Archery License

Colorado Archery
License 2026

Complete guide to archery hunting in Colorado - stamp and license requirements, crossbow rules, draw weight and broadhead specifications, and archery deer and elk season dates. Colorado offers one of the premier elk bowhunting experiences in the country with over-the-counter archery elk tags available for most units. Archery deer and elk seasons run through September. Crossbows require a separate permit during archery season.

Min. Draw Weight: 35 lbs

2026 Archery License Quick Facts Verified 2026

Resident Fee

$35.96

License fee

Nonresident Fee

$56.36

NR license fee

Min. Draw Weight

35 lbs

Minimum for legal archery hunting

Crossbow

Not in archery season

Separate season may apply

License & Stamp Details

Colorado Archery License Requirements

Review all archery license and stamp requirements before your hunt. Regulations change annually.

Requirement	Details
Archery Stamp Required	No - included with hunting license
Resident License Fee	$35.96
Nonresident License Fee	$56.36
Standalone Archery License	Requires base hunting license
Sunday Hunting	Allowed

Equipment Rules

Colorado Archery Equipment Specifications

Legal archery equipment requirements in Colorado. Using non-compliant equipment during archery season can result in citation and license revocation.

Draw Weight

35 lbs min.

Minimum draw weight required for big game archery hunting in Colorado.

Arrow Length

26" min.

Minimum arrow length required in Colorado.

Broadhead Requirement

Broadheads are required for big game hunting. Both fixed-blade and mechanical broadheads are generally accepted.

Other Equipment Rules

Lighted nocks: Allowed
Rangefinder: Allowed
Minimum 35 lb draw weight. Arrow minimum 26 inches. No electronic bows. Lighted nocks are permitted.

Crossbow Regulations

Colorado Crossbow Rules for Archery Season

Crossbows are not permitted during the traditional archery season in Colorado. Crossbows require a separate crossbow permit during the archery season. Crossbows are legal during all seasons for hunters with disabilities. A separate crossbow or late-season permit may be available - check with Colorado Parks and Wildlife for current rules.

Season Dates

Colorado Archery Season Dates

Approximate archery season dates for 2026. Season dates may vary by zone or wildlife management unit - always confirm with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Archery Deer Season

Sep 1

Through Sep 30

Archery Elk Season

Sep 1

Through Sep 30

Important Notes

Colorado-Specific Archery Rules

Colorado's over-the-counter archery elk tags make it one of the most accessible elk bowhunting states in the West. Archery deer in most units requires a draw tag — apply by April deadline.

Source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife (cpw.state.co.us). Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current license fees, equipment specs, and season dates directly with the agency before hunting.

Colorado