Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
CO
Deer Hunting in Colorado: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)
Deer hunting in Colorado starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag $51.25 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $506.92 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Aug 30 – Sep 28 Archery
Draw Required? Draw, OTC, or leftover by hunt code Primary draw closes April 7, 2026; leftover limited licenses go on sale August 4, 2026. Check CPW's current Big Game Brochure for the hunt code.
DEER QUICK ANSWER
Colorado Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for Colorado deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Primary draw closes April 7, 2026; leftover limited licenses go on sale August 4, 2026. Check CPW's current Big Game Brochure for the hunt code.
Archery; also check Muzzleloader.
For Colorado deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Limited licenses through the draw; OTC and leftover options depend on hunt code. Because this page lists mixed access, confirm the exact tag type, zone, and application rule before planning travel. CWD has been detected in Colorado, so carcass movement and testing rules deserve an early check.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in Colorado
Colorado deer access is hunt-code specific. Many deer licenses are limited licenses issued through the primary or secondary draw, but CPW also lists some over-the-counter and leftover deer options after the draws. Draw applicants need a qualifying license before applying, while leftover and OTC rules can differ. CPW also selects specific hunt codes for mandatory CWD submission, so hunters should check the current Big Game Brochure and their physical license before assuming a unit, weapon season, testing rule, or point requirement.
Species present: White-tailed DeerMule Deer
SEASONS
Colorado Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
Colorado offers 5 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the Colorado Parks & Wildlife — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
Colorado Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
$51.25
Deer tag / permit
Non-Resident
$506.92
Access depends on hunt type or residency.
Limited licenses through the draw; OTC and leftover options depend on hunt code
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right Colorado deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full Colorado license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Compare Colorado with other deer options
Use shortlist pages when you are deciding between states instead of reviewing each deer page one by one.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Colorado
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Detected
Specific Game Management Units (GMUs) - Rotates annually
CWD Testing / Transport
Required in listed zones
Zones: Specific Game Management Units (GMUs) - Rotates annually
Strict carcass transport restrictions apply. Whole carcasses generally cannot leave CWD zones or be imported from positive states.
Bag Limit
Daily: 1 · Season: 1 per license
Antler restrictions vary by GMU; 4-point minimum in many western units
Allowed Weapons
Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, bow
Access Planning
Access: Draw, OTC, or leftover by hunt code
Deadline: Primary draw closes April 7, 2026; leftover limited licenses go on sale August 4, 2026. Check CPW's current Big Game Brochure for the hunt code.
Points system: Yes
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: Colorado Parks & Wildlife . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in Colorado — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in Colorado?
Yes, for specific rifle hunt codes that rotate annually. Hunters holding tags for designated GMUs must submit heads for testing, which CPW provides free of charge.
What are the antler restrictions?
Unless specified for a specific Ranching for Wildlife property, Colorado does not have general antler point restrictions. A legal buck must have antlers at least 5 inches long.
Do I need a draw to hunt deer in Colorado?
Often, but not always. Colorado issues many deer licenses through the primary and secondary draws, while some OTC and leftover deer licenses may be available by hunt code. Check CPW's current Big Game Brochure before planning around a specific unit.
What deer species can I hunt in Colorado?
Colorado is home to White-tailed Deer and Mule Deer. Allowed weapons include rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, bow.
Can non-residents hunt deer in Colorado?
Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in Colorado. The adult non-resident deer/fishing combo license is listed here at $506.92, but access depends on the specific hunt code. Non-residents may need the draw, a leftover limited license, or an eligible OTC option.