Colorado Hunting Seasons & Prices
2026 big-game season dates and license/tag prices.
Colorado offers 2026 hunting seasons for pronghorn, elk, mule deer, whitetail, black bear, and moose across archery, firearm, and muzzleloader methods. Seasons run from August 15 through November 22, 2026. Nonresident tags range from $194.21 to $2,823.53, with resident tags starting around $38.49.
Planning reference only — always confirm dates and prices with the state wildlife agency before applying, buying a license, or hunting.
Season dates
Elk
Mule deer
Whitetail
Pronghorn
Moose
License & tag prices
| Species | Resident | Nonresident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elk | $70.40 | $845.16 | NR: bull/either-sex/cow combo |
| Deer | $51.25 | $506.92 | |
| Pronghorn | $51.25 | $506.92 | |
| Moose | $385.66 | $2,823.53 | Once-in-a-lifetime; draw only |
| Black bear | $64.01 | $302.56 | |
| Turkey | $38.49 | $194.21 | Spring; fall resident $32.11 |
Resident/nonresident adult license fees. A $12.76 habitat stamp and application fees ($8.93 resident / $11.49 nonresident) are extra. Nonresident big-game fees shown include the required fishing-combo. Moose is once-in-a-lifetime and draw-only.
Source: Colorado Parks & Wildlife 2026 Big Game Brochure (cpw.state.co.us)
Colorado hunt units
Explore harvest history, success rates, and draw odds by unit.
Colorado hunting FAQ
- When does elk season open in Colorado in 2026?
- Colorado's 2026 elk archery season opens September 2 and runs through September 30. Always confirm exact dates with the state wildlife agency before hunting.
- What big-game species can you hunt in Colorado?
- In 2026, Colorado has hunting seasons for pronghorn, elk, mule deer, whitetail, black bear, and moose.
- How much is a nonresident elk tag in Colorado?
- A nonresident elk tag in Colorado costs $845.16; the resident price is $70.40.
- When is the Colorado elk application deadline?
- The nonresident elk application deadline in Colorado falls around Apr 7, 2027. Deadlines recur annually — apply before this date to be entered in the draw.
📊 Colorado harvest trends
How Colorado's harvest has moved season to season, from official state reports.