Colorado Bow Hunting: OTC Elk & Mule Deer Guide
📅 2026 Season & License Info
Archery Season Open
August 24
Archery Season Close
September 29
Min Draw Weight
35 lbs
Resident License
$41/yr + tags
Non-Resident License
$107/yr + tags
Top Species
Elk, Mule Deer, Pronghorn, Black Bear, Bighorn Sheep
📍 Top Public Hunting Spots
White River National Forest
Elk, Mule Deer, Bear
Colorado's top elk unit. Units 12, 23, 24, 25 have large elk herds and OTC tags available.
Gunnison National Forest
Elk, Mule Deer, Bear
High country hunting above 10,000 feet. Demanding but the elk are massive.
San Juan National Forest
Elk, Mule Deer, Turkey
Southwest Colorado. Mixed terrain from low canyon to high alpine. Excellent OTC elk.
⚖️ Colorado Archery Regulations
- •Minimum draw weight: 35 lbs
- •OTC archery elk tags available for most units
- •Draw required for premium deer units and some elk units
- •Hunter orange not required during archery-only seasons
💡 Expert Tips for Colorado
- →Colorado archery elk season (late Aug – late Sept) perfectly overlaps the rut — bulls bugle and respond to calls
- →OTC archery elk tags are one of the best deals in western big game hunting
- →Elk above 10,000 feet are less pressured — invest in fitness before the trip
- →Mule deer in November can be spot-and-stalk on open ridges and parks
🏛️ Official Wildlife Agency & Sources
Hunting seasons, tag quotas, and bag limits are established by state wildlife agencies and change annually. For official regulations, proclamations, and license purchases, consult:
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW)
Official State Wildlife Agency
Status: 2026 Season Guide
Colorado Bowhunting FAQ
Are Colorado elk archery tags over the counter?
Yes — most elk management units in Colorado offer OTC (over-the-counter) archery elk tags. This is one of the best deals in big game bowhunting: you can buy a Colorado archery elk tag without a draw in most units. Some premium units (Unit 2, Unit 10) require a draw. Check CPW's website for unit-specific tag availability before purchasing.
When is Colorado elk archery season?
Colorado archery elk season typically runs from late August through late September (approximately August 24 – September 29). This coincides with the elk rut, making it the most exciting time to bowhunt bulls. Cows are also legal in many units with cow tags.