Colorado Hunting Laws
Colorado sets the West's most detailed rifle standard for big game — a .24-caliber minimum, bullet-weight minimums that differ by species, and a 1,000 ft-lb energy floor measured at 100 yards.
Every rule below cites the official regulation. Last verified August 30, 2026.
At a glance
Check a cartridge in Colorado
Pick a state, species, and weapon — add a cartridge for a full check.
Sourced rules
Every row cites the controlling regulation and the date we verified it.
All weapons
11 rules| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed / Mule Deer | Colorado bans 'smart rifle' systems for big game — scopes with onboard ballistic computers are illegal; simple lighted reticles remain legal. | 2 CCR 406-0 § 004.D.2 (subsection pending verification) | Aug 2026 needs review |
| Elk | Colorado bans 'smart rifle' systems for big game — scopes with onboard ballistic computers are illegal; simple lighted reticles remain legal. | 2 CCR 406-0 § 004.D.2 (subsection pending verification) | Aug 2026 needs review |
| Moose | Colorado bans 'smart rifle' systems for big game — scopes with onboard ballistic computers are illegal; simple lighted reticles remain legal. | 2 CCR 406-0 § 004.D.2 (subsection pending verification) | Aug 2026 needs review |
| Pronghorn | Colorado bans 'smart rifle' systems for big game — scopes with onboard ballistic computers are illegal; simple lighted reticles remain legal. | 2 CCR 406-0 § 004.D.2 (subsection pending verification) | Aug 2026 needs review |
| Black Bear | Colorado bans 'smart rifle' systems for big game — scopes with onboard ballistic computers are illegal; simple lighted reticles remain legal. | 2 CCR 406-0 § 004.D.2 (subsection pending verification) | Aug 2026 needs review |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer | 500 square inches of solid daylight-fluorescent orange or pink on head, chest, and back during rifle seasons. | CPW big game regulations (CCR subsection pending verification) | Aug 2026 needs review |
| Elk | 500 square inches of solid daylight-fluorescent orange or pink on head, chest, and back during rifle seasons. | CPW big game regulations (CCR subsection pending verification) | Aug 2026 needs review |
| Moose | 500 square inches of solid daylight-fluorescent orange or pink on head, chest, and back during rifle seasons. | CPW big game regulations (CCR subsection pending verification) | Aug 2026 needs review |
| Pronghorn | 500 square inches of solid daylight-fluorescent orange or pink on head, chest, and back during rifle seasons. | CPW big game regulations (CCR subsection pending verification) | Aug 2026 needs review |
| Black Bear | 500 square inches of solid daylight-fluorescent orange or pink on head, chest, and back during rifle seasons. | CPW big game regulations (CCR subsection pending verification) | Aug 2026 needs review |
| All species | Suppressors are reported legal for hunting all game in Colorado. | Secondary compilations (pending primary verification) | Aug 2026 needs review |
Handgun
15 rules| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed / Mule Deer | Handguns for big game must be .24 caliber or larger with expanding bullets. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Elk | Handguns for big game must be .24 caliber or larger with expanding bullets. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Moose | Handguns for big game must be .24 caliber or larger with expanding bullets. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn | Handguns for big game must be .24 caliber or larger with expanding bullets. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear | Handguns for big game must be .24 caliber or larger with expanding bullets. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer | Big game handguns need a barrel of at least 4 inches and no shoulder stock. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Elk | Big game handguns need a barrel of at least 4 inches and no shoulder stock. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Moose | Big game handguns need a barrel of at least 4 inches and no shoulder stock. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn | Big game handguns need a barrel of at least 4 inches and no shoulder stock. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear | Big game handguns need a barrel of at least 4 inches and no shoulder stock. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer | Big game handgun loads must deliver at least 550 ft-lb of energy at 50 yards. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Elk | Big game handgun loads must deliver at least 550 ft-lb of energy at 50 yards. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Moose | Big game handgun loads must deliver at least 550 ft-lb of energy at 50 yards. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn | Big game handgun loads must deliver at least 550 ft-lb of energy at 50 yards. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear | Big game handgun loads must deliver at least 550 ft-lb of energy at 50 yards. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
Muzzleloader
6 rules| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed / Mule Deer | Muzzleloaders for deer, pronghorn, and bear must be at least .40 caliber (conical bullet) or .50 caliber (round ball). | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn | Muzzleloaders for deer, pronghorn, and bear must be at least .40 caliber (conical bullet) or .50 caliber (round ball). | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear | Muzzleloaders for deer, pronghorn, and bear must be at least .40 caliber (conical bullet) or .50 caliber (round ball). | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Elk | Muzzleloaders for elk and moose must be at least .50 caliber (conical) or .54 caliber (round ball). | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Moose | Muzzleloaders for elk and moose must be at least .50 caliber (conical) or .54 caliber (round ball). | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| All species | During muzzleloader seasons, scopes are prohibited and no electronics may be attached to the firearm. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
Rifle
32 rules| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
Rifles must be .24 caliber (6mm) or larger for big game.
"Rifles using center-fire cartridges of .24 caliber or larger, having expanding bullets of at least seventy (70) grains in weight, except for elk and moose where the minimum bullet weight is eighty-five (85) grains, an..." |
2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Elk |
Rifles must be .24 caliber (6mm) or larger for big game.
"Rifles using center-fire cartridges of .24 caliber or larger, having expanding bullets of at least seventy (70) grains in weight, except for elk and moose where the minimum bullet weight is eighty-five (85) grains, an..." |
2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Moose |
Rifles must be .24 caliber (6mm) or larger for big game.
"Rifles using center-fire cartridges of .24 caliber or larger, having expanding bullets of at least seventy (70) grains in weight, except for elk and moose where the minimum bullet weight is eighty-five (85) grains, an..." |
2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn |
Rifles must be .24 caliber (6mm) or larger for big game.
"Rifles using center-fire cartridges of .24 caliber or larger, having expanding bullets of at least seventy (70) grains in weight, except for elk and moose where the minimum bullet weight is eighty-five (85) grains, an..." |
2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear |
Rifles must be .24 caliber (6mm) or larger for big game.
"Rifles using center-fire cartridges of .24 caliber or larger, having expanding bullets of at least seventy (70) grains in weight, except for elk and moose where the minimum bullet weight is eighty-five (85) grains, an..." |
2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer | Big game rifles must fire centerfire cartridges — rimfire is not legal. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Elk | Big game rifles must fire centerfire cartridges — rimfire is not legal. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Moose | Big game rifles must fire centerfire cartridges — rimfire is not legal. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn | Big game rifles must fire centerfire cartridges — rimfire is not legal. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear | Big game rifles must fire centerfire cartridges — rimfire is not legal. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer | Bullets must weigh at least 70 grains for deer, pronghorn, and bear. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn | Bullets must weigh at least 70 grains for deer, pronghorn, and bear. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear | Bullets must weigh at least 70 grains for deer, pronghorn, and bear. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Elk | Bullets must weigh at least 85 grains for elk and moose. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Moose | Bullets must weigh at least 85 grains for elk and moose. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer | The load must deliver at least 1,000 ft-lb of energy at 100 yards per the manufacturer's rating. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Elk | The load must deliver at least 1,000 ft-lb of energy at 100 yards per the manufacturer's rating. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Moose | The load must deliver at least 1,000 ft-lb of energy at 100 yards per the manufacturer's rating. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn | The load must deliver at least 1,000 ft-lb of energy at 100 yards per the manufacturer's rating. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear | The load must deliver at least 1,000 ft-lb of energy at 100 yards per the manufacturer's rating. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer | Expanding bullets are required for big game — full-metal-jacket ammunition is not legal. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Elk | Expanding bullets are required for big game — full-metal-jacket ammunition is not legal. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Moose | Expanding bullets are required for big game — full-metal-jacket ammunition is not legal. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn | Expanding bullets are required for big game — full-metal-jacket ammunition is not legal. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear | Expanding bullets are required for big game — full-metal-jacket ammunition is not legal. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer | Semi-automatic rifles are limited to 6 rounds in the magazine and chamber combined; fully automatic firearms are prohibited. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Elk | Semi-automatic rifles are limited to 6 rounds in the magazine and chamber combined; fully automatic firearms are prohibited. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Moose | Semi-automatic rifles are limited to 6 rounds in the magazine and chamber combined; fully automatic firearms are prohibited. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn | Semi-automatic rifles are limited to 6 rounds in the magazine and chamber combined; fully automatic firearms are prohibited. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear | Semi-automatic rifles are limited to 6 rounds in the magazine and chamber combined; fully automatic firearms are prohibited. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain lion exception: any centerfire with a bullet of at least 45 grains. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain lion exception: at least 400 ft-lb of muzzle energy. | 2 CCR 406-2 § 203 | Aug 2026 |
Federal rules that apply in every state
These federal requirements apply in Colorado on top of state law.
Federal law: only USFWS-approved nontoxic shot may be used — or even possessed — while hunting waterfowl, coots, and aggregate-bag species.
50 CFR § 20.21(j)(1)–(3)
Federal law: shotguns for migratory birds are limited to 3 shells total (magazine + chamber) with a one-piece plug; limited light-goose and September Canada goose season exceptions exist.
50 CFR § 20.21(b)
Federal law: shotguns for migratory birds may be no larger than 10 gauge.
50 CFR § 20.21(a)
Federal law prohibits taking migratory birds with a rifle, pistol, or fully automatic firearm.
50 CFR § 20.21(a)
On Waterfowl Production Areas and designated National Wildlife Refuge lands, possessing shot other than approved nontoxic shot is prohibited; individual refuges may impose stricter rules.
50 CFR § 32.2(k)
Sources
2 CCR 406-0 § 004 — General Provisions (prohibited equipment)
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission · retrieved August 30, 2026
2 CCR 406-2 § 203 — Manner of Take (Big Game)
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission (via Cornell LII) · retrieved August 30, 2026
Sources & methodology
Rules on this page are verified against state statutes, administrative code, official agency regulation digests, and federal regulations — never forums, retailer blogs, or hunter-ed course summaries. Rules we could not yet pin to a primary source are labeled needs review and never produce a green "legal" answer. Cartridge energy figures used by the checker are typical factory-load values; where a rule sets an energy or bullet-weight floor, verify your specific load's manufacturer rating.
Legal disclaimer — please read
This page is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Hunting regulations change every season, vary by zone, season, land type, and county ordinance, and are interpreted by the state's enforcement officers — not by this page.
- Confirm every rule in the current official Colorado hunting regulations before your hunt.
- Check season dates, license and tag requirements, zone boundaries, and local ordinances — this page covers equipment rules only.
- When in doubt, contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife directly.
The controlling document is the regulation, not this page. We disclaim all liability for reliance on it.