Hunting

Come hunt with us! With more than 23 million acres of public land, Colorado is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise.​
Small game hunting
hunter
Video Player

Video: Hunting Colorado's Public Lands

Hunting Access

Hunting Colorado's Public Lands

An overview of big game, small game and waterfowl hunting on Colorado's public lands. Including National Forests, Bureau of Land Management, State Wildlife Areas, State Trust Lands, State Parks.

hunters

2024-25 Eastern Plains Pheasant & Quail Forecast

Pheasant populations across the eastern plains of Colorado will range from slightly better to significantly better than 2023, depending on local conditions.  Generally across the core range in Northeast Colorado, we are now two nesting seasons away from the lasting negative effects of the severe drought of 2020-23 and the severe winter of 2022-23, which severely decreased populations of pheasants.  Further, weather conditions in 2024, being fairly warm and dry in May and June, probably helped the hatch and survival of pheasant chicks, which can be hampered by wet, cool conditions right after nests hatch.   

Colorado Outdoors 2024 Photography Issue

Special Edition

Colorado Outdoors 2024 Photography Issue

The 2024 Colorado Outdoors Photo Issue is here and brimming with stunning photos of Colorado's diverse wildlife, landscapes and recreation. Get your copy today!

View the contents page.

Be in the Know

Important Hunting Dates, Deadlines and Reminders

February 4

8:00pm MST

Turkey Spring Draw Application and Correction Deadline

February 10

11:59pm MST

Turkey Spring Draw Results Posted

Note: Always check your physical license and the Colorado Big Game Brochure for specific hunting dates and legal hunting hours.

New to hunting in Colorado?

Colorado law requires that anyone born on or after January 1, 1949, complete an approved hunter education course before applying for or buying a Colorado hunting license.

C​olo​rado Parks and Wildlife Hunter Education Courses, led by certified volunteer hunter education instructors and/or CPW staff, are offered throughout the state year-round.

Book icon

Course Options

Hunter education extends beyond hunters, serving as a valuable program for outdoor enthusiasts with an interest in conservation. From traditional classroom courses to online/classroom combination courses, there is a class option for every student.

Find an option that works for you.
info icon

Grow Your Skills

Learning does not end when you complete your hunter education course. Continue to grow your skills and knowledge through hunter outreach opportunities.

Explore hunter outreach opportunuities.

Colorado Hunting Opportunities

Explore Colorado's Hunting Opportunities!

People fishing on the frozen waters of Rifle Gap Reservoir.

Jan

11

Ice Addiction Tournament- Rifle Gap Reservoir

Saturday, Jan 11

Rifle Gap State Park

Part of the Ice Addiction Tournament Series put on by Tightline Outdoors.
People fishing on the frozen waters of Rifle Gap Reservoir.

Jan

11

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Ice Addiction Tournament- Rifle Gap Reservoir

Saturday, Jan 11

Rifle Gap State Park

Part of the Ice Addiction Tournament Series put on by Tightline Outdoors.

Jan

11

Weekend Birding Walk

Saturday, Jan 11

Barr Lake State Park

Join volunteer naturalists for a walk in the park!

Jan

11

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Weekend Birding Walk

Saturday, Jan 11

Barr Lake State Park

Join volunteer naturalists for a walk in the park!

Jan

12

School Pond Guided Hike

Sunday, Jan 12

Mueller State Park

Part of this 2 mile loop was upgraded over the summer. Check out the new reroute and enjoy this beautiful area of the park on this great morning hike. Depending on snow conditions spikes or snowshoes may be helpful. Meet at Preacher’s Hollow Trailhead.

Jan

12

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

School Pond Guided Hike

Sunday, Jan 12

Mueller State Park

Part of this 2 mile loop was upgraded over the summer. Check out the new reroute and enjoy this beautiful area of the park on this great morning hike. Depending on snow conditions spikes or snowshoes may be helpful. Meet at Preacher’s Hollow Trailhead.
People fishing on the frozen waters of Rifle Gap Reservoir.

Jan

11

Ice Addiction Tournament- Rifle Gap Reservoir

Saturday, Jan 11

Rifle Gap State Park

Part of the Ice Addiction Tournament Series put on by Tightline Outdoors.
People fishing on the frozen waters of Rifle Gap Reservoir.

Jan

11

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Ice Addiction Tournament- Rifle Gap Reservoir

Saturday, Jan 11

Rifle Gap State Park

Part of the Ice Addiction Tournament Series put on by Tightline Outdoors.