Elk Hunting Licenses in the State of Colorado

Applications

• The application for elk hunting is straightforward. The application requires basic information about the applicant and proof of registered gun ownership. This application is available online, over the phone or by mail.

Number of Seasons

• The seasons for elk hunting in Colorado are short and frequent. Various seasons start in August and go through January. The first seasons are for archers, and then people who use various types of guns are able to purchase a license for seasons, usually lasting one to four weeks. In the case of rifle licenses, for example, there are four one-week seasons for elk hunting with breaks between seasons. Because elk are population-controlled, officials from the Department of Wildlife can monitor the population with these little seasons.

Over the Counter Licenses

• These licenses are simpler for visiting hunters. With an over-the-counter license, you simply complete the application and pays the requisite fee. The state of Colorado does not limit over-the-counter licenses. Colorado is the only state with this option for any elk hunting seasons. Over-the-counter licenses are available for the second and third elk seasons, which are roughly mid-October to mid-November for muzzle-loading rifles, and for the archery season, which runs late August to late September.

Licensing by Drawing

• When a certain animal cannot be hunted in large numbers, states will hold a drawing for a limited number of licenses. Colorado uses this system for some elk hunting licenses. All elk hunting licenses for muzzle-loading rifles are done by drawing, as are the first and fourth seasons of combined deer and elk licenses for rifle users.

Cost

• The price for Colorado residents for the 2011 season is $49 for either bull elk or cow elk licenses. Non-residents will pay $354 for cow elk licenses and $554 to hunt bull elks.