Colorado hunting regulations

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.

Official regulations

Rules to know

CWD elk
In 2026, CPW requires mandatory CWD test samples (heads) from all elk harvested during any rifle season in select GMUs Source: CPW 2026 Colorado Big Game Hunting brochure, p. 1. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
OTC bear addon
Add-on OTC bear licenses can be bought only with a deer or elk license for the same method of take, with at least one overlapping unit Source: CPW 2026 Colorado Big Game Hunting brochure, p. 66. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Whats new bull elk
Second- and third-season rifle bull elk licenses in GMUs 54, 55 and 551 moved from unlimited over-the-counter to limited (see pp. 48 and 52) Source: CPW 2026 Colorado Big Game Hunting brochure, p. 1. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Fee rule
All 2025 licenses sold through March 2026 are sold at the 2025 license fee Source: CPW Chapter W-0 regulations (as approved May 2026), p. 4. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

What changed

2026
Nonresidents can no longer buy OTC archery elk licenses west of I-25 or in GMU 140 Source: CPW 2026 Colorado Big Game Hunting brochure, p. 1. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
2026
Second- and third-season rifle bull elk in GMUs 54, 55 and 551 moved from OTC to limited Source: CPW 2026 Colorado Big Game Hunting brochure, p. 1. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
2026
Mandatory CWD testing for elk harvested in rifle seasons in select GMUs Source: CPW 2026 Colorado Big Game Hunting brochure, p. 1. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
2026
Backcountry Search and Rescue surcharge raised from $0.25 to $1.25 Source: CPW 2026 Colorado Big Game Hunting brochure, p. 1. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
2028
Approved draw process changes take effect in 2028 Source: CPW 2026 Colorado Big Game Hunting brochure, p. 1. 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.