How Much Does a Colorado Hunting License Cost?

June 18, 2026

Bighorn sheep on a mountain, how much does an Colorado hunting license cost concept.

The cost of a Colorado hunting license depends on where you live, what species you want to hunt, and whether you're applying through the draw or buying an over-the-counter option.

For 2026, non-resident big game licenses are much more expensive than the resident licenses. Adult elk licenses run about $825.03 for non-residents compared to $51.25-$60 for residents. Deer licenses run about $494.47 for non-residents and about $49.15 for residents. Additionally, most hunters should expect to pay the annual Habitat Stamp fee of $12.76.

Application fees, preference point costs, travel, draw system pricing, and hunter education courses can all shape your final number. Keep reading to see how that breaks down.

Colorado Hunting License Costs — Quick Facts
Adult Resident License Costs $51.25–$385.66	Adult Non-resident License Costs $302.56–$2,823.53	Additional Costs Habitat Stamp, Application fees, Preference Point fee, Hunter Education
Who Needs One Anyone ages 12+ who hunts in Colorado

Bull elk walks away in a field, cost of Colorado hunting license concept. — *Zack McQueen photography*

How Much Does a Colorado Hunting License Cost?

Colorado hunting costs vary widely depending on residency, species, and license type. The biggest divide is between resident and non-resident pricing for big game.

Residents pay much less (up to hundreds of dollars) for deer, elk, and bear licenses than non-residents.

So, how much does a Colorado hunting license cost for you versus another person? Prices vary, since Colorado attracts so many traveling hunters.

If you're planning a deer or elk trip from out of state, you're often paying for a chance at a hunt you have been thinking about for years. That makes it even more important to understand the full cost.

Colorado Big Game Base License Fees
	Residents	Non-Residents
Elk	$70.40	$845.16
Deer	$51.25	$506.92
Bear	$64.01	$302.56 (includes fishing license)
Moose	$385.66	$2,823.53 (moose/fishing combo)
Youth Ages 12–17 (Elk, deer, or pronghorn license)	$20.30	$130.07

These numbers show that big game hunting in Colorado is fairly affordable for residents. But it becomes a much larger investment for non-residents.

Moose and elk are especially expensive for traveling hunters, which is why we think it’s smart for you to treat your Colorado trip as a long-range planning project.

Colorado Small Game Hunting License Costs

Small game costs are much lower than big game prices, but there is still a resident/non-resident split.

Non-resident small game license: About $101.54
Resident small game license: About $36.68

For some hunters, small game can be a more approachable way to hunt Colorado without committing to the cost and complexity of a major draw hunt. It can also be a good fit if you want to learn the state, scout a county, or gain experience before investing in a larger big game trip.

Application Fees and Additional Costs

The license price is not the only cost in Colorado. There are several required extra costs that many hunters need to budget for.

Additional Colorado Hunting Fees:

The annual Habitat Stamp is mandatory and costs $12.76.
There’s a non-refundable application fee of $11.49 per species.
For non-residents building points, the preference point fee is $100.
A $0.25 Search and Rescue Fee
A $1.50 Wildlife Education Fee

These extras matter because they can add up, especially if you apply for multiple species over multiple years. Unlike some of the simpler annual-license states, many hunters aren’t just paying to hunt this season. They're also paying into a longer-term strategy and trying to draw a better tag later.

Key Cost Takeaways

There are a few big takeaways that shape the total cost to hunt in Colorado:

Residency matters a lot because non-residents pay much more.
Species matters because elk and moose hunting licenses come at a premium.
License type matters because draw hunts and OTC hunts can involve different costs and planning.

If you're a non-resident planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, these details matter even more. We recommend building your budget around the full process, not a single license cost.

Hunter draws a bow while in the brush, Colorado hunting license cost concept. — *John Dudley hunting in Colorado.*

What Is a Colorado Hunting License?

A Colorado hunting license is a legal permit issued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) that allows you to hunt wildlife in the state.

Your license does more than just let you hunt. It also identifies the species you're allowed to pursue, the hunting unit or area, and the season and method you're using, such as archery or rifle.

That structure is a big part of how CPW manages hunting pressure and regulates access across a state with high demand.

That is especially important in Colorado, which is a major destination for traveling hunters. The Colorado licensing system helps keep hunts organized, regulated, and tied to conservation goals.

What Is Required to Get a Hunting License?

Before you can hunt in Colorado, you need to make sure you meet the state's requirements.

Hunter Education Certification

Colorado requires a hunter education certification for most hunters born on or after January 1, 1949. This course covers firearm safety, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices.

Hunters can usually complete this through online coursework, with an in-person field day in some cases, or through traditional in-person classes.

This is one of the first things you should handle before thinking about tags, units, or draw strategy.

Other Planning Considerations

Colorado is one of those states where the license itself is only the baseline. You'll need to know which species you want to hunt, which unit fits your goals, and whether the hunt is available through the draw or over the counter.

So, getting ready for a Colorado hunt often starts earlier than you expect. If you wait too long, you may miss important deadlines or end up with fewer options than you wanted.

Bow lays across buck deer on the ground after hunt, Colorado hunting license cost concept.

Who Needs a Hunting License?

Both residents and non-residents need a hunting license to hunt in Colorado. That applies to big game such as elk, deer, bear, and moose, as well as to small game such as migratory birds and waterfowl.

There are some limited exceptions. Certain landowners may qualify in specific cases, and some youth under supervised conditions may fall under different rules depending on their situation.

Youth hunters ages 12-17 still need licenses, although they often qualify for reduced rates.

For most hunters, though, the rule is straightforward. If you plan to hunt in Colorado, you'll need a valid hunting license that matches your species, unit, season, and method.

How to Get a Colorado Hunting License

Colorado's process is more structured than a simple buy-and-go system, especially for big game.

The sequence here matters. Follow this blueprint.

How to Get a Colorado Hunting License

Complete a hunter education course if it’s required.
Choose your species and hunting unit.
Apply through the draw system for limited licenses.
Purchase your license if you're successful.

Many hunters who dream of hunting in Colorado focus first on the animal they want to hunt. But the real process starts with eligibility, deadlines, and unit choices.

Important Details for Colorado Hunting Licenses

For deer, elk, and pronghorn, the application deadline is April 1 at 8 PM Mountain Time. Colorado uses a draw system for many limited licenses, and preference points can improve your odds over time.

Colorado also offers some OTC licenses for certain elk and bear hunts, usually in selected units. Those hunts can be a useful entry point for hunters who don’t want to wait on a long draw strategy, but they still require research and planning.

For traveling hunters, this is where Colorado can get confusing. You're not always just buying a license. In many cases, you're choosing a unit, considering points, and planning for years.

Why It's Important to Have a Hunting License

A hunting license supports the whole structure that keeps Colorado hunting regulated and sustainable.

First, it helps with legal compliance. Hunting without the proper license can lead to fines, penalties, or loss of hunting privileges. If you ask us, that's reason enough to make sure your paperwork is right before you step into the woods.

Second, license fees help fund habitat protection and species management. Colorado's wildlife resources depend on those dollars. In a state with so much pressure from resident and traveling hunters, funding is crucial.

A license also supports ethical hunting by helping enforce fair chase standards and regulated harvest. On top of all that, license revenue supports the upkeep of public hunting areas, which matters a lot in a state where access to and opportunities on public land are such a big part of the appeal.

Close-up of hunter holding turkey on their back after hunt.

Take an Online Hunter Education Course to Get Your Hunting License in Colorado

Colorado offers incredible hunting opportunities, but it also comes with a more structured system than many hunters expect. So, how much does a Colorado hunting license cost for you?

It'll vary a lot depending on whether you're a resident or non-resident, which species you want to hunt, and whether your hunt is part of the draw or available over the counter.

Whether you're a resident or traveling from out of state, knowing the full cost and process can help you make the most of your hunt. If you need to meet the education requirement, taking the Hunter-Ed course for Colorado can help you take the first step in planning the hunt of a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We’ve got answers to common questions about elk and deer hunting in Colorado.

Q: How much is an over-the-counter tag for elk in Colorado?

A: The cost of an over-the-counter (OTC) elk tag depends on your residency status and the type of license you purchase. In 2026, resident elk licenses cost about $51.25–$60, while non-resident elk licenses cost about $825.03. Additional fees, such as the Habitat Stamp, may also apply. Colorado offers some OTC elk licenses in select units and seasons.

Q: How to hunt in Colorado as a non-resident?

A: Non-residents can hunt in Colorado by completing hunter education requirements (if applicable), choosing a species and hunting area, and obtaining the appropriate license.

Depending on the hunt, you may need to apply through Colorado's draw system or purchase an available OTC license. Planning ahead is important because some hunts require preference points and have application deadlines.

Q: How many points does it take to draw a deer tag in Colorado?

A: There is no single answer because preference point requirements vary by hunt code, unit, season, and demand. Some deer tags can be drawn with few or no points, while highly sought-after units may require many years of point accumulation. Reviewing recent Colorado draw reports is the best way to estimate your chances for a specific hunt.

Q: How hard is it to get elk tags in Colorado?

A: It depends on the tag. Some Colorado elk hunts are available over the counter or can be drawn with relatively few points, while others require many years of preference points. Popular limited-entry units are highly competitive, but Colorado still offers more elk hunting opportunities than many western states.

Q: What is the hardest elk tag to draw in Colorado?

A: Some of Colorado's most difficult elk tags are found in northwestern units managed for older-age-class bulls. Unit 201 is often considered one of the hardest elk tags to draw because of its limited number of licenses and high preference point requirements. Units 1, 2, and 10 are also known for requiring many points to draw.