Colorado Big Game Hunting

Deer, elk and bear hunting in Colorado

Help the DOW Stop Poachers

It is tough for wildlife across Colorado to weather the winter snow and temperatures, but deer, elk and other big game animals have an extra challenge to face this winter: poaching. Big game, particularly deer and elk, are more vulnerable during the winter because they gather in large herds in winter range areas where food sources are available. As a result, deer and elk are highly visible to people. Wildlife officers step up their efforts during the winter to catch poachers. However, wildlife officers have large patrol areas so help from the public is needed and gladly accepted.

Poachers rarely kill for meat. Wildlife officers often find headless carcasses or carcasses with only the antlers removed. This illegal harvest of bucks and bulls affects the overall health of the herd.

Poachers often work back roads, looking for areas where deer and elk gather. If you see vehicles traveling slowly along roads or unusual activity at night, call the nearest Division of Wildlife office or any other law enforcement agency.

Even if you merely suspect illegal activity, you should call with as much information as possible. You can call Operation Game Thief toll free at 1-877-COLO-OGT or 1-877-265-6648. Don't attempt to intervene or confront anyone.

For more information about OGT and what you can do to help, see the Operation Game Thief page. Check out the Turn in Poachers Program that allows people who turn in poachers to receive preference points or even licenses in some cases. See Current Cases for investigations currently seeking further information.

Suggested Big Game Hunting Areas

A great thing about living and hunting in Colorado is the vast amount of public land open to hunting, but with so many options, choosing a location can quickly turn into a chore.

Hunter outreach coordinator for the Division of Wildlife (DOW), Jim Bulger, asked DOW officers to suggest areas big game hunters may want to consider. suggested hunting areas

Big Game License Options

Check out Colorado Big Game License Options for a list of license options, including Limited Licenses, Over-the-Counter Licenses, Private-Land-Only Licenses and more. Also find out what you need to do before you purchase or apply for a license.

Western Slope Big Game Hunting Guides Available

Containing statistics, directories, hunting tips, special advisories, local area shooting ranges and much more, the NW Colorado and the SW Colorado Big Game Hunting Guides include valuable tips and resources for big game hunters. With practical information like terrain and weather, big game hunters will be well equipped for each hunting excursion.

Harvested Lion & Bear Tooth-Age Data

Mountain lion and bear age data from teeth submitted during mandatory checks is provided online so hunters can look up the age of their harvested animal by seal number. This is the only way for hunters to find this information. For privacy reasons, hunter�s names are not posted.

2008-2009 Lion Tooth-Age Data list (PDF)
Bear Tooth-Age Data list available in May

Mule Deer Aging Project

Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2007 and 2008 mule deer aging project! Last year a total of 214 teeth were returned and sent for laboratory analysis to determine exact age. Visit the Mule Deer Aging Project page for more information and updates.

Reduce Potential Exposure to Lead in Game Meat
Meat Harvested with Lead Ammunition

TA recent study in North Dakota has raised concerns about the potential risk of exposure to lead associated with eating wild game harvested with lead bullets. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Colorado Division of Wildlife provide recommendations to minimize exposure to lead in wild game. Read more information and recommendations (pdf).

Attention Muzzleloaders

NEW from 2008: Electronic or battery-powered devices cannot be incorporated into or attached to muzzleloader during muzzleloading seasons. Initially, the electronic ignition muzzleloader was considered legal during muzzleloading season, however, the Wildlife Commission ruled in January 2008 that it is not legal during the muzzleloading season. It is illegal for anyone, except if authorized, to have a loaded electronic-ignition muzzleloader in or on a motor vehicle unless the chamber is unloaded or the battery is disconnected and removed from its compartment.

Things to remember

When hunters and anglers purchase a hunting or fishing license, they will also need to purchase a Habitat Stamp. When purchased with a license, the cost is $5, and is required on the first two licenses purchased in a calendar year.
If you bought a license in 2003 or afterwards, your Customer Identification Number (CID) is on the license. If you have a Conservation Certificate (CC), you can still use that number to apply. The number is in the upper right corner of the CC.
As required by the Colorado support Enforcement Act, established by HB 97-1205 and implemented through 24-33-110 C.R.S., your Social Security number (SSN) is required to purchase or apply for all DOW licenses. Your SSN is not shown on your license. It is provided when requested to the Colorado Department of Human Services, Child Support Enforcement, as required by law and is used to enforce the law.
Each year the Colorado Wildlife Commission meets in January to make final decisions on possible new regulation changes pertaining to hunting. Hunters need to be aware that new regulations may apply each year. Be sure to check the big game season information brochure for more specific information.

Courtesy of the
Colorado Division of Wildlife

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