Colorado Elk Hunting Season

Colorado hunters have multiple seasons to chase elk.

With the highest population of elk in North America, Colorado is a popular destination for elk hunters. The Centennial state offers residents and non-residents plenty of opportunity with multiple seasons. Seasons are divided by method of take and rifle season is even broken into several seasons. There are also some special seasons scattered throughout the state.

Archery

Bowhunters have a season that is a month long, running from late August until late September. Most archery licenses are unlimited and sold over the counter. These licenses are valid statewide, except in units with limited licenses that are issued through a draw. Hunters can expect the elk to be high in the mountains where the temperatures are cooler. This season is also when the rut starts, so bulls become vocal toward the end of the season.

Muzzleloader

The black powder season lasts 10 days in mid-September and runs concurrent with archery season. All muzzleloader licenses are limited and available through a drawing. Colorado's regulations prohibit sabot slugs, pelletized powder and scopes during muzzleloader seasons. Black powder rifles must be at least .50 caliber to hunt elk.

Rifle

The regular rifle season is divided into four separate seasons. The seasons last from five to nine days apiece. The first two seasons take place in the second half of October while the third and fourth seasons are in the middle of November. Licenses for the first and fourth seasons are totally limited. Unlimited antlered elk licenses are available for the second and third seasons. Either-sex and antlerless-only licenses are issued through the draw.

Special Seasons

Some units also have early rifle seasons that begin as early as the middle of August, while some have one or more late rifle seasons that take place after the regular rifle seasons end. Most of the area east of Interstate 25 fall into the eastern plains zone. Licenses for this area are unlimited and the season runs from the beginning of September until the end of January. Resident hunters also have the option of applying for the Ranching for Wildlife hunts. These are rifle hunts on private property and licenses are limited.

General Information

The application deadline for limited licenses is usually the first week of April. Applications can be submitted through the mail or on the Division of Wildlife's website. Most hunting units have a four-point minimum antler restriction for bulls. All hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1949, must have a hunter education certificate to purchase a license.

References

• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation: 2009 Elk Hunting Forecast
• 2010 Colorado Big Game regulations brochure

Resources

• Colorado Division of Wildlife: Elk Hunting University