Last verified Jul. 2026

Colorado elk seasons, 2026

Elk is Colorado's signature hunt — the state holds the largest elk herd in North America — and the season structure below is the same statewide framework shown on the full calendar. Your exact dates depend on the hunt code you draw or buy; these are the general (west of I-25) windows.

The methods, in order

Archery — September 2–30

The long September archery window overlaps the early rut, which is why it's the most sought-after elk hunt in the state. Archery elk is where residents still get unlimited over-the-counter tags in eligible units — but non-resident OTC archery elk west of I-25 was eliminated and is now draw-only, the single biggest recent change for out-of-state bowhunters. CPW · Non-resident hunting See archery seasons for equipment and crossbow rules.

Muzzleloader — September 12–20

A short, nine-day season inside the archery window, and it is limited (draw only) — there is no over-the-counter muzzleloader elk. It carries its own equipment rules (open sights, single-shot expectations); the muzzleloader page covers both the dates and the regulations.

The four rifle seasons — October 14 to November 22

This is the heart of Colorado elk hunting. The four seasons stack across five weeks, and choosing between them is the central strategic decision:

• 1st rifle (Oct 14–18) — elk-only, limited (draw). The shortest season, fewer hunters, elk not yet pressured.
• 2nd rifle (Oct 24 – Nov 1) — combined deer + elk, and the big over-the-counter season. The most popular, so the most crowded.
• 3rd rifle (Nov 7–15) — combined deer + elk, also OTC in many units. Often the best weather-and-rut balance.
• 4th rifle (Nov 18–22) — elk-primary, limited (draw). Late, cold, and the elk are grouped up — a favorite of experienced hunters.

The four rifle seasons page works through how to pick one, and which are over-the-counter versus draw.

OTC or draw?

For a first Colorado elk hunt, the over-the-counter path — archery or 2nd/3rd rifle in an OTC unit — is the fast way in: no points, no waiting. The draw is how you reach quieter, higher-success limited units, at the cost of preference points. What's still OTC in 2026 is on the OTC tags page, and out-of-state hunters should start with non-resident elk.

Where to hunt

Northwest Colorado — Craig, Meeker, the Flat Tops — is the classic elk factory; the outfitter directory lists registered guides by region, and the best-units page frames what "best" actually means once you weigh draw odds against success rates.