Could someone please explain the process for getting a permit to hunt deer in Colorado? I've been to the Colorado Division of Wildlife website, and it appears that a limited number of permits are given out each year through a drawing. I'm considering moving to Colorado, but the thought I might not be drawn, and not get to do any big game hunting, could be enough to change my mind. Have I misunderstood the process???

I'm used to hunting in Maine, where you go buy youre license and then you're free to hunt anywhere in the state (almost) for the months of October and November.

How long are the deer seasons in Co.?

Thanks for any input.

All deer licenses are by drawing only, including resident tags. That doesn't mean you can't hunt, there is another critter in CO. that tags are availale for over the counter in some areas, ELK!! But even these tags are unit specific. No big game tags let you hunt any where and every where in the state, there are units and you buy your tag for the unit that you wish to hunt in.
Depending on which weapon you choose to hunt with, the season may be 5 days long, or upto about 3 months, on and off! Bow season being the longest, some rifle seasons are 5 days long.
To be concidered a resident, I beleive, Don't quote me on this, you need to be able to prove residency for 6 months or longer, UNLESS you are schooling or are in the military.

Hey Howler, I have an old classmate in Elizabeth her name is Gail Krueger-ever run into her?

I have worked for the Colorado Div of Wildlife (CDOW) and hunted in Colo. in '04. There are many GMUs where you can obtain an OTC leftover deer tag after they are issued from drawings (applications due beginning of April usually). The DOW publishes the leftover list around the beginning of August, but usually you have to go to a CDOW field office (there may be exceptions, not sure). Give them a call or email with questions; they always went out of their way to assist me.

Residency requirements are as Howler states. Nonetheless, Colo. has some of the best license fees in the western US for nonresidents, especially elk! It's not half bad to be a nonresident; however, that ($) is one reason why I harvested a cow and not bull elk.

The thing is, the seasons can be a lot shorter than we easterners are accustomed to (my whitetail season is Oct-Jan 1), but you really--well, it has been my experience--that you are provided more than enough time to have a fair chance at a representative animal.

Hopefully I'll make it out there for residence one day as well...have fun. I've seen some awesome mulies out there, man.

All the best,

Kimberly
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Field Staff Writer, WomenHunters

Thank you all very much for your replies. If hunting doesn't pan out, there's always fishing....