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.

Spring Turkey Hunting

Applications for Limited License Draw & Correction deadline: Feb. 7 (8 p.m. MT)

All turkey license applications for the draw(s) are available online or by phone (1-800-244-5613). For more information, see:

Resident and non-resident limited spring turkey licenses count as a qualifying license for the big game hunting primary or secondary draw.

Once the draw is complete, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will send emails to customers who are successful in the draw and provide them with a short period when they can decide to surrender their license if they no longer want it, receiving preference point restoration to a pre-draw level, a refund of the license fee and removal of the license from the customer's account. The deadline for the Spring Turkey surrender period is Feb. 17 (11:59 p.m).

Payment Deadline: March 2 license must be paid for by.

Major 2023 Changes:

Air gun added to methods of take. Precharged pneumatic air guns .25 caliber or larger are allowed during the fall or late season ONLY.
Youth Extended Fall Season modified. Youth under 18 with an UNFILLED FALL turkey license can hunt turkey from the Sat. before Thanksgiving to the Sun. after Thanksgiving in the units listed on their original fall license. Fore more details, go to page 6 in the brochure.
Fishers Peak State Park hunting opportunities added. Youth under 18 with an UNFILLED FALL turkey license can hunt turkey from the Sat. before Thanksgiving to the Sun. after Thanksgiving in the units listed on their original fall license. For more details, go to: cpw.info/fishers-peak

Read the Turkey Regulations brochure "What's New: 2023" 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.