Colorado muzzleloader season & rules

The dates

• Elk, deer & bear — September 12–20.
• Pronghorn — September 21–29.
• Moose — September 12–20.

The muzzleloader elk and deer seasons fall inside the September archery window; everything is on the season calendar.

It's a draw season — for elk and mule deer

Unlike archery and the 2nd/3rd rifle seasons, muzzleloader elk and mule deer are limited: those tags are awarded through the draw, so you apply in the spring and may need preference points for better units. That, plus the short window, keeps hunter numbers down. CPW is explicit that the over-the-counter elk licences are rifle-only, so there is no walk-up muzzleloader elk tag. CPW · Over-the-counter licenses

Two over-the-counter muzzleloader licences do exist, though, and both are easy to miss because the season is described as draw-only so often:

• Bear. CPW sells over-the-counter muzzleloader bear licences, unlimited in number. Most are an add-on: you can buy one only if you already hold a deer or elk licence for the same manner of take — so a drawn muzzleloader elk tag is what unlocks a walk-up muzzleloader bear tag. Bear is already on the date list above, running the same September 12–20 window.
• White-tailed deer. OTC whitetail licences are valid for any legal method of take, muzzleloader included. This is whitetail specifically, not mule deer, and mostly means the eastern part of the state.

The OTC page covers both, including the residency rules.

Equipment rules

Colorado's muzzleloader regulations are stricter than many states': the season is built around traditional-style muzzleloaders, with rules on ignition, sights, and projectiles that disqualify a lot of modern in-line setups' accessories. Because the details are exact and enforced, we don't paraphrase them loosely — read the current CPW 2026 Big Game Brochure manner-of-take rules, and see legal weapons for how muzzleloader fits alongside the archery and rifle equipment rules. Confirm your setup is legal before the season.

Gear this season actually calls for

Muzzleloader season is nine days in September, with equipment rules stricter than most states. Gear that fits the rules matters.

• Muzzleloader speed loaders on AmazonOne follow-up shot in the field is only as fast as your reload.
• Muzzleloader cleaning kit on AmazonBlack powder substitutes foul fast; clean it every day.
• Blaze orange vest and hat on AmazonRequired during muzzleloader season in Colorado.
• Wind checker on AmazonMuzzleloader ranges are archery-close; the wind decides it.

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Common questions

When is muzzleloader season in Colorado in 2026?

Elk, deer and bear muzzleloader runs September 12–20, 2026; pronghorn muzzleloader is September 21–29.

Is muzzleloader draw-only in Colorado?

For elk and mule deer, yes — those muzzleloader licences are limited and awarded through the draw, and CPW's over-the-counter elk licences are rifle-only. Two exceptions are sold over the counter: muzzleloader bear licences (unlimited, but normally an add-on you can only buy if you already hold a deer or elk licence for the same manner of take), and white-tailed deer licences, which are valid for any legal method of take. See OTC tags.

Can I use a scope on my muzzleloader in Colorado?

Colorado's muzzleloader rules restrict sights and other equipment more tightly than many states. Rather than risk a paraphrase, confirm the current scope/sight rule in the CPW Big Game Brochure manner-of-take section before you hunt.