Kentucky Elk Hunting 2025

Application Deadlines Non-Resident Fees Resident Fees Big Game Season Dates Draw Result Dates State Contact Information

April 30, 2025

UP-FRONT FEES
Elk Drawing Application (Per Hunt Choice)	$10.00
POST DRAW FEES (IF SUCCESSFUL)
Hunting License	$150.00
Youth Hunting License (12-15 Years Old)	$10.00
Elk Antlered Permit	$550.00
Elk Antlerless Permit	$400.00
Elk Either-Sex Youth Permit	$200.00

UP-FRONT FEES
Elk Drawing Application (Per Hunt Choice)	$10.00
POST DRAW FEES (IF SUCCESSFUL)
Hunting License	$27.00
Youth Hunting License (12-15 Years Old)	$5.00
Elk Antlered Permit	$100.00
Elk Antlerless Permit	$60.00
Elk Either-Sex Youth Permit	$30.00

ELK SEASONS	KENTUCKY SEASON DATES
BULL ELK FIREARM	Week 1: Sept 27 – Oct 1, 2025 Week 2: Oct 4 – 8, 2025
COW ELK FIREARM	Week 1: Nov 29 – Dec 3, 2025 Week 2: Dec 27 – 31, 2025
ELK EITHER SEX ARCHERY / CROSSBOW	Week 1: Sept 13 – 26, 2025 Week 2: Dec 6 – 12, 2025

YEAR	RESULTS POSTED
2025	May 10 (Live) / May 14 (Posted)
2024	May 11 (Live) / May 13 (Posted)
2023	May 13 (Live) / May 15 (Posted)
2022	May 14 (Live) / May 18 (Posted)
2021	May 15 (Live) / May 20 (Posted)
2020	May 16 (Live)

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources

#1 Sportsman's Lane
Frankfort, KY 40601
ph. 800-858-1549

APPLY CHECK POINTS

The 2025 Kentucky elk quota hunt application period is open. Instructions on how to apply for the 2025 Kentucky elk quota hunt applications are available and can be found at http://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Pages/Elk-Hunting-Regs.aspx. The application period to apply for the 2025 Kentucky elk hunt opened August 1st and runs through April 30th. Three permit options are available – bull firearm, cow firearm, and either-sex archery. Hunters successful in the draw must purchase their elk permit by June 15th or they will forfeit their permit.

Kentucky accepts online applications for the elk drawing. If you have questions about or need assistance with applying, call the Information Center at 800-858-1549. Kentucky allows applicants to apply for both bull and cow permits. In total, applicants can apply for three quota applications – bull firearm, cow firearm, or either-sex archery/crossbow. Kentucky does not accept party applications for elk in the initial drawing. No more than 10% of the tags may be issued to non-residents.

Our online/print magazine has everything in one location: application info, draw details and odds, fees, hunter requirements, point structure, age restrictions, youth information, weapon restrictions, other tag opportunities, hunt planning, and much more. If you would like access to all of our research, join today!

Hunters must first apply to draw a permit. Hunters successful in the draw must purchase their elk permit by June 15th or they will forfeit their permit. Successful applicants will then have the option of applying in a second draw by June 30th. In the second draw, each hunter can choose up to five unit preferences. The draw will be held in July for one of the six available units. They will look at the applicant’s choices before moving to the next applicant. If there are no openings in any of that applicant’s choices, they will randomly be issued a permit in an area that has a permit available. If they decide not to apply for a zone, they will be placed into whatever areas are available after the draw.

Hunters who are successful in drawing a bull elk permit will not be eligible to apply for three years for another bull elk permit. Also, a three-year waiting period applies to those drawn for cow elk permits.

Elk are native to Kentucky and were present until the mid-1800s when the population was eliminated due to habitat degradation and overhunting. This is why the Kentucky elk program is considered a restoration, not an introduction. Kentucky’s present elk herd is a free-ranging, wild herd established from 1,550 wild elk captured out of state and released into Southeast Kentucky between December 1997 and March 2002. Contributing states included Utah, Kansas, Oregon, North Dakota, Arizona, and New Mexico, with the majority of elk captured in Utah. Release sites were located in Harlan, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Martin, Perry, and Pike counties. The Elk Restoration Zone covers 16 counties in the southeast region of the state (approximately 4.1 million acres).

The current elk population is estimated at over 10,000 animals. Kentucky has the highest population of any state east of the Mississippi River. The first elk hunt was conducted in 2001. Six bull and five cow elk were harvested, with all hunters filling their permits. The same number of permits was issued in 2002 and 2003. In 2004, the number of permits was increased to 40. Beginning that year, legal deer hunters were also allowed to harvest elk outside the elk zone in order to control populations, keeping elk numbers low in agricultural areas or poor elk habitat. The number of elk permits has fluctuated nearly every year since 2004.

Within the Elk Restoration zone, hunters simply apply for one or all of the three permit categories – bull firearm, archery/crossbow either-sex, or cow firearm. There are 500 permits available through the drawing for the 2025 elk hunting season – 140 bull firearm, 164 cow firearm, 170 either-sex archery/crossbow, and 26 either-sex youth permits.

After the draw, successful applicants can apply for an additional drawing for their choice of six limited-entry elk hunting units. If the preferred units are taken when the application is drawn, the hunter will receive assignment to one of the remaining units. Once a unit assignment is made, it is the hunter’s responsibility to find a place to hunt within the unit on open public land or on private land with landowner permission.

Limited-entry units are within the following 16 counties: Bell, Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, McCreary, Perry, Pike, and Whitley. This area consists of 4.1 million acres. Limited-entry unit permit holders can only hunt within the specific unit they have drawn an access permit for. As far as the units go, terrain can vary and the units farther south along the Virginia border are the more rugged, higher elevation areas. Each unit will have accessible and huntable populations of elk, with most hunters focusing on reclaimed strip mines where there is plenty of terrain that isn’t very difficult. Accessibility between the hunt units will vary slightly, but the Game Department tries to distribute units so each one has reasonable access to hunting property.

The odds of drawing an elk tag in Kentucky are terrible, but it is cheap and there is no point system. Most of the bull-only or either-sex elk season dates are near the rut, which makes for a fun experience. Give us a call if you are lucky enough to draw a coveted Kentucky elk tag, and we can put you in touch with the best elk outfitters in the state. Last year, one of our Endorsed Outfitters took a bull that scored 393” gross and 386” net.

All drawn elk hunters and Commission permit holders have the ability to apply for a specific elk hunting unit and/or regulated area in a secondary drawing conducted by the Commonwealth Office of Technology. Prior to the drawing, each hunter can choose up to five unit or area preferences before midnight on June 30th. Once the selections have been made, each applicant, regardless of permit type, will be given an identifying number and drawn at random for the unit or area of their choosing. A computer will randomly draw an individual and look at their choices before moving to the next applicant. If there are no openings in any of that applicant’s choices or if an applicant fails to make a selection, the computer will randomly place the applicant in a hunt unit with an opening for their permit type. No more than 10% of the tags may be issued to non-residents. Hunters who are successful in drawing a bull elk permit will not be eligible to apply for three years for another bull elk permit. Also, a three-year waiting period applies to those drawn for cow elk permits. Hunters must first apply to draw a permit. Successful applicants will then have the option of applying in a second draw held in July for one of the six available units. If they decide to not apply for a zone, they will be placed into whatever areas are available after the draw.

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ELK SEASONS	KENTUCKY SEASON DATES
BULL ELK FIREARM	Week 1: Sept 27 – Oct 1, 2025 Week 2: Oct 4 – 8, 2025
COW ELK FIREARM	Week 1: Nov 29 – Dec 3, 2025 Week 2: Dec 27 – 31, 2025
ELK EITHER SEX ARCHERY / CROSSBOW	Week 1: Sept 13 – 26, 2025 Week 2: Dec 6 – 12, 2025

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All hunters born on or after January 1, 1975 must carry a valid hunter education card. All hunters and persons accompanying them must wear solid, unbroken hunter orange that’s visible from all sides on the head, back, and chest, if hunting during the rifle or muzzleloader season.
Children younger than 12 years old are exempt from the hunter education certification but must be accompanied by an adult who meets the hunter education requirement.

The following are legal weapons to hunt elk in Kentucky: a .270 caliber or larger rifle, a muzzleloader (.50 caliber or larger), a shotgun (20 gauge or larger slug), or a centerfire handgun with a case length of 1.285 inches or larger, firing bullets of .270 caliber or larger. Full metal jacketed or tracer bullets are prohibited. For archers using a crossbow, longbow, recurve, and/or compound bow, there is not a draw weight limit, but you must hunt with a fixed blade or mechanical broadhead that has at least a 7/8” wide cutting edge. Any legal elk hunting weapon may be used during the rifle season dates.

HFA002-5

Alaska Peninsula Coast

Species: Brown Bear

Cost: $ 29,500.00

Location: Alaska, United States

HFA091-1

New Mexico Unit 36

Species: Rocky Mountain Elk

Cost: $ 8,000.00

Location: New Mexico, United States

HFA396-3

All-Inclusive Guided Stone

Species: Stone Sheep

Cost: $ 89,250.00

Location: British Columbia, Canada

HFA038-5

Trophy Canadian Moose

Species: Canadian Moose

Cost: $ 9,800.00

Location: British Columbia, Canada

HFA127-2

Wyoming Antelope Hunt

Species: Pronghorn Antelope

Cost: $ 4,500.00

Location: Wyoming, United States

HFA245-8

Montana Mountain Lion

Species: Mountain Lion

Cost: $ 6,800.00

Location: Montana, United States

HFA392-4

Idaho Trophy Mule Deer

Species: Mule Deer

Cost: $ 5,900.00

Location: Idaho, United States

Landowner-Cooperator permits are transferable either-sex elk hunting permits to landowners who allow public hunting on their property. The Department issues one permit for every 5,000 acres enrolled. These permits may only be used on property the landowner has enrolled into the program or any adjacent private property that is owned by a different landowner (with written permission). If you are not lucky enough to draw a tag in Kentucky but still would like to hunt elk in Kentucky, give us a call. We work with some of the best outfitters Kentucky has to offer, and a landowner tag may be a good option for you. The state also has a complete list of landowners on their website.

As the Kentucky elk population has been hunted more over the years, it has made finding a mature bull on open land more difficult. The older, more mature bulls have found sanctuary on private land and Voucher Cooperator property. The average age class of bulls is beginning to slip but is still around 5 years old. A successful applicant would be wise to hire an outfitter that is experienced in locating accessible land and older age bulls. Guided rifle bull and archery hunts will run you $4,500 or more. A successful applicant wanting to hunt self-guided will need to spend some time researching past harvest information, landowner contact lists, and become friends with some locals to make the most of their elk permit.

A highlight of the 2021 elk hunting season was that there was a great bull harvested that is rumored to score 400”. While bulls like that are extremely rare in Kentucky, most hunters should have a good hunt for 30011 type bulls. Honestly, just the thought of hunting elk in the East is what keeps us at Huntin' Fool applying for elk tags.

While the odds of drawing an elk tag in Kentucky make it a difficult task, we recommend hunters looking to hunt elk east of the Mississippi to apply as it is cheap and there is no point system. Most of the bull-only or either-sex elk season dates are during the rut, which makes for a great experience. Give us a call if you are lucky enough to draw a coveted Kentucky elk tag and we can put you in touch with the best elk outfitters in the state.

For access to all of our research and data we've collected over the last 20+ years, join today and you'll find the best research tools for hunting elk in Kentucky, including Draw Odds, Consultations, and much more. Go on more hunts with better information!

When is deer hunting season in Kentucky?

Deer hunting season in Kentucky for 2025–2026 includes several different periods based on weapon type. Archery season runs from September 6, 2025, to January 19, 2026. Crossbow season, including youth/senior, is open from September 20, 2025, to January 19, 2026. Youth-only gun season is set for October 11–12, 2025, followed by early muzzleloader season on October 18–19 and late muzzleloader season from December 13–21. The main modern gun season runs November 8–23, with a Free Youth Weekend from December 27–28. Hunters are allowed only one antlered deer statewide per season, and zone-specific antlerless limits apply. Legal hunting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, and hunter orange clothing is required during all gun seasons. All deer must be telechecked by midnight on the day of harvest, and special CWD Surveillance Zone rules apply in certain counties, including mandatory check stations and a ban on baiting.

When is hunting season in Kentucky?

Hunting season in Kentucky varies by species and method, with multiple seasons for big game like deer and elk. Deer hunting in the 2025–2026 season includes archery (Sept 6–Jan 19), crossbow (Sept 20–Jan 19), muzzleloader (Oct 18–19 and Dec 13–21), modern gun (Nov 8–23), and youth-only gun weekends in October and December. For elk, seasons are based on quota hunts, with bull firearm hunts on Sept 27–Oct 1 and Oct 4–8, and cow firearm hunts on Nov 29–Dec 3 and Jan 3–7. Either-sex archery/crossbow elk hunts occur Sept 13–26 and Dec 6–12. Bag limits, license requirements, and hunter orange clothing rules apply across firearm seasons. All harvested deer and elk must be telechecked by midnight on the day of harvest. Special regulations exist in CWD Surveillance Zones, and hunters should consult the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife for updates.

How much is a hunting license in Kentucky?

A hunting license in Kentucky costs $27 per year for residents and $150 per year for nonresidents, with youth licenses available at reduced rates ($6 for resident youth ages 12–15 and $10 for nonresident youth). Residents can also purchase a Sportsman’s License for $95, which includes most permits needed for deer, turkey, and migratory bird hunting. Nonresident short-term licenses are available but do not cover big game like deer, elk, turkey, or bear. All hunters must carry proof of license, and exemptions apply for children under 12 and certain landowners hunting on their own property.

Can you hunt elk in Kentucky?

Yes, you can hunt elk in Kentucky, where the state maintains a thriving herd of over 10,000 elk—the largest population east of the Mississippi River. Elk hunting is managed through a quota drawing system, with applications accepted annually from August 1 through April 30. Five hundred permits are issued each year, including options for bull or cow elk via firearm, either-sex archery/crossbow, and youth-only hunts. Successful applicants must buy their elk permit and hunting license, with resident elk permit fees ranging from $60 to $100 and nonresident fees from $400 to $550. Kentucky’s elk zone spans 16 southeastern counties and is divided into Elk Hunting Units (EHUs), each with specific rules. Baiting, elk calls on public land before season, and taking more than one elk per season are prohibited. All harvested elk must be telechecked, and hunters must complete a mandatory post-season survey. Kentucky also offers other permit types such as landowner and commission permits, and youth hunters have a dedicated drawing with permanent eligibility limits.

What age do you need a hunting license in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, hunters under 12 years old are generally not required to purchase a hunting license or permits for most species, though they must apply for the elk hunt drawing if interested. Youth ages 12–15 must purchase youth hunting licenses and species-specific permits, such as deer or turkey permits, which are offered at discounted rates. All hunters age 16 and older must have a standard Annual Hunting License and the appropriate permits for the game they pursue. Regardless of age, anyone hunting deer, elk, turkey, or bear with a firearm under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult who can take immediate control of the youth's firearm.

Can anyone hunt with a crossbow in Kentucky?

Yes, anyone can generally hunt with a crossbow in Kentucky, as crossbows are legal hunting equipment for deer, elk, turkey, furbearers, and small game. Specific seasons apply, with expanded crossbow access for youth (15 and under) and seniors (65 and older), allowing them to hunt deer with a crossbow from the first Saturday in September through the third Monday in January. During firearm seasons, all hunters—including those using crossbows—must wear hunter orange unless on state-owned lands where firearm hunting is prohibited. Legal crossbows must have a working safety and use approved broadheads. Licenses and species-specific permits are still required unless exempt.

Can you hunt deer over bait in Kentucky?

No, hunting deer over bait is not allowed in Kentucky. It is illegal to hunt deer with the aid of bait or in areas where bait has been placed, including private land. A baited area remains off-limits for 30 days after the bait is removed. However, hunting over food plots or areas planted for wildlife is legal if done as part of normal agricultural or land management practices. The use of scent attractors and deer urine is allowed. Baiting is also banned on public lands and in Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Surveillance Zones.

Can you hunt on Sunday in Kentucky?

Yes, you can hunt on Sundays in Kentucky during open seasons for deer, elk, turkey, and other game animals. Hunting seasons are typically defined by date ranges that include Sundays—such as modern gun deer season (e.g., Nov. 8–23, 2025) and youth-only weekends (e.g., Dec. 27–28, 2025)—and there is no regulation in the sources prohibiting Sunday hunting. As long as you're following the legal season dates, shooting hours, and licensing requirements, hunting on Sundays is fully permitted in Kentucky.

Can you hunt on your own land in Kentucky?

Yes, you can hunt on your own land in Kentucky. Resident landowners, their spouses, and dependent children do not need a hunting license or permits to hunt on their own property during legal seasons, and they’re also exempt from hunter education requirements when hunting their own land. However, they must still follow all hunting laws, including season dates, bag limits, wearing hunter orange during gun seasons, and checking and tagging harvested game through the state’s telecheck system. Baiting deer or turkey remains illegal on private land, and special rules apply if the land falls within a Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Surveillance Zone.

Is trophy hunting legal in Colorado?

Trophy hunting, defined as killing a big game animal solely to take its antlers, hide, or other trophy parts while leaving the carcass behind, is illegal in Colorado. State law considers this a felony offense, and hunters are required to properly tag, utilize, and report their harvests. For certain species like bears, mountain lions, and bobcats, mandatory inspection and sealing of specific parts is also required. While legally licensed hunters can pursue animals for their trophy value, they must comply with all regulations that ensure the full use of the animal and prevent waste.

How old to hunt in Colorado?

In Colorado, the general minimum age to hunt big game and mountain lion is 12, though youth can apply for a license at age 11 if they turn 12 before the season ends. Youth ages 12–15 must be accompanied by a qualified mentor while hunting big game, and those under 16 must also be accompanied when hunting mountain lion, turkey (with a youth license), or small game with a youth license. There is no minimum age to hunt turkey as long as hunter education requirements are met. Youth hunters under 18 may purchase reduced-cost licenses, and those meeting education requirements can also choose to buy an adult small-game license, which allows them to hunt without a mentor. All hunters born on or after January 1, 1949, must have a hunter education card.

When does my membership expire?

How to get a hunting license in Colorado?

To get a hunting license in Colorado, you must first complete hunter education if you were born on or after January 1, 1949, unless eligible for an exemption or apprentice certificate. For big game, you’ll need a qualifying license to apply for draw hunts (e.g., annual small game or turkey license). You can apply for limited licenses through the primary (March 1–April 1) or secondary draw (June 19–30), or purchase over-the-counter (OTC) licenses starting August 5. Youth, disabled, and special programs also offer outreach licenses. A Habitat Stamp is required for most hunters aged 18–64. Licenses can be purchased online, by phone, or at CPW offices and authorized sales agents. Residents must prove at least six months of continuous Colorado residency. Be sure to have your ID, proof of hunter education, and payment ready when purchasing. For the most current details, visit [cpw.state.co.us](https://cpw.state.co.us).

How much is a hunting license in Colorado?

The cost of a hunting license in Colorado depends on residency, species, and age. For big game, resident licenses range from $49.15 for deer or pronghorn to $375.97 for moose, while nonresident combo licenses range from $294.75 for bear to $2,758.49 for moose. Mountain lion licenses cost $60.05 for residents and $501.75 for nonresidents. Small game licenses cost $35.76 for residents and $98.92 for nonresidents, with youth licenses as low as $1.46. Turkey licenses range from $30.44 to $188.86 depending on residency and age. A Habitat Stamp ($12.15–$12.47) is required for most hunters ages 18–64, and application processing fees ($8–$11) apply for draw hunts. Most license fees also include a search-and-rescue and wildlife education fund fee. For the most accurate pricing, consult the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.

How much is a non-resident big game hunting license in Colorado?

The cost of a non-resident big game hunting license in Colorado varies by species and is typically sold as a combo license that includes fishing privileges. For 2024, non-resident adult combo licenses cost $494.47 for deer or pronghorn, $797.74 for elk, $294.75 for bear, and $2,758.49 for moose. Youth non-resident combo licenses (ages 12–17) are lower, such as $126.18 for deer or pronghorn and $200.92 for elk. A Habitat Stamp is also required for non-residents ages 18–64, costing $12.15 in 2024 and $12.47 in 2025. These prices include mandatory fees like the Wildlife Education Fund and search-and-rescue fee.

What is Colorado Plains Rifle Season?

The Colorado Plains Rifle Season refers to a set of rifle hunting seasons for various big game species that take place in the plains units, primarily east of I-25. These seasons vary by species and license type. For deer, the Plains Rifle Season runs from October 25 to November 4. For bear, an over-the-counter Plains Rifle Season runs from September 2 to November 23. Elk hunters have access to over-the-counter either-sex elk licenses valid from September 1 to January 31 in certain plains units, with a separate antlered elk rifle season in Unit 128 from October 15 to November 23. These hunts may be either limited or over-the-counter depending on the unit and species. Landowner permission is often required, as most land in the plains is privately owned.

What big game can you hunt in Colorado?

In Colorado, you can hunt a wide range of big game species, including deer (both mule deer and white-tailed deer), elk, pronghorn, moose, black bear, mountain lion, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, and mountain goat. While the primary regulations focus on deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, and bear, separate rules and licensing options exist for mountain lion, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat. These species are all recognized as big game in Colorado and are managed through a combination of limited license draws, over-the-counter options, and special permits.

Can I hunt on my own land in Colorado?

Yes, you can hunt on your own land in Colorado, but you must still follow all applicable hunting laws. This includes having a valid hunting license for the species you're pursuing, completing hunter education if you were born on or after January 1, 1949, and purchasing a Habitat Stamp if you're between ages 18–64. Season dates, bag limits, legal hunting methods, and game management unit regulations still apply on private land. While being the landowner satisfies the permission requirement for private-land-only licenses, you must ensure your land is eligible and within the appropriate hunt unit. Hunting near public roads or highways may also be restricted.

Can you hunt BLM land in Colorado?

Yes, you can hunt on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land in Colorado, as it is generally open to public hunting. However, you must have a valid Colorado hunting license and follow all state hunting regulations, including season dates, species rules, and legal methods of take. While BLM land is open to hunting, off-trail game retrieval with motorized vehicles is usually prohibited, and specific rules or access restrictions may apply in certain areas. Hunters are advised to contact the local BLM office for up-to-date maps, regulations, and any closures before heading out.

Can you hunt in the national forest in Colorado?

Yes, you can hunt in National Forests in Colorado. These public lands are generally open to hunting, but you must follow all state hunting regulations, including licensing, season dates, and legal methods of take. Some areas within National Forests may have temporary closures, access restrictions, or special rules, so it’s important to contact the local Forest Service office before your hunt to get up-to-date maps and information. Always confirm the regulations for the specific Game Management Unit (GMU) where you plan to hunt, as many GMUs include portions of National Forest land.

Can you hunt with a suppressor in Colorado?

Can you hunt with a crossbow in Colorado?

Yes, you can hunt with a crossbow in Colorado, but only under certain conditions. Crossbows are legal for hunting big game and mountain lion **during rifle or associated methods seasons**, not during archery-only seasons. To be legal, a crossbow must have a minimum 125-pound draw weight, a 14-inch draw length, a working safety, and use bolts at least 16 inches long with broadheads that are at least 7/8 inch wide and have two steel cutting edges in the same plane. Crossbows also appear to be allowed for small game, though they cannot be used for archery season big game hunts. The legality of crossbows for turkey hunting is unclear in the available sources, so it’s best to check directly with Colorado Parks and Wildlife for confirmation.

Can a non-hunter accompany a hunter in Colorado?

Yes, a non-hunter can accompany a hunter in Colorado under certain conditions. For youth hunters and those using apprentice certificates, a mentor must be present, but the mentor does not have to hunt. Hunters with disabilities may also be accompanied by one or more non-hunters for assistance. In general, non-hunters are allowed to accompany licensed hunters as long as they do not participate in hunting activities and all regulations are followed. However, in areas like State Wildlife Areas (SWAs), non-hunters age 16 or older may need a valid hunting/fishing license or a SWA pass to be present. Always check specific property rules with Colorado Parks and Wildlife before heading out.

Can you carry a pistol while bow hunting in Colorado?

Yes, you can carry a pistol while bow hunting in Colorado, but it must be for self-defense only—not for hunting or finishing wounded game. Using a firearm to dispatch an animal shot with a bow is illegal. Open carry is legal, and concealed carry is allowed with a valid Colorado permit (note that not all out-of-state permits are recognized). Handguns are exempt from some transport restrictions, but rifles and bows must be unloaded and cased when transported on off-highway vehicles. Discharging any weapon from or across a public road or within 50 feet of its centerline is prohibited. Always review current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations before your hunt.

Can you hunt on Sunday in Colorado?

Yes, you can hunt on Sundays in Colorado. There is no statewide prohibition against Sunday hunting in the regulations. As long as you're hunting during legal hours, within the designated season, and following all other rules for the species and Game Management Unit (GMU), Sunday hunting is allowed. However, some specific properties—like certain State Wildlife Areas—may have their own access or day-use restrictions, so it's important to check the regulations for the exact area where you plan to hunt. Always consult Colorado Parks and Wildlife for the most up-to-date information.

Can you hunt wilderness areas in Colorado?

Yes, you can hunt in wilderness areas in Colorado, but you must follow specific regulations. Wilderness areas like Flat Tops, Maroon Bells–Snowmass, Mount Evans, Buffalo Peaks, and Weminuche are open to hunting, and some offer “wilderness-only” hunt options with limited licenses. These areas often restrict motorized access and may require special permits, such as camping reservations in popular zones like Maroon Bells–Snowmass. While standard hunting rules apply, additional U.S. Forest Service regulations—like equipment limits and group size—may also affect your hunt. Always check Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations and contact the managing agency before hunting in a designated wilderness area.

Can you use walkie-talkies while hunting in Colorado?

Yes, you can use walkie-talkies while hunting in Colorado, but only for general communication. It is **illegal** to use radios, walkie-talkies, cell phones, or other electronic devices to relay the location of wildlife to aid in hunting or to coordinate a shot. For example, telling a partner where an animal is or advising them to shoot is prohibited. However, using walkie-talkies to stay in touch for safety, planning, or non-wildlife-related coordination is allowed. Always follow Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations regarding electronic communication while hunting.

What are the dates for big game hunting in Colorado?

The general big game hunting season dates in Colorado for 2025 vary by species, method of take (archery, muzzleloader, or rifle), and Game Management Unit (GMU). The Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations provide a framework of statewide dates, but actual hunt periods may differ depending on hunt codes and unit-specific regulations. Most archery seasons start in early September, muzzleloader seasons typically run mid-September, and rifle seasons are staggered through October and November, with some late hunts extending into December or even January. Plains rifle seasons and over-the-counter options also provide extended opportunities in designated units. Hunters must consult the CPW’s website for exact season dates for their chosen species, unit, and license type.

Kentucky

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Dates & Fees | Kentucky Elk Hunting