Colorado runs its elk seasons on a five-year schedule. The current schedule covers 2025 through 2029, so the pattern below will look very similar next year. Here are the dates for the 2026 regular seasons.

2026 Colorado elk season dates

Season	2026 dates	Length	How to get a tag
Archery	September 2–30	29 days	Residents: OTC in many units. Nonresidents: draw west of I-25, OTC in some eastern units
Muzzleloader	September 12–20	9 days	Draw only in most units
1st rifle	October 14–18	5 days	Draw only, elk only
2nd rifle	October 24 – November 1	9 days	OTC bull tags in many units, or draw
3rd rifle	November 7–15	9 days	OTC bull tags in many units, or draw
4th rifle	November 18–22	5 days	Draw only

Some limited hunts, private-land-only licenses, and plains units have different dates. The CPW Big Game brochure lists the dates for every hunt code.

What each season is like

Archery (September 2–30)

This is the rut. Bulls bugle, gather cows, and respond to calls, especially from mid-September on. It is the most exciting time to be in the elk woods, and the most physically demanding: warm days, lots of miles, and short shooting distances. Meat care matters in September heat, so plan to get meat cooled and out quickly.

Muzzleloader (September 12–20)

Muzzleloader hunters get the peak of the rut with more range than a bow. Tags are limited and usually take points, but it is one of the best chances at a mature bull during the rut.

1st rifle (October 14–18)

Under the 2025–2029 schedule, the first rifle season is short and elk-focused. Tags are limited, so pressure is lower, and bulls are still with cows or recovering from the rut. Elk haven’t been pushed hard by rifle hunters yet.

2nd rifle (October 24 – November 1)

This is Colorado’s busiest elk season. OTC bull tags are valid in many units, so expect lots of hunters on public land. Elk move fast into dark timber and steep, hard-to-reach country once the shooting starts. Hunters who hike past the crowds do well.

3rd rifle (November 7–15)

With the 3rd season back to nine days, you have more time to wait for weather. Snow is the 3rd-season hunter’s friend: it pushes elk lower and makes them easier to track. Cold weather also makes meat care easier.

4th rifle (November 18–22)

The last regular season is short and draw only. With good snow, elk are often moving toward winter range. The 4th season is a popular time to hunt cows, which makes it a good meat hunt.

How to pick your season

• Want to hear bugles and call in a bull? Archery or muzzleloader.
• First elk hunt, want the best odds of a tag? 2nd or 3rd rifle on an OTC tag (bull only), or a cow tag in the draw.
• Want fewer hunters? 1st or 4th rifle, which are limited.
• Want to fill the freezer? A cow or either-sex tag in the 3rd or 4th season.
• Going with an outfitter? Ask which seasons they have the most success in. Many outfitters book the rut and the 2nd season first.

Key license dates for 2026

• Primary draw applications: March 1 – April 7
• Draw results: May 26–29
• Secondary draw: June 18–30
• Leftover and OTC licenses on sale: August 4

Read our step-by-step guide to the Colorado elk draw

Related: How Colorado draw points work · Draw odds by unit · Colorado Elk Hunting Guide · OTC elk tags · Cost of a Colorado elk hunt

Season dates are for the 2026 regular seasons from the CPW 2025–2029 season structure. Confirm the dates for your hunt code in the current CPW Big Game brochure.