Colorado hunter education

License year: 2026. Each fact shows its own license year, source and the date we checked it. Always confirm with Colorado Parks and Wildlife before you apply.

Hunter education rules

Required if born on or after
Jan. 1, 1949 Required to hunt in Colorado; needed to apply for or buy a license. Source: CPW 2026 Colorado Big Game Hunting brochure, p. 6. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Carrying your card
The hunter education card must be carried while hunting unless it is verified and the license is marked with a "V" Source: CPW 2026 Colorado Big Game Hunting brochure, p. 6. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Exemption
People over age 50, and active-duty U.S. military and veterans, can get a hunter education certificate by testing out (cpw.state.co.us/hunter-education-test-out) Source: CPW 2026 Colorado Big Game Hunting brochure, p. 6. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Apprentice or mentored option
An apprentice certificate is available to hunters at least 10 years old (12 for big game) who must be accompanied by a mentor in the field; this hunter education waiver can be obtained twice in a lifetime Source: CPW 2026 Colorado Big Game Hunting brochure, p. 6. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

Colorado elk and mule deer draw odds by unit: past results from each state agency, with the source for every number.