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Small Game

Small game, migratory birds, and waterfowl are staple hunts for many sportspeople and their families, and good hunts for new hunters looking to gain experience before hunting big game.
Small game hunters preparing for hunting in a field.

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    Hunter moves through field in Colorado's Eastern Plains.

    Hunter moves through field in Colorado's Eastern Plains.

    Hunting Small Game, Migratory Birds, and Waterfowl

    What's New

    The 2025 Colorado Small Game and Waterfowl Brochure is available. Changes include: A $5 permit is required to hunt white-tailed ptarmigan, greater sage-grouse and mountain sharp-tailed grouse. The ability to take coyotes with unfilled big-game licenses has been removed. Greater sage-grouse season open in GMUs 2, 4, 5, and 10. Mountain sharp-tailed grouse season opens in GMU 23. Pintail daily bag limit increased to three.

    Be sure to read the "What's New" pages in the Small Game and Waterfowl, Recreational Lands, Walk-in Atlas and Late Cropland Walk-in Atlas brochures to see a full list of changes on tap for the upcoming seasons.

    The 2026 brochure with updated season dates and fees will be available in August. The 2025 brochure is still available as a reference for hunters to plan their hunts.

    2025 Small Game and Waterfowl Brochure ​​​​Folleto de Regulación de Caza Menor y Aves Acuáticas

    Purchase a License

    Small game licenses can be purchased online at CPWShop.com, by phone at 1-800-244-5613 and at sales agents around the state. Small game and furbearer licenses, the furbearer harvest permit, and the Colorado Waterfowl Stamps and Habitat Stamps are valid March 1 through March 31 of the following year (13 months).

    Purchase Online
      Small Game Species

      Small Game Species You Can Hunt

      • Abert's Squirrel
      • Common Snapping Turtle
      • Cottontail Rabbit
      • Snowshoe Hare
      • White-tailed Jackrabbit
      • Black-tailed Jackrabbit
      • Marmot
      • White-tailed Prairie Dog
      • Black-tailed Prairie Dog
      • Gunnison's Prairie Dog
      • Prairie Rattlesnake
      • Fox Squirrel
      • Pine Squirrel
      • Wyoming (Richardson's) Ground Squirrel
      • Coyote
      • Dusky Grouse
      • Mountain Sharp-tailed Grouse
      • Greater Sage-grouse
      • White-tailed Ptarmigan
      • Pheasant
      • Northern Bobwhite Quail
      • Scaled Quail
      • Gambel's Quail
      • Chukar Partridge

      Need to Know

      What you need to buy a license

      1. Proper identification and proof of residency (for Colorado residents).
      2. Proof of hunter education.
      3. A Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is required for hunters age 12 and older, per federal law.
      4. Habitat Stamp: An annual ($12.76) habitat stamp is automatically  added to a license purchase for anyone ages 18 to 64. Residents with a Colorado lifetime license are exempt.

      Ways to Hunt Small Game

        Small Game License Requirements

        Small Game License Requirements

        • Small Game License

          To hunt small game, migratory birds, and waterfowl in Colorado you need a small game license, youth small game license, small game and fishing combination license, or a one-day small game license. A license is not required to hunt Eurasian Collared-doves.

        • Register with the Harvest Information Program (HIP)

          Hunters who wish to hunt small game, coyote and migratory birds must sign up with the Harvest Information Program each year. 

        • Federal Migratory Bird Stamp

          To hunt waterfowl, hunters 16 years or older must have a federal migratory bird stamp (also called the duck stamp). The federal stamp is available after July 1 online, by phone and at select post offices. It is also available at CPW offices and sales agents. A federal stamp is not required to take light geese during the conservation order season.

        • Colorado Waterfowl Stamp

          To hunt waterfowl, hunters 16 years or older must have a Colorado waterfowl stamp. The state stamp is printed on your hunting license and validated by signing your name in ink on the license.

        • Furbearer License or Permit

          To hunt furbearers, hunters need either a furbearer license or small game license AND furbearer harvest permit.

        Hunt Small Game Only

        Hunt Small Game

        Hunters can purchase a small game l​icense. This license will allow hunters to harvest small game including coyote, migratory birds, and waterfowl only. 

        Common Snapping Turtles

        To hunt common snapping turtles you need a small game or fishing license.

        Hunt Furbearers Only

        Hunt Furbearers

        Hunters who only want to hunt furbearers (includes coyote) and not the rest of small game, migratory birds or waterfowl, can purchase the new annual furbearer license. Learn more about hunting furbearers.

        Hunt Small Game and Furbearers

        Hunt Small Game and Furbearers

        Hunters can purchase a small game license and the new annual furbearer harvest permit. This will allow hunters to hunt all small game, migratory birds, and furbearer species. Learn more about hunting furbearers.

        Small Game Single Day Licenses

        Hunters who primarily want to hunt furbearers may want to purchase a one-day small game hunting license. If hunters decide to extend their small game hunting for another day, additional-day small game licenses are also available.

        Resident Youth Small Game and Furbearers Combo License

        Colorado resident youth (under 18) can purchase a small game and furbearers combo license.

        Hunt Small Game and Fish

        Hunt Small Game and Fish

        Hunters who are Colorado residents can purchase a small game and fishing combo license. This will allow hunters to hunt all small game, migratory birds and go fishing.

        Senior Small Game Hunting and Fishing Combo

        Colorado resident seniors (65 or older) can purchase an annual small game hunting and fishing combo license, or apply for a lifetime small game and fishing combo license.

        Veterans and First Responders Small Game Hunting and Fishing Combo

        Colorado resident military veterans and first responders with disabilities can apply for a free lifetime small game and fishing combo license.

        Small Game Single Day Licenses

        Anglers who may also want to hunt small game may want to purchase a one-day small game hunting license. If anglers decide to extend their small game hunting for another day, additional-day small game licenses are also available.

        Hunt Small Game and Big Game

        Hunt Big Game and Small Game

        Small Game Plus Primary and Secondary Draw

        Hunters who are planning to apply for a limited big game license will need a qualifying license to apply for either draw. A small game license counts as a qualifying license for the primary draw and secondary draw.

        Small Game Plus Over-the-Counter

        Hunters who want to hunt small game and big game, but don't want to apply for the draws can purchase a small game license and then purchase an over-the-counter (OTC) big game license when OTC licenses go on sale in August.

        Small Game Single Day Licenses

        Big game hunters who may also want to hunt small game may want to purchase a one-day small game hunting license. If anglers decide to extend their small game hunting for another day, additional-day small game licenses are also available.

        Hunt Invasive Birds

        Hunt Invasive Birds

        Eurasian Collared-Doves, European Starlings and House (English) Sparrows are considered invasive species in Colorado. Because of this designation, these species may be hunted year-round.

        No license or Habitat Stamp is required to hunt invasive species; however, hunters must have and carry with them a hunter education card. Hunters may harvest any number of each of these species and by any method of take approved for big- or small-game hunting. These species may be taken at night with the use of artificial light and night vision equipment.

        Commercial hunting of invasive species is prohibited, as is receiving or attempting to receive compensation by hunting these species. 

        Eurasian collared-doves must remain fully feathered while in the field or during transport, except when counted as part of the mourning or white-winged dove bag and possession limit during the dove season that runs from Sept. 1–Nov. 29.

        Migratory Bird Species

        Migratory Bird Species You Can Hunt

        • Band-tailed Pigeon
        • Crow
        • Mourning Dove
        • White-winged Dove
        • European Starling
        • House (English) Sparrow
        • Sora Rail
        • Virginia Rail
        • Sandhill Crane
        • Wilson's Snipe
        • American Coot

        Need to Know

        What you need to buy a license

        1. Proper identification and proof of residency (for Colorado residents).
        2. Proof of hunter education.
        3. A Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is required for hunters age 12 and older, per federal law.
        4. Habitat Stamp: An annual ($12.76) habitat stamp is automatically  added to a license purchase for anyone ages 18 to 64. Residents with a Colorado lifetime license are exempt.

        Ways to Hunt Small Game

          Small Game License Requirements

          Small Game License Requirements

          • Small Game License

            To hunt small game, migratory birds, and waterfowl in Colorado you need a small game license, youth small game license, small game and fishing combination license, or a one-day small game license. A license is not required to hunt Eurasian Collared-doves.

          • Register with the Harvest Information Program (HIP)

            Hunters who wish to hunt small game, coyote and migratory birds must sign up with the Harvest Information Program each year.

          • Federal Migratory Bird Stamp

            To hunt waterfowl, hunters 16 years or older must have a federal migratory bird stamp (also called the duck stamp). The federal stamp is available after July 1 online, by phone and at select post offices. It is also available at CPW offices and sales agents. A federal stamp is not required to take light geese during the conservation order season.

          • Colorado Waterfowl Stamp

            To hunt waterfowl, hunters 16 years or older must have a Colorado waterfowl stamp. The state stamp is printed on your hunting license and validated by signing your name in ink on the license.

          • Furbearer License or Permit

            To hunt furbearers, hunters need either a furbearer license or small game license AND furbearer harvest permit.

          Hunt Migratory Birds Only

          Hunt Migratory Birds

          Hunters can purchase a small game l​icense. This license will allow hunters to harvest small game including coyote, migratory birds, and waterfowl only. 

          Sandhill Cranes

          A separate federal permit number, available through the Harvest Information Program (HIP) through CPWShop.com is required.

          Band-tailed Pigeons

          A $5 permit is required in addition to the small-game license to hunt band-tailed pigeons. The permit is available online, by phone, and at CPW locations.

          Hunt Migratory Birds and Furbearers

          Hunt Migratory Birds and Furbearers

          Hunters can purchase a small game license and the new annual furbearer harvest permit. This will allow hunters to hunt all small game, migratory birds, and furbearer species. Learn more about hunting furbearers.

          Small Game Single Day Licenses

          Hunters who primarily want to hunt furbearers may want to purchase a one-day small game hunting license to also hunt migratory birds. If hunters decide to extend their small game hunting for another day, additional-day small game licenses are also available.

          Resident Youth Small Game and Furbearers Combo License

          Colorado resident youth (under 18) can purchase a small game and furbearers combo license.

          Hunt Migratory Birds and Fish

          Hunt Migratory Birds and Fish

          Hunters who are Colorado residents can purchase a small game and fishing combo license. This will allow hunters to hunt all small game, migratory birds and go fishing.

          Senior Small Game Hunting and Fishing Combo

          Colorado resident seniors (65 or older) can purchase an annual small game hunting and fishing combo license, or apply for a lifetime small game and fishing combo license.

          Veterans and First Responders Small Game Hunting and Fishing Combo

          Colorado resident military veterans and first responders with disabilities can apply for a free lifetime small game and fishing combo license.

          Small Game Single Day Licenses

          Anglers who may also want to hunt small game may want to purchase a one-day small game hunting license. If anglers decide to extend their small game hunting for another day, additional-day small game licenses are also available.

          Hunt Migratory Birds and Big Game, Turkey

          Hunt Migratory Birds and Big Game or Turkey

          Migratory Birds Plus Primary and Secondary Draw

          Hunters who are planning to apply for a limited big game or turkey license will need a qualifying license to apply for either draw. A small game license is required to hunt migratory birds and counts as a qualifying license for the primary draw and secondary draw.

          Small Game Plus Over-the-Counter

          Hunters who want to hunt migratory birds and big game or turkey, but don't want to apply for the draws can purchase a small game license and then purchase an over-the-counter (OTC) big game license when OTC licenses go on sale in August. Spring OTC turkey licenses go on sale in early March. Fall OTC turkey licenses go on sale in early August.

          Small Game Single Day Licenses

          Big game / turkey hunters who may also want to hunt migratory birds may want to purchase a one-day small game hunting license. If hunter decide to extend their migratory bird hunting for another day, additional-day small game licenses are also available.

          Hunting with Hawks and Falcons

          Hunting with Hawks and Falcons

          • Cottontail Rabbit
          • Snowshoe Hare
          • White-tailed Jackrabbit
          • Black-tailed Jackrabbit
          • Chukar Partridge
          • Band-tailed Pigeon
          • Crow
          • Mourning Dove
          • White-winged Dove
          • Duck
          • Goose
          • Coot
          • Sora Rail
          • Virginia Rail
          • Wilson's Snipe
          • European Starling
          • House (English) Sparrow
          • Eurasian Collared-dove
          • Dusky (blue) Grouse
          • Greater Sage Grouse
          • Mountain Sharp-tailed Grouse
          • Pheasant
          • Northern Bobwhite Quail
          • Scaled Quail
          • Gambel's Quail
          • Fox Squirrel
          • Pine Squirrel
          • White-tailed Ptarmigan

          Need to Know

          What you need to buy a license

          1. Proper identification and proof of residency (for Colorado residents).
          2. Proof of hunter education.
          3. A Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is required for hunters age 12 and older, per federal law.
          4. Habitat Stamp: An annual ($12.76) habitat stamp is automatically  added to a license purchase for anyone ages 18 to 64. Residents with a Colorado lifetime license are exempt.

          Ways to Hunt Small Game

            Falconry License Requirements

            Small Game License Requirements

            • Falconry License

              For residents a resident falconry license is required. Nonresidents must by either an annual nonresident falconry license from CPWShop.com, or have proof of their current and valid falconry license in their home state. A hunter education certificate is not required for residents with a three year falconry licenses or nonresidents with an annual nonresident falconry licenses.

            • Register with the Harvest Information Program (HIP)

              Hunters who wish to hunt small game, coyote and migratory birds must sign up with the Harvest Information Program each year. Licensed falconers are required to register with HIP before any hunting activity.

            • Federal Migratory Bird Stamp

              To hunt waterfowl, hunters 16 years or older must have a federal migratory bird stamp (also called the duck stamp). The federal stamp is available after July 1 online, by phone and at select post offices. It is also available at CPW offices and sales agents. A federal stamp is not required to take light geese during the conservation order season.

            • Colorado Waterfowl Stamp

              To hunt waterfowl, hunters 16 years or older must have a Colorado waterfowl stamp. The state stamp is printed on your hunting license and validated by signing your name in ink on the license.

            • Raptor Importation License

              A raptor importation license is required to import any raptor into Colorado. An application for raptor importation must be submitted a minimum of 7 days of proposed importation date. A current health certificate issued within 30 days of the proposed entry from the state of origin is required.

            Falconry Hunting

            Falconry Hunting (Hawking)

            Hunters with a falconry license do not need a separate small game license or to have a hunter education card if they are just hunting the listed species with the raptor. If the hunter wishes to hunt game with any other method of take (firearm, bow) they will need a hunter education card and the appropriate hunting license.

            • Apprentices may hunt with only one raptor at a time. 
            • Firearms are prohibited while hawking. 
            • Hawking is prohibited from a public road. 
            • Hawking on private property is illegal without permission from the owner or person in charge.
            Waterfowl Species
            Canadian geese in flight.

            Waterfowl Species You Can Hunt

            Excitement, adventure, beautiful scenery—that’s what hunting in Colorado is truly about. And there’s no better way to experience all three than waterfowl hunting. Waterfowl hunting provides the ultimate way to connect with nature and immerse yourself in the Colorado Outdoors.

            Hunt Waterfowl
            Furbearer Species
            A coyote in brush.

            Furbearer Species You Can Hunt

            Hunting furbearers and small game is a time honored traditional hunt and a great starter hunt for new hunters. Furbearers include mink, pine marten, badger, fox, skunk, beaver, muskrat, weasel, bobcat, opossum, ring-tailed cat, raccoon, and coyote.

            Hunt Furbearers

            Be in the Know

            Important Hunting Dates, Deadlines and Reminders

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            2026 License, Application Processing & Habitat Stamp Fees

              Resident

              The 2026 brochure with updated season dates and fees will be available in August. The 2026 small game qualifying licenses are listed below.

              Habitat Stamps

              2026 Habitat Stamp (required & nonrefundable)

              Only one is required per person, ages 18–64, per year buying or applying for a license.

              $12.76

              Lifetime Habitat Stamp

              $384.16

              Qualifying Licenses

              Required

              All applicants, including youth, must purchase a qualifying hunting license to apply for the big-game draw.

              Annual small game

              Adult

              $38.49

              Annual small game and fishing combo

              Adult

              $64.02

              Annual small game

              Youth

              $2.53

              Senior small game/fishing combo

              (residents age 64+)

              $38.03

              Annual small-game license for senior lifetime and senior low-income annual fishing license holders

              (Senior Columbine or Centennial lifetime fishing license holders only)

              $27.82

              Veteran lifetime combo

              (residents only, New 50% disabled or Purple Heart recipient)

              free

              First responder lifetime combo

              (residents only, permanent occupational disability)

              free

              All license fees include a $1.25 search-and-rescue fee and a $1.50 fee for the Wildlife Education Fund, when applicable. Reminder: If you draw a sheep or goat license, your credit card or CPW gift certificate on file in your online account will be charged after the draw.

              Nonresident

              The 2026 brochure with updated season dates and fees will be available in August. The 2026 small game qualifying licenses are listed below.

              Habitat Stamps

              2026 Habitat Stamp (required & nonrefundable)

              Only one is required per person, ages 18–64, per year buying or applying for a license.

              $12.76

              Lifetime Habitat Stamp

              $384.16

              Qualifying Licenses

              Required

              All applicants, including youth, must purchase a qualifying hunting license to apply for the big-game draw.

              Annual small game

              Adult

              $104.86

              Annual small game

              Youth

              $2.53

              All license fees include a $1.25 search-and-rescue fee and a $1.50 fee for the Wildlife Education Fund, when applicable. Reminder: If you draw a sheep or goat license, your credit card or CPW gift certificate on file in your online account will be charged after the draw.

              Three hunters walking down a dirt road with a dog

              Your Voice Matters

              Sportsperson's Roundtable

              Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) depends on feedback and advice from our state’s hunters and anglers to make the best decisions about the management of fish, wildlife, and habitat. In order to discuss issues and gather ideas, CPW convenes a statewide Sportsperson’s Roundtable and holds regional sportsperson meetings. The Sportsperson’s Roundtable fosters information sharing between the hunting, angling and trapping community and CPW on issues that pertain to wildlife recreation and management in Colorado.

              Learn more about the Sportsperson's Roundtable Join Engage CPW
              Colorado Outdoors 2025 Preference Point Issue Issue cover

              SOLD OUT

              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!

              View the contents page.

              Download Online Edition! Subscribe for $13/year
              Canada geese taking flight.

              Hunting Requirement

              Harvest Information Program

              Hunters planning to use their small game license to hunt small game, coyote and migratory birds will need to obtain their Harvest Information Program (HIP) number online at CPWShop.com, at any CPW location or sales agent, or by calling an automated phone service at 1-855-521-3050, before they can legally hunt. Hunters who only wish to hunt furbearers (excluding coyote) do not need to register.

              Register with HIP
              Hunting

              Walk-In-Access Program Dove Hunting

              More than 154,000 acres are open to dove hunting through Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Walk-In-Access program. Although not all properties have the right habitat for doves, many areas offer good hunting opportunities.

              Learn More About Walk-in-Access Hunting

              Brochures

              The 2026 brochure with updated season dates and fees will be available in August. The 2025 brochure is still available as a reference for hunters to plan their hunts.

              small game and waterfowl brochure cover

              Colorado 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 Brochure