Hunting License Colorado- Steps to Buy in CO

David Harrison  ·  Updated on May 18, 2025

Hunting LicenseGuidesHunter Education

Follow these straightforward steps to obtain a Colorado hunting license:


CO Hunter Education Certification

Skip having to attend an in-person field-day course with our 3 hour interactive Hunter Safety course.

We provide all the resources to get you fully certified online, and your hunter education certificate is accepted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife for use in Colorado for CO residents and non-residents alike.

After completing the Hunter Ed course and passing the final exam, you’ll receive your temporary Hunter Education Certificate.

We submit your course results to the state. The state will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (Card). This is valid for use in all 50 USA States (including Colorado), Mexico, Canada, and any other country or US Territory that has reciprocity with IHEA-USA & State Issued Hunter Education Certificates.


Select Your CO Hunting License

Colorado offers a variety of hunting licenses for different age groups, residency statuses, and hunting preferences.

Colorado residents and non-residents under the age of 18 may purchase a youth small game license. Colorado residents and non-residents ages 12 to 18 may purchase a youth big game license.

Below is an overview of the primary license types available:​

Resident Licenses

A resident is a person who has lived in Colorado for at least 30 days.A resident is a person who has lived in Colorado for at least six months. Active-duty military members and non-resident full-time students who live in Colorado and attend an educational institution in Colorado are considered residents. All Colorado residents must have a resident hunting license. Additional licenses and permits may be required in accordance with hunting regulations. Residents ages 18 to 64 must purchase the Habitat Stamp in order to buy or apply for a hunting license. Only one stamp is needed for the license year.

  • Annual Small Game License – Required for residents aged 18 and older to hunt small game species statewide.
  • Annual Combination Small Game/Fishing License – Provides both small game hunting and fishing privileges for residents.
  • Big Game Licenses – Specific licenses required to hunt big game species such as deer, elk, bear, and pronghorn; must be obtained through the draw or over-the-counter options.
  • Turkey License – Required to hunt wild turkeys during designated seasons; available through draw or over-the-counter.
  • Turbearer License – Required to trap or hunt furbearer species; must be purchased in addition to other applicable licenses.
  • Resident Lifetime Licenses – Lifetime licenses available for residents, providing long-term hunting and fishing privileges.

Non-Resident Licenses

All non-residents must have a non-resident hunting license. Additional licenses and permits may be required. Non-residents ages 18 to 64 must purchase the Habitat Stamp in order to buy or apply for a hunting license. Only one stamp is needed for the license year.

  • Annual Small Game License – Required for non-residents aged 18 and older to hunt small game species statewide.
  • Annual Combination Small Game/Fishing License – Provides both small game hunting and fishing privileges for non-residents.
  • Big Game Licenses – Specific licenses required to hunt big game species such as deer, elk, bear, and pronghorn; must be obtained through the draw or over-the-counter options.
  • Turkey License – Required to hunt wild turkeys during designated seasons; available through draw or over-the-counter.
  • Furbearer License – Required to trap or hunt furbearer species; must be purchased in addition to other applicable licenses.

Youth Licenses & Requirements

  • Youth Small Game License – Available for residents and non-residents under age 18; required to hunt small game species.
  • Youth Big Game Licenses – Available for hunters aged 12 to 17; allows hunting of big game species such as deer, elk, and pronghorn.
  • Hunter Education Requirement – Individuals born on or after January 1, 1949, must complete an approved hunter education course before applying for or purchasing a Colorado hunting license.
  • Mentored Hunting Program – Allows youth hunters to participate in hunting under the supervision of a licensed adult mentor.

Senior Licenses & Discounts

  • Senior Annual Fishing License – Available at a discounted rate for residents aged 64 and older; provides fishing privileges statewide.
  • Senior Annual Small Game License – Available at a discounted rate for residents aged 64 and older; provides small game hunting privileges statewide.
  • Senior Lifetime Licenses – Lifetime licenses available for seniors, providing long-term hunting and fishing privileges.

Lifetime Licenses

  • Resident Lifetime Combination License – Provides lifetime hunting and fishing privileges for residents; includes small game, fishing, and big game licenses.
  • Resident Lifetime Fishing License – Provides lifetime fishing privileges for residents.
  • Resident Lifetime Small Game License – Provides lifetime small game hunting privileges for residents.

Disability & Military Licenses

  • Disabled Veteran Lifetime Combination License – Available to resident veterans with a service-connected disability of 60% or more; provides lifetime small game hunting and fishing privileges.
  • Mobility-Impaired Hunting Program – Offers special hunting opportunities and accommodations for hunters with mobility impairments.
  • Active-Duty Military Privileges – Active-duty military members stationed in Colorado may be eligible for resident hunting and fishing licenses.

Required Endorsements & Tags

  • Habitat Stamp – Required for all hunters and anglers aged 18 and older; must be purchased with the first license of the year.
  • Big Game Tags – Specific tags required for hunting big game species such as deer, elk, bear, and pronghorn; obtained through draw or over-the-counter options.
  • Turkey Tags – Required to hunt wild turkeys during designated seasons; obtained through draw or over-the-counter options.
  • Waterfowl Stamp – Required for hunting waterfowl species; includes both state and federal stamps.
  • Harvest Information Program (HIP) Registration – Required for hunting migratory birds; must be completed annually.

CO Hunting licenses for small game are good from April 1 to March 31 of the next year. Hunting licenses for big game expire on the expiration date printed on the license.


Where to buy your Colorado Hunting License

To hunt in Colorado, you can purchase your license either online through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) licensing platform or in person through an authorized license agent. A comprehensive list of all in-person approved license agents is available here.

Below are some suggested authorized in-person hunting license agents in the state of Colorado: