Colorado offers some of the best waterfowl hunting opportunities in the country, with thousands of hunters heading into the field each fall to pursue Canada geese, snow geese, and other species. The state’s position along major migration routes means you’ll find excellent hunting across different regions and terrain types.
Whether you’re a first-time waterfowl hunter or a veteran looking to explore new areas, understanding the season structure is key to planning a successful hunt.
Goose hunting season in Colorado typically runs from early September through mid-February, with specific dates varying by zone and species, and the state divides seasons between the Central Flyway east of the Continental Divide and the Pacific Flyway to the west.
Waterfowl hunting seasons in Colorado are divided into different zones to align with bird migration patterns. Each zone has its own opening and closing dates, along with specific bag limits that you need to follow.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about hunting geese in Colorado. You’ll learn about the different season dates for each zone, understand the regulations and bag limits that apply to dark geese and light geese, find out what licenses and permits you need to purchase, and discover the top locations where geese concentrate during migration.
Goose Hunting Season Dates in Colorado
Colorado divides goose hunting seasons into different zones and flyways based on geography. The state uses both Central Flyway and Pacific Flyway designations, with the Continental Divide serving as the main boundary between zones.
Central Flyway Seasons
The regular season for dark geese (like Canada geese) runs from November 3, 2025, to February 15, 2026, for areas east of the Continental Divide. You can harvest 5 dark geese per day with a possession limit of 15.
Light geese have a longer regular season from November 1, 2025, to February 15, 2026. Your daily bag limit is 50 birds with unlimited possession.
Special Area Seasons
Some regions have unique season dates:
- North Park (Jackson County): Dark goose season runs October 5, 2025, to January 16, 2026
- San Luis Valley: Split season with October 4-22, 2025, then November 22, 2025, to February 15, 2026
- South Park: October 4, 2025, to January 16, 2026
Pacific Flyway Zones
West of the Continental Divide, you’ll find different dates. The early Canada goose season opens September 1-9, 2025. The Western Zone then has a split season running October 4-12 and November 6, 2025, to January 31, 2026.
The Eastern Zone within the Pacific Flyway runs from October 4, 2025, to January 7, 2026. Daily bag limits for dark geese are 5 birds, while light geese allow 10 per day in these western zones.
Goose Hunting Regulations and Bag Limits in Colorado
You need a valid hunting license and small game bird permit to hunt geese in Colorado. The state divides hunting areas into different zones with specific rules for each location.
Dark Goose vs. Light Goose Regulations
Colorado separates geese into two main categories. Dark geese include Canada geese and other darker species. Light geese include snow geese and Ross’s geese.
The bag limits for geese vary by zone and species. For dark geese, you can take 5 birds per day with a possession limit of 15 across most zones. Light geese have much higher limits at 50 per day with unlimited possession in many areas.
Zone-Specific Rules
Your hunting area determines which regulations apply to you. The Central Flyway Regular Season covers areas east of the Continental Divide. The Pacific Flyway zones cover areas west of the Continental Divide.
Special management areas exist in North Park, San Luis Valley, and South Park. Each zone has different season dates and requirements.
Conservation Season
Colorado offers a Light Goose Conservation Order Season from mid-February through April 30 east of I-25. This special season has unlimited daily and possession limits. You can use electronic calls during this period, which is not allowed during regular seasons.
You should always check current regulations before your hunt. Season dates and bag limits can change yearly based on population data. Colorado Parks and Wildlife updates these rules to maintain healthy waterfowl populations.
Required Licenses and Permits for Goose Hunting in Colorado
Before you head out to hunt geese in Colorado, you need several licenses and stamps. These requirements apply to most hunters between ages 16 and 64.
Basic Requirements:
You must have a valid Colorado hunting license to hunt geese legally. This is your foundation document that allows you to participate in hunting activities across the state.
In addition to your hunting license, waterfowl hunters need both state and federal stamps. The Colorado State Waterfowl Hunting Stamp is required for anyone 16 years or older who wants to hunt ducks or geese. You must sign this stamp and carry it with you while hunting.
Federal Requirements:
The Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly called the federal duck stamp, is mandatory. This stamp helps fund wetland conservation efforts across the country.
You also need to complete Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration. This free registration helps wildlife agencies track migratory bird populations and hunting activity.
Hunter Education:
If you were born on or after January 1, 1949, you must carry your original Hunter Safety Card. A copy won’t work when purchasing your license or while hunting. This card proves you completed required hunter education training.
Where to Purchase:
You can buy your licenses and stamps through Colorado Parks and Wildlife online or at authorized vendors throughout the state. Keep all documents with you during your hunt, as game wardens may check them at any time.
Best Locations and Zones for Goose Hunting in Colorado
Colorado sits in the central flyway, making it a prime destination for goose hunters. The state sees hundreds of thousands of geese migrate through each year, especially during fall and winter months.
The Front Range offers some of the best goose hunting in Colorado. This area stretches from Fort Collins south to Pueblo and holds massive concentrations of Canada geese and snow geese. Northern Colorado near Wellington and Greeley provides excellent hunting opportunities with both private and public land options.
You can hunt geese on several types of land in Colorado:
- State Wildlife Areas (SWAs) – 350 properties across Colorado open for hunting
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land – Over 8 million acres available
- U.S. Forest Service land – About 11 million acres open to hunters
- Private land programs – Walk-in Access Program offers 166,493 acres
The Fort Collins area stands out because it holds goose populations of up to 250,000 birds during peak migration. Agricultural fields and wetlands in this region attract large flocks of lesser Canada geese.
Private land access programs give you more options. The Walk-in Access Program lets you hunt on foot across designated properties from fall through spring. You need to check specific dates and regulations for each property before you go.
Public lands managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife require you to follow state hunting regulations. Some properties need hunting reservations made 7 to 14 days in advance.
