When Does Turkey Season Start in Colorado? A Guide to Turkey Hunting Seasons

Turkey hunting is a beloved tradition for many outdoor enthusiasts in Colorado. The excitement of spring gobbler hunting or chasing birds in the fall is a thrill unlike any other. But when exactly do the various turkey seasons open each year in Colorado? This guide will provide an overview of turkey season dates, license options fees, and more.

Overview of Turkey Seasons

There are three main turkey seasons in Colorado each year

• Spring Turkey Season – This is the most popular season, opening in mid April and running through May. Spring is when gobblers are actively breeding and responding readily to calling.

• Fall Turkey Season – The fall season opens September 1st and continues through October. Fall hunting focuses on flocks of hens and juveniles dispersing after breeding.

• Late Winter Turkey Season – There is a short late season in December and January for hunting beardless birds on private land.

Turkey seasons vary in their exact start and end dates each year. But the seasons generally follow this yearly schedule:

• Spring Turkey – Mid April to end of May
• Fall Turkey – September 1 to late October
• Late Season – Mid December to mid January

So if you want to chase spring gobblers, mark your calendar for mid to late April. For fall flocks, opening day is September 1st. And for late season options focus on mid December.

Spring Turkey Season Details

The most exciting turkey hunting happens in the spring when testosterone-charged gobblers are actively seeking hens to breed. Here are key details on spring turkey season in Colorado:

• Opening day – The season opens annually on the second Saturday in April. For 2024, opening day is April 13.

• Closing day – The season runs until May 31 each year.

• Shooting hours – Legal shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset each day.

• Bag limit – The statewide bag limit is two bearded turkeys in the spring for both residents and nonresidents.

• License options – Spring licenses include limited draw tags for certain units, over-the-counter licenses valid statewide, youth licenses, and private land only licenses.

When applying for limited spring turkey licenses, resident applications open in early January each year, with a deadline in early February. Nonresidents can apply starting in mid January. Results are posted in mid February. Leftover limited licenses go on sale in early March. Over-the-counter spring turkey licenses can be purchased starting in early March as well.

Fall Turkey Season Details

Fall turkey hunting focuses on flocks of hens, juveniles, and younger gobblers dispersing after the spring breeding season. Key details on the fall turkey season include:

• Opening day – The season opens on September 1 each year.

• Closing day – The season closes annually on October 25.

• Shooting hours – Legal shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

• Bag limits – The bag limit is two turkeys of either sex for fall seasons statewide.

• License options – Hunters can obtain limited draw licenses for certain units in the fall. Over-the-counter fall turkey licenses valid statewide on public or private land are also available.

For the fall draw, resident applications open in early May, with a deadline in late May. Nonresident applications open in early April. Draw results are released in early June. Leftover limited licenses from the draw go on sale in mid June, along with over-the-counter licenses.

Late Turkey Season on Private Land

Colorado also offers a short late season opportunity for hunting beardless turkeys on private land only. Details include:

• Dates – The season opens annually on December 15 and closes January 15.

• Bag limit – The limit is two beardless turkeys during the late season.

• Licenses – Late season licenses are over-the-counter but valid only on private land with landowner permission.

Turkey Hunting Fees and Habitat Stamp Requirements

To hunt turkeys in Colorado, hunters need a license plus a habitat stamp if required. Fees include:

• Habitat stamp – $12.15 for residents and nonresidents if required
• Resident spring turkey – $35.76
• Resident fall turkey – $29.69
• Nonresident spring or fall – $183.94
• Youth licenses – Reduced priced licenses for hunters under 18.

Habitat stamps are required for hunters ages 18-64 when buying a spring or fall turkey license. Stamps are valid March 1 – March 31 annually.

There are also application fees associated with applying for limited licenses in the spring and fall draws. Residents pay $8 per application, nonresidents $10.