Colorado Hunting & Fishing
Season Calendar 2026

Colorado elk archery season runs Aug 29–Sep 26 statewide with over-the-counter licenses available for most GMUs; any legal bow is authorized, and elk are often in hard pre-rut bugling by mid-September making this one of the most exciting big game seasons in the West. Hunters must possess a valid Colorado hunting license and an archery elk license. Bull elk are most responsive to calling and decoys during the Sep 10–26 peak bugling window. Public land elk hunting on national forests in Units 1, 2, 6, and 7 can be crowded — consider designated wilderness areas or roadless units for reduced pressure. Check GMU-specific license allocation as some units require draw.

Colorado elk first rifle season runs Oct 17–Oct 21 in GMUs open to first rifle harvest; this five-day season is one of the most sought-after firearm elk tags in the state, coinciding with peak rut activity and bulls actively chasing cows. Tags are issued through the draw system for restricted GMUs; over-the-counter licenses apply in most others. Legal firearms include centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, and handguns. A valid Colorado hunting license is required. Hunters should expect heavy hunting pressure on public land during rifle seasons — wilderness areas and roadless drainages typically offer the best solitude and elk densities in units like 12, 13, 55, and 76.

Colorado elk second rifle season runs Oct 24–Nov 1 in designated GMUs; second rifle follows immediately after the first season and catches elk transitioning from rut to post-rut feeding patterns with bulls still somewhat vulnerable. Tags require either over-the-counter purchase (open GMUs) or a draw (limited units). Legal firearms include centerfire rifles, shotguns, and handguns; all hunters must carry a valid Colorado hunting license. Weather during late October can be severe at high elevations — prepare for snow, sub-zero wind chill, and early darkness. Elk typically begin moving to lower-elevation winter range during this period, concentrating animals along migration corridors.

Colorado elk third rifle season runs Nov 7–Nov 15 in open GMUs; by early November, most bulls have shed rut interest and are feeding heavily to rebuild fat reserves before winter. Third rifle tags are available over-the-counter for open units. Legal methods include centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, and handguns; a valid Colorado hunting license is required. November snowfall often triggers significant migration from summer ranges, concentrating elk on south-facing slopes and near lower-elevation feed. This season coincides with peak antler hardness and post-rut bull vulnerability — food sources near winter range transition areas are the most productive locations.

Colorado deer archery season runs Aug 29–Sep 26, open statewide with over-the-counter licenses available for most Game Management Units; any legal archery equipment is authorized including compound, recurve, and traditional bows. Crossbows are legal during archery season for hunters with a documented qualifying disability. Hunters must possess a valid Colorado hunting license and an either-sex or buck archery deer license. Late August and September bucks are primarily in summer patterns with velvet antlers through early September — stalking early morning feeding areas and watering locations is the primary tactic. Premium GMUs such as 2, 3, and 54 hold excellent mule deer density.

Colorado pronghorn archery season runs Aug 15–Sep 13 statewide with over-the-counter licenses in open GMUs; antelope are among the most challenging archery targets due to their extraordinary eyesight and open terrain habitat. Any legal bow is authorized; crossbows are legal only for documented qualifying disability. Hunters must possess a valid Colorado hunting license and an archery pronghorn license. Deception decoys combined with spot-and-stalk under dawn thermals is the most effective tactic. Eastern Colorado plains GMUs 104, 110, and 140 hold the highest pronghorn densities; water hole ambushes are effective during late summer heat.