Colorado hunting residency rules

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.

Who counts as a resident

Summary
A standard Colorado resident must live in Colorado for at least six consecutive months immediately before buying or applying for a resident license, with Colorado as their primary residence Source: CPW 2026 Colorado Big Game Hunting brochure, p. 6. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Time required
6 consecutive months Source: CPW 2026 Colorado Big Game Hunting brochure, p. 6. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Proof of residency
A Colorado driver's license or ID issued at least six months earlier; if it is newer than six months, at least two additional forms of residency proof Source: CPW 2026 Colorado Big Game Hunting brochure, p. 6. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Proof of residency
The address used to buy or apply for a license must match the address given for Colorado state income tax purposes Source: CPW 2026 Colorado Big Game Hunting brochure, p. 6. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
When residency ends
You terminate Colorado residency if you apply for, buy or accept a resident hunting, fishing or trapping license issued by another state or foreign country, register to vote outside Colorado, or accept a driver's license that shows an address other than in Colorado Source: CPW 2026 Colorado Big Game Hunting brochure, p. 6. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Other residency types
Other resident types include full-time students and active-duty military (proof: military ID and active orders); spouses and dependents share the member's residency status 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.