Hunter Safety Certification
Colorado Hunter
Education 2026
Hunter education certification requirements, online course options, field day rules, apprentice license info, and bowhunter education for Colorado. Colorado requires hunter education for all first-time hunters born on or after January 1, 1949. An online course plus field day is available. Youth mentored hunt program allows supervised hunting before certification.
Online Course Available
Field Day Required
Accepts Reciprocity
Apprentice License Available
2026 Hunter Education Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Required?
Yes
All first-time hunters
Online Course
Available
$29.95 via Hunter-Ed.com
Field Day
Required
$0.00 fee
Course Hours
8
hours minimum
Course Requirements
Colorado Hunter Education Course Details
Enrollment options, fees, and what to expect from the Colorado hunter education certification process.
Issuing Agency
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW)
— Official Site
Required
Required — for all first-time hunters
Online Course
Available
$29.95 via Hunter-Ed.com
Field Day / Skills
Required
Fee: $0.00 — hands-on firearm safety demonstration required with certified instructor
In-Person Fee
Free (volunteer instructors)
Minimum Hours
8 hours (completion time varies based on pace and method)
Reciprocity
Does Colorado Accept Out-of-State Certifications?
Reciprocity Accepted
Colorado accepts valid hunter education certifications issued by any other US state, territory, or Canadian province. You do not need to retake the course when purchasing a Colorado hunting license.
Colorado accepts valid hunter education certifications issued by any other US state, territory, or Canadian province. You do not need to retake the course when purchasing a Colorado hunting license.
Apprentice Program
Colorado Apprentice Hunting License
Apprentice License Available
Hunt before completing hunter education with a licensed adult mentor
Must hunt alongside a licensed adult mentor at all times
Full hunter education certification required for subsequent license purchases after apprentice license(s) are exhausted
Bowhunter Education
Colorado Bowhunter Education
Colorado offers a separate bowhunter education course covering archery safety, equipment selection, shot placement, and ethical bowhunting.
Take the Bowhunter Education course →
Take the Bowhunter Education course →
Course Curriculum
What Topics Are Covered?
The Colorado hunter education course covers the following subjects:
Firearm safety
Wildlife ID
Colorado regulations
Ethics
Conservation
First aid
Weather and survival
Important Notes
Colorado-Specific Requirements
Colorado online fee of $29.95 is slightly higher than the national average. Youth Mentored Hunt Program allows youth under certain ages to participate in limited hunting seasons before full certification. Contact CPW for current program eligibility.
Source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) (cpw.state.co.us).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current course fees and enrollment options directly with the agency before registering.