Turkey hunting has become an increasingly popular pastime in Colorado over the past few decades. With numbers of wild turkeys thriving statewide thanks to successful reintroduction and management programs, many hunters look forward to pursuing these challenging birds every spring and fall. If you want to hunt turkey in Colorado, it’s important to know the season dates, license options, and hunting regulations.
Spring Turkey Season
The spring turkey season in Colorado runs annually from mid-April through May Here are the key dates for the 2024 spring turkey season
- January 2 – Spring limited license draw applications open
- February 6 – Deadline for submitting spring limited draw applications
- February 14 – Spring limited license draw results posted online
- March 1 – Over-the-counter spring turkey licenses go on sale
- April 13 – Opening day of spring turkey season
- May 31 – Closing day of spring turkey season
During spring, hunters can choose from limited licenses awarded through a draw, or over-the-counter licenses which can be purchased directly from Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices and sales agents
Youth hunters under 18 and active military personnel have special spring hunting opportunities. Refer to the annual Colorado Turkey Brochure for details.
Fall Turkey Season
The fall turkey season takes place from September through October annually. Below are the important dates for fall turkey hunting in 2024:
- May 1 – Fall limited license draw applications open
- May 31 – Deadline for submitting fall limited draw applications
- June 5 – Fall limited license draw results posted online
- June 20 – Over-the-counter fall turkey licenses go on sale
- September 1 – Opening day of fall turkey season
- October 25 – Closing day of fall turkey season
Like spring, hunters can apply for limited licenses through a draw in the fall season. Leftover over-the-counter licenses are also available directly through CPW.
Late Season
Colorado also offers a short late turkey season from mid-December through January:
- December 15 – Opening day of late turkey season
- January 15 – Closing day of late turkey season
The late season only offers over-the-counter licenses valid on private lands. Public land late season hunting is not allowed.
License Costs
All turkey hunters in Colorado need a Habitat Stamp ($12.15) in addition to their license. License fees for residents are:
- Spring Limited or OTC: $35.76
- Fall Limited or OTC: $29.69
- Youth Spring or Fall: $18.75
Nonresident license fees are substantially higher. Refer to the Colorado turkey hunting brochure for complete license prices.
Hunter Education Requirements
Anyone born after January 1, 1949 must complete an approved Hunter Education course before applying for or buying a Colorado hunting license. This includes both residents and nonresidents.
Turkey Hunting Regulations
Be sure to get a copy of the annual Colorado Turkey Brochure published by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. This brochure contains all seasons and dates, fees, and legal hunting regulations you must follow. Regulations cover things like hunter orange requirements, shot size, tagging, and more.
As you can see, there are plenty of opportunities to hunt wild turkeys in Colorado each year if you plan ahead. Be sure to apply for limited licenses by the deadlines, and familiarize yourself with rules and season dates. With preparation and scouting, you can have an excellent hunt during spring, fall or late turkey seasons.
Fall Over-The-Counter (OTC) Licenses
Over-the-counter (OTC) licenses are usually unlimited in number and available over the counter. These licenses are not available through the draw process. View the Colorado Turkey Brochure for dates and a map with huntable game management units (GMUs).
Turkey Hunting License Options
Limited licenses are limited in number by regulation and are issued through a draw process. Hunters must apply and be successful in the draw (unless purchased as a leftover or reissued license after the draw) in order to get one of these licenses, which are valid on public or private land within the unit(s) listed, unless otherwise specified below. Hunters must always get landowner permission before hunting on private land.
Spring Turkey in the Mountains of Colorado
FAQ
Does Colorado have over the counter turkey tags?
Is turkey hunting in Colorado good?
Where to hunt turkey in Colorado?
How many turkeys can you harvest in Colorado?
Is there a minimum age to hunt Turkey?
There is no minimum age to hunt turkey, as long as these requirements are met. A mentor must be 18 or older and must meet hunter education requirements. Mentors aren’t required to hunt. While hunting, youth and mentors must be able to see and hear each other without binoculars, radios or other aids.
When is a turkey season in Colorado?
Colorado Spring Turkey Season 22′ April 9 – May 31. Single, two and three day hunts are available with lodging. Please contact us for rates and more information. Colorado Fall Turkey Season 22′ September 1 – October 28.
When is the best time to hunt turkeys in Colorado?
The spring turkey season is the most popular time to hunt turkeys in Colorado. The weather is usually mild, and the turkeys are more active. The peak of the spring turkey season is typically in May. Fall turkey season The fall turkey season is less popular than the spring turkey season, but it can still be a productive time to hunt turkeys.
When should you tag a Turkey in Colorado?
Calling in the Spring is a great tactic for entice the toms to come in for a close shot. Fall turkey season in Colorado allows you to tag turkeys of either sex.