Hunting License Requirements in Colorado: What Every Hunter Needs to Know
June 2, 2026
Colorado ranks among the top big-game hunting destinations in North America, drawing tens of thousands of hunters each year to chase elk through high alpine basins, stalk mule deer on the eastern plains, and pursue pronghorn across open sage country. Before any of that can happen, you need to understand exactly what licenses, stamps, and permits the state requires — and in what order to get them.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) runs one of the most structured licensing systems in the West, with draw deadlines, qualifying license requirements, and species-specific rules that can catch unprepared hunters off guard. Whether you are a first-time applicant or a returning hunter planning your next season, this guide walks you through every requirement you need to know for the 2026 license year.
Who Needs a Hunting License in Colorado
In Colorado, anyone who wishes to hunt wildlife must generally possess a valid hunting license issued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. This requirement applies to both residents and non-residents, with specific distinctions based on residency status and age.
To get a hunting license in Colorado, you must first meet basic requirements: complete hunter education if born on or after January 1, 1949; provide identification and proof of residency if claiming resident status; supply a Social Security or ITIN number if age 12 or older; and purchase a Habitat Stamp if required (ages 18–64, automatically added to your first license purchase each year).
You must have valid identification to purchase Colorado Parks and Wildlife products. A Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is required for hunters age 12 and older, per federal law. Accepted forms of government-issued photo ID include a driver’s license, state ID, military ID, or passport.
Important Note: If you are planning to apply for limited big-game licenses through the draw, you must purchase a qualifying license before submitting your application. Fishing licenses do not count as qualifying licenses.
For big-game hunting specifically, you must buy a qualifying license — such as an annual small game or turkey license — before applying in the primary draw (typically March through early April) or the secondary draw in June. You do not need a qualifying license to purchase leftover or over-the-counter licenses.
Heading into the field well-prepared also means having the right optics. A quality pair of hunting binoculars helps you spot game at distance before committing to a stalk, especially in Colorado’s wide-open terrain.
Exemptions From Hunting License Requirements in Colorado
Colorado’s hunting license requirement is broadly applied, but a handful of specific exemptions and reduced-obligation categories exist. Understanding them can save time and money, or open up hunting access that you might not have known was available.
Age-based exemption for hunter education: Colorado requires hunter education for anyone born on or after January 1, 1949. If you were born before that date, you are exempt from the hunter education requirement. Note that this exemption covers only the education requirement — you still need a valid hunting license.
Youth apprentice license: Colorado offers an apprentice license, which allows new hunters to hunt without completing the full hunter education course immediately. To be eligible, apprentice hunters must be at least 10 years of age and accompanied by a mentor who is at least 18 years of age and carries hunter education certification. The apprentice license is good for one year or season and may only be used twice in a person’s lifetime.
Veteran and military benefits: Veterans with 100% VA-rated disability may qualify for a resident veteran lifetime combo license. Active-duty military stationed in Colorado may also purchase licenses at resident rates. Military personnel and veterans may qualify for a test-out option, which allows eligible individuals to obtain hunter education certification by passing a timed exam without attending a traditional class.
Landowner voucher program: Colorado offers a landowner voucher program that allows qualifying landowners to receive big game licenses without going through the draw. Landowners must own a minimum amount of agricultural land in a qualifying Game Management Unit. These vouchers can be used by the landowner or transferred to another hunter. Importantly, Colorado’s Landowner Preference Program helps landowners with draw preference and vouchers, but it does not waive the license or tag requirement — you still need them to hunt.
Key Insight: There is no blanket landowner exemption from holding a valid hunting license in Colorado. Even hunters using a landowner voucher must still possess the appropriate license before taking the field.
Disability accommodations: CPW provides accommodations for hunters with disabilities, including permits to use motorized vehicles in areas normally closed to vehicle access. Contact CPW directly for eligibility and application procedures.
Resident vs. Non-Resident Hunting Licenses in Colorado
Your residency status determines which license category you fall into, and the price difference between resident and non-resident licenses is substantial — especially for big-game species.
To qualify as a Colorado resident for licensing purposes, you must have been domiciled in Colorado for at least six consecutive months immediately before purchasing a license. A valid Colorado driver’s license or state ID is typically required as proof.
Children under the age of 18 have the same residency status as their parent, legal guardian, or person with whom they live the majority of the time per court order.
Non-residents face significantly higher license fees across all species. Nonresident big game licenses are sold as combination licenses that include an annual fishing privilege. The fishing portion of nonresident combo licenses is valid through March 31, 2027.
Non-residents also face tighter access to over-the-counter licenses in certain units. Nonresidents can no longer purchase over-the-counter archery elk licenses for game management units west of I-25 and GMU 140. New limited nonresident archery elk hunt codes for these units were created and can be applied for in the draw.
In the draw, for hunt codes in the primary draw that required six or more points for a Colorado resident to draw, up to 20% may go to nonresidents. For hunt codes that required fewer than six points for a resident to draw an elk or deer license, up to 25% may go to nonresidents.
| Category | Residency Requirement | License Type | Draw Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Adult | 6+ consecutive months domiciled in CO | Resident license rates | Full draw access; resident preference points |
| Non-Resident Adult | Not domiciled in CO | Combo license (includes fishing) | Limited draw allocation (20–25% of tags) |
| Active Military | Stationed in CO | Resident rates | Same as resident |
| Youth (Under 18) | Follows parent/guardian status | Deeply discounted youth rates | Youth preference in secondary draw |
Types of Hunting Licenses in Colorado
Colorado issues licenses across several categories. Understanding which type you need before purchasing saves both time and money.
Small Game License: The small game license is the most versatile entry-level license in Colorado. It covers upland birds, rabbits, squirrels, and other small game species. It also serves as the most common qualifying license for hunters entering the big-game draw. Hunters planning to use their small game license to hunt or trap — not just as a qualifying license for the big game draw — will need to obtain their HIP number through CPWShop.com or by calling the automated phone system at 1-855-521-3050 before they can legally hunt.
Big Game Licenses: Colorado supports robust populations of mule deer, elk, pronghorn, black bear, mountain lion, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, white-tailed deer, and a wide range of small game and waterfowl. Big game licenses are issued either through the draw system or over the counter, depending on the species and unit.
- Limited (Draw) Licenses: Required for most elk, deer, pronghorn, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat hunts in specific units. You must apply during the primary or secondary draw period.
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) Licenses: OTC licenses are not restricted in quantity but are restricted to certain units, seasons, and manners of take. Although they are considered “unlimited licenses,” they are still subject to purchase limits for each individual. They are available without having to participate in the draw.
- Mountain Lion: Available over the counter until the unit harvest quota is met. To hunt mountain lion, hunters must also complete the mountain lion identification course.
- Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goat: Sheep and goat licenses are draw-only. Moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat are once-in-a-lifetime species for residents.
Turkey License: Spring and fall turkey licenses are available over the counter. The spring turkey license also functions as a qualifying license for the big-game draw.
Furbearer License: Required for trapping furbearing animals. Can be purchased separately or in combination with a small game license.
Youth Licenses: Discounted licenses are available for deer, elk, and pronghorn for youth ages 12 to 17 who fulfill the hunter education requirements. Hunters must be 12–17 years of age to purchase an over-the-counter license.
Pro Tip: If you are planning to apply in the big-game draw and also want to hunt small game during the same season, buy your annual small game license first — it satisfies both the qualifying license requirement and gives you full small-game hunting privileges for the year.
How Much a Hunting License Costs in Colorado
The cost of a Colorado hunting license depends on residency, species, and age. The figures below reflect the 2026 CPW license year.
For 2026 big game licenses, resident adults pay $51.25 for deer or pronghorn, $70.40 for elk, $64.01 for bear, and $385.66 for moose, bighorn sheep, or mountain goat. Resident youth (12–17) pay about $20.30 for deer, elk, or pronghorn and $19.93 for bear.
Nonresident adults pay $506.92 for deer or pronghorn, $845.16 for elk, $302.56 for bear, and $2,823.53 for moose, sheep, or goat. Nonresident youth pay $130.07 for deer, elk, or pronghorn and $64.10 for bear.
| License Type | Resident Adult | Non-Resident Adult | Youth (Res/NR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer or Pronghorn | $51.25 | $506.92 | $20.30 / $130.07 |
| Elk | $70.40 | $845.16 | $20.30 / $130.07 |
| Bear | $64.01 | $302.56 | $19.93 / $64.10 |
| Moose / Sheep / Goat | $385.66 | $2,823.53 | Standard draw rates apply |
| Small Game (Annual) | $38.49 | $104.86 | $2.53 |
| Spring Turkey | $38.49 | $194.21 | $20.62 / $130.39 |
| Furbearer Only | $36.68 | $101.54 | — |
All licenses include a $1.25 search-and-rescue fee and a $1.50 wildlife education fee. Additional required costs may include an application fee ($8.93 resident / $11.49 nonresident per species), a $12.76 annual Habitat Stamp (ages 18–64), and a qualifying license such as small game ($38.49 resident / $104.86 nonresident).
When budgeting for a Colorado hunt, factor in all of these line items together. A resident adult applying for elk in the primary draw would need to account for the qualifying small game license ($38.49), the Habitat Stamp ($12.76), the per-species application fee ($8.93), and the elk tag itself ($70.40) if drawn — totaling over $130 before any gear costs.
A reliable hunting rifle scope is another essential investment before heading into Colorado’s mountain terrain, where shots at longer ranges are common.
Special Permits, Tags, and Stamps in Colorado
Beyond the base hunting license, Colorado requires several additional permits, tags, and stamps depending on the species and method of take you pursue.
Habitat Stamp: The $12.76 Habitat Stamp is required for hunting and fishing in Colorado for ages 18–64. Revenue funds habitat conservation projects on public and private land. Seniors 65 and older and youth under 18 are exempt. A 2026 Habitat Stamp will be automatically added when purchasing a qualifying license, if applicable.
Preference Points: Colorado’s big game draw uses a pure Preference Point system, which helps with planning. If you draw your first choice for a species, your preference points are purged back to zero. For moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat, preference and weighted point fees are $50 for residents and $100 for nonresidents.
Looking ahead, starting in 2028, Colorado is changing its system. It will move from a pure preference point system to a bonus plus preference system. Half of the tags will go to the top point holders, and the other half will go randomly, with bonus points giving extra chances to draw a random tag.
Waterfowl Stamps:
- Colorado State Waterfowl Stamp: Required for hunting ducks and geese. As of the 2026 license year, this stamp costs $12.76 for both residents and nonresidents.
- Federal Duck Stamp: Required for all waterfowl hunters age 16 and older.
- HIP Registration: Required for all migratory bird hunters.
Lifetime Habitat Stamp: Hunters who want to lock in their habitat stamp obligation permanently can purchase a Lifetime Habitat Stamp for $384.16 for both residents and nonresidents.
Application Processing Fee: Apply March 1 through April 7 with a qualifying license plus an application fee of $8.93 for residents and $11.49 for nonresidents per species. This fee is non-refundable regardless of draw outcome.
Common Mistake: Many hunters forget that the application fee is charged per species, not per application. If you apply for both elk and deer in the primary draw, you will be charged two separate application fees.
A durable hunting backpack is worth investing in before your Colorado season — you will likely be covering serious miles across rugged terrain to reach prime hunting areas.
If you enjoy fishing alongside your hunt, you may also want to review the fishing license requirements in Colorado to understand what additional licenses apply to your trip.
Hunter Education Requirements 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. This is a one-time requirement — once you complete a certified course and receive your card, you do not need to repeat it.
Hunter education classes are available in-person in a classroom setting or online with an in-person completion exam. CPW hunter education courses, led by certified volunteer hunter education instructors and CPW staff, are offered throughout the state year-round.
Course options include:
- Online with field day: Complete the study material online, then attend a mandatory half-day field session for skills evaluation and certification.
- Traditional classroom course: Multi-session in-person instruction led by a certified CPW volunteer instructor.
- Military/veteran test-out: Eligible military personnel and veterans may obtain certification by passing a timed exam without attending a traditional class.
Colorado accepts hunter education and bowhunter education certifications from all other states and provinces. If you completed a certified course in another state, you do not need to retake it — bring your certification card when purchasing your license.
Youth hunter education rules: There is no formal minimum age to take the hunter education course in Colorado. However, CPW recommends that youth be mature enough to understand course content. To hunt, youth must complete a hunter education course or already have a hunting education card.
Hunters under 12 must be accompanied by a licensed adult at least 18 years old who maintains direct supervision. If a youth plans on hunting with a youth small-game license, they must be accompanied by a mentor and must meet hunter education requirements. A mentor must be 18 or older and must meet hunter education requirements; mentors are not required to hunt. While hunting, youths and mentors must be able to see and hear each other without binoculars, radios, or other aids.
Bowhunter education: Hunters who choose archery as their method of take can grow their skills prior to hunting season by taking a bowhunter education class. While not always mandatory, it is strongly recommended and may be required for certain archery-specific licenses.
Hunters planning rifle seasons in Colorado should also note that blaze orange is required during certain seasons. A hunting safety vest blaze orange keeps you visible to other hunters in the field and is a smart safety investment regardless of legal requirements.
How to Buy a Hunting License in Colorado
Licenses can be purchased or applied for online at CPW’s website, by phone, or in person at authorized agents or CPW offices. The primary online portal is CPWShop.com, where you can manage your account, apply for draws, purchase OTC licenses, and track preference points.
Step-by-step buying process:
- Complete hunter education — If you were born on or after January 1, 1949, you must finish a CPW-approved hunter education course before buying or applying for any license. First-time hunters should complete this well before the draw period opens.
- Gather required identification — You will need a valid government-issued photo ID. Accepted forms include a driver’s license, state ID, military ID, or passport.
- Create a CPW online account — Set up your account at CPWShop.com. Your Customer ID (CID) number is used to track all licenses, preference points, and draw applications.
- Purchase your qualifying license first — Qualifying license purchases must be completed prior to applying for the big game draws. A qualifying license purchase and application for the big game draw can be completed in the same transaction, but the qualifying license must be added to the cart first.
- Apply for the draw or buy OTC — For OTC licenses, you do not need a qualifying license to buy over-the-counter tags. Leftover and OTC licenses go on sale August 4, 2026, at 9 a.m. MT.
- Display your license — You can store and display multiple licenses in the MyCPW or myColorado apps for added convenience. Big-game carcass tags are not digital — they are physical, must be signed and voided as directed, and attached to the animal in the field.
Key 2026 draw dates to know:
- March 1: Applications accepted; qualifying licenses available for purchase
- April 7 (8 p.m. MT): Primary draw application and correction deadline
- May 26–29: Draw results posted online (check your online account)
- June 12: License payment deadline
- June 18–30: Secondary draw application period
- August 4 (9 a.m. MT): Leftover limited licenses and OTC licenses go on sale
For hunters who also plan to fish during their Colorado trip, the fishing license requirements in Montana and fishing license requirements in Utah are useful references if your travels take you to neighboring states.
License Validity and Renewal in Colorado
All annual qualifying licenses are valid for the current license year if purchased on or after March 1. Licenses are valid from March 1 to March 31 of each year — meaning a license purchased in March of one year is valid for 13 months, through the end of March the following year.
Annual licenses, including qualifying licenses, are non-refundable. Plan your purchases carefully, especially if you are buying a qualifying license solely to enter the draw — if you do not draw, the license fee is not returned.
Preference point validity: For elk, deer, pronghorn, and bear, preference points do not expire. For moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat, weighted points also accumulate over time without an expiration. However, purchasing a license can reset your point accumulation for that species.
If non-residents fail to apply or buy a preference point for a particular species in 10 consecutive years, they will lose all accumulated preference points for that species. Staying active in the draw system each year protects your accumulated points.
License exchanges: A limited license can be exchanged. All licenses will be charged a flat rate of $5.00. There are no refunds or preference point restorations available on exchanged licenses. Licenses may only be exchanged for a hunt code for the same species.
Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder for March 1 each year. That is when new qualifying licenses become available and draw applications open. Missing the April 7 deadline means waiting until the secondary draw in June — or buying leftover and OTC licenses starting in August.
Lifetime licenses: Colorado offers several lifetime license options for residents, including veteran and first-responder lifetime combo licenses. Residents applying for the resident veteran lifetime combo or resident first responder lifetime combo may submit their application form and qualifying information at any time; please allow 15 days for processing.
For hunters and anglers who spend time across multiple states, it is worth reviewing the licensing rules wherever you plan to go. Resources covering fishing license requirements in Nevada, fishing license requirements in Wyoming, and fishing license requirements in Wisconsin can help you stay compliant across state lines.
Colorado’s licensing system rewards hunters who plan early, understand the draw timeline, and keep their qualifying licenses and preference points current year after year. Review the official Colorado Parks and Wildlife hunting page before each season to catch any regulation changes, new unit boundaries, or updated species-specific rules that may affect your hunt.