Compound Bow Hunting in Colorado — World-Class Elk & Mule Deer
📅 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
Colorado Bowhunting FAQ
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.