Colorado Hunting Licenses Available
Colorado's 2026 big game hunting and fishing licenses are now available for purchase. The licenses signal the start of planning season for outdoor enthusiasts eager to lock in prime dates and permits, with demand expected to be high for deer, elk, and other tags.
The primary draw for most big game species, including elk and deer, has a firm deadline of 8 p.m. MT on April 7, 2026. Colorado uses a preference point system for many coveted licenses, where hunters accumulate points for each unsuccessful application, increasing their odds in future drawings. A secondary draw for remaining licenses will take place from June 18-30, with leftover licenses becoming available for purchase in early August. For the 2026 season, non-resident archery elk licenses for hunting units west of I-25 are no longer available over-the-counter and are now draw-only to manage overcrowding. Hunting and fishing are major economic drivers for Colorado, contributing over $3.25 billion to the state's economy annually and supporting more than 25,000 jobs. This economic activity benefits all 64 counties, rivaling the revenue generated by the ski industry. Revenue from license sales is the primary funding source for Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), which does not receive general tax dollars for its wildlife management programs. These funds, along with federal excise taxes on hunting and fishing gear, support everything from habitat restoration to species conservation efforts. A required $12.76 Habitat Stamp, purchased with the first license of the season, directly funds the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program. Since 2006, this program has invested millions to protect hundreds of thousands of acres of wildlife habitat and secure public access for recreation. Colorado is home to the largest elk herd in the world, with a population estimated at more than 280,000 animals. Conversely, the state's mule deer population has been a focus of management efforts, as herd numbers have been below statewide population objectives. For the 2026 seasons, CPW will require mandatory Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing for all elk harvested during rifle seasons in specific hunting units to monitor the health of the herds. There will be no mandatory CWD testing for deer this year. Following 2025 legislation, bison are now officially classified as a big game species in Colorado. However, CPW is not proposing any regular bison hunting seasons for 2026 as management plans are still in development.
