Deer Hunting Regulations
GENERAL INFORMATION
HUNTING RESERVATION SYSTEM (HRS) FOR BIG GAME
Hunters must make big-game hunting reservations for all properties that require them, either online or through the new reservation phone number: 800-244-5613. Reservations are available starting at 9 a.m. Go online to learn more and find properties that require reservations: cpw.state.co.us/ bghuntingreservations
BIG GAME WALK-IN ACCESS PROGRAM
The Big Game Walk-In Access Program will now offer big-game hunting on many properties across eastern Colorado. There will be overlap in small-game and big-game seasons, and properties will be signed with WIA boundary signs.
In 2022 these properties are open for big-game hunting to properly licensed hunters during established big-game seasons from Sept. 1‒Dec. 31 and to small-game hunting from Sept. 1‒Feb. 28, 2023. Big-game hunters must possess a valid pronghorn, deer or elk license valid for the unit in which the Walk-In Access property lies. All normal WIA regulations apply. All big-game hunting regulations apply. Go to: cpw.state.co.us/wia
SHED ANTLER COLLECTION CLOSURE
▶ WEST OF I-25, PUBLIC LANDS: Collection and possession of antlers or horns on public lands west I-25 from Jan 1–April 30, is prohibited. The public lands west of I-25 are open to collection and possession of shed antlers or horns May 1–Dec. 31 ONLY, except in GMUs 54, 55, 66, 67 and 551, where collecting antlers or horns is further restricted May 1–May 15 between legal sunset and 10:00 am.
▶ WEST OF I-25, PRIVATE LANDS: On private lands west of I-25, any person may, with lawful access, collect shed antlers or horns at any time.
▶ EAST OF I-25, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LANDS: On any lands east of I-25, any person may, with lawful access, collect shed antlers or horns at any time.
NOTE: Public land management agencies may have additional restrictions on use of public lands and removal of shed antlers. Refer to land manager restrictions prior to shed hunting.
RANCHING FOR WILDLIFE (RFW)
Public Ranching for Wildlife licenses are available only to Colorado residents by draw. Licenses are valid only for the season and ranch specified. RFW landowners must provide free access to hunters who draw a public license for their ranch. By applying for a RFW license, hunters allow CPW to provide applicant information to the ranch. Hunting rules differ for each ranch. Read ranch rules before applying: cpw.state.co.us/rfw
OUTREACH LICENSES: YOUTH & NOVICE ADULTS
Outreach licenses for youth ages 12–17 are offered to qualified organizations that teach youth participants about hunting techniques, hunting ethics and wildlife management. Outreach licenses for novice adults are offered
to qualified organizations sponsoring educational, novice adult or youth hunting activities.
Outreach licenses for youth are offered on a first-come, first-served basis on private land for youth hunters ages 12–17. Application procedures are online at: cpw.state.co.us/youthoutreachlicense
Outreach licenses for novice adults are offered on a first-come, first-served basis on private land for novice adult hunters who are 18 and older, and who have never purchased a big-game license, have not purchased a big-game license in the last 5 years, or who have only purchased a big-game license in the previous year. Application procedures are online at: cpw.state.co.us/novicehunterprogram
DREAM HUNT LICENSES
Deer, elk, pronghorn, mountain lion and bear licenses are available to hunters ages 12–21 with a terminal illness or life-threatening disease or injury.
Requested dates for hunting events must occur between Aug. 15 and Jan. 31 each year. Licenses are now offered in those units with at least one hunt code that requires 10 or more resident preference points to draw (excluding Ranching for Wildlife).
Before a license is issued, hunters must obtain written permission from the landowner to hunt on private land. Sponsoring organizations must request licenses in writing and document the life-threatening or terminal condition, hunting experience, logistical considerations, hunt location and dates. Submit requests to CPW, Hunter Outreach Coordinator, 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216.
LEGAL BIG-GAME HUNTING HOURS
Legal hunting hours for big game are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, unless specifically restricted. Go to cpw.state.co.us/hunting resources for a link to current sunrise/sunset tables and more information.
GUIDES & OUTFITTERS
Guides and outfitters must be registered, bonded and insured in Colorado. They also need permits to operate on public land and must register with the Office of Outfitter Registration, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1340, Denver, CO 80202; 303-894- 7778; or dpo.colorado.gov/outfitters.
Legal, legitimate outfitters operate around the state and can provide invaluable resources for your hunting trip. Verify an outfitter’s registration by contacting the above office or the Colorado Outfitters Association online: coloradooutfitters.org
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
HUNTER ORANGE & PINK
Hunters must wear at least 500 square inches of solid fluorescent orange or pink material and a fluorescent orange or pink hat, visible from all angles, while hunting deer, elk, pronghorn, moose or bear with any firearm. Note that camouflage does not qualify. See page 15 for more details.
CARCASS TAGS
Be sure to sign and detach your carcass tag from your hunting license directly AFTER you harvest your animal, and make sure you attach it to your take properly. See page 16 for all the information you need on carcass tags.
OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES (OHVs)
All off-highway vehicles operated in Colorado on public lands or traveling on an OHV-designated route must have a valid Colorado OHV registration or a Colorado OHV permit (except on private property).
Registrations/permits are $25.25, valid April 1–March 31. OHV permits (applicable for nonresidents and street-legal/plated vehicles) are available online at cpw.state.co.us/bg/ohvpermit, at CPW locations and sales agents. Questions, call 303-297-1192. Renewal registrations are available online and at CPW locations. New registrations and transfers must be done in person or by mail. Visit cpw.state.co.us for details.
Contact each public land management agency for their current motor vehicle-use rules, regulations, agency maps and game retrieval specifications and hours. Most areas do not allow off-trail game retrieval with any motorized vehicle. If you witness or observe a violation of OHV misuse on public lands, please report it to any law enforcement officer in that area.
MARK YOUR HARVEST SITE WITH YOUR GPS
Hunters who have GPS units are encouraged to mark the location of their harvest in the field. This is especially important for hunters who harvest a moose or bear, as these species require mandatory inspections. See pages 13, 58 (moose) and 63 (bear). During mandatory inspections, hunters will be asked to give a location of their harvest. Having GPS coordinates makes reporting simple and precise. Use your GPS to set a waypoint where you harvest an animal, and save the UTM or longitude and latitude coordinates. Bring that information to record on the check report form during harvest inspections.
HUNTERS USING HORSES
If you are bringing a horse into Colorado from out of state, you must contact a veterinarian to get a Certificate of Health Inspection no more than 30 days before. Horses need a Coggins blood test for equine infectious anemia within a year before coming to Colorado. Call the Colorado State Veterinarian’s office, 303-869-9130. Residents: Horses may require brand inspection before transportation. Call the brand inspector: 303-869-9160
EAR TAGS, RADIO COLLARS
If you shoot a big-game animal with a collar or ear tag, report the number, color, harvest location and date to CPW, and return the radio collars.
HOW TO HELP OUT CPW
HUNTER SURVEYS HELP ASSESS HARVEST
CPW conducts big-game harvest surveys each year to estimate harvest, hunter numbers and recreation days. Deer, elk and pronghorn hunters may receive a phone call or email, asking to take part in a survey. This includes questions such as: where you hunted, if you harvested an animal and if you saw overcrowding from other hunters.
Only randomly selected hunters can participate. Participation is not required, but responding (even if you didn’t hunt or harvest) is an important part of setting future seasons and license numbers. If contacted, you can take the survey online at colobgharvest.com, or call the toll-free phone number 1-855-924-4278. The survey runs 24 hours daily, Oct. through mid-Feb. See the CPW website for details: cpw.state.co.us
HERD MANAGEMENT: YOUR INPUT IS WANTED!
Approximately every 10 years, each big-game population undergoes a herd management plan review process during which CPW updates management objectives for that herd. These plans set objectives for population size and the ratio of males to females. Management objectives influence decisions about how many licenses of each type can be made available in any given year.
Every plan update allows for public comment and review. CPW appreciates hearing from all interests to help guide decisions about how big-game populations are managed. Please do not miss these important opportunities to have your voice heard.
Information about current plans and opportunities to inform plan updates are available on our webpage. You can also receive notices by signing up for CPW's Insider email list from our webpage. Find herd management plan info: cpw.state.co.us/hmp
TURN IN POACHERS (TIPs) PROGRAM
The TIPs program awards licenses and preference points to eligible persons that report the illegal take, possession or willful destruction of big
game or turkey that results in a person being charged for the illegal take, possession or willful destruction of big game or turkey. Advise the charging officer of your interest in a TIPs award. Go to cpw.state.co.us/bg/ tips for the criteria to qualify for a preference point or license, or contact CPW for details at 303-297-1192.
MANDATORY INSPECTIONS FOR MOOSE & BEAR
MOOSE: Hunters must personally present their moose to a CPW office (listed on inside front cover) during normal business hours within 5 working days of harvest for a mandatory inspection. The inspection will include a mandatory report and lower incisor extraction. Heads must be unfrozen. Hunters must submit the head and lower jaw of antlered moose with antlers attached, or the head and lower jaw NEW OR an incisor of antlerless moose.
Additionally, all moose license holders must complete and return a mandatory report provided by CPW within 30 days after their hunting season ends. Anyone who does not complete and return it, including those who were unsuccessful or did not hunt, will not be eligible for a future moose license or point. See "Mandatory Moose Inspections," page 58.
BEAR: Hunters must personally present their bear to any CPW office (listed on inside front cover) during normal business hours within 5 working days of harvest for a mandatory inspection. The inspection will include a mandatory report, sealing and premolar tooth extraction. Heads and hides must be unfrozen. See "Mandatory Bear Inspections & Seals," page 63, for more.
CERTIFIED HAY MUST BE MARKED
Hay, straw and mulch are illegal on federal land and CPW property unless certified free of noxious weeds. Hay must be clearly marked by certifying agency. People who transport these materials on public roads crossing CPW property are exempt. For a list of weed-free forage, contact Colorado Dept. of Agriculture, 303-869-9031; Forest Service or BLM; or go to: colorado.gov/pacific/agconservation/weedfreeforage
CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE (CWD)
WHAT IS IT?
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal neurological disease that attacks the brains of deer, elk and moose. It causes animals to become emaciated, display abnormal behavior and eventually die. Infected animals often show no signs of illness.
WHERE IS IT?
The map in the back of this brochure highlights game management units in red and yellow where CWD has been detected (inside back cover). CWD has been found in several regions in Colorado, as well as other states and provinces. For deer, infection rates tend to be highest in prime-aged mature bucks.
MANDATORY TESTING 2022
In 2022, CPW will require mandatory submission of CWD test samples (heads) from all elk and deer harvested during rifle seasons from specific hunt codes to better evaluate the prevalence of CWD in herds. There will be no charge for mandatory testing.
VOLUNTARY CWD TESTING
If a hunter is not selected for mandatory testing but wants to know whether their harvested deer, elk or moose has CWD, they can submit their animal and pay a testing fee of $25. Voluntary submissions are accepted annually statewide.
In 2022, testing fees for voluntary submissions will be waived for all deer ONLY (not elk) harvested within the same GMUs selected for mandatory testing. During inspection, hunters may choose to have their moose tested for chronic wasting disease. Testing cost for moose is $25.
IMPORTANT PUBLIC HEALTH MESSAGE
Disease in humans resulting from CWD expo-
sure has not been reported to date. However,
public health officials cannot determine there
is no risk from eating meat from infected
animals. Consequently, officials recommend
that people avoid exposure to CWD-infected animals. Please see the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website (cdhpe.colorado.gov/animal-related-diseases/prion-diseases) for the most current recommendations on carcass testing and other preventive measures.
To minimize exposure to CWD and other diseases of potential concern, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and state public health officials advise hunters not to shoot, handle or consume any deer, elk or moose that is acting abnormally or appears to be sick. When field-dressing game, wear rubber gloves and minimize the use of a bone saw to cut through the brain or spinal cord (backbone). Minimize contact with brain or spinal cord tissues, eyes, spleen or lymph nodes. Always wash hands and utensils thoroughly after dressing and processing game meat.
HUNTING LAWS
Legal Firearms & Bows
Different firearms can be used for big-game hunts during different seasons. The chart below shows which method of take may be used in each season.
| METHOD OF TAKE | |||||
| CENTERFIRE RIFLE, SHOTGUN, HANDGUN | MUZZLELOADERS .40 TO .49 CALIBER | MUZZLELOADERS .50 CALIBER OR LARGER | HAND-HELD BOWS | CROSSBOW | |
DEER |
|||||
ARCHERY |
NO |
NO |
NO |
YES |
NO |
MUZZLE- LOADING |
NO |
YES |
YES |
NO |
NO |
RIFLE |
YES |
YES |
YES |
YES |
YES |
ELK |
|||||
ARCHERY |
NO |
NO |
NO |
YES |
NO |
MUZZLE- LOADING |
NO |
NO |
YES |
NO |
NO |
RIFLE |
YES |
NO |
YES |
YES |
YES |
PRONGHORN |
|||||
ARCHERY |
NO |
NO |
NO |
YES |
NO |
MUZZLE- LOADING |
NO |
YES |
YES |
NO |
NO |
RIFLE |
YES |
YES |
YES |
YES |
YES |
MOOSE |
|||||
ARCHERY |
NO |
NO |
NO |
YES |
NO |
MUZZLE- LOADING |
NO |
NO |
YES |
NO |
NO |
RIFLE |
YES |
NO |
YES |
YES |
YES |
BEAR |
|||||
ARCHERY |
NO |
NO |
NO |
YES |
NO |
MUZZLE- LOADING |
NO |
YES |
YES |
NO |
NO |
RIFLE |
YES |
YES |
YES |
YES |
YES |
LEGAL METHODS OF TAKE
1. CENTERFIRE RIFLES
a. Must be a minimum of .24 caliber (6 mm).
b. Must have a minimum 16-inch barrel and be at least 26 inches long.
c. If semiautomatic, a maximum of six rounds are allowed in the magazine and chamber combined.
d. Must use expanding bullets that weigh a minimum of 70 grains for deer, pronghorn and bear, 85 grains for elk and moose, and have an impact energy (at 100 yards) of 1,000 ft.-pounds as rated by manufacturer.
e. It is illegal to hunt game birds, small-game mammals or furbearers with a centerfire rifle larger than .23 caliber during regular rifle deer and elk seasons west of I-25, without an unfilled deer or elk license for the season. A small-game, furbearer or unfilled big-game license is required.
NOTE: SMART RIFLES are prohibited, including any firearm equipped with a target tracking system, electronically controlled, assisted or computerlinked trigger or a ballistics computer. Any firearm equipped with a scope containing a computer processor is considered to be a smart rifle.
NOTE: FULLY AUTOMATIC RIFLES are prohibited.
2. MUZZLELOADING RIFLES & SMOOTHBORE MUSKETS
a. Only legal muzzleloaders allowed in muzzleloading seasons.
b. In-line muzzleloaders are legal.
c. Must be a single barrel that fires a single round ball or conical projectile.
d. To hunt deer, pronghorn or bear, conical bullets must be a minimum of .40 caliber, and round-ball bullets must be a minimum of .50 caliber.
e. To hunt elk or moose, conical bullets must be a minimum of .50 caliber, and round-ball bullets must be a minimum of .54 caliber.
f. From .40 caliber to .50 caliber, bullets must weigh a minimum of 170 grains.
g. If greater than .50 caliber, bullets must weigh a minimum of 210 grains.
h. Shotshell primers and B.O.R. Lock MZ System bullets are legal.
i. Pelletized powder systems are prohibited during muzzleloading seasons.
j. Cannot be loaded from the breech during muzzleloading seasons.
k. Only open or iron sights allowed in muzzleloading seasons. Fiber optics and fluorescent paint incorporated into or on open or iron sights are legal. Scopes or any sighting device using artificial light, batteries and electronic gear are prohibited during muzzleloading seasons.
l. Sabots are prohibited during muzzleloading seasons. Cloth patches are not sabots.
m. Smokeless powder is prohibited in muzzleloading seasons. Black powder and black-powder substitutes are legal.
n. Electronic or battery-powered devices cannot be incorporated into or attached to muzzleloader during muzzleloading seasons.
3. SHOTGUNS
a. Must be minimum 20 gauge and fire a single slug. Use of buckshot is illegal for hunting big game.
b. Barrel must be a minimum of 18 inches long. Minimum overall length must be 26 inches.
4. HAND-HELD BOWS
A long bow, recurve bow or compound bow on which the string is not drawn mechanically or held mechanically under tension. String or mechanical releases are legal if they are hand-drawn or hand-held with no other attachments or connections to bow (except bowstring).
a. Hand-held bows, including compound bows, must use arrows with a broadhead having a minimum of 7/8-inch outside diameter (width) and a minimum of two steel cutting edges. Each cutting edge must be in same plane for entire length of cutting surface.
b. Only legal, hand-held bows are allowed during archery seasons.
c. A minimum draw weight of 35 pounds/let-off maximum of 80 percent required.
d. No part of a bow’s riser (handle) or track, trough, channel, arrow rest or other device (excluding cables and bowstring) that attaches to riser can contact, support and/or guide the arrow from a point rearward of the bow’s brace height behind the undrawn string.
e. Bows can propel only a single arrow at a time. No mechanisms for automatically loading arrows allowed.
f. Scopes and electronic or battery-powered devices cannot be incorporated into or attached to bow or arrow, with the exception of lighted nocks on arrows. Recording devices such as cameras or video recorders attached to bows may be used as long as they do not cast light toward the target or aid in range finding, sighting or shooting the bow.
g. Hydraulic or pneumatic technology cannot be used to derive or store energy to propel arrows. Explosive arrows are prohibited.
5. CROSSBOWS
a. Draw weight must be a minimum of 125 pounds.
b. Draw length must be a minimum of 14 inches from front of bow to nocking point of drawstring.
c. Positive mechanical safety device required.
d. Bolt must be a minimum of 16 inches long, have a broadhead that is a minimum of 7/8-inch wide and with a minimum of two steel cutting edges. Each cutting edge must be in the same plane for entire length of cutting surface. e. Illegal during archery seasons.
6. HANDGUNS
a. Barrel must be a minimum of 4 inches long.
b. Must use a minimum .24-caliber (6 mm) in diameter expanding bullet.
c. Shoulder stocks or attachments prohibited.
d. Must use a cartridge or load that produces minimum energy of 550-ft.-pounds at 50 yards as rated by manufacturer.
7. CALLS
a. Mechanical calls are legal, including mouth calls.
b. Electronic calls, such as amplified audio players or smartphone apps, are prohibited for big-game hunting, NEW except for mountain lions during open seasons in specific units. See the "Mountain Lion" brochure online in March.
ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES
THE TOP 10 MOST COMMON HUNTING VIOLATIONS IN COLORADO:
1. TRESPASSING. Going onto private lands without getting permission first while hunting, fishing or performing any related activity is illegal. Private lands do not need to be posted or fenced, so it can be difficult to see boundaries. Violators may be suspended for up to 5 years for trespassing. This includes State Land Board properties not leased and signed by CPW, unless permission is given by the lessee.
You must have permission from the landowner to enter private land to retrieve a harvested animal. First, you should try to contact the landowner on your own. If that effort fails, call the local CPW office (inside front cover).
2. Failing to make a reasonable attempt to track and kill animals you wound or may have wounded. Remember that it's against the law to pursue wounded wildlife that goes on private property without first obtaining permission from the landowner or person in charge.
3. Failing to reasonably dress, care for and prepare edible wildlife meat for human consumption. At a minimum, the four quarters, tenderloins and backstraps are edible meat. Internal organs are not considered edible meat.
4. Hunting without a proper license. Anyone who hunts wildlife must have in their possession the appropriate and valid Colorado resident or nonresident license that includes their Customer Identification (CID) number, and must only harvest wildlife of the species and type indicated on the license.
5. Mistakenly killing wildlife. You must report big-game animals unintentionally killed, not due to carelessness or negligence, to a CPW office (inside front cover) (or the local Sheriff 's office after CPW regular hours) before continuing to hunt and as soon as practical. Before contacting CPW, field dress the animal. CPW evaluates the circumstances, including shots fired, species and number of animals present, firearms, ammunition, etc. Big game accidentally killed does not count toward annual bag limits.
6. Not showing evidence of sex. Be sure to leave evidence of sex naturally attached to the carcass. Evidence includes the head, the vulva or the scrotum.
See "Evidence of Sex" on page 16 for more details.
7. Carrying loaded firearms while in or on any motor vehicle. Firearms must be unloaded in the chamber. Muzzleloading rifles are considered unloaded if the percussion cap or shotshell primer is removed, or if the powder is removed from flashpan. It is illegal for anyone to have a loaded electronic-ignition muzzleloader in or on a motor vehicle; the chamber must be unloaded
or the battery must be disconnected and removed from its compartment.
Most accidents involving firearms occur in or near vehicles.
8. Carrying loaded firearms (except handguns) on an OHV during deer, elk, pronghorn and bear seasons. Firearms (except handguns) must be unloaded in the chamber and magazine. Firearms (except handguns) and bows must be fully enclosed in a hard or soft case. Scabbards or cases with open ends or sides are prohibited. This does not apply to landowners or their agents who carry a firearm on an OHV to take depredating wildlife on property they own or lease.
9. Improperly voiding and/or attaching a carcass tag. You must sign and detach the carcass tag from your hunting license immediately following taking your animal. It is illegal to sign or tear the carcass tag before harvest. The tag must also be attached to the animal properly. See "Carcass Tags," page 16.
10. Hunting with rifles, handguns or shotguns firing a single slug, or archery equipment within an area 50 feet on each side of the center line of any state highway or municipal or county road, as designated by the county. Before firing a shot, you must be at least 50 feet off a designated state or county road, and just off U.S. Forest Service or BLM roads. You also cannot shoot across a road.
FELONY OFFENSES:
If convicted of a felony violation, you can face a lifetime license suspension:
▶ To kill and abandon big game. It is illegal to remove only the hide, antlers or
other trophy parts and leave the carcass in the field.
▶ To sell, buy or offer to sell or buy big game.
▶ To solicit someone to illegally kill big game for commercial gain or provide
IT IS ALSO AGAINST THE LAW TO:
▶ Hunt carelessly or discharge a firearm or release an arrow disregarding human life or property.
▶ Hunt outside of legal hunting hours (one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset).
▶ Interfere with hunters. This includes distracting or frightening prey; causing prey to flee by using light or noise; chasing prey on foot or by vehicle; throwing objects; making movements; harassing hunters by using threats or actions; erecting barriers to deny access to hunting areas; intentionally injecting yourself into the line of fire. Violators face prosecution and may have to pay victim’s damages and court costs.
▶ Hunt under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
▶ Operate or ride a snowmobile with a firearm unless it’s completely unloaded and cased, or with a bow unless it’s unstrung or cased. Compound bows must be cased, not unstrung.
▶ Shoot from or use a motor vehicle, motorcycle, off-highway vehicle, snowmobile or aircraft to hunt, intercept, chase, harass or drive wildlife.
▶ Use aircraft to hunt, to direct hunters on the ground or to hunt the same day or day after a flight was made to find wildlife.
▶ For two or more people on the ground, in a vehicle or vessel to use electronic devices to communicate information that violates any wildlife law or regulation.
▶ Use computer-assisted remote technology (any device, equipment or software used to remotely control a weapon, including the Internet) to hunt or fish. Hunters and anglers must be physically present in the immediate vicinity while hunting/ fishing. ▶ Use unmanned or remote-control drones to look for, scout or detect wildlife.
▶ Use live-action game cameras to locate, surveil, or aid/assist in locating/surveiling game wildlife in order to take/try to take wildlife during the same or following day. "Live-action game camera" is any device capable of recording and transmitting photographic/video data wirelessly to a remote device (such as a computer or smart phone). This doesn't include game cameras that record photographic/video data and store such data for later use, as long as the device cannot transmit data wirelessly.
▶ Use artificial light as an aid in hunting.
▶ Use poison, drugs or explosives to hunt or harass wildlife.
▶ Fail to extinguish a campfire completely.
▶ Party hunt (i.e. harvest someone else’s game or let someone harvest yours).
▶ Use dogs. A leashed dog may be used as an aid in locating/recovering wounded big-game animals, except for black bears, with purchase of annual tracking permit.
▶ Hunt big game over bait, whether or not the person hunting personally placed the bait. Bait means to put, expose, distribute or scatter salt, minerals, grain, animal parts or other food as an attraction for big game. Salt or mineral blocks used for normal agricultural purposes are not considered bait. Scent sticks that smell like food are illegal for bears.
▶ Post, sign or indicate that public lands, not under an exclusive-control lease, are private.
▶ Establish a permanent structure or plant vegetation on CPW-owned land or waters. Only portable blinds and tree stands for big-game hunting can be erected on CPW land, and no more than 30 days prior to the season during which they will be used. No nails can be driven into trees. Man-made materials for blinds or stands must be removed within 10 days after the season they are used in ends. The owner’s CID number and dates of use must be visible on outside of portable blinds or underside of tree stands. Placement of blinds or stands does not reserve them for personal use: They may be used on first-come, first-served basis.
LICENSE RESTRICTIONS
FELONY OFFENSES & WEAPONS
Colorado and federal laws prohibit people convicted of certain crimes, including felony offenses and domestic violence-related offenses, from possessing weapons even for hunting. If you’ve been convicted of a crime, check with the appropriate Colorado and federal law enforcement authority to find out how these laws apply to you.
CHILD SUPPORT DELINQUENCY
State and Federal law require a Social Security number to buy a license. It is not displayed on the license but is provided, if requested, to Child Support Enforcement authorities. Hunting and fishing licenses are not issued to those suspended for noncompliance with child support. Any current licenses become invalid if held by an individual who is deemed noncompliant by Child Support Enforcement.
BAG LIMITS
1. BAG LIMITS, LICENSE PURCHASES: The bag and possession limit is the total number of animals you can legally take of each species. Big game taken in Jan. and Feb. seasons set as part of the previous license year’s seasons fall under the previous year’s bag and possession limit. When a license allows hunting in more than one unit, the unit in the hunt code determines the maximum number of licenses a hunter can obtain per year for that species.
2. MOOSE: The lifetime bag limit for bull moose is one, except for auction, raffle or special management licenses.
3. COYOTES: You can hunt coyotes without a small-game license during big-game seasons if you have an unfilled big-game license. You can hunt coyotes only in the same unit, season and manner of take as on your big-game license. Once you fill your big-game license, you must buy a small-game or furbearer license to hunt coyotes. Harvesting a coyote does not void your big-game license.
CARCASS TAGS
▶ You must attach a carcass tag to animals you harvest per instructions on tag. Tags must be signed, dated and detached from the license immediately upon harvest. See image at right for where to sign.
▶ The carcass tag should be attached to the carcass (not to detached hides, horns or antlers carried separately) immediately prior to and during transportation in any vehicle, or while in camp or at a residence or other place of storage. Tags must stay on until meat is processed and remain with meat until consumed.
▶ The carcass tag, when dated, signed and attached to the species lawfully taken or killed and lawfully in possession, authorizes the possession, use, storage, and transportation of the carcass, or any part thereof.
▶ It is illegal to sign the tag before harvesting an animal.
▶Do not remove any parts of a license except the carcass tag only after harvest. Doing so voids the license and you must buy a duplicate. The upper part of the license must be kept by whoever harvested the animal.
▶ If you lose, accidentally destroy or detach the tag, you must buy a duplicate from a CPW office before hunting and prove the loss, detachment or destruction was accidental.
▶ If you have a nonresident big game/fishing combo license, the fishing license is valid after the carcass tag is detached, as long as the rest of the license is intact.
EVIDENCE OF SEX
1. It is illegal to have or transport a big-game carcass without evidence of sex naturally attached. It is illegal to have only detached evidence of sex accompany the carcass. If you submit a deer or elk head for CWD testing, leave evidence of sex on the carcass.
2. EVIDENCE OF SEX IS:
A. BUCK/BULL: Head with antlers or horns attached to carcass; or testicle,scrotum or penis attached to carcass.
B. DOE/COW: Head, udder (mammary) or vulva attached to carcass.
C. BLACK BEAR: Male: testicles or penis. Female: vulva.
3. Heads detached from carcass are not adequate evidence of sex.
4. If a carcass is cut in pieces or deboned, evidence of sex needs to be attached to a quarter or another major part of carcass. All portions must be transported together.
5. Evidence of sex is not required if a donation certificate accompanies less than 20 pounds of meat or after the carcass is cut into processed meat, wrapped and frozen, or stored at licensee’s home.
TIP: If you shoot a young buck or bull with antlers less than 5 inches long, it can be considered “antlerless.” But what do you do about evidence of sex?
▶ Leave the head and antlers naturally attached to a portion of the carcass to prove it meets the requirement.
▶ Leave the testicles attached to a portion of the carcass, and then you can detach the head or skull plate and carry it out with the antlers intact.
TRANSPORTING GAME
1. You can be cited for illegally transporting game animals even if someone else made an error. When you transport carcasses or processed meat:
a. Carcasses must be properly tagged. You must meet evidence of sex and antler-point requirements. Hunters must keep their own license.
b. Carcass tags or donation certificates (for 20 pounds of meat or less) must accompany processed game meat.
2. Carcass tags must be securely attached to carcass, not antlers or horns, or must accompany processed meat.
3. To ship by commercial carrier, the license, photocopy of license, carcass tag or donation certificate must accompany carcass or processed meat.
4. Hunters transporting game through national parks or monuments must follow federal regulations. Contact the National Park Service.
5. Nonresident hunters should follow their home state regulations in place for transporting harvested deer, elk or moose back from a state known to have CWD.
6. See the "Elk" section for antler-point restrictions.
DONATING GAME MEAT
Donation certificates are required for all game-meat donations. Certificates must show names, addresses and telephone numbers of donor and recipient; donor’s hunting license number; species and amounts donated; date of kill; donor’s signature. The certificate can be a simple note; no special form required. It must stay with the meat until completely consumed. Donor and recipient are subject to bag and possession limits. NOTE: A “like license” is a license for exactly the same species, sex, season and method of take as a donor’s license.
1. You can donate to someone WITH or WITHOUT a like license:
a. any amount of processed and packaged game meat, anywhere.
2. You can donate to someone WITHOUT a like license:
a. up to 20 pounds of unprocessed meat, anywhere.
b. more than 20 pounds of unprocessed meat, only at recipient’s home.
3. You can donate to someone WITH a like license:
a. up to 20 pounds of unprocessed meat, anywhere.
b. more than 20 pounds of unprocessed meat, anywhere, only if:
(1) recipient’s license is unfilled, and
(2) recipient’s carcass tag is on the meat. This establishes recipient’s claim to his/her portion of meat and voids his/her license. Donor’s tag must remain with his/her portion. c. the entire carcass, if:
(1) recipient’s license is unfilled, and
(2) donor’s carcass tag and recipient’s like-license carcass tag is on the meat, voiding both licenses.
YOUTH HUNTING
BIG-GAME HUNTING RULES FOR YOUTH
Youth AGES 12–17 who meet hunter education requirements (see page 6) have the opportunity to hunt big game in several ways: through the draw(s) or over the counter for regular seasons for deer, elk, pronghorn and bear; during the youth extended season for female deer, elk or pronghorn; and through youth outreach licenses.
AGE REQUIREMENTS:
▶ Youth ages 12–17 are offered reduced-cost licenses for deer, elk, pronghorn and bear.
▶ At age 11, youth may buy or apply for a license if they will turn 12 before the end of season on the license. Youth cannot hunt with the license until they turn 12.
▶ Youth who get their original license when they
are 17 and later turn 18 may participate in the extended season hunt. Youth hunting rules still apply, even though the hunter is 18 while hunting.
▶ Youth must be 12–17 at time of purchase to buy a youth unlimited or leftover license.
▶ In order to receive a reduced-cost license and/or youth preference in the draw, youth must be 17 or younger at the time of application.
THE DRAW(S): YOUTH DRAW PREFERENCE
▶ A minimum of 15 percent of limited licenses
for doe pronghorn, antlerless and either-sex deer and antlerless elk for each GMU shall be available for youth ages 12–17 who meet hunter education requirements (see page 6).
These licenses are available by draw for all seasons and methods of take, including early and late rifle seasons. Licenses not drawn by youth are available to the public. (The Air Force Academy unit and Ranching for Wildlife hunts are excluded from this.)
Deer, elk, pronghorn and bear opportunities for hunters ages 12–17
▶ Group applications are not accepted.
▶ If youth enter more than one hunt code on their application, ALL HUNT CODES must qualify for youth preference. (See first bullet of this section, bottom left.)
▶ Youth receive preference on ALL HUNT CODES available in the secondary draw.
YOUTH EXTENDED SEASON
Youth may pursue antlerless deer or elk during any rifle season open to antlerless hunts in valid GMUs, as well as hunt pronghorn does during Dec. and the season that runs until Jan. 31, 2022 in GMUs 9 and 191.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
▶ Youth must have an unfilled limited antler-
less deer, antlerless elk or either-sex elk license after their original season ends. Then they may participate in any open rifle antlerless deer or elk hunt that begins after the last day of the season listed on their original license. (Does not include Ranching for Wildlife.)
Youth may hunt in the areas specified on the maps, and must hunt the same species listed on their original license.
▶ NEW Youth can now easily convert their unfilled limited either-sex elk or either-sex pronghorn license (where the season has ended) to a female (antlerless) license through the new online Youth Extended Hunt License Conversion Request form. Find the form here: cpw.state.co.us/youthhunting. Youth can also take their original license to a CPW location to have it converted to an antlerless license before hunting any extended seasons.
▶ Youth hunters 12–15 years old must be accompanied by a mentor who is 18 or older and also
meets hunter education requirements. Youth and mentors must be able to see and hear each other while hunting. Mentors can hunt only if they have a current license valid for the same units and dates the youth will be hunting.
▶ Youth must follow all applicable regulations for any hunts and units they select during the extended season, including season dates and geographic restrictions.
▶ Antlered licenses, over-the-counter licenses and either-sex plains rifle elk licenses may not be converted for extended youth hunting.
YOUTH OUTREACH LICENSES
Youth outreach licenses are offered for deer, elk and pronghorn to qualified organizations sponsoring youth hunting activities. Application procedures:cpw.state.co.us/youthoutreachlicense
