Duck hunting in Colorado presents an exceptional opportunity for thrill and satisfaction. With a variety of ducks ranging from the well-known mallard to the hard-to-find canvasback, waterfowl enthusiasts won’t be disappointed. We will delve into the various season dates prevalent in the state. You’ll also learn about acquiring licenses, knowing bag limits, and maintaining responsible game practices.
When you reach the end of this guide, you’ll have everything you need to design and carry out an unforgettable duck hunting trip in Colorado. Get your equipment ready, and set to feel the rush of the chase in a state known for its stunning beauty.
2024 CO Duck Schedule
Regular Season
Northeast Zone:
- Oct. 19 – Dec. 01, 2024
- Dec. 11, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025
· Southeast Zone:
- Oct. 28, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025
· Mountain/Foothills Zone:
- Oct. 05 – Dec. 01, 2024
- Dec. 25, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025
· Western Zone:
- Oct. 05 – Oct. 22, 2024
- Nov. 06, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025
· Eastern Zone:
- Oct. 05, 2024 – Jan. 17, 2025
· September Teal Season:
- Sep. 14 – Sep. 22, 2024
Youth, Veteran and Active Military Seasons
· Central Flyway: Northeast Zone:
- Oct. 12 – Oct. 13, 2024
· Central Flyway: Southeast Zone:
- Oct. 19 – Oct. 20, 2024
· Central Flyway: Mountain/Foothills Zone:
- Sep. 28 – Sep. 29, 2024
· Pacific Flyway: Western Zone:
- Oct. 26 – Oct. 27, 2024
· Pacific Flyway: Eastern Zone:
- Sep 28, 2024- Sep 29, 2024
Bag Limits
| Zones | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
| Northeast, Southeast and Mountain/Foothills | 6 ducks & mergansers (aggregate) | 3 daily bag limits |
| Western and Eastern | 7 ducks & mergansers (aggregate) | 3 daily bag limits |
| September Teal | 6 teal (aggregate) | 18 |
| Youth, Veteran & Active Military | ||
| Central Flyway: Northeast, Mountain/Foothills and Southeast | 6 (Duck, Merganser, Coot) | 3 daily bag limits |
| Pacific Flyway: Western and Eastern | 7 (Duck, Merganser), 25 Coot | 3 daily bag limits |
Duck Regulations
- Shotguns: It should be no bigger than a 10 gauge. The combined chamber and magazine shouldn’t store over three shells. If a shotgun can hold more than three, a single-piece plug is needed. This plug can only be taken out when the gun is taken apart. Taking waterfowl with slugs is not allowed.
- Hand-held Bows: Hand-held bows can be used as long as the arrow or string isn’t drawn or held by a machine.
- Vessels:
- You can hunt from boats, as long as motors are not running or sails aren’t unfurled and there’s no forward motion.
- You can also hunt from a drifting boat or one moved by hand.
- Using powered boats is limited to only pick up downed birds or deploy and recover decoys.
Baiting and Decoys
- Baiting: You can’t legally use grain or any other feed to attract ducks. If this happens, the area stays as a ‘baited one’ for ten days, even after the feed disappears.
- Decoys: You can use fake ones. But it’s against the law to use real, tame, or captive birds to trick the others. Ten days before hunting, you should take these away. They need to be kept where their calls are muffled, and they can’t be seen.
Legal Hours
- You can only hunt from half an hour before sunrise till sunset.
Restrictions
- Proximity to Roads: You can’t hunt waterfowl within 50 yards of the middle of a public road.
- Proximity to Dwellings:
- In places like Pueblo County, it’s also illegal to hunt within 150 yards from someone’s home, including right above, without the owner’s or renter’s permission.
Tagging and Transporting
- Tagging: No need for a carcass tag for ducks unless the law says so.
Federal Regulations
- Take a look at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s website for a complete rundown of federal laws.
CO Duck Game Licenses and Fees
| License Type | Hunter Type | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Habitat Stamp | Resident and Nonresident | $12.15 |
| Colorado Waterfowl Stamp | Resident and Nonresident | $12.15 |
| Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp | Resident and Nonresident | $33.00 |
Top Colorado Duck Hunting Locations
Colorado, famous for breathtaking scenes and varied animals, provides great choices waterfowls. Let’s explore the best places:
1. South Platte River Drainage
In the northeast corner of Colorado, one finds an area well-known for its wealth of waterfowl. Ducks like mallards, pintails, and teal find the South Platte River and its branching streams a comforting home. For hunters, both public hunting grounds and state-run wildlife spots near the river present great opportunities.
2. Arkansas River Drainage
The Arkansas River drainage, located in southeastern state, is another popular duck game destination. The river and its associated wetlands attract a variety of waterfowl, including mallards, gadwalls, and wigeons. Public hunting areas and private lands along the river offer great opportunities.
3. San Luis Valley
Located in the lower region of Colorado, the San Luis Valley is a hotspot for an array of waterfowl, especially as the season swings into full. The valley’s diverse wetlands and reservoirs act as a top-notch home for ducks, geese, and other similar species. Both public and privately owned spaces provide hunters opportunity for exploration.
4. North Park
North Park, found high up in the state, draws in diverse types of ducks such as mallards, pintails, and gadwalls. This area’s bodies of water and marshy lands serve as top-notch spots for hunting, particularly in the beginning of the season.
5. Western Slope
In Western Slope, the Gunnison Valley, and Roaring Fork Valley, one can find unique spots for duck hunting. These smaller locations usually host fewer hunters, lending to a calmer, more satisfying adventure.
6. State Wildlife Areas
Colorado brims with many state wildlife territories, ideal spots for waterfowl hunting. These regions are controlled by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. They host a diverse range of environments for ducks, geese, and other waterfowl.
7. Private Lands
There are numerous private landholders who present leases for waterfowl hunting or provide guided hunts. This opens the door to unique hunting spaces and expert guides aiding in increasing your odds of a successful hunt.
