When Is Bow Hunting Season in Colorado: Dates and Rules

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Colorado Hunting Structure
3. Big Game Archery Season Dates
4. Small Game and Turkey Archery Seasons
5. Essential Gear for the Colorado Archery Hunter
6. Scouting and Physical Preparation
7. Rules, Safety, and Ethics
8. Why We Hunt the Colorado Backcountry
9. Conclusion
10. FAQ

Introduction

There is a specific kind of silence found only in the Colorado high country just before dawn. You are glassing a meadow, the air is thin at 10,000 feet, and the only sound is your own breathing. For bow hunters, this is the pinnacle of the outdoor experience. Navigating the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains requires more than just a sharp eye; it demands precise timing and a deep understanding of state regulations. At BattlBox, we know that success in the field begins months before you ever release an arrow. If you want to keep building that kind of readiness, expert-curated gear delivered monthly is a smart place to start. This guide covers the specific dates for big game and small game archery, the intricacies of the Colorado licensing system, and the essential gear you need to survive the backcountry. Preparation is the difference between a story about "the one that got away" and a successful harvest.

Quick Answer: Most big game archery seasons in Colorado, including elk, deer, and bear, run from September 2 to September 30. Pronghorn archery season typically starts earlier, running from August 15 to September 20.

Understanding the Colorado Hunting Structure

Colorado does not have a single start date for all hunting. Instead, the state uses a complex system of Game Management Units (GMUs). These are specific geographic areas used by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to manage wildlife populations. Before you head out, you must know exactly which GMU your license covers. If you want a deeper primer on setup and selection, How to Choose the Right Hunting Bow is a solid place to begin.

The state operates on a five-year Big Game Season Structure. This provides predictability for hunters, but dates still shift slightly every year to align with the calendar. For the 2025–2029 period, archery hunters can generally expect their seasons to fall in the late summer and early autumn. If you're still narrowing down your rig, What Bow Should I Buy for Hunting? is a helpful next step.

License Types and the Draw System

Most archery licenses in Colorado are Limited Licenses. This means there is a set number of tags available for a specific GMU. You typically apply for these through a "Primary Draw" in the spring (usually by early April).

If you miss the draw, you might look for Over-the-Counter (OTC) licenses. These are not restricted in quantity but are often limited to specific units and seasons. For elk, OTC archery licenses are common, though the state has recently moved to limit these in certain high-pressure areas to protect herd health. For a broader look at field-ready bow advice, read How to Hunt with Bow and Arrow.

Key Takeaway: Always check the current year’s Big Game Brochure from CPW to confirm if your preferred GMU has moved from an OTC status to a Limited Draw status.

Big Game Archery Season Dates

Big game is the primary draw for archers in the Centennial State. Because archery is a more challenging method of take, the seasons are often longer and occur earlier than rifle seasons. This allows bow hunters to catch animals like elk and deer during the rut—the breeding season when they are most active and vocal.

Elk and Deer Archery

For 2025 and 2026, the dates remain consistent for these two flagship species.

• 2025 Dates: September 2 – September 30
• 2026 Dates: September 2 – September 30

The September window is ideal because it overlaps with the elk rut. Hunting elk with a bow during the rut often involves "calling," using bugles or cow calls to lure a bull into range. For another perspective on season planning, check What Is the Best Bow and Arrow for Hunting?

Pronghorn Archery

Pronghorn, often called antelope, live in the flat, open plains and high-desert basins. Because they rely on eyesight and speed, bow hunting them is notoriously difficult.

• 2025 Dates: August 15 – September 20
• 2026 Dates: August 15 – September 20

Moose Archery

Moose tags are some of the most coveted in the state. They are almost exclusively limited-draw licenses.

• 2025 Dates: September 6 – September 30
• 2026 Dates: September 12 – September 30 (Note the slight shift in start day)

Black Bear Archery

Bear hunting in Colorado is an excellent way to fill the freezer and manage predator populations. Archery bear season usually runs concurrently with elk and deer seasons.

• 2025 Dates: September 2 – September 30
• 2026 Dates: September 2 – September 30

Small Game and Turkey Archery Seasons

While big game gets the headlines, small game offers a longer season and more frequent opportunities to get into the field.

Wild Turkey

Colorado offers two turkey seasons: Spring and Fall.

• Spring Turkey: This is the more popular season. It typically runs from mid-April through May. For 2025, dates are roughly April 12 to May 31.
• Fall Turkey: This season often begins on September 1 and runs through October. It provides a great secondary option for those already in the field for elk.

Other Small Game

• Cottontail Rabbits and Squirrels: These seasons usually open on October 1 and run through the end of February.
• Coyotes: These can be hunted year-round in Colorado with a small game license, though some restrictions apply during big game seasons.

Note: If you are hunting coyotes during a big game season with a bow, ensure you have a small game license and have completed the Harvest Information Program (HIP) survey.

Essential Gear for the Colorado Archery Hunter

The Colorado wilderness is unforgiving. When you are miles from the nearest trailhead, your gear is your lifeline. We emphasize carrying items that serve multiple purposes and are built for durability.

The Archery Kit

Your bow is only one part of the equation. You need to ensure your broadheads (the sharp tips on your arrows) are razor-sharp and legal for use in Colorado. The state requires broadheads to have a minimum of two steel cutting edges and a specific width. Mechanical broadheads are legal, but many traditionalists prefer fixed blades for their reliability when hitting heavy bone.

Navigation and Survival

Backcountry navigation is critical. While many use GPS apps, we always recommend carrying a physical map and a compass as a backup.

• Rangefinder: At high altitudes and in steep terrain, distance is deceptive. A rangefinder with angle compensation is vital for an ethical shot.
• Flashlight: A Powertac E3R Nova - 820 Lumen Rechargeable Flashlight gives you a compact light source when dusk, fog, or an unexpected hike out stretch the day longer than planned.
• IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit): Your kit should include a tourniquet (a device to stop severe bleeding) and pressure bandages. In an environment where you are carrying sharp broadheads and knives, a deep cut can become a life-threatening emergency quickly.
• Water Purification: Don't rely on carrying all your water. Bring a high-quality filter or purification tablets. The VFX All-In-One Filter fits that role well.

Cutting Tools

A fixed-blade knife is essential for field dressing. Folding knives are great for EDC (Everyday Carry), but a fixed blade is easier to clean and won't fail when you are processing an elk. A dedicated tool like the Spyderco Ronin 2 - Custom-Molded Boltaron Sheath - Plain Edge - FB09GP2 keeps that job simple.

Bottom line: Your gear should be tested long before you hit the trail. The middle of a September storm at 11,000 feet is the wrong time to find out your rain shell leaks or your stove doesn't work.

Scouting and Physical Preparation

Success in bow hunting is 90% preparation and 10% execution. Because you need to get within 40 yards (or closer) of your target, you must understand their patterns. For another gear-focused refresher, What to Look for in a Hunting Bow is worth a read.

How to Scout for the Archery Season

Step 1: Digital Scouting. Use tools like the Colorado Hunting Atlas to identify water sources, north-facing slopes (where elk hide in the heat), and access points. If you want a practical walk-through, How to Pick a Bow for Hunting is a useful companion piece. Step 2: Physical Scouting. If possible, visit your GMU in July or August. Look for "sign"—droppings, tracks, and "rubs" (where elk have scraped their antlers against trees). Step 3: Observation. Use high-quality optics to glass meadows at dawn and dusk. Note the direction animals move when they are disturbed.

Physical Conditioning

Colorado's terrain is steep, and the air is thin. You will likely be hiking several miles a day with a heavy pack.

• Cardio: Focus on incline hiking or a stair climber.
• Weighted Rucks: Practice hiking with a pack that weighs at least 30–40 pounds.
• Altitude: If you live at sea level, arrive a few days early to acclimate before the season starts.

Myth: You can just "walk yourself into shape" during the hunt. Fact: Most hunters who are not physically prepared quit by day three due to exhaustion or altitude sickness.

Rules, Safety, and Ethics

Hunting in Colorado is a privilege, and following the rules ensures that the tradition continues.

Hunter Education

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1949, must complete an approved hunter education course before purchasing a license. Colorado recognizes certifications from other states and even offers an online-only option for those over 18.

The "Orange" Rule

During the archery-only seasons, bow hunters are not required to wear fluorescent orange or pink. However, there is often an overlap with muzzleloader season in mid-September. During this overlap, while still not legally required for archers, many choose to wear a bright hat or vest when moving through thick timber for safety.

Fire Safety

September in Colorado is often dry. Stage 1 or Stage 2 fire restrictions are common. If you're building out a kit for that reality, the Fire Starters collection is a practical place to start.

• Stage 1: Campfires are only allowed in permanent fire grates in developed campgrounds.
• Stage 2: All campfires are banned. You may only use pressurized liquid or gas stoves for cooking.

Important: Always check the local Forest Service or BLM office for current fire restrictions before lighting any flame. A single spark in dry timber can lead to a catastrophic wildfire.

Why We Hunt the Colorado Backcountry

Bow hunting in Colorado is more than just a search for meat or trophies. It is a test of self-reliance. It forces you to refine your skills, from stalking quietly through dry "dark timber" to managing your gear in a localized mountain thunderstorm.

Our mission is to ensure you are equipped for these moments. Whether you are a "Basic" tier subscriber looking for your first reliable fire starter or a "Pro Plus" member carrying a premium fixed-blade knife, the goal is the same: being ready for whatever the mountain throws at you. The gear we curate is chosen because it performs in these exact scenarios. If that approach matches how you prepare, choose your BattlBox subscription.

Conclusion

Knowing when bow hunting season starts in Colorado is only the first step. For 2025, mark September 2 on your calendar for most big game, but remember that the work starts much earlier. You must navigate the draw system, scout your GMU, and ensure your physical fitness is up to the task of the Rockies.

• Confirm your dates: Most big game runs Sept 2–30.
• Get your tags: Apply in the spring or watch the leftover list in August.
• Pack the essentials: Prioritize navigation, first aid, and water purification gear.
• Build redundancy: Keep AquaPodKit Emergency Water Storage on hand for longer trips.
• Respect the land: Follow fire restrictions and keep a Pull Start Fire Starter in your kit.

"The best bow hunter isn't the one with the most expensive bow, but the one who is still in the woods on the final day of the season."

To get the expert-curated gear you need for your next backcountry mission, explore our BattlBox subscription options

FAQ

Can I use a bow during the Colorado rifle season?

Yes, you can use a bow during any rifle season, but you must possess a valid rifle license for that season and GMU. You must also follow all rifle season regulations, including wearing at least 500 square inches of solid fluorescent orange or pink and a matching hat.

How do I get an archery elk tag if I missed the draw?

If you missed the Primary Draw in April, you can check the "Secondary Draw" in June or the "Leftover List" which typically goes on sale in early August. Additionally, many GMUs offer Over-the-Counter (OTC) archery tags that can be purchased online or at a local retailer right up until the season begins.

What is the minimum draw weight for a bow in Colorado?

For big game hunting in Colorado, your handheld bow must have a draw weight of at least 35 pounds. Additionally, for elk and moose, the broadheads must have at least two steel cutting edges and a cutting diameter of at least 7/8 of an inch.

Is a crossbow legal during the Colorado archery season?

Generally, no. Crossbows are not legal during the archery-only seasons in Colorado unless you have a specific ADA-certified disability permit from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. However, crossbows are legal for use by any hunter during the regular rifle seasons.