Colorado’s 2024 deer hunting season gives exciting chances for hunters. You get to see the beautiful Rocky Mountains and enjoy a hunt that’s fun and rewarding. From different ways to pursue, to many types of scenery, this season is perfect for all, no matter your skills or interests.
The schedule is split into different stages, each with its own features and rules. First, we have the archery season. It’s a thrilling yet demanding time for those who like things old-school. Next up is the muzzleloader season. And finally, the rifle season wraps up the year.
There’s a mix of deer types you might come across. You’ve got mule, white-tailed, and plains deer. Each kind has unique features and lives in different places. This makes hunting truly thrilling and varied.
CO Deer Season Important dates
- Archery
- West of I-25 and Unit 140:
- September 2, 2024 – September 30, 2024
- Plains (East of I-25, except Unit 140):
- October 1, 2024 – October 25, 2024
- November 6, 2024 – November 30, 2024
- December 15, 2024 – December 31, 2024
- Whitetail-Only (Limited):
- October 1, 2024 – October 25, 2024
- November 6, 2024 – November 30, 2024
- December 15, 2024 – December 31, 2024
- West of I-25 and Unit 140:
- Muzzleloader
- Deer:
- September 14, 2024 – September 22, 2024
- Plains (East of I-25, except Unit 140):
- October 12, 2024 – October 20, 2024
- Whitetail-Only (Limited):
- October 12, 2024 – October 20, 2024
- Deer:
- Rifle Season
- Combined (2nd Season):
- October 26, 2024 – November 3, 2024
- Combined (3rd Season):
- November 9, 2024 – November 15, 2024
- Combined Limited (4th Season):
- November 20, 2024 – November 24, 2024
- Plains (East of I-25, except Unit 140):
- October 26, 2024 – November 5, 2024
- December 1, 2024 – December 14, 2024
- Whitetail-Only (Limited):
- October 26, 2024 – November 5, 2024
- December 1, 2024 – December 14, 2024
- Combined (2nd Season):
Colorado Deer Hunting License Fees
Annual Habitat Stamp:
- Required for all residents and nonresidents.
- Fee: $12.15
Application Processing Fee (Limited Licenses):
- Nonrefundable.
- Resident: $8.00
- Nonresident: $10.00
Deer License:
- Resident: $47.91
- Resident Youth: $18.45
- Nonresident: $481.52
- Nonresident Youth: $122.91
Deer/Fishing Combo:
- Available for nonresidents and their youth.
- Includes both a deer license and a fishing license.
- Fees listed above.
CO Deer Regulations
- Hunter Education: Were you born after January 1, 1949? You’ll need to get certified to apply for a license or draw.
- Big Game: You’ve got a choice of 10 animals to hunt, including deer (both mule and white-tailed), elk, pronghorn, moose, and bear.
- Zones: We’ve split our area into Game Management Units (GMUs). Choose your GMU and start your hunt.
- Times: We have seasons for archery, muzzleloader, and rifle/related methods.
- Limited Licenses: Each GMU comes with a limit. You can secure your place through a draw or buy leftover licenses.
- Unlimited Licenses: Good news! You can get over-the-counter licenses for elk, pronghorn, and bear.
- Bonus Points: Don’t bag your first choice? No worries, you still earn points for future draws.
- Testing: Warning! Some deer need to be tested for CWD if they’re harvested during rifle seasons.
Youth Hunting in Colorado:
- The Basics: Kids between 12-17 can go after big game. They just need a license and a hunter education certificate.
- Special Prices: There are less expensive licenses for young hunters.
- Looking Out for You: If between 12-15 years old, a grown-up mentor must accompany you. This person must have a legitimate license.
- For the Kids: 15% of some limited licenses are kept for youngsters. Some pursuing grounds (GMUs) have more for youth hunters.
- Extra Time: If you still have a license for antlerless or mixed-game, you get to hunt longer. During rifle seasons, you can switch to only taking antlerless.
- Big Bucks: The licenses for antlered animals? You can’t use them in the extra time.
- Free and Clear: During open rifle season, young hunters can go after antlerless game in any valid GMU.
Big Game Species Identification:
- Before letting your shot go, be sure you’ve correctly identified your target. Swap your scope for binoculars.
- Practice distinguishing between mule and white-tailed species.
- Tread lightly when dealing with young ones: A moose calf can easily be mistaken for a cow elk, and it’s best to avoid targets if they’re bears with cubs.
- Take responsibility for mishaps: In case you bag the wrong animal, field dress it immediately and get in touch with your local wildlife officials.
Mule vs. White-Tailed Species:
- Tail Details: Mule types have long, rope-like tails with black ends. In contrast, white-tailed types have wide, brown tails with white edges.
- Antler Shape: Mule types usually have forking antlers, while white-tailed types have a main branch with tines shooting upwards.
- Ear Size: Mule types have bigger ears compared to their heads, but white-tailed types have tinier ears.
- Movement: Mule types bounce along with rigid legs and tails pointed down, while white-tailed types run smoothly, often lifting their tails.
- Regions: You can find Mule types anywhere in the state. On the other hand, white-tailed types are mostly seen on the Eastern Plains.
Additional Big Game Hunting Opportunities:
- Booking System for Hunting (BSH): Necessary for large wildlife games on certain grounds.
- Program for Public Access to Big Game: Presents pursuing possibilities on selected eastern Colorado lands during distinct seasons.
- Fishers Peak Park Features: Includes deer, but only by draw permit.
Shed Antler Collection:
- Public land west of the I-25: No gatherings from January to April. You can collect from May until December, but there might be exceptions.
- Private land west of the I-25: You’re allowed to gather at any time if you get lawful access.
- Land east of the I-25, be it public or private: Again, you’re allowed anytime with lawful access.
- Always double-check any unique restrictions from public land management before you set off for shed hunting.
Ranching for Wildlife (RFW):
- Colorado has a unique system where citizens can obtain Public Ranching for Wildlife licenses through a lottery.
- These prized licenses are ranch and season-specific.
- If you’re lucky enough to snag one, you can roam freely on the ranch of issue – landowners don’t charge a dime!
- But remember, each ranch has its own rules. Go over these meticulously before your application.
Outreach Licenses:
- Youth (12-17): Available to approved groups for learning about hunting.
- Beginner Adults (18+): Available to approved groups for hunter education.
- On a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis on private property.
Dream Hunt Licenses:
- Hunters aged 12-21 who have qualifying illnesses can use this for deer, elk, pronghorn, mountain lion, and bear.
- It only works from August 15 to January 31.
- If you want to hunt on private property, you need written permission from the landowners.
- The group that’s supporting the hunter has to write down the hunter’s condition. They also need to send requests to CPW.
Legal Game Hours:
- From 30 minutes before the sun comes up to 30 minutes after it goes down, unless stated differently.
Guides & Outfitters:
- They must be registered, bonded, and insured in Colorado.
- They need permits to work on public land.
Hunter Orange Requirement:
- When pursuing certain big game, wear at least 500 square inches of fluorescent orange or pink material.
- It’s suggested archery hunters wear orange during overlapping seasons for safety.
Additional Regulations:
- While outdoors, remember to have your hunter education card with you.
- Upon taking an animal, sign and remove your carcass tag right away.
- Make sure your off-road vehicles (OHVs) are registered or hold a valid permit if used on public lands.
- Locate and mark the spot of your harvest using GPS, particularly when hunting moose and bear.
- Gain a health clearance for horses being moved into Colorado from another state.
- Report sightings of any big-game creature possessing a collar or ear tag to CPW.
Top Colorado Locations for Deer
Western Colorado:
- San Juan Mountains: These tough mountains are teeming with animals, making them great for mule deer and elk trips. Several national forests and wild areas promise a pure, untouched adventure.
- Grand Mesa: This vast, flat region is a favorite amongst enthusiasts. With a variety of habitats and countless possibilities, Grand Mesa National Forest is a fantastic place to pinpoint deer.
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Known for its incredible canyon vistas, this park is also great for observing deer. The rough terrain and varied animals make it both difficult and fulfilling.
Central Colorado:
- Sawatch Range: This tall mountain stretch is perfect for deer-spotting. With many national forests and wilderness zones, it has lots to offer.
- Roaring Fork Valley: Loved by townsfolk and travelers, this valley is excellent for those hunting deer. It houses many state and national woods, forming a mix of living spaces.
Eastern Colorado:
- Pawnee National Grassland: A vast field, perfect for spotting creatures of the plain. Its openness and myriad of wildlife make it special.
- Cheyenne Wells: Well-placed for deer sightings, this petite town has an open door to public and private hunting grounds, home to plains and mule deer alike.
- Fort Morgan: A city loved by enthusiasts, offering access to public and private hunting grounds alike. Here, you’ll find a variety of plains and white-tailed deer.
Author and Chief Editor at WikiDeer.Us
William Brantley, the lead writer and editor-in-chief at WikiDeer.Us, has more than ten years of deer hunting know-how. An outdoor enthusiast, William provides top recommendations, gear evaluation, and methods to assist hunters in sharpening their abilities and achieving fruitful pursuits.
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