Last verified
The four rifle seasons
Colorado runs four rifle seasons for deer and elk, stacked across five weeks: 1st October 14–18, 2nd October 24 – November 1, 3rd November 7–15, and 4th November 18–22. The 2nd and 3rd are the combined deer-and-elk seasons where most over-the-counter elk hunting happens; the 1st (elk only) and 4th (elk-primary) are limited draws. CPW 2025–2029 Season Structure
| Season | Dates | Species | Elk tags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st rifle | OCT 14 – OCT 18 | Elk only | Limited (draw) |
| 2nd rifle | OCT 24 – NOV 1 | Deer + elk | OTC in many units |
| 3rd rifle | NOV 7 – NOV 15 | Deer + elk | OTC in many units |
| 4th rifle | NOV 18 – NOV 22 | Elk-primary | Limited (draw) |
Every rifle deer and elk hunter picks one of these four — you can't hunt the same species across multiple rifle seasons on one license — so the choice matters. Here's how experienced hunters think about it.
How to choose
1st rifle (Oct 14–18) — elk only, draw
The shortest season and elk-only, so the woods are quieter and the elk haven't been pressured yet. It's limited (draw), so you need to apply and often hold points. Good weather, undisturbed animals, fewer hunters — the trade-off is you have to draw it.
2nd rifle (Oct 24 – Nov 1) — deer + elk, the OTC workhorse
The most popular season: nine days, both species, and over-the-counter elk in many units. That accessibility is also its downside — it's the most crowded. If you're planning a first Colorado elk hunt without points, this is usually where you land.
3rd rifle (Nov 7–15) — deer + elk, often the sweet spot
Also over-the-counter for elk in many units, but a week later, so you get colder weather that moves elk to lower ground and the start of the deer rut. Many hunters consider it the best balance of access and conditions.
4th rifle (Nov 18–22) — elk-primary, draw
The latest and shortest, limited (draw). Cold, potential snow, and elk grouped into big herds at lower elevation — a favorite of hunters who've drawn it, and often the deer hunter's choice because it aligns with the mule deer rut.
OTC or draw, again
The pattern to remember: 2nd and 3rd rifle = over-the-counter elk in eligible units; 1st and 4th = draw. A few units have moved off the OTC list for 2026 (notably the Gunnison Basin), so confirm yours in the CPW 2026 Big Game Brochure. Deer, by contrast, is limited in all four — see deer seasons for that wrinkle.
Archery and muzzleloader hunters have their own earlier seasons — archery and muzzleloader — and the whole fall is on the season calendar.
Common questions
What are the Colorado rifle season dates for 2026?
First rifle October 14–18, second rifle October 24 – November 1, third rifle November 7–15, and fourth rifle November 18–22.
Which Colorado rifle season is over-the-counter for elk?
The second (October 24 – November 1) and third (November 7–15) rifle seasons offer over-the-counter elk in many units. The first and fourth are limited (draw only).
Which rifle season is best in Colorado?
There's no single answer, but many hunters favor 3rd rifle for its balance of over-the-counter access and colder weather that moves elk. 2nd rifle is the most accessible (and most crowded); 1st and 4th are quieter but require drawing a tag.
Can you hunt both deer and elk in the same rifle season?
In the 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons, yes — they're combined deer-and-elk seasons (with the appropriate licenses). The 1st is elk-only and the 4th is elk-primary with deer available only by limited license.
Primary sources
- CPW 2025–2029 Big Game Season Structure (official rule PDF) verified Jul. 2026
- CPW — Over-the-counter (OTC) licenses verified Jul. 2026
- CPW 2026 Big Game Brochure per-unit OTC/limited detail