we can improve our season structure. This critical feedback helps shape how CPW conserves and manages our herds into the future.
As part of the BGSS planning process, CPW is hosting a series of in-person open house and town hall meetings across the state as well as virtual meetings for big game hunters to voice their opinions about current BGSS topics under consideration. CPW is encouraging the public to attend these public meetings to learn about the current BGSS and the potential changes CPW is considering. CPW wants to give the public ample opportunities to provide input and help inform the BGSS planning process. For more information regarding these public meetings, visit our BGSS EngageCPW page.
Additionally, hunters and affected communities are encouraged to share their general comments about BGSS with the Parks and Wildlife Commission (PWC). For information on how to share written or oral comments with the PWC please see the Submit Public Comments webpage. To receive email updates about the PWC and other relevant topics please complete the Email Updates Form.
2020-2024
2015-2019
2010-2014
View the 2010-2014 Season Structure General Dates
