Turkey Updates; Using Temporary Authorization Numbers & Carcass Tags
Spring Turkey Season Updates
The Spring Turkey hunting schedule remains largely unchanged.
Please see the Turkey Hunting section of the CPW COVID-19 page for any updates.
Temporary Authorization Numbers & Carcass Tags
Our licensing vendor is experiencing significant delays in fulfillment of CPW products due to COVID-19. This means they a backlog in printing and mailing licenses, passes or other CPW products.
- In response to these delays, we will be allowing customers to use a TAN (Temporary Authorization Number) for proof of privilege for most of our products at this time. This includes over-the-counter spring turkey licenses (for the 2020 spring season only). We have also temporarily extended the timeframe for which a TAN is valid from 14 days to 45 days.
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As carcass tags may not be present for over-the-counter spring turkey licenses purchased after March 23, (as these customer licenses may be covered by a TAN), a printed copy of the receipt/confirmation email will be used as the carcass tag in these situations. Customers must print the receipt, carry it with them while hunting and attach it to the carcass after harvest and during transport. After harvesting, the hunter must write the sex and date of harvest, as well as sign the receipt, similar to the voiding carcass tag procedures.
For the most up to date information on how CPW is responding to COVID-19, visit the
COVID-19 Response page.
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.
Leftover & Reissued Fall Turkey Licenses
- Fall turkey leftover and over-the-counter licenses go on sale
August 4, 2020 at 9AM MT.
- Reissued fall turkey licenses will be added to the leftover list on August 11th.
Apply for a Fall Limited License
- The fall turkey limited license application deadline is July 7. Apply online today!
- Fall results should be available July 17. Hunters can check draw results within cpwshop.com.
Each hunter will need a UNIQUE IDENITIFIER (CID, Driver's License number, Passport number, etc.) and PASSWORD to log in and create a profile in the new Parks and Wildlife purchasing system. A unique email is no longer required for login, but is still required for customers to get their purchase receipts, draw notifications, account update notifications, password resets, etc.
Afterward, you can log in to your personal account and if you have draw results to show, they will appear under the "My Orders" submenu on the left navigation.
Fall Season and 2020 Changes
- Fall season opens September 1 and runs through approximately October 23. Please see the turkey brochure for additional details and dates.
- Fall Turkey over-the-counter (unlimited) and leftover licenses go on sale August 4,2020 at 9am MT.
Major 2020 changes: valid dates for annual licenses and habitat stamps have changed, (reminder) spring turkey licenses are qualifying licenses for the big game draw, hunting reservations may now be made online or by phone, spring turkey season has been extended, and more.
Read the Turkey Regulations brochure "What's New: 2020" section, and see the season dates and other important turkey hunting information.
2020 Colorado Turkey Hunting
Experience the thrill of a Colorado turkey hunt. Draw and Over-the-Counter licenses are available for the 2020 spring season.
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.
Double Team Tactics
TEAM UP to take a turkey by effectively stationing yourself, a hunting partner and a decoy.
