Colorado

Sub-species: Rio Grande, Merriam’s  

Tags: Draw + Over the Counter sales beginning March 1

Application Period: Jan 2 – Feb 3

Electronic or Print at Home Fulfillment: NO

Hunter Education Requirement:  YES, if born after Jan 1, 1949

Bag Limit: 2 bearded turkeys (one with limited license, one with over the counter license) in the spring, 1 either sex in the fall.

2026 Spring Season Dates: April 11 – May 31 (varies by unit).

2026 Fall Season Dates: September 1 – October 23 (varies by unit).

Special Youth Hunt: Yes (varies by unit)

Special Disabled Hunt: A limited number of private land licenses are offered in units 91,92, and 96.  Go to cpw.state.co.us/hunters-with-disabilities for more info.

Decoys Allowed: Yes

Tagging Requirements: After harvest, hunter must immediately detach, sign, and    date carcass tag and attach it to the turkey.  Tag must stay attached while the        carcass is in your possession.

Noteworthy Restrictions: Legal hunting hours end at sunset.  It is illegal to have a loaded (in the chamber) shotgun in or on any motorized vehicle.  Portable blinds must be removed at the end of the day on State Wildlife Areas.  Shotguns 10ga and smaller shooting #2 shot and smaller are legal.  Shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shells must be plugged.  Turkeys can be taken over standing crops or feed scattered solely for agricultural purposes.  It is illegal to use internet or computer aided technology while hunting.  It is also illegal to use live action game cameras to assist in locating or taking of game the same or the following day.  A turkey harvested in the spring must have his beard naturally attached while transporting. 

Colorado Parks & Wildlife

303-297-1192

Purchase License Online

Licenses Needed to Hunt Turkeys