Waterfowl Hunting
A green-winged teal on the water.
Hunting
Hunting Waterfowl in Colorado
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.
Video: Colorado Waterfowl Study - North Park, Colorado
Conservation in Action
Colorado Waterfowl Study
For the last seven years, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) biologists have been studying waterfowl in North Park. This video provides an intimate look at some of the tools and techniques avian researchers are using to better understand Colorado's duck populations and how to more effectively manage wetland habitat.
Waterfowl Species You Can Hunt
- Lesser Snow Geese (including blue)
- Greater Snow Geese
- Ross' Geese
- Canada Geese
- White-fronted Geese
- Brandt
- Cackling Geese
- Mergansers
- American Coot
- Mallard
- Pintail
- Canvasback
- Redhead
- Wood Duck
- Scaup
- Blue-winged Teal
- Green-winged Teal
- Cinnamon Teal
Need to Know
What you need to buy a license
- Proper identification and proof of residency (for Colorado residents).
- Proof of hunter education.
- A Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is required for hunters age 12 and older, per federal law.
- Habitat Stamp: An annual ($12.47) habitat stamp is automatically added to a license purchase for anyone ages 18 to 64. Residents with a Colorado lifetime license are exempt.
Hunt Waterfowl
TO HUNT WATERFOWL, you need a small-game hunting license. If you are 16 or older, you also must have the $33 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) AND the $12.15 Colorado State Waterfowl Stamp to hunt waterfowl.
COLORADO WATERFOWL STAMP: The state stamp is printed on your hunting license and validated by signing your name in ink on the license.
FEDERAL DUCK STAMP: Effective July 1, 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service implemented the Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023, allowing an individual to carry an electronic stamp for the entire waterfowl hunting season. The new electronic stamp shall remain valid from the day it is sold through the following June 30, instead of being valid 45 days from the day of sale (fws.gov/service/buy-duck-stamp-or-e-stamp). Traditional methods of purchasing the Federal Duck Stamp will continue. The physical stamp is valid when you sign your name in ink across the face of the stamp.
A federal stamp is not required to take light geese during the conservation order season: See "Legal Migratory Bird Hunting Methods," in the Small Game and Waterfowl brochure.
Hunting License Fees
License Type |
Hunter Type |
Fee |
|---|---|---|
|
Resident and Nonresident |
$12.15 |
|
|
Annual Small Game |
Resident |
$35.76 |
|
Small Game |
Nonresident |
$98.92 |
|
Small Game One Day |
Resident |
$16.33 |
|
Small Game One Day |
Nonresident |
$19.97 |
|
Small Game Additional-Day |
Resident and Nonresident |
$7.82 |
|
Youth Small Game and Furbearer |
Resident and Nonresident Youth (Under 18 Only) |
$1.46 |
|
Small Game and Fishing Combo |
Resident |
$60.05 |
|
Furbearer License Only |
Resident |
$35.76 |
|
Furbearer License Only |
Nonresident |
$98.92 |
|
Colorado Waterfowl Stamp |
Resident and Nonresident |
$12.15 |
|
Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp |
Resident and Nonresident |
$33.00 |
|
Senior Small Game and Fishing Combo |
Resident (aged 65 and older) |
$35.32 |
|
Senior Annual Small Game for Lifetime Fishing License Holders |
Resident (Senior Columbine or Centennial Lifetime Fishing License holders only) |
$25.60 |
|
First Responder Lifetime Small Game and Fishing Combo |
Resident (permanent occupational disability) |
Free |
|
Veterans Lifetime Small Game and Fishing Combo |
Resident (60% disabled or Purple Heart recipient) |
Free |
|
Band-tailed Pigeon Permit |
Resident and Nonresident |
$5.00 |
Season Dates
Duck, Coot, & Teal Seasons
Season |
Notes |
Start Date |
End Date |
Add to Calendar |
Brochure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Northeast Zone |
Area: East of I-25 and North of I-70. Daily Bag Limit, DUCK & MERGANSER: 6, in the aggregate. Up to 5 can be mallard, but no more than 2 can be female mallard. Included in the daily bag limit of 6, you can have no more than 1 pintail, 2 canvasback, 2 redhead, 3 wood duck and 1 scaup. COOT: 15. Possession Limit: 3 daily bag limits. |
October 19, 2024 |
December 01, 2024 |
See Brochure | |
|
Northeast Zone |
Area: East of I-25 and North of I-70. Daily Bag Limit, DUCK & MERGANSER: 6, in the aggregate. Up to 5 can be mallard, but no more than 2 can be female mallard. Included in the daily bag limit of 6, you can have no more than 1 pintail, 2 canvasback, 2 redhead, 3 wood duck and 1 scaup. COOT: 15. Possession Limit: 3 daily bag limits. |
December 11, 2024 |
January 31, 2025 |
See Brochure | |
|
Southeast Zone |
Area: East of I-25 and South of I-70, and all of El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano and Las Animas counties. Daily Bag Limit, DUCK & MERGANSER: 6, in the aggregate. Up to 5 can be mallard, but no more than 2 can be female mallard. Included in the daily bag limit of 6, you can have no more than 1 pintail, 2 canvasback, 2 redhead, 3 wood duck and 1 scaup. COOT: 15. Possession Limit: 3 daily bag limits. |
October 28, 2024 |
January 31, 2025 |
See Brochure | |
|
Mountain/Foothills Zone |
Area: West of I-25 and East of Continental Divide, except El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano and Las Animas counties. Daily Bag Limit, DUCK & MERGANSER: 6, in the aggregate. Up to 5 can be mallard, but no more than 2 can be female mallard. Included in the daily bag limit of 6, you can have no more than 1 pintail, 2 canvasback, 2 redhead, 3 wood duck and 1 scaup. COOT: 15. Possession Limit: 3 daily bag limits. |
October 05, 2024 |
December 01, 2024 |
See Brochure | |
|
Mountain/Foothills Zone |
Area: West of I-25 and East of Continental Divide, except El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano and Las Animas counties. Daily Bag Limit, DUCK & MERGANSER: 6, in the aggregate. Up to 5 can be mallard, but no more than 2 can be female mallard. Included in the daily bag limit of 6, you can have no more than 1 pintail, 2 canvasback, 2 redhead, 3 wood duck and 1 scaup. COOT: 15. Possession Limit: 3 daily bag limits. |
December 25, 2024 |
January 31, 2025 |
See Brochure | |
|
Western Zone |
Area: West of Continental Divide not included in the Eastern Zone. Daily Bag Limit, DUCK & MERGANSER: 7 in aggregate. Of these, no more than 2 can be female mallard, 1 pintail, 2 canvasback, 2 redhead and 2 scaup. No scaup can be taken after Jan. 12, 2025. COOT: 25. No scaup can be taken after Jan 12, 2024. Possession Limit: 3 daily bag limits. |
October 05, 2024 |
October 22, 2024 |
See Brochure | |
|
Western Zone |
Area: West of Continental Divide not included in the Eastern Zone. Daily Bag Limit, DUCK & MERGANSER: 7 in aggregate. Of these, no more than 2 can be female mallard, 1 pintail, 2 canvasback, 2 redhead and 2 scaup. No scaup can be taken after Jan. 12, 2025. COOT: 25. No scaup can be taken after Jan 12, 2024. Possession Limit: 3 daily bag limits. |
November 06, 2024 |
January 31, 2025 |
See Brochure | |
|
Eastern Zone |
Area: Routt, Grand, Summit, Eagle and Pitkin counties, those parts of the Saguache, San Juan, Hinsdale and Mineral counties west of Continental Divide, and part of Gunnison County except the North Fork of the Gunnison River Valley (GMUs 521, 53 and 63). and the part of Moffat County east of the northern intersection of CR 29 with the Moffat-Routt Co. line, South along CR 29 to the intersection of CR 29 with the Moffat-Routt County line (Elkhead Reservoir State Park). Daily Bag Limit, DUCK & MERGANSER: 7 in aggregate. Of these, no more than 2 can be female mallard, 1 pintail, 2 canvasback, 2 redhead and 2 scaup. No scaup can be taken after Dec. 24, 2024. COOT: 25. Possession Limit: 3 daily bag limits. |
October 05, 2024 |
January 17, 2025 |
See Brochure | |
|
September Teal Season |
Area: Lake and Chaffee counties and all areas east of I-25 Only teal can be harvested during this season. Teal can also be harvested during all other duck seasons, including the youth, veteran and active military hunt season. Daily Bag Limit: 6 teal-blue-winged, green-winged and cinnamon teal in aggregate. Possession Limit: 18. |
September 14, 2024 |
September 22, 2024 |
See Brochure |
Goose Seasons
Season |
Notes |
Start Date |
End Date |
Add to Calendar |
Brochure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Central Flyway Regular Season: Dark Goose |
Area: East of the Continental Divide, except areas designated as part of the special seasons below that include: North Park, San Luis Valley and South Park. Daily Bag Limit: 5. Possession Limit: 15. |
November 04, 2024 |
February 16, 2025 |
See Brochure | |
|
Central Flyway Regular Season: Light Goose |
Area: East of the Continental Divide, except areas designated as part of the special seasons below that include: North Park, San Luis Valley and South Park. Daily Bag Limit: 50. Possession Limit: Unlimited. |
November 02, 2024 |
February 16, 2025 |
See Brochure | |
|
Central Flyway Light Goose Conservation Order Season |
Area: East of I-25. Daily Bag Limit: Unlimited. Possession Limit: Unlimited. See "Legal Migratory Bird Hunting Methods" section of the brochure for special season rules. |
February 17, 2025 |
April 30, 2025 |
See Brochure | |
|
Central Flyway North Park Season: Dark Goose |
Area: Jackson County. Daily Bag Limit: 5. Possession Limit: 15. |
October 05, 2024 |
January 17, 2025 |
See Brochure | |
|
Central Flyway North Park Season: Light Goose |
Area: Jackson County. Daily Bag Limit: 50. Possession Limit: Unlimited. |
November 02, 2024 |
February 16, 2025 |
See Brochure | |
|
Central Flyway San Luis Valley Season: Dark Goose |
Area: Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla and Rio Grande counties, and the parts of Archuleta, Hinsdale, Mineral, Saguache and San Juan counties east of the Continental Divide. Daily Bag Limit: 5. Possession Limit: 15. |
October 05, 2024 |
October 23, 2024 |
See Brochure | |
|
Central Flyway San Luis Valley Season: Dark Goose |
Area: Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla and Rio Grande counties, and the parts of Archuleta, Hinsdale, Mineral, Saguache and San Juan counties east of the Continental Divide. Daily Bag Limit: 5. Possession Limit: 15. |
November 23, 2024 |
February 16, 2025 |
See Brochure | |
|
Central Flyway San Luis Valley Season: Light Goose |
Area: Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla and Rio Grande counties, and the parts of Archuleta, Hinsdale, Mineral, Saguache and San Juan counties east of the Continental Divide. Daily Bag Limit: 50. Possession Limit: Unlimited. |
November 02, 2024 |
February 16, 2025 |
See Brochure | |
|
Central Flyway South Park Season - Dark Goose |
Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, Lake, Park and Teller counties. Daily Bag Limit: 5. Possession Limit: 15. |
October 05, 2024 |
January 17, 2025 |
See Brochure | |
|
Central Flyway South Park Season - Light Goose |
Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, Lake, Park and Teller counties. Daily Bag Limit: 50. Possession Limit: Unlimited |
November 02, 2024 |
February 16, 2025 |
See Brochure | |
|
Pacific Flyway Early Canada Goose Season |
West of Continental Divide. Daily Bag Limit: 5. Possession Limit: 15. |
September 01, 2024 |
September 09, 2024 |
See Brochure | |
|
Pacific Flyway Western Zone: Dark Goose |
West of Continental Divide not included in Eastern Zone. Daily Bag Limit: 5. Possession Limit: 15. |
October 05, 2024 |
October 13, 2024 |
See Brochure | |
|
Pacific Flyway Western Zone: Dark Goose |
West of Continental Divide not included in Eastern Zone. Daily Bag Limit: 5. Possession Limit: 15. |
November 06, 2024 |
January 31, 2025 |
See Brochure | |
|
Pacific Flyway Western Zone: Light Goose |
West of Continental Divide not included in Eastern Zone. Daily Bag Limit: 10. Possession Limit: 30. |
October 05, 2024 |
October 13, 2024 |
See Brochure | |
|
Pacific Flyway Western Zone: Light Goose |
West of Continental Divide not included in Eastern Zone. Daily Bag Limit: 10. Possession Limit: 30. |
November 06, 2024 |
January 31, 2025 |
See Brochure | |
|
Pacific Flyway Eastern Zone: Dark Goose |
Routt, Grand, Summit, Eagle and Pitkin counties, those parts of the Saguache, San Juan, Hinsdale and Mineral counties west of Continental Divide, and part of Gunnison County except the North Fork of the Gunnison River Valley (GMUs 521, 53 and 63). and the part of Moffat County east of the northern intersection of CR 29 with the Moffat-Routt Co. line, south along CR 29 to the intersection of CR 29 with the Moffat-Routt County line (Elkhead Reservoir State Park). Daily Bag Limit: 5. Possession Limit: 15. |
October 05, 2024 |
January 08, 2025 |
See Brochure | |
|
Pacific Flyway Eastern Zone: Light Goose |
Routt, Grand, Summit, Eagle and Pitkin counties, those parts of the Saguache, San Juan, Hinsdale and Mineral counties west of Continental Divide, and part of Gunnison County except the North Fork of the Gunnison River Valley (GMUs 521, 53 and 63). and the part of Moffat County east of the northern intersection of CR 29 with the Moffat-Routt Co. line, south along CR 29 to the intersection of CR 29 with the Moffat-Routt County line (Elkhead Reservoir State Park). Daily Bag Limit: 10. Possession Limit: 30. |
October 05, 2024 |
January 08, 2025 |
See Brochure |
Youth, Veteran and Active Military
Youth Hunters
Hunting in youth seasons is restricted to youth ages 17 and younger with a mentor. Mentors cannot hunt during youth waterfowl seasons.
Veterans and Active-military Hunters
Hunting in veteran and active-military seasons is restricted to veterans and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves.
Valid U.S. Military ID (active duty, dependent, retired, VA, reserve and national guard) while out hunting include:
- DD214;
- DD Form 2;
- DD Form 2765;
- Active, retired or veteran military identification cards;
- A current Colorado Driver’s License or state issued identification card with the word ‘Veteran’ printed on it as specified in 42-2-303 (5)(a), C.R.S.;
- VA medical card; or
- For members of the National Guard and Reserves, current military orders for active duty other than training.
Youth, Veteran and Active Military Seasons
Season |
Notes |
Start Date |
End Date |
Add to Calendar |
Brochure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Central Flyway: All Zones |
Daily Bag Limit: Duck, Merganser, Coot: 6, in the aggregate. Up to 5 can be mallard, but no more than 2 can be female mallard. Included in the daily bag limit of 6, you can have no more than 1 pintail, 2 canvasback, 2 redhead, 3 wood duck and 1 scaup. Coot: 15. Goose: 5 dark geese. Possession Limit: 3 daily bag limits. |
|
|
See Brochure | |
|
Central Flyway: Northeast Zone |
Area: East of I-25 and north of I-70. |
October 12, 2024 |
October 13, 2024 |
See Brochure | |
|
Central Flyway: Southeast Zone |
Area: East of I-25 and south of I-70, and all of El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano and Las Animas counties. |
October 19, 2024 |
October 20, 2024 |
See Brochure | |
|
Central Flyway: Mountain/Foothills Zone |
Area: West of I-25 and east of the Continental Divide, except El Paso, Pueblo, Huerfano and Las Animas counties. |
September 28, 2024 |
September 29, 2024 |
See Brochure | |
|
Pacific Flyway: Western Zone |
Area: West of the Continental Divide not included in the Eastern Zone. Daily Bag Limit: Duck and Merganser: 7 in aggregate. Of these, no more than 2 can be female mallard, 1 pintail, 2 canvasback, 2 redhead and 2 scaup. Coot: 25, Goose: 5 dark geese, 10 light geese. Possession Limit: 3 daily bag limits. |
October 26, 2024 |
October 27, 2024 |
See Brochure | |
|
Pacific Flyway: Eastern Zone |
Area: Routt, Grand, Summit, Eagle and Pitkin counties, those parts of Saguache, San Juan, Hinsdale and Mineral counties west of the Continental Divide, and part of Gunnison Co., except the North Fork of the Gunnison River Valley (GMUs 53, 63 and 521), and the part of Moffat Co. east of the northern intersection of CR 29 with the Moffat-Routt Co. line, south along CR 29 to the intersection of CR 29 with the Moffat-Routt Co. line (Elkhead Reservoir State Park). Daily Bag Limit: Duck and Merganser: 7 in aggregate. Of those, no more than 2 can be female mallard, 1 pintail, 2 canvasback, 2 redhead and 2 scaup. Coot: 25. Goose: 5 dark geese, 10 light geese. Possession Limit: 3 daily bag limits. |
September 28, 2024 |
September 29, 2024 |
See Brochure |
Hunting Requirement
Harvest Information Program
Hunters planning to use their small game license small game, coyote, and migratory birds will need to obtain their Harvest Information Program (HIP) number online at CPWShop.com or at any CPW location or sales agent, before they can legally hunt. Hunters who only wish to hunt furbearers (excluding coyote) do not need to register.
Hunting Reservations
A selection of properties require hunting reservations to legally hunt waterfowl on in the Central and Pacific flyways. Reservation time slots start at 9:00 a.m. MT, and can be made up to 14 days before your hunt date.
Brochures
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