2 CCR 406-3
Department of Natural Resources CHAPTER W-3 - FURBEARERS AND SMALL GAME, EXCEPT MIGRATORY BIRDS 2 CCR 406-3 [Editor’s Notes follow the text of the rules at the end of this CCR Document.] ARTICLE I - General Provisions #300 - Definitions A. “Canada Lynx Recovery Area” means the area of the San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests and associated lands above 9,000 feet extending west from a north-south line passing through Del Norte and east from a north-south line passing through Dolores and from the New Mexico state line north to the Gunnison basin (including Taylor Park east to the Collegiate Range). The GMUs included in the area are: 55, 65, 66, 67, 68, 70, 71, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 551, 681, 711 and 751.
B. “Furbearers” means those species with fur having commercial value and which provide opportunities for sport harvest including mink, pine marten, badger, red fox, gray fox, swift fox, striped skunk, western spotted skunk, beaver, muskrat, long-tailed weasel, short-tailed weasel, coyote, bobcat, opossum, ring-tailed cat and raccoon.
C. “Live Trap (Cage or Box)” means a mechanical device designed in such a manner that the animal enters the trap through an opening that prevents the animal from exiting.
D. “Small game, except migratory birds,” means:
1. Game birds, including dusky grouse, Greater Sage-grouse, Gunnison Sage-grouse, mountain sharp-tailed grouse, white-tailed ptarmigan, pheasant, northern bobwhite, scaled and Gambel's quail, chukar partridge, Greater prairie-chicken and wild turkey; and 2. Game mammals, including cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, white-tailed and black-tailed jackrabbit, fox squirrel, pine squirrel, marmot, and Abert's squirrel; and 3. Other small game, including black-tailed, white-tailed and Gunnison prairie dogs, Wyoming (Richardson's) ground squirrel, prairie rattlesnake, and common snapping turtles.
NOTE: “Migratory Birds” is defined in regulation #500(A).
E. “Traps specifically designed not to kill” means padded, laminated, or off-set steel jawed foothold traps, enclosed foothold, box traps, and cage traps, as conditioned elsewhere in these regulations.
#301 – License Fees A. Furbearer License Fee 1. Furbearer License Fee Reduction:
In accordance with the provisions of §33-4-102, C.R.S., the following furbearer license fees shall be reduced to the fee specified herein, from the level set forth in §33-4-102, C.R.S.:
a. Nonresident Furbearer ……………………….$102.11 B. Resident senior combination fishing and small game hunting license fee 1. Resident senior combination fishing and small game hunting license fee reduction:
In accordance with the provisions of §33-4-102, C.R.S., the following combination license shall be created with a reduced fee specified herein, from the level set forth in §33-4-102, C.R.S.:
a. Resident senior combination fishing and small game hunting licenses 35.28 b. Resident senior lifetime fishing upgrade to annual combination fishing and small game hunting license* …………….$25.07 *Valid only for resident senior Lifetime Disability and Low Income Fishing license holders.
#302 - Hours A. Hunting Hours:
1. Small Game - from one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise to sunset.
2. Furbearers - from one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise to one-half (1/2) hour after sunset. Additionally; beaver, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, raccoon, red fox, striped skunk, and swift fox may be hunted at night in accordance with Regulation #'s 303(E)(7) and (E)(8).
B. Trapping Hours:
1. Small game, except game birds; game reptiles, and furbearers - day or night.
2. All live traps (cage or box) must be visually checked on site at least once every day; except in the Canada lynx recovery area or on properties known to be occupied by Canada lynx, they must be checked every 24 hours.
a. Visual lures, fresh meat baits, fish oil, and anise oil lures meant to attract felids are not permitted in the Canada lynx recovery area or on properties known to be occupied by Canada lynx.
#303 - Manner of Take:
The following are legal methods of take for game species listed in this chapter. Any method of take not listed herein shall be prohibited, except as otherwise provided by Statute or Commission regulation or by 35-40-100.2-115, C.R.S.
A. Special Conditions 1. Contests involving black-tailed, white-tailed and Gunnison’s prairie dogs, Wyoming (Richardson's) ground squirrel, or Furbearers are prohibited.
a. For the purpose of these regulations, a contest is any competitive event where money or other valuable prizes are awarded for the taking of such small game and furbearers. “Valuable prizes” shall not include certificates or other similar tokens of recognition not having any significant monetary value.
b. Commercial and noncommercial wildlife parks and field trials licensed by the Division are exempt from these provisions.
2. Live Capture a. Furbearers captured in live traps cannot be moved from the capture site and must be killed or released on site when the trap is checked.
3. Accidental Capture - Except for Canada lynx, which are subject to the provisions of Chapter 10, any person accidentally trapping any wildlife for which the trapping season is closed or for which trapping is not a legal manner of taking, shall, in the event of live capture of such wildlife, release such wildlife immediately. Nothing in this section permits the killing of such accidentally captured wildlife, unless the wildlife cannot be released without human endangerment. In the event of mortality resulting from such accidental capture, the carcass of such wildlife shall be delivered to a Division wildlife officer or office within five (5) days. Failure to deliver the carcass shall be prima facie evidence of unlawful possession of such wildlife. Provided further that any trapper who complies with this provision shall not be charged with illegal possession of such accidentally captured wildlife.
4. Non-toxic shot requirements a. Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge (Jackson County).
5. Labeling of traps - All live traps (limited to cage or box traps) placed on public lands must be labeled permanently and legibly with the trapper’s Customer Identification Number (CID) in a location that is visible without having to manipulate the live trap in any way. If the trapper does not have a CID, all live traps placed on public lands must be labeled with the trapper’s name. Live traps not properly labeled may be confiscated by any Wildlife Officer.
B. Game Mammals 1. Any rifle or handgun.
2. Any shotgun not larger than 10 gauge, incapable of holding more than three (3) shells in magazine and chamber combined.
3. Handheld bows and crossbows.
4. Air guns and slingshots.
5. Hawking C. Game Birds, except Migratory Birds 1. Any rifle or handgun for dusky (blue) grouse, ptarmigan or turkey during the fall and late seasons. Rifles and handguns used for the taking of turkeys shall use bullets of at least seventeen (17) grains in weight, with a manufacturer's energy rating of at least one-hundred ten (110) foot pounds at one-hundred (100) yards from the muzzle.
2. Shotguns not larger than 10 gauge not firing a single slug, and incapable of holding more than three (3) shells in the magazine and chamber combined. No shot (lead or steel) larger than size #2 shall be used to hunt turkey.
3. Handheld bows and crossbows.
4. Air guns and slingshots for dusky (blue) grouse and ptarmigan. Pre- charged pneumatic air guns .25 caliber or larger during the fall or late seasons for turkey.
5. Hawking.
6. Artificial decoys and calls, except recorded or electrically amplified calls or sounds; for turkey.
D. Species listed in #300(D)(3).
1. Any method not otherwise prohibited.
E. Furbearers 1. Any rifle or handgun.
2. Any shotgun.
3. Handheld bows and crossbows.
4. Any air gun, except that for coyote or bobcat the air gun must be a pre- charged pneumatic air gun .25 caliber or larger.
5. Live traps, limited to cage or box traps. All live-trapped wildlife shall be released immediately or dispatched by any legal method of take for that species in regulations #303.E.1-4. If local ordinances or public safety prohibit all legal methods of take from being used, American Veterinary Medical Association Guidelines for Euthanasia of Free-Ranging Wildlife, as provided in S7.6 of the 2013 edition of the AVMA Guidelines for Euthanasia of Animals, may alternatively be used to the extent allowable by law.
6. Electronic call devices.
7. Artificial light (private land) may be used at night to take beaver, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, raccoon, red fox, striped skunk and swift fox on private land with written permission of the landowner, designated agent, lessee, or authorized employee.
8. Artificial light (public land) may be used at night to take beaver, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, raccoon, red fox, striped skunk and swift fox on public lands by permit only, as follows:
a. Each permit shall be valid only for the time, species, and location specified on the permit. No permit will be valid during any deer, elk or pronghorn rifle season or during the 24 hour period prior to the opening weekend; nor during the opening weekend of any grouse, pheasant, quail, turkey or waterfowl season in those areas where such seasons are in progress.
b. An artificial light which is permanently attached to, or projected from within a vehicle is prohibited.
c. Taking shall not be permitted within 500 yards of a dwelling, building, or other structure, or in any area of public concentration where human safety would be jeopardized.
d. Such permit shall be carried while hunting and available for inspection upon demand.
e. Area wildlife managers and district wildlife managers may deny a permit where there is a potential that night hunting activities may result in significant adverse impact on wildlife resources by causing movement of large numbers of big game or otherwise.
f. A permit shall not be required of any person, member of the person's family, lessee, designated agent, authorized employee, or identified designee with written authorization when necessary to protect such person's property. Refer to Chapter W-17, Damage Caused by Wildlife for applicable regulations.
9. Baits a. Furbearers may be taken with the aid of baiting. Where permitted, baits shall consist solely of material of animal or plant origin and shall not contain any materials of metal, glass, porcelain, plastic, cardboard or paper. Wildlife used as bait shall be the carcass, or parts thereof, of legally taken furbearers, carp, shad, white and longnose suckers, and nonedible portions of legally obtained game mammals, birds and game fish.
#304 - License Requirements Except as provided in 33-6-107(9) C.R.S., the following license requirements shall apply:
A. A small game license authorizes the take of coyotes and those species defined in #300(D) as small game, except wild turkey. A turkey license is required to take wild turkey.
B. A small game license combined with the purchase of a furbearer harvest permit authorizes the take of those species defined in #300(D) as small game, except wild turkey, and authorizes the take of all species defined in #300(B) as furbearers. An annual furbearer harvest permit can be purchased for $10.00.
C. Any small game and fishing combination license combined with the purchase of a furbearer harvest permit authorizes the take of those species defined in #300(D) as small game, except wild turkey, and authorizes the take of all species defined in #300(B) as furbearers.
D. A furbearer license authorizes the take of all species defined in #300(B) as furbearers.
E. A youth small game license authorizes the take of all species defined in #300(D) as small game and all species identified in #300(B) as furbearers.
F. Common snapping turtles may be taken with either a small game license or a fishing license.
G. Each hunter must register their intent to hunt migratory birds, small game or coyotes by completing a Harvest Information Program (HIP) survey online (www.cpwshop.com) or by calling (1-855-521-3050) prior to their first hunting trip of the season. For the purposes of this regulation, “season” means the period March 1 through March 31 of the following year.
H. Beginning with the 2025 greater sage-grouse, mountain sharp-tailed grouse and ptarmigan hunting seasons, no hunter shall take any greater sage-grouse, mountain sharp-tailed grouse, or white-tailed ptarmigan unless at the time of such taking they have purchased one (1) greater sage-grouse, mountain sharp- tailed grouse, and white-tailed ptarmigan permit in addition to a small game license. An annual greater sage-grouse, mountain sharp-tailed grouse and white- tailed ptarmigan permit can be purchased for $5.00.
#305 - Evidence of Sex/Species Refer to General Provisions #003.
ARTICLE II - Small Game Season Dates, Units (as Described in Chapter 0 of These Regulations), Bag and Possession Limits, Limited Licenses and Permits #306 - Cottontail Rabbit, Snowshoe Hare, White-tailed & Black-tailed jackrabbit A. Season Dates and Units 1. Statewide: October 1 - end of February annually.
2. Extended Falconry and Dog Pursuit Season - Statewide: September 1 - March 31 annually.
B. Daily Bag and Possession Limits 1. Daily Bag Limit - Ten (10) cottontail rabbits, ten (10) snowshoe hares, ten (10) jackrabbits.
2. Possession Limit: Twenty (20) cottontail rabbits, twenty (20) snowshoe hares, and twenty (20) jackrabbits.
#307 - Abert's Squirrels A. Season Dates and Units 1. Statewide: November 15 - January 15 annually.
B. Daily Bag and Possession Limits 1. Daily Bag Limit - Two (2) squirrels.
2. Possession Limit - Four (4) squirrels.
#308 - Fox Squirrel and Pine Squirrels A. Season Dates and Units 1. Statewide: October 1 - end of February annually.
2. Extended Falconry Season - Statewide: September 1 - March 31 annually.
B. Daily Bag and Possession Limits 1. Daily Bag Limit - Five (5) fox squirrels and five (5) pine squirrels.
2. Possession Limit - Ten (10) fox squirrels and ten (10) pine squirrels. #309 - Wyoming (Richardson's) ground squirrel, and black-tailed, white-tailed, and Gunnison prairie dogs A. Season Dates and Units 1. Wyoming ground squirrel:
a. Statewide: January 1 - December 31 annually.
2. Black-tailed, white-tailed and Gunnison prairie dogs:
a. Public Land: June 15 - end of February annually.
b. Private Land: January 1 - December 31 annually.
B. Daily Bag and Possession Limits 1. There shall be no bag or possession limit.
#310 - Common Snapping Turtle A. Season Dates and Units 1. Statewide: April 1 - October 31 annually.
B. Daily Bag and Possession Limits 1. Daily Bag Limit - Three (3) turtles.
2. Possession Limit - Six (6) turtles.
#311 - Marmot A. Season Dates and Units 1. Statewide: August 10 - October 15 annually.
B. Daily Bag and Possession limits 1. Daily Bag Limit - Two (2) marmots.
2. Possession Limit - Four (4) marmots.
#312 - Prairie Rattlesnake A. Season Dates and Units 1. Statewide: June 15 - August 15 annually.
B. Daily Bag and Possession Limits 1. Daily Bag Limit - Three (3) snakes.
2. Possession Limit - Six (6) snakes.
C. Nothing in this section is intended to interfere with or prohibit the lawful protection of life or property as provided for in Section 33-6-107(9), C.R.S. #313 - Dusky (Blue) Grouse A. Season Dates and Units 1. West of U.S. Interstate 25.
a. September 1 - November 23, 2025.
b. Extended Falconry Season: September 1 - March 31 annually.
B. Daily Bag and Possession Limits 1. Daily Bag Limit - Three (3) birds.
2. Possession Limit - Nine (9) birds.
#314 - White-tailed Ptarmigan A. Season Dates and Units 1. Statewide except units 44, 45, 53, 54, 66, 67, 68, 70, 71, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 444 and 751.
a. September 13 - October 5, 2025.
b. Extended Falconry Season: September 1 - March 31 annually.
2. Units 44, 45, 53, 54, 66, 67, 68, 70, 71, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 444 and 751.
a. September 13 - November 23, 2025.
b. Extended Falconry Season: September 1 - March 31 annually.
B. Daily Bag and Possession Limits 1. Daily Bag Limit - Three (3) birds.
2. Possession Limit - Six (6) birds.
#315 - Greater Sage-grouse A. Season Dates, Units and Limits, Except North Park 1. Units 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 13, 18 except that portion of unit 18 east of Colo 125 in Grand County, 27, 28 except that portion of GMU 28 north and east of Grand Co Rd 50 (Church Park Rd) and US 40, 37, 181, 201, 211, 301 and 441.
a. September 13 - September 19, 2025.
b. Extended Falconry Season: September 1 - January 31 annually.
2. Daily Bag and Possession Limits a. Daily Bag Limit - Two (2) birds.
b. Possession Limit - Four (4) birds.
B. Season Dates, Units and Limits, North Park 1. Units 6, 16, 17, 161, and 171.
a. September 13 - September 14, 2025.
b. Extended Falconry Season: September 1 - January 31 annually.
2. Daily Bag and Possession Limits a. Daily Bag Limit - Two (2) birds.
b. Possession Limit - Two (2) birds.
#316 - Gunnison Sage-grouse A. Season Dates and Units 1. None.
B. Daily Bag and Possession Limits 1. Daily Bag Limit - None.
2. Possession Limit - None.
#317 - Mountain Sharp-tailed Grouse A. Season Dates and Units.
1. Closed statewide except: Units 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 23, 131, 211, 214, and 441.
a. September 1 - September 21, 2025.
b. Extended Falconry Season: September 1 - January 31 annually.
B. Daily Bag and Possession Limits 1. Daily Bag Limit - Two (2) birds.
2. Possession Limit - Four (4) birds.
#318 - Chukar Partridge A. Season Dates and Units 1. Statewide: September 1 - November 30 annually.
2. Extended Falconry Season - Statewide: - September 1 - March 31 annually.
B. Daily Bag and Possession Limits 1. Daily Bag Limit - Four (4) birds.
2. Possession Limit - Twelve (12) birds.
#319 - Pheasant A. Season Dates and Units 1. East of I 25: November 8, 2025 - January 31, 2026.
2. West of I-25: November 8, 2025 - January 4, 2026.
3. Extended Falconry Season - Statewide: September 1 - March 31 annually.
B. Daily Bag and Possession Limits 1. Daily Bag Limit - Three (3) cocks.
2. Possession Limit - Nine (9) cocks.
C. Extended Falconry Season Daily Bag and Possession Limits 1. Daily Bag Limit - Three (3) birds.
2. Possession Limit - Nine (9) birds.
#320 - Quail (Northern Bobwhite, Scaled, Gambel's)
A. Season Dates and Units 1. East of U.S. Interstate 25 and south of Interstate 70 from I-25 to Byers and U.S. Highway 36 from Byers to the Kansas line, and those portions of Pueblo, Fremont, Huerfano, El Paso and Las Animas counties lying west of I-25:
November 8, 2025 - January 31, 2026.
2. East of U.S. Interstate 25 and north of Interstate 70 from I-25 east to Byers and U.S. Highway 36 from Byers to the Kansas line: November 8, 2025 - January 4, 2026.
3. West of U.S. Interstate I-25, except Pueblo, Fremont, Huerfano, El Paso and Las Animas counties:
November 8, 2025 - January 4, 2026.
4. Extended Falconry Season - Statewide: September 1 through March 31 annually.
B. Daily Bag and Possession Limits 1. Daily Bag Limit - Eight (8) quail of each species.
2. Possession Limit - Twenty-four (24) quail of each species. #321 - Greater Prairie-Chicken A. Season Dates and Units.
1. Closed statewide except: Units 93, 97, 98, 100, 101, 102, 103, 109, all of Morgan County, and those portions east of Colorado State Highway 71 and south of Colorado State Highway 14 and U.S. Highway 138.
a. October 1 - January 31 annually.
B. Daily Bag and Possession Limits 1. Daily Bag Limit - Two (2) birds.
2. Possession Limit - Six (6) birds.
#322 - Wild Turkey A. Season Bag and Possession Limits 1. The bag and possession limit for each season annually shall be as provided below.
a. Spring Season - The limit shall be two bearded turkeys in the spring for those persons who possess a limited spring license. One turkey must be harvested on the limited license and in the limited area. The additional bearded turkey must be harvested with an over-the- counter license.
b. Fall Season - The limit shall be one turkey of either sex.
c. Late Season - The limit shall be two beardless turkeys.
2. In addition to the above bag and possession limits, a hunter may obtain any number of nuisance turkey licenses as provided in #322(F).
3. In addition to the above bag and possession limits, a hunter may take one additional turkey with a Turn In Poachers (TIPS) license as provided in #002(H)(11)(b).
B. Applications for Limited Licenses 1. Application requirements a. No person shall submit more than one (1) application per season.
b. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
c. Applications not submitted by the deadline date and time are void.
2. Drawing applications submittal a. Applications will be accepted by phone or internet only through the Division’s electronic licensing system.
b. Each drawing application shall include payment of a non-refundable application fee for residents or a non-refundable application fee for nonresidents, found in Chapter W-0 Appendix F. Individuals successful in the draw will be charged for the limited license as well as applicable surcharges found in Chapter W-0 Appendix F.
c. Spring season
d. Fall season
e. Beginning January 1, 2028, unless there is an insufficient number of resident applications, nonresident hunters shall receive no more than 25% of available turkey licenses per hunt code in the spring and fall drawings during the first and second choices of both the draws.
3. Preference systems a. Preference Points: Preference will be given for correct applications for first choice hunt codes only and shall be subject to the following provisions:
b. Hunting Licenses for Hunters with Mobility Impairments - The Director may make licenses valid in certain GMU's available to qualified hunters with mobility impairments.
c. Youth Outreach Hunting Licenses – The Director may make additional youth outreach program turkey licenses available to qualified organizations sponsoring youth hunting activities.
d. Novice Outreach Hunting Licenses – The Director may make additional outreach program turkey licenses available to qualified organizations sponsoring novice adult hunting activities.
C. Special Restrictions 1. Tagging Requirements a. When any person kills a turkey, that person must immediately detach, sign, and date the carcass tag. Such tags must be attached to the carcass of the bird while it is transported in any vehicle, while in camp, at a residence, or other place of storage.
b. Such tags, when dated, signed and attached to the turkey lawfully taken or killed and lawfully in possession, authorizes the possession, use, storage, and transportation of the carcass, or any part thereof, within the state.
c. If the carcass tag is inadvertently or accidentally detached from the license or is lost or destroyed, the licensee must obtain a duplicate carcass tag before he can lawfully hunt with such license. The duplicate carcass tag may be obtained upon furnishing satisfactory proof as to the inadvertent or accidental nature of the detachment, loss, or destruction to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
2. Spanish Peaks SWA a. Hunting during the spring turkey season shall be permitted only on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays on the Spanish Peaks State Wildlife Area, except as provided in subparagraph b of this subsection.
b. For hunters with mobility impairments, hunting during the spring turkey season shall be permitted after the second weekend of the season on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, by special access permit only. For the purposes of this subparagraph, the following restrictions shall apply:
3. Higel and Rio Grande SWAs a. Turkey hunting access during the spring turkey season requires an access permit. Access permits will be issued for each property, from the Division Office in Monte Vista through a hand drawing. Permit applications may be obtained from CPW, 0722 S. Road 1E, Monte Vista, CO 81144. Group applications will be accepted. No more than two (2) applicants per group. Application deadline is March 31 of each year. Successful applicants will be notified by email. The date, time and location of the drawing will be included on the application.
4. Horsethief Canyon State Wildlife Area a. Turkey hunting access is limited to the spring turkey season and is restricted to youth mentor turkey hunting only, by access permit only. Mentors are not allowed to hunt. Permit applications are available from Colorado Parks and Wildlife Northwest Region Service Center at 711 Independent Ave., Grand Junction, CO 81505, 970-255-6100. The application deadline is March 31. Successful applicants will be notified by mail.
5. Youth Turkey Extended Season Youths under 18 years of age may hunt turkey from the Saturday before Thanksgiving through the Sunday after Thanksgiving, provided they possess an unfilled youth fall turkey license (including, but not limited to, hunt code TE000U3R). Youths may only hunt in the GMU their original unfilled license was valid in; youths with unfilled OTC licenses may hunt in any OTC GMU but may not hunt in a limited unit that the original OTC license was not valid in. All hunters must comply with applicable regulations for the hunt in which they participate, and are accompanied by a mentor. A mentor must be at least 18 years of age and comply with hunter education requirements. The mentor may not hunt.
D. Season Dates and Units - Unlimited Licenses.
1. Spring Seasons Hunt Date Date License Units Code Open Closed s 001, 003, 004, 005, 006, 007, 008, 009, 010, 011, 012, 013, 014, 016, 017, 018, 019, 020, 022, 024, 028, 029, 030, 031, 032, 033, 038, 039, 040, 041, 042, 046, 048, 049, 050, 051, 052, 053, 054, 055, 056, 057, 058, 059 except on the Beaver Creek SWA and the Table Mountain State Trust Land Lease, 060, 061, 062, 063, 064, 065, 066, 067, 068, 069, 070, 071, 072, 073, 074, 075, 076, 077, 078, 079, 082, 083, 084, 085, 086, 087, 088, 089, 090, 093, 094, 095, 097, 098, 099, 100, 104, 105, 106, 110, 111, TM000U 04/11/20 05/31/20 Unlimite 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 1R 26 26 d 120, 121, 122, 123, 126, 128, 130, 131, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 140 except on James M. John and Lake Dorothey State Wildlife Areas, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 161, 171, 181, 191, 211, 214, 231, 301, 391, 411, 421, 441, 461, 481, 500, 501, 511, 512, 521, 551, 561, 581, 591, 681, 682, 691, 711, 741, 751, 771, 791, 851 except the Bosque del Oso SWA, 861, 951, and private land portions of 91, 92, 101, 102, 103, 107, 109, 124, 125, 127, 129, 132, 139.
2. Fall Seasons Hunt Open Close License Unit Code Date Date s 001, 003, 004, 005, 006, 007, 008, 009, 010, 011, 012, 013, 014, 016, 017, 018, 019, 020, 022, 023, 024, 028, 029, 031, 032, 033, 038, 039, 040, 041, 042, 043, 046, 048, 049, 050, 051, 052, 053, 054, 055, 056, 057, 058, 059 except on the Beaver Creek SWA and the Table Unlimite Mountain State Trust Land Lease, 060, d 061, 062, 063, 064, 065, 066, 067, 068, West of 069, 070, 071, 072, 073, 074, 075, 076, I-25 and 077, 078, 079, 082, 083, 084, 085 10/04/20 GMU except on the Spanish Peaks State TE000U2 09/01/20 26 AND 140 Wildlife Area, 086, 087, 088, 094, 104, R 26 10/23/20 and 105, 110, 112, 113, 114, 116, 117, 118, 26 East of 119, 121, 122, 123, 128, 130, 131, 133, I-25 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 140 except on (excludi the James M. John and Lake Dorothey ng GMU State Wildlife Areas, 141, 142, 143, 140)
144, 145, 147, 161, 171, 181, 191, 211, 214, 231, 301, 391, 411, 421, 431, 441, 461, 481, 500, 501, 511, 512, 521, 551, 561, 581, 591, 681, 682, 691, 711, 741, 751, 771, 791, 851 except on the Bosque del Oso SWA, 861, 951, and private land portions of 101, 102,.
3. Private Land Only Late Seasons a. Private land only licenses are valid on all private land within the game management unit upon which the license holder has permission to hunt.
E. Season Dates and Units - Limited Licenses and Limited License Areas. Limited licenses shall be valid only for the time period and game management unit(s) or area(s) indicated on the license.
1. Spring Season.
1. Spring Season.
Licenses Hunt Date Date Unit Bearded Code Opened Closed Turkey Only TM092O1 04/11/202 05/01/202 92 25 R 6 6 TM092O2 05/02/202 05/31/202 92 25 R 6 6 TM096O1 04/11/202 05/01/202 96 50 R 6 6 TM096P1 04/11/202 05/01/202 96 - private land only 75 R 6 6 TM096O2 05/02/202 05/31/202 96 50 R 6 6 TM096P2 05/02/202 05/31/202 96 - private land only 50 R 6 6 TM101O1 04/11/202 05/01/202 101, 102 25 R 6 6 TM101O2 05/02/202 05/31/202 101, 102 25 R 6 6 TM103O1 04/11/202 05/01/202 103, 107, and 109 35 R 6 6 TM103O2 05/02/202 05/31/202 103,107, and 109 35 R 6 6 TM103K1 04/11/202 103, 107, 109 - youth only 5/31/2026 35 R 6 TM124O1 04/11/202 05/31/202 124, 125, and 129 25 R 6 6 TM124K1 04/11/202 124, 125, and 129 - youth only 5/31/2026 15 R 6 TM127O1 04/11/202 05/31/202 127, 132 30 R 6 6 TM139O1 04/11/202 05/31/202 139 10 R 6 6 140 - Lake Dorothey State TM140O1 04/11/202 05/31/202 Wildlife Area only R 6 6 140 - James John State TM140O2 04/11/202 05/31/202 Wildlife Area only R 6 6 TM444O1 04/11/202 05/31/202 444 55 R 6 6 TM444P1 04/11/202 05/31/202 444 – Private Land Only 30 R 6 6 851 - Bosque del Oso State TM851O1 04/11/202 05/31/202 Wildlife Area only R 6 6 Total 1270 2. Fall Season Hunt Date Date Licenses Unit Code Opened Closed Either Sex 09/01/202 10/04/20 15, 27, 37 and 361 TE015L1R 15 6 26 09/01/202 10/04/20 25 TE025L1R 15 6 26 09/01/202 10/04/20 34 TE034L1R 25 6 26 09/01/202 10/04/20 47 TE047L1R 25 6 26 59 - Beaver Creek State Wildlife Area and Table 09/01/202 10/04/20 TE059L1R 15 Mountain State Trust Land 6 26 Lease only 85 - Spanish Peaks State 09/01/202 10/04/20 Wildlife Area - Oberosler TE085L1R 10 6 26 Tract only 85 - Spanish Peaks State 09/01/202 10/04/20 Wildlife Area – Dochter Tract TE085L2R 10 6 26 only 85 -Spanish Peaks State 09/01/202 10/04/20 Wildlife Area - Sakariason TE085L3R 10 6 26 Tract only 09/01/202 10/23/20 91 TE091L1R 25 6 26 91, 92, 96, 101, and 102 – 09/01/202 10/23/20 TE091K1R 35 youth only 6 26 09/01/202 10/23/20 92 TE092L1R 25 6 26 09/01/202 10/23/20 96 TE096L1R 60 6 26 09/01/202 10/23/20 101, 102 TE101L1R 30 6 26 09/01/202 10/23/20 103, 107, and 109 TE103L1R 10 6 26 09/01/202 10/23/20 103, 107, 109 - youth only TE103K1R 10 6 26 09/01/202 10/23/20 124, 125 and 129 TE124L1R 15 6 26 09/01/202 10/23/20 124, 125 and 129 - youth only TE124K1R 15 6 26 2. Fall Season Hunt Date Date Licenses Unit Code Opened Closed Either Sex 09/01/202 10/23/20 126, 146 TE126L1R 20 6 26 09/01/202 10/23/20 127, 132 TE127L1R 20 6 26 09/01/202 10/23/20 139 TE139L1R 5 6 26 140 - Lake Dorothey State 09/01/202 10/04/20 TE140L1R 10 Wildlife Area only 6 26 140 - James John State 09/01/202 10/04/20 TE140L2R 10 Wildlife Area only 6 26 09/01/202 10/04/20 444 TE444L1R 30 6 26 851 - Bosque del Oso State 09/01/202 10/04/20 TE851L1R 10 Wildlife Area only 6 26 Total 455 F. Special Licenses for Nuisance Turkeys 1. The Director shall have the authority to establish special hunting seasons for turkeys, between December 1 and March 31 on an annual basis, when necessary to control nuisance turkeys. The Area Wildlife Manager will determine the type of license(s) (either-sex or hen only) most appropriate to control the conflict.
a. Nuisance turkey hunts are limited to a maximum of 50 licenses per landowner, per year.
b. Prior to approving the hunt, the Division shall:
c. Hunting will be done under the direction of a District Wildlife Manager, following approval by the owner of land where such conflict is occurring.
d. Hunters shall hunt in designated areas and on the dates indicated on the license.
e. Any person who purchases a license for a nuisance turkey season shall be required to complete a Division harvest survey form and return it to the Area office that is nearest the location of the hunt no later than 5 days after the season ends.
#322.5 - RANCHING FOR WILDLIFE – TURKEY A. Implementation Authority 1. The Director is authorized to implement the Ranching for Wildlife program, including the authority to determine ranch enrollment status, enter into cooperative agreements with ranches, establish and modify public and private season dates on each ranch, and establish and modify license allocations to each ranch including the subsequent distribution of licenses to the public and private share annually, and may establish additional Ranching for Wildlife operating guidelines subject to the following provisions.
B. Ranch Entry and Maintenance 1. Ranches must have a minimum of 10,000 acres of privately owned land in one contiguous unit. Ranches that meet this 10,000-acre minimum requirement may include privately owned non-contiguous parcels in the program if the Director determines that their inclusion will contribute to meeting the performance standards for the ranch.
2. Ranches must develop a Ranching for Wildlife Management Plan that includes goals, objectives, and strategies for achieving such goals and objectives for wildlife habitat management, species management, and public hunting management. The Management Plan must be approved by the Division prior to execution of a Cooperative Agreement for Ranching for Wildlife.
3. Ranches may not charge public hunters an access fee for hunting.
4. Except as agreed to in writing by the Division when necessary to meet the ranch performance standards or as mutually agreed and contained in the Management Plan, ranches must provide for equality of access in terms of geographical area and mode of transportation for both public and private hunters. No closure or restriction of land or roads shall apply to public hunters that do not also apply to private hunters.
5. Public hunts must be established at a time when the species to be hunted are present and available for harvest. No public seasons shall be established during times when normal winter conditions would prevent access to most of the ranch, nor when normal migration patterns of the species to be hunted result in the species having migrated off the ranch.
6. Ranches that establish coinciding or overlapping public and private hunts may not exclude public hunters from any portion of the ranch due to the presence of private hunters.
7. The ranch and the Division will mutually agree to ranch rules regarding access to and hunting on the ranch by public hunters. The ranch rules will be provided to hunters prior to seasons on the ranch in accordance with other provisions contained in this regulation.
C. Cooperative Agreements, Enrollment, Denial of Enrollment, Termination of Enrollment 1. The Division is authorized to enter into Cooperative Agreements with ranches.
2. Ranches may appeal enrollment decisions to the Parks and Wildlife Commission.
3. Cooperative Agreements shall incorporate approved Ranching for Wildlife Management Plans as part of the Cooperative Agreement.
4. The Division shall periodically evaluate ranches for enrollment and contract performance, and shall establish minimum performance standards for ranches enrolled in the program, including wildlife habitat management and improvement, public recreation opportunity and experience, and any factors intended to contribute to meeting turkey management objectives. Such performance standards shall be incorporated into the Cooperative Agreement with the ranch.
D. Turkey Season Structures 1. Public and private spring season opening and closing date parameters.
a. Private seasons may not begin before April 1, nor extend beyond June 1.
b. Public seasons may only be established within the opening and closing dates of the regularly established spring season.
c. Public hunting seasons shall be a minimum of ten (10) consecutive days.
2. Public and private fall season opening and closing date parameters.
a. Public and private seasons may not begin before September 1, nor extend beyond November 1 b. Public hunting seasons shall be a minimum of ten (10) consecutive days.
3. Manner of Take a. The manner of take for spring or fall RFW turkey seasons shall be the same as that for regularly established spring or fall seasons.
E. License Allocation 1. A maximum of 100 bearded turkey licenses in the spring season and 100 either-sex turkey licenses in the fall season may be allocated to each ranch annually, and subsequently distributed to the public and private share according to paragraph b of this regulation.
2. The public shall receive a minimum of forty percent (40%) of the total number of licenses allocated for each turkey season on each ranch.
3. License allocation for each ranch shall be approved by the Division and recommended to the Director, based upon harvest objectives for the ranch jointly determined by the Division and the ranch, hunter crowding, enhancement of hunter harvest, and relative densities of the species on the ranch.
4. Substitution of licenses of one species or sex for licenses of another species or sex shall not be permitted.
5. Landowner preference shall not be used for any public or private Ranching for Wildlife license.
F. Youth Licenses 1. The Division and the ranch may formulate and implement youth hunting opportunities on any ranch through Division approved youth hunting programs. The Division must approve the youth hunting program on the ranch prior to any season or license allocation for such youth hunts.
2. A maximum of 15% of the total number of turkey licenses allocated for a ranch may be allocated as youth hunting licenses on each ranch, over and above the total number of licenses allocated for a ranch.
3. Youth hunting seasons may occur at any time within the broad parameters for seasons within the Ranching for Wildlife program.
4. Youth licenses shall be distributed to individual youth hunters by mechanisms of the approved youth hunting program on the ranch. Youth licenses shall not count as either private or public licenses for purposes of calculating the relative share of other licenses allocated for the ranch.
G. License Distribution 1. Applications a. Applications for private hunter licenses stamped with the ranch name and season dates shall be available to the landowner for distribution.
b. Public hunter licenses shall be available through application and selection from the Division during the annual limited license drawing process, except as provided in this regulation.
H. Special Restrictions 1. Unless otherwise provided in these Ranching for Wildlife regulations all hunters must comply with other applicable regulations, including, but not limited to, manner of take (except that private hunters may use any legal weapon during private seasons), hunting hours, application requirements and deadlines, bag limits, season participation, mandatory checks, OHV restrictions, and other generally applicable regulations for big game hunting.
2. A copy of the mutually agreed upon ranch rules will be provided to all public hunters prior to their hunting season. All public hunters will be required to sign a statement acknowledging that they have read, understand, and agree to comply with all ranch rules, before the hunter is allowed access to the ranch.
a. Compliance with ranch rules is a specific condition of the Ranching for Wildlife public licenses and subsequent access to the ranch. In addition to criminal penalties, non-compliance with ranch rules constitutes grounds for suspension and revocation of the license and/or being prohibited from further participation in hunting on the ranch, and/or in the Ranching for Wildlife program as a public hunter.
b. Final determination on any legal action taken towards hunters found in non-compliance with ranch rules shall be made solely by officers of the Division. This includes any citation that may be issued for non-compliance with the provisions of a license, or directing a hunter to leave a ranch. Ranch personnel may not direct a hunter to leave a ranch without specific authorization of a Division officer.
#323 - Mink, pine marten, badger, gray fox, red fox, swift fox, raccoon, ring-tailed cat, striped skunk, western spotted skunk, long-tailed weasel, short-tailed weasel, opossum, and muskrat A. Season Dates and Units 1. Statewide: November 1 - end of February annually.
B. Daily Bag and Possession Limits 1. Unlimited bag and possession.
#324 - Bobcat A. Season Dates and Units 1. Statewide: December 1 - end of February annually.
B. Daily Bag and Possession Limits 1. Unlimited bag and possession.
2. Special Restrictions.
a. All bobcat, or their pelts, shall be personally presented by the licensee for inspection and must be sealed within 30 days after take, or within 5 days after the close of the season, whichever is sooner, with a seal provided by the Division. Any bobcat hide/pelt not having a seal within 5 days after the close of the season shall be illegal and become property of the State. Seals will only be placed on bobcat legally taken in Colorado. No fee shall be required for the inspection and issuance of a legal possession seal, which shall remain attached to the hide until processed. Bobcat hides/pelts shall not be transported, shipped or otherwise taken out of Colorado until the hide(s)/pelt(s) are inspected and sealed. The legal possession seal, when attached to the bobcat or the pelt, shall authorize possession, transportation, and sale thereof. For the purposes of this regulation it is illegal to buy, sell, trade, or barter an untanned bobcat hide/pelt unless a permanent seal is affixed thereto. Only one legal possession seal shall be provided for each hide/pelt.
#325 - Coyote A. Season Dates and Units 1. Statewide: January 1 - December 31 annually.
B. Daily Bag and Possession Limits 1. Unlimited bag and possession.
#326 - Beaver A. Season Dates and Units 1. Statewide, October 1 - April 30 annually.
B. Daily Bag and Possession Limits 1. Unlimited bag and possession.
Editor’s Notes History Entire rule eff. 08/30/2007.
Rules #321, 321.5 eff. 12/30/2007.
Entire rule eff. 09/01/2008.
Rules #323, 323.5 eff. 01/01/2009.
Rules #300 A, 300 B, Article II eff. 09/01/2009.
Rule #303 E eff. 11/01/2009.
Rules #304 G, 323 A.1.a, 323 C.5, 323 C.6, 323 D, 323 E eff. 01/01/2010. Rule #323 E eff. 03/02/2010.
Rules #303 A.3, 307, 309, 314- 316, 318 - 322 eff. 05/01/2010. Entire rule eff. 09/01/2010.
Rule #320 C eff. 11/01/2010.
Rules #323, 323.5 eff. 01/01/2011.
Entire rule eff. 09/01/2011.
Rules #303 C.1, 323 A, 323 D, 323 E eff. 01/01/2012.
Rules #300 E, 304, Article II eff. 09/01/2012.
Rules #323 B.3.c, 323 D- E eff. 01/01/2013.
Rules #303 E.9-10, 307 A.2 eff. 03/02/2013.
Rules #303 E.4-5, 303 E.10.a, 304 G.3.e, 307 A, 308 A.1, 309 A, 310 A.1.a-A.2, 311 A.1, 312 A.1, 314 A.1, 315 A, 316 A.1, 316 B.1, 318 A.1, 319 A, 320 A, 321 A, 322 A.1.a, 324 A.1, 325 A.1, 326 A.1, 328 A.1 eff. 09/01/2013. Rule #313 A.1 eff. 10/01/2013.
Rules #323- 323.5 eff. 01/01/2014.
Rules #300 A.3, 310, 314 A.1.a, 315 A.1.a, 315 A.2.a, 316 A.1.a, 316 B.1.a, 318 A.1.a, 319 A.1, 320 A, 321 A, 322 A.1.a eff. 09/01/2014.
Rules #323- 323.5 eff. 01/01/2015.
Rules #302 B.2, 303 E.5, 306 A.2, 314 A.1.a, 315 A.1.a, 315 A.2.a, 316 A.1.a, 316 B.1.a, 318 A.1.a, 319 A.1, 320 A.1, 320 A.2, 321 A.1, 321 A.2, 321 A.3, 322 A.1.a eff. 09/01/2015.
Rule #323 eff. 01/01/2016.
Rules #314 A.1.a, 315 A.1.a, 315 A.2.a, 316 A.1, 316 B.1.a, 318 A.1.a, 319 A, 320 A, 321 A, 322 A.1.a eff. 05/01/2016.
Rules #303 C.1, 323 D-E eff.01/01/2017.
Rule #304 G repealed eff. 03/02/2017.
Rules #303 A.6, 314 A.1.a, 315 A.1.a, 315 A.2.a, 316 A.1.a, 316 B.1, 318 A.1, 319 A.1, 320 A.1-2, 321 A.1-4, 322 A.1.a eff. 07/01/2017.
Entire rule eff. 01/01/2018.
Rule #322 B.3.c.1. eff. 03/02/2018.
Rules #300 D, 309 B, 313 A.1.a, 314 A, 315 A.1.a, 315 B.1.a, 317 A.1.a, 318 A.1.a, 319 A, 320 A, 321 A.1.a eff. 05/01/2018.
Rules #301, 322 A.2, 322 B.1-2, 322 D, 322 E eff. 01/01/2019. Rules #313 A.1.a, 314 A.1.a, 314 A.2.a, 315 A.1, 315 B.1.a, 317 A.1.a, 318 A.1, 319 A, 320 A, 321 A eff. 07/01/2019.
Rules #300 C, 301 A, 302 B.1,303 A.3, 303 E.4-7, 303 E.8.f, 322 D, 322 E eff. 01/01/2020.
Rule #301 B eff. 03/01/2020.
Rules #301 B.1, 303 A, 313 A.1.a, 314 A, 315 A.1.a, 315 B.1.a, 317 A.1.a, 318 A.1.a, 319 A, 320 A, 321 A.1.a eff. 06/30/2020.
Rules #304 B, 315 A.1 eff. 09/01/2020.
Rules #301 A.1, 301 B.1, 322 D, 322 E eff. 01/01/2021.
Rule #322 B.2.d eff. 03/02/2021.
Rules #313 A, 314 A, 315, 317 A, 318 A, 319 A, 320 A, 321 eff. 05/01/2021. Rule #315 A.1 emer. rule eff. 09/01/2021.
Rule #315 A.1 eff. 11/01/2021.
Rules #301, 322 B.3.d, 322 D, 322 E eff. 01/01/2022.
Rules #313 A, 314 A, 315, 317 A, 318 A, 319 A, 320 A, 321 A, 322 B.2.b eff. 05/01/2022.
Rules #315 A.1 eff. 09/01/2022.
Rules #301 A.1, 301 B.1, 303 C.4, 322 B.2, 322 C.5, 322 D-E eff. 01/01/2023. Rule #322 B.3.d.5 eff. 03/02/2023.
Rules #304 E, 313 A.1.a, 314 A, 315, 317 A.1.a, 318 A.1, 319 A, 320 A, 321 A.1.a eff. 05/01/2023.
Rules #301, 322 C.3.a, 322 D, 322 E eff. 01/01/2024.
Rules #322 D.2, 322 E.1 eff. 03/01/2024.
Rules #304 E, 313 A.1.a, 314 A, 315 A.1.a, 315 B.1.a, 317 A.1.a, 319 A, 320 A eff. 05/01/2024.
Rules #301, 304 E, 322 D-E eff. 01/01/2025.
Rule #304 eff. 03/02/2025.
Rules #304, 313 A.1.a, 314 A, 315 A-B, 317 A.1, 319 A.1-2, 320 A, 322 B.2.e, 322 B.3.a, 322 E.1 eff. 05/01/2025.
Rule #304 emer. rule eff. 08/21/2025.
Rule #304 eff. 12/01/2025.
Rules #301, 322 D, 322 E eff. 01/01/2026.
Rule #310 eff. 05/01/2026.