📅 2025–2026 Season⏱ 6 min read✅ Verified against Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Colorado Hunting License & Hunter Education Requirements

Everything a first-time hunter needs to get licensed in Colorado: whether you need hunter education, which course formats are available, what licenses cost, and where to buy. Current for the 2025–2026 season.

Colorado Hunter Education: Do You Need It?

FactorAnswer
Birth year cutoff (residents born before this are exempt)1949
Exemption applies toJan 1, 1949
Online-only course accepted?Hybrid — field day required
Apprentice/mentorship license available?Limited — see details below
Military/veteran exemption?Check our full guide
Official course registrationcpw.state.co.us ↗

Colorado Hunting License Costs (2025–2026)

📌 Cost Summary From $30 resident / $56 nonresident (+ draw tags)
License TypeResidentNon-Resident
Base Annual Hunting License$30$56
Hunter Education Course$9.96$9.96
Federal Duck Stamp (waterfowl only)$25$25

Where to Buy Your Colorado Hunting License

  • Online: cpw.state.co.us — fastest option, license available immediately
  • In person: Walmart sporting goods, Bass Pro, Cabela's, independent sporting goods stores
  • State offices: Colorado Parks & Wildlife regional offices — best for complex situations (military exemptions, lifetime licenses)

Step-by-Step: Getting Your First Colorado Hunting License

  1. Confirm your hunter education status

    Use our Requirement Finder or check the table above. If born before 1949, you may be exempt.

  2. Complete hunter education if required

    Register at cpw.state.co.us. Course: Hybrid — field day required. Cost: $9.96.

  3. Purchase your license online

    Go to cpw.state.co.us, create an account, enter your certificate number, and select your license type. Resident base license: $30.

  4. Add required tags for your target species

    Deer, turkey, and elk require separate tags in most cases. Check the Colorado hunting regulations digest at cpw.state.co.us for current tag requirements and season dates.

  5. Download and save your license

    Print a backup or save to your phone. Most Colorado game wardens accept digital licenses, but having a printed copy is always safe.

✅ Colorado Insider Note Colorado's draw system for elk and mule deer is competitive. First-time nonresidents should target over-the-counter antlered elk licenses in certain units for a more accessible first western hunt.

Frequently Asked Questions — Colorado

Yes. Colorado recognizes IHEA-accredited hunter education certificates from all 50 states. If you completed your course in another state, your certificate number is valid when purchasing a Colorado license. You do not need to retake the course.
Yes — Colorado licenses are available online at cpw.state.co.us. You can purchase the same day and begin hunting immediately (assuming it's an open season). Digital licenses are accepted by Colorado game wardens.
Colorado has a once-per-lifetime apprentice license for uncertified hunters hunting under licensed adult supervision (18+). See our full guide: Apprentice & Mentorship License Programs.
Visit cpw.state.co.us and use the certificate lookup tool, or try the national lookup at hunter-ed.com/records-lookup. If your record isn't found online, contact Colorado Parks & Wildlife directly. See our full guide: Lost Hunter Ed Certificate Replacement.
Informational Disclaimer: License costs, season dates, and requirements are updated annually by Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Always verify current rules at cpw.state.co.us before purchasing a license.