Big game hunting season 2025 opens throughout Colorado

Hunting season is officially in full swing in Grand County. Hunters of grouse and turkeys are now out in the field, as well as bear and sheep hunters, and archery hunters for deer, elk, pronghorn and moose.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has shared important information and hunting season dates, so that all recreationalists can be informed. In a news release, the agency emphasized “the shared responsibility of safety” among hunters, hikers, bikers, leaf peepers, wildlife viewers and other people enjoying the great outdoors.

“As most of Colorado’s outdoors is multi-use, it’s crucial for both hunters and non-hunters to show respect and courtesy to all users engaged in outdoor recreation,” parks and wildlife stated.

Licenses and resources

Additional limited licenses are available for the following big game: deer, elk, pronghorn and bear. Hunters can still purchase over-the-counter licenses for bear, elk, pronghorn and deer.

A certain number of limited licenses will also go on the leftover list and are available for purchase online at CPWShop.com, by phone at 1-800-244-5613 and at sales agents around the state, such as local outfitters or hunting and fishing stores. Reissued licenses also go onto the list. A reissue preview list is posted online every Tuesday with hunter-returned licenses that become available for purchase every Wednesday morning.

Find locations to hunt using the Colorado Hunting Atlas, located on the parks and wildlife website. This resource allows recreators to find public land, save topographic maps, view big game migration corridors and concentration areas, and view OHV trails. Hunters and outdoor recreationalists can download the free Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) mobile app to help them identify land areas and private property boundaries, as well as receive alerts such as active fires.

Big game season dates

For a full list of all dates of all game, read the 2025 Big Game Brochure on parks and wildlife’s website. Below is a summary of some important dates for hunters, as well as recreationalists to know while they are outdoors during these seasons.

• Archery – Sept. 2-30: elk, deer and black bear; Aug. 15-Sept. 20, pronghorn; Sept. 6-30, moose
• Muzzleloader – Sept. 13-21: elk, deer, moose and black bear; Sept. 21-29, pronghorn
• Rifle – Sept. 2-30: black bear; Oct. 15-19: elk, deer and black bear; Oct. 25-Nov. 4, elk, deer and black bear (plains rifle); Oct. 25-Nov. 2, elk, deer and black bear; Nov. 8-16, elk, deer and black bear; Nov. 19-23: elk, deer and black bear

Bighorn sheep and mountain goat regulation vary by hunting type and site location, but many season dates are open now through the beginning of October. Mountain lion hunting season runs from Nov. 24 to March 31, 2026.

Those seeking to hunt mountain goats, bighorn sheep, mountain lions and moose are required to enter a draw in March 2026 to get a hunting license for those species. Go to CPWShop.com to create an account, purchase a license or enter the draw for certain big games permits.

Keep in mind hunting season dates can vary by location site and hunting type. Rules and seasons for private land may vary. All hunters are advised to check their specific situation in the Big Game Hunting Brochure, or call parks and wildlife’s hunting line at 303-297-1192 for more information. Staff members are available to answer hunting-related questions Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Be prepared to take precaution

Big game hunters using a firearm must wear fluorescent orange or pink when in the field. While not required, parks and wildlife recommends that anyone outdoors during hunting season should wear bright colors as well, especially during the muzzleloader and rifle seasons.

Fire danger is high across the Western Slope, due to drought conditions. Grand County entered Stage 2 – Severe Drought in late August. Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect throughout the county, so be mindful as you travel and shoot throughout the state.

Read the “What’s New” page in the Big Game Hunting Brochure or watch the ‘What’s New’ 2025 Colorado Big Game video on Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s website to learn more game management unit-specific changes for 2025. General resources are available at CPW.State.Co.Us/Hunting.

To learn about small game and waterfowl hunting schedules and information, check the 2025 Colorado Small Game & Waterfowl brochure.