Colorado Bird Hunting

Seasons Span September 1 – January 31, 2026

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Upland Bird Hunting Season Dates

  • Dusky Grouse (Blue): September 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026 (west of I-25 only)
  • Greater Sage Grouse:
    • Season 1: September 13 – September 19, 2025 (specific GMUs)
    • Season 2: September 13 – September 14, 2025 (North Park, GMUs 6, 16, 17, 161, 171)
  • Mountain Sharp-tailed Grouse: September 1 – September 21, 2025 (specific GMUs: 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 131, 211, 214, 441)
  • Greater Prairie Chicken: October 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (specific GMUs: 93, 97, 98, 100, 101, 102, 103, 109, and parts of Morgan Co.)
  • Chukar Partridge: September 1 – November 30, 2025 (statewide)
  • White-tailed Ptarmigan:
    • Season 1: September 13 – October 5, 2025 (statewide, except specific GMUs)
    • Season 2: September 13 – November 23, 2025 (GMUs 44, 45, 53, 54, 66, 67, 68, 70, 71, 74–81, 444, 751)
  • Ring-necked Pheasant:
    • East of I-25: November 8, 2025 – January 31, 2026
    • West of I-25: November 8, 2025 – January 4, 2026
  • Bobwhite, Gambel’s, and Scaled Quail:
    • East of I-25 (south of I-70 and specific counties): November 8, 2025 – January 31, 2026
    • East of I-25 (north of I-70): November 8, 2025 – January 4, 2026
    • West of I-25 (except specific counties): November 8, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Required Licenses and Costs

  • Resident Licenses:
    • Annual Small Game License (valid March 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026): $36.68
    • 1-Day Small Game License: $16.33
    • Additional Day: $7.82
    • Annual Small Game & Fishing Combo: $61.62
    • Youth Annual Small Game (under 18): $1.50
  • Non-Resident Licenses:
    • Annual Small Game License: $101.54
    • 1-Day Small Game License: $19.97
    • Additional Day: $7.82
  • Additional Permits:
    • Habitat Stamp (required for ages 18–64, first license purchase): $12.47 (annual) or $374.47 (lifetime)
    • Band-tailed Pigeon Permit: $5.00 (resident and non-resident)
    • Prairie Chicken Permit: $5.00 (resident and non-resident)
    • Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp (for doves): $33.00 (resident and non-resident)
  • Notes:
    • All hunters born after January 1, 1949, must complete a hunter education course.
    • A Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration is required for migratory birds.
    • Prices include a $0.25 Search & Rescue Fee and $1.50 Wildlife Education Fee.

Daily Bag and Possession Limits

  • Dusky Grouse (Blue): 3 per day, 9 in possession
  • Greater Sage Grouse:
    • Season 1: 2 per day, 4 in possession
    • Season 2 (North Park): 2 per day, 2 in possession
  • Mountain Sharp-tailed Grouse: 2 per day, 4 in possession
  • Greater Prairie Chicken: 2 per day, 6 per season
  • Chukar Partridge: 4 per day, 12 in possession
  • White-tailed Ptarmigan: 3 per day, 6 in possession
  • Ring-necked Pheasant: 3 cocks per day, 9 cocks in possession
  • Bobwhite, Gambel’s, and Scaled Quail: 8 per day (each species), 24 in possession (each species)

Additional Notes

  • Regulations: Hunters must wear fluorescent orange or pink during firearm seasons for big game, adhere to shooting hours (half-hour before sunrise to sunset), and use non-toxic shot for migratory birds. Check specific GMU restrictions and private land access rules.
  • Conservation: Eurasian collared doves, starlings, and sparrows are invasive species, so no license is required for Eurasian collared doves, but a small game license is needed for starlings and sparrows.
  • Verification: Always check the latest CPW Small Game and Waterfowl Brochure for updates, as season dates and regulations may vary by GMU or change due to wildlife management needs.

For the most up-to-date information, visit cpw.state.co.us or refer to the 2025 Small Game and Waterfowl Brochure.