Colorado Parks and Wildlife

'Livin' the Wildlife' Colorado Wild Turkeys Video

The wild turkey is beloved among hunters and wildlife enthusiasts alike. The wild turkey's springtime mating displays are one of the most exciting and stunning events in nature. Yet, these iconic birds only exist today because of dedicated conservation programs. This video provides an overview of the wild turkey's mating behavior and Colorado Parks and Wildlife's long-standing efforts to conserve this amazing species. The video features both Rio Grande turkeys, which were introduced to Colorado in the 1980s, and the native Merriam's turkeys.

Fall Turkey Licenses

The fall turkey application period for 2021 was shortened this year to allow for fall turkey licenses to be used as qualifying licenses for the secondary draw. The application period opened May 1 and closed May 28.

Primary draw results are available June 7, with a payment deadline of June 17.

Fall turkey leftover and over-the-counter licenses go on sale August 3.

Major 2021 Changes:

View the Reissue Preview List for fall turkey starting August 10, then each Tuesday starting at 11am.

These are moved to the Leftover List and available for sale on Wednesdays at 11am. See both lists on the Leftover Licenses page or read about the new process on the License Refunds, Reissues, Reversals & Exchanges page.

Other changes to note are that hunting reservations are now available starting at 9 a.m. instead of midnight and new hunting opportunities are available at Fishers Peak State Park.

Read the Turkey Regulations brochure "What's New: 2021" section, and see the season dates and other important turkey hunting information.

Turkey Hunting in Colorado

Turkey hunting is growing in popularity throughout North America, and Colorado offers exceptional hunting opportunities for two sub-species of these remarkable birds. In this video, hunters will learn safety tips, techniques and strategies for hunting both the native Merriam’s wild turkeys of the mountains and the Rio Grande wild turkeys of the Plains.

Turkey Hunting 101 Clinics

If you are a novice turkey hunter and are interested in learning more, a free Turkey Hunting 101 clinic can give you a place to start. Hunting tips, how to obtain a license, calling techniques and gear used by the Colorado turkey hunter are covered. Learn about Rios and Merriam's; how to roost a bird and learn to strut your stuff.

To find dates, locations and registration information, see outreach clinics.