The ins and outs of Colorado over-the-counter elk hunting opportunities. How to purchase an over-the-counter elk tag and where can you hunt over-the-counter bull elk in Colorado?
Viewing all the over-the-counter 2nd and 3rd season rifle elk hunting units in Colorado for a nonresident on the web version of Filtering.
If you’re looking for a no-draw (hunt every year) opportunity to hunt elk in one of the best elk states in the country, Colorado’s over-the-counter (OTC) elk tags are your ticket. Colorado offers more over-the-counter elk hunting opportunities than any other state, making it a go-to destination for do-it-yourself hunters who don’t want to wait on a limited draw.
Here’s everything you need to know about buying over-the-counter elk tags in Colorado and where you can use them.
Yes! Colorado offers over-the-counter elk licenses for both residents and nonresidents. These licenses are unlimited, meaning you can buy one without going through a draw process.
Keep in mind that Colorado no longer offers over-the-counter archery elk licenses for nonresidents in units west of I-25 and GMU 140. Nonresidents can still hunt over-the-counter archery elk tags in certain units east of I-25.
Learn more about how this nonresident change might impact you in the article below:
Colorado over-the-counter elk tags are valid only in specific units and for certain seasons. You can’t use them for limited-entry draw hunts, so it’s crucial to know where you can hunt before heading into the field.
With a GOHUNT Insider membership, we make it super easy to find these opportunities. You can quickly find these over-the-counter hunts on our Filtering research tool on the web and through the Research tab on our mobile app.
Check out the article below to see how easy it is to find these over-the-counter elk hunting opportunities on our mobile app:
Pro Tip: over-the-counter rifle hunts are popular, and pressure can be high in some areas. If you want less competition, look into backcountry or wilderness areas.
Colorado’s over-the-counter elk tags give you the chance to hunt every year, with no preference points required. If you’re willing to scout hard and put in the effort, there’s a good chance you’ll find elk in over-the-counter units. Choosing the right unit can make or break your over-the-counter elk hunt. Colorado’s over-the-counter units vary in elk density, terrain difficulty, and hunting pressure.
Access all of our hunting research tools with an Insider account, and you'll set yourself up for success.
The key? Pick the right unit, prepare for high hunting pressure, and get off the beaten path. Colorado elk are out there—you just have to go find them.
Over-the-counter elk tags go on sale in early August (exact dates vary each year).
They can be purchased online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), at CPW offices, or at licensed sales agents (like sporting goods stores). Purchase your over-the-counter Colorado elk license here.
Season: September (dates vary by year)
Valid in: Select over-the-counter units
Available for: Either-sex or cow-only (depending on the unit)
Note: Resident only for over-the-counter archery elk west of I-25 and GMU 140.
Both residents and nonresidents can buy over-the-counter tags.
Again, remember that nonresidents can no longer purchase over-the-counter archery elk licenses for units west of I-25 and GMU 140.
You must have a Hunter Education Certificate (if born after Jan. 1, 1949).
You’ll also need to purchase a Habitat Stamp ($12.15 for residents and nonresidents).
Season:
2nd Rifle Season: Late October
3rd Rifle Season: Early November
Valid in: Many western and central Colorado units
Available for: Bull elk only (no cow elk over-the-counter rifle tags)
