(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (1.6) of this section, the division may issue the following resident and nonresident licenses and shall collect the following fees:
Fees
Resident Nonresident
(a) to (p) Repealed.
(q) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2018.)
(r) to (u) Repealed.
(v) 3-year possession/hunting
raptor license $ 150.00 Not available
(w) Annual possession/hunting
raptor license Not available $ 80.00
(x) Repealed.
(y) Peregrine falcon
capture license 300.00 Not available
(1.1) to (1.3) Repealed.
(1.4) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (1.5) and (1.6) of this section, the division may issue the following resident and nonresident licenses and shall collect the following fees:
Fees
Resident Nonresident
(a) Extra rod stamp $ 9.00 $ 9.00
(b) Fishing - 1 day 12.00 15.00
(c) Fishing - 5 days Not available 30.00
(d) Fishing - annual 33.00 95.00
(d.5) Youth, ages sixteen
and seventeen,
fishing - annual 8.00 Not available
(e) Senior, ages
sixty-four and
older, annual fishing 8.00 Not available
(f) Small game hunting 28.00 80.00
(g) Small game - 1 day 12.00 15.00
(h) Furbearer license 28.00 250.00
(i) (Deleted by amendment, L. 94, p. 1220, � 3, effective May 22, 1994.)
(j) Turkey, fall 23.00 150.00
(j.3) Turkey, spring 28.00 150.00
(j.6) Turkey (youth) 14.00 100.00
(k) Combination fishing and
small game hunting 48.00 Not available
(l) Pronghorn 38.00 395.00
(m) Bear, fall 48.00 660.00
(n) Repealed.
(o) Deer 38.00 395.00
(p) Elk 53.00 660.00
(q) Mountain goat 300.00 2,210.00
(r) Moose 300.00 2,210.00
(s) Mountain lion 48.00 660.00
(t) Rocky mountain bighorn
sheep 300.00 2,210.00
(u) Desert bighorn sheep 300.00 2,210.00
(v) (I) Resident low-income
senior annual fishing 8.00 Not available
(II) (Deleted by amendment, L. 97, p. 766, � 1, effective May 1, 1997.)
(w) Youth big game (deer,
elk, pronghorn) 13.75 99.75
each each
(x) Youth small game hunting 1.00 1.00
(y) Repealed.
(z) Colorado wildlife habitat
stamp, purchased in conjunction
with the purchase of a hunting
or fishing license 10.00 10.00
(aa) Lifetime Colorado
wildlife habitat stamp 300.00 300.00
(bb) Migratory waterfowl
stamp 10.00 10.00
(cc) [Editor's note: Subsection (1.4)(cc) is effective January 1, 2026.]
Bison 374.22 2,756.74
(1.5) (a) With respect to the licenses authorized under subsections (1.4)(d.5) and (1.4)(e) of this section, the commission may raise the fees by rule as necessary to maintain sufficient funding for Colorado to remain eligible for federal funding made available to the states through the Federal Aid In Sport Fish Restoration Act, 16 U.S.C. secs. 777 to 777k, as amended.
(b) With respect to licenses authorized under subsection (1.4) of this section, the commission shall consider offering discounted licenses or license combinations for wildlife management or hunting and fishing recruitment purposes, including consideration of the creation of a resident low-income license.
(c) Except for the senior annual fishing license, resident low-income fishing license, youth big game hunting license, annual Colorado wildlife habitat stamp, lifetime Colorado wildlife stamp, and migratory waterfowl stamp issued in accordance with subsections (1.4) and (1.5)(b) of this section, the commission may, by rule, assess a harvest permit surcharge in an amount not to exceed five dollars for each species that may be taken under any license listed in subsections (1), (1.4), and (1.5)(b) of this section that is sold by the division or one of its license agents pursuant to section 33-4-101 when, as determined by the commission by rule, doing so is necessary for the proper management of the division or is otherwise beneficial to the management of state wildlife resources.
(1.6) (a) By promulgation of appropriate rule, the commission may, from time to time, reduce a fee specified in this section and may, by promulgation of appropriate rule, later raise the license fee up to an amount not to exceed the statutory limit, when, in the judgment of the commission, one of the following conditions applies:
(I) If the commission determines that it would be beneficial to issue the license in conjunction with another type of license and creates a combination license;
(II) If the commission determines it is proper for management of the division or otherwise beneficial to the management of state wildlife resources. Licenses so discounted may be limited to certain geographic areas, by sex of the animal, or as otherwise deemed appropriate by the commission.
(III) If the commission determines that an activity is regulated at both the state and federal levels and that issuance of a multi-year state license or collection of a reduced state annual license fee, or both, would help to coordinate state and federal regulation and reflect the administrative cost savings realized through coordination.
(IV) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2018.)
(b) (I) For a fee or surcharge described in articles 1 to 6 of this title 33, the commission may, by rule, adjust the fee or surcharge by an amount up to the total amount reflected by the annual percentage change in the United States department of labor's bureau of labor statistics consumer price index for Denver-Aurora-Lakewood for all items and all urban consumers, or its applicable predecessor or successor index. The adjustment is not effective until the commission notifies the joint budget committee of the adjustment.
(II) (A) For a fee for resident and nonresident licenses described in subsection (1.4) of this section, the commission may, by rule, adjust the fee by an amount up to the total amount reflected by the annual percentage change in the United States department of labor's bureau of labor statistics consumer price index for Denver-Aurora-Lakewood for all items and all urban consumers, or its successor index.
(B) If the commission adjusts a fee in accordance with subsection (1.6)(b)(II)(A) of this section, the commission shall base the adjustment on the prices for fees as those prices were established by Senate Bill 18-143, as enacted in 2018, and described in subsection (1.4) of this section.
(C) The fee adjustment described in this subsection (1.6)(b)(II) is not effective until the commission notifies the joint budget committee of the adjustment.
(c) Repealed.
(1.7) Nothing in this section shall be construed to invalidate any senior lifetime license previously issued by the division.
(1.8) Repealed.
(1.9) (a) (I) The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that:
(A) Service members returning from post-September 11, 2001, overseas contingency operations who have been injured during combat face a challenging period of rehabilitation upon their return to the United States;
(B) Many of these service members are so severely injured that they require medical assistance for many years, or even the rest of their lives, as they reenter mainstream life;
(C) Although the scope of care provided by the United States armed services wounded warrior programs varies with each service member, based on the needs of the individual, these service members may be assigned, upon return to Colorado, to a medical treatment facility such as Evans army hospital at Fort Carson, Colorado;
(D) Wounded warrior programs are direct efforts by the United States armed services to care for service members during their long transition from combat-related injury to civilian life and to provide assistance to those service members in recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration that is worthy of their service and sacrifice; and
(E) For those wounded warriors who suffer injuries so severe that they will require intense, ongoing care or assistance for many years or the rest of their lives, a significant part of the healing process is enabling and encouraging these service members to experience some of the recreational activities they enjoyed prior to their service-related injuries.
(II) The general assembly therefore recognizes the need to provide opportunities for Colorado's severely injured wounded warriors to enjoy the natural resources of the state as part of their rehabilitative care. Furthermore, offering reduced-cost or free big game hunting licenses to such recovering service members is a small, but recognizable, acknowledgment of their selfless service and sacrifice.
(b) The commission may promulgate rules to reduce or eliminate big game license fees and establish a big game hunting license preference for members of the United States armed services wounded warrior programs who are residents of, or stationed in, Colorado and who have been so severely injured that they will require years of intense, ongoing care or assistance.
(c) As used in this subsection (1.9), United States armed services wounded warrior programs means:
(I) The Army wounded warrior (AW2) program;
(II) The Air Force wounded warrior (AFW2) program;
(III) The Navy safe harbor program;
(IV) The Coast Guard wounded warrior regiment; and
(V) Any successor program administered by a branch of the United States armed services to provide individualized support for service members who have been severely injured in overseas contingency operations undertaken since September 11, 2001.
(d) The commission may adopt rules to implement this subsection (1.9), including rules defining severely injured and establishing residency requirements for service members eligible under this subsection (1.9).
(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (1.6) of this section, the division may issue the following special licenses and shall collect the following fees:
Fees
(a) Scientific collecting license for the collection of wildlife species
outside of established seasons and bag limits$ 28.00
(b) Importation license, issued for the purpose of importing wildlife
into the state75.00
(c) Field trial license23.00
(d) Commercial lake license, issued for the operation of privately
owned lakes for purposes of charging customers to fish; live fish or viable
gametes may not be sold or transported from the premises200.00
(e) Private lake license, issued for the operation of privately owned
lakes for the purpose of fishing when no fee is charged; fish or gametes
may not be sold, and live fish or viable gametes may not be transported
from the premises14.00
(f) Commercial wildlife park license, issued for the operation of
privately owned wildlife parks and for related buying, selling, or trading of
lawfully acquired wildlife or for charging customers to hunt at the park150.00
(g) Noncommercial park license, issued to persons who wish to
keep lawfully acquired native birds except raptors as pets28.00
(h) (Deleted by amendment, L. 91, p. 199, � 4, effective June 7, 1991.)
(i) Wildlife sanctuary license150.00
(3) The fee for any license issued by the division for which a fee is not provided in subsection (1), (1.4), or (2) of this section must not exceed one hundred dollars.
(4) Repealed.
(5) Any person may obtain more than one one-day or five-day fishing license during a calendar year. The effective date shall appear on every such fishing license. Said date may be the date it is procured or any future date during the fishing season specified by the license.
(6) (a) Moneys received in payment for any licenses issued under this title shall not be refunded except for proven error committed by the division in issuing licenses or upon the death of a licensee in possession of a big game license if death occurs before the starting date of the season specified on said license or if authorized by the director under rules of the commission.
(b) Repealed.
(7) Any person claiming residency in Colorado as set forth in section 33-1-102, for the purpose of purchasing a resident license of any kind, must produce evidence of such residency at the time of purchase.
(7.5) The division or a license agent issuing a license on the division's behalf need not comply with section 24-72.1-103 concerning secure and verifiable identity documents when issuing a license pursuant to this section.
(8) In the event of the loss, theft, or destruction of any wildlife license issued by the division, the person to whom the license was issued may receive a duplicate license from the division upon payment of a fee of up to fifty percent of the cost of the original license, not to exceed twenty-five dollars, as established by the commission by rule, and completion of an affidavit stating where and by whom the license was issued and the circumstances under which the license was lost, stolen, or destroyed. In the event the division determines that the original license has been lost or destroyed in the mail, the person to whom the license was issued may obtain a duplicate license from the division without charge by submitting to the division a signed affidavit stating that the license was never received.
(8.5) (a) Except for the annual Colorado wildlife habitat stamp, the lifetime Colorado wildlife stamp, the migratory waterfowl stamp, and the youth small game hunting license, the commission shall, by rule, assess a surcharge in an amount not to exceed one dollar and fifty cents on each license listed in subsections (1) and (1.4) of this section that is sold by the division or one of its license agents pursuant to section 33-4-101. Revenues derived from the assessment of the surcharge, together with any interest earned on the revenues, shall be deposited into the wildlife management public education fund created in section 33-1-112 (3.5)(a).
(b) to (e) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2005, p. 469, � 1, effective January 1, 2006.)
(9) All licenses issued pursuant to this section expire on the date written or printed thereon, unless otherwise provided by the commission or by any other law.
(10) Repealed.
(11) With respect to licenses that are issued in limited numbers for the taking of game wildlife, the division may collect from each resident license applicant a nonrefundable processing fee not to exceed ten dollars and from each nonresident license applicant a nonrefundable processing fee not to exceed twenty dollars, which fees the commission shall establish by rule.
(12) (a) A person holding a valid aquaculture facility permit pursuant to section 35-24.5-109, C.R.S., may charge a fee for fishing at the production facility; no state fishing license is required.
(b) Several satellite stations of a fish production facility may operate under one aquaculture license provided all such satellite stations are listed on such license.
(13) (a) The commission shall establish a license classification for zoological parks. Each licensed zoological park shall be subject to the following requirements:
(I) The primary purpose of the park shall be the exhibition of captive wild or exotic animals for the education of the general public; except that this subparagraph (I) shall not be construed to prohibit the carrying on of reasonable incidental activities such as propagation, purchase, sale, and exchange of animals;
(II) The park shall be operated under the direction of a professional staff that has generally recognized formal or practical training in the husbandry of the types of animals kept in the park;
(III) The park shall have a state-licensed veterinarian on staff or under contract with the park and available to provide professional consultation and care when needed;
(IV) The park shall maintain regular hours during which it is open to the public;
(V) The animals kept at the park shall be confined by at least one fence or other enclosure surrounding the area in which they are housed or displayed and by at least one additional fence, no less than eight feet in height, surrounding the perimeter of the park.
(b) A licensed zoological park may move animals within Colorado in connection with the buying, selling, exchanging, or loaning of such animals with another licensed or accredited zoological park or in connection with the export of such animals from Colorado.
(c) No licensed zoological park may import noncervid ruminants or camelids into Colorado unless, in each such instance, the animal has been subjected to the following process:
(I) Before importation, the animal is tested for tuberculosis and found not to be infected;
(II) After such test, the animal is imported and held in isolation in an isolation facility for a continuous period of least sixty days; and
(III) After the end of such isolation period, the animal is again tested for tuberculosis. If the test result is negative, the animal may then be incorporated into the animal population of the park.
(d) Importation and testing of cervid animals by licensed zoological parks shall be subject to regulation by the division.
(e) A license issued to a zoological park shall cover the park and also other property used in conjunction with the park for the selling, buying, brokering, trading, or breeding of or caring for animals used at the park. Animals may be moved between the park and such other property as may be reasonably necessary for the operation of the park.
(f) The annual fee for a zoological park license shall not exceed the annual fee for a commercial park license.
(g) (I) Except as provided in subparagraph (II) of this paragraph (g), this subsection (13) does not apply to any zoological park that is accredited by the American zoo and aquarium association. Any intrastate transfer and movement of wildlife by a zoological park accredited by the American zoo and aquarium association to another zoological park accredited by the American zoo and aquarium association is not subject to the rules of the commission regarding movement and disease testing.
(II) Any intrastate transfer and movement of wildlife by a zoological park accredited by the American zoo and aquarium association to any person or entity not accredited by the American zoo and aquarium association is subject to the rules of the commission regarding movement and disease testing.
(14) (a) The commission shall establish a license classification for wildlife sanctuaries. Each license for a wildlife sanctuary shall be subject to the following requirements:
(I) The purpose of the wildlife sanctuary shall be to operate as a place of refuge where abused, neglected, unwanted, impounded, abandoned, orphaned, or displaced wildlife are provided care for their lifetime;
(II) The wildlife sanctuary shall be operated under the direction of a professional staff that has generally-recognized formal or practical training in the husbandry of the types of wildlife kept at the sanctuary; and
(III) The wildlife sanctuary shall have a state-licensed veterinarian on staff or under contract with the sanctuary and available to provide professional consultation and care when needed.
(b) An application for a license for a wildlife sanctuary shall include the following:
(I) The name, complete street address, mailing address if different from the street address, and telephone number of the facility;
(II) Evidence of the wildlife sanctuary's status under section 501 (c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code;
(III) The specific location where wildlife is housed;
(IV) The current wildlife inventory, including the common and scientific name, gender, age, and origin of each animal; and
(V) A signed statement by a licensed veterinarian stating the veterinarian is the veterinarian of record for the applicant and the veterinarian's complete address, telephone number, and license number. The veterinarian shall certify that the veterinarian has observed each of the applicant's animals at least once during the previous three months and that the wildlife have been appropriately immunized and cared for.
(c) Repealed.
(15) Notwithstanding any provision of this article to the contrary, revenue generated from the fees increased by House Bill 05-1266, enacted at the first regular session of the sixty-fifth general assembly, shall be used to implement key priorities in the commission's strategic plan.
Source: L. 69: R&RE, p. 435, � 1. C.R.S. 1963: � 62-11-2. L. 72: p. 333, � 30. L. 75: Entire section R&RE, p. 1317, � 1, effective July 14. L. 77: (1)(g) and (1)(h) amended, p. 1541, � 2, effective January 1, 1978. L. 79: (1)(s) and (2) amended and (4) added, p. 1236, � 1, effective January 1, 1980. L. 82: (1)(s) and (2) RC&RE, p. 518, � 1, effective March 11. L. 83: Entire section R&RE, p. 1287, � 1, effective January 1, 1984. L. 84: (4) and (7) amended and (10) repealed, pp. 920, 925, �� 4, 19, effective January 1, 1985. L. 87: (11) added, p. 1268, � 1, effective January 1, 1988. L. 89: (1.1) to (1.8) added and (5) and (8) amended, pp. 1343, 1345, �� 4, 5, effective July 1; (1)(x) added, p. 1347, � 1, effective February 1, 1990. L. 90: (2)(d) and (2)(e) amended and (2)(h) and (12) added, p. 1530, �� 1, 2, effective January 1, 1991. L. 91: (6) amended, p. 1412, � 1, effective April 4; (4) repealed, p. 1920, � 47, effective June 1; (2)(h) and (12)(a) amended, p. 199, � 4, effective June 7. Initiated 92: (1)(n) repealed, effective January 14, 1993. L. 93: (1.4)(v) added, p. 431, � 2, effective April 19. L. 94: (1.4)(i) amended and (1.4)(w) and (1.4)(x) added, p. 1220, � 3, effective May 22; (1.4)(n) repealed, p. 1644, � 73, effective May 31; (1.6)(c) and (13) added and (6)(a) amended, pp. 1578, 1579, �� 4, 5, effective May 31. L. 95: (13)(b) amended and (13)(g) added, p. 17, � 1, effective March 9. L. 97: (1.4)(v) amended, p. 766, � 1, effective May 1. L. 98: IP(1), (1.5), (1.6), and IP(2) amended, p. 1338, � 57, effective June 1. L. 99: (8.5) added, p. 1396, � 3, effective June 4. L. 2000: (1.4)(l), (1.4)(m), (1.4)(o) to (1.4)(t), (1.4)(w), and (1.6) amended, p. 1405, � 1, effective May 30. L. 2001: IP(1.6)(a) and (1.6)(a)(II) amended, p. 40, � 1, effective March 11. L. 2003: IP(1.4) and (1.4)(x) amended, p. 1031, � 8, effective July 1. L. 2004: (2)(i) and (14) added, p. 1324, �� 4, 5, effective August 4. L. 2005: (1)(v), (1)(w), (1.4), (1.5), (1.6)(b), (3), and (8.5) amended and (1)(y) and (15) added, pp. 469, 472, �� 1, 2, effective January 1, 2006; (1.4)(v)(I) amended, p. 780, � 68, effective January 1, 2006. L. 2009: (1.4)(y) amended and (1.6)(c) added, (SB 09-235), ch. 388, p. 2097, �� 4, 3, effective July 1, 2010; (1.4)(z) and (1.4)(aa) amended, (SB 09-235), ch. 388, p. 2096, �� 2, 1, effective April 1, 2011. L. 2010: (1.9) added, (SB 10-211), ch. 292, p. 1354, � 1, effective May 26; (6)(b) repealed, (HB 10-1422), ch. 419, p. 2120, � 169, effective August 11. L. 2012: (9) amended, (HB 12-1317), ch. 248, p. 1208, � 19, effective June 4. L. 2013: (1.6)(c) repealed, (SB 13-175), ch. 243, p. 1175, � 3, effective May 18. L. 2018: (1.6)(b) amended, (HB 18-1375), ch. 274, p. 1717, � 69, effective May 29; (1), (1.4), (1.6)(a), (1.6)(b), (2), (3), (8), (8.5)(a), and (11) amended, (1.5) RC&RE, and (1.8) and (14)(c) repealed, (SB 18-143), ch. 207, p. 1328, � 6, effective August 8. L. 2020: (7.5) added, (HB 20-1087), ch. 49, p. 167, � 3, effective March 20. L. 2024: (1.4)(e), (1.4)(v)(I), (1.4)(w), (1.4)(x), and (1.6)(b) amended and (1.5)(c) added, (SB 24-161), ch. 150, p. 606, � 2, effective August 7. L. 2025: (1.4)(cc) added, (SB 25-053), ch. 223, p. 1023, � 3, effective January 1, 2026.
Editor's note: (1) This section is similar to former � 33-4-106 as it existed prior to 1984.
(2) (a) In 1992, an initiated measure prohibiting the taking of black bears from March 1 to September 1 passed. Although the initiated measure repealed subsection (1)(n), the fee for spring bear hunting was contained in subsection (1.2)(n) until January 1, 1991, and in subsection (1.4)(n) beginning January 1, 1991. Subsection (1.4)(n) was subsequently repealed by Senate Bill 94-206 to carry out the intent of the initiated measure.
(b) The vote count for the measure at the general election held November 3, 1992, was as follows:
FOR: 1,054,032
AGAINST: 458,260
(3) (a) Subsection (4) provided for the repeal of subsections (1)(s) and (2), effective January 1, 1982. (See L. 79, p. 1236.)
(b) Subsection (1.1) provided for the repeal of subsections (1)(a) to (1)(p), (1)(r) to (1)(u), and (1.1), effective January 1, 1990. (See L. 89, p. 1343.)
(c) Subsection (1.3) provided for the repeal of subsections (1.2) and (1.3), effective January 1, 1991. (See L. 89, p. 1343.)
(d) Subsection (1)(x)(II) provided for the repeal of subsection (1)(x), effective July 1, 1994. (See L. 89, p. 1347.)
(e) Subsection (1.4)(y)(II) provided for the repeal of subsection (1.4)(y), effective July 1, 2010. (See L. 2009, p. 2097.)
(4) Amendments to subsection (1.4)(v) by House Bill 05-1266 and House Bill 05-1337 were harmonized.
(5) Amendments to subsection (1.6)(b) by SB 18-143 and HB 18-1375 were harmonized.
Cross references: (1) For the legislative declaration contained in the 1994 act amending subsection (1.4)(i) and enacting subsections (1.4)(w) and (1.4)(x), see section 1 of chapter 209, Session Laws of Colorado 1994.
(2) For the short title (Hunting, Fishing, and Parks for Future Generations Act) and the legislative declaration in SB 18-143, see sections 1 and 2 of chapter 207, Session Laws of Colorado 2018.
(3) For the legislative declaration in SB 25-053, see section 1 of chapter 223, Session Laws of Colorado 2025.
33-4-102.5. Issuance of migratory waterfowl stamp - prohibition against hunting without stamp. (1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, migratory waterfowl means any wild goose or duck.
(2) All persons sixteen years of age or older shall procure a state migratory waterfowl stamp before hunting or taking any migratory waterfowl within Colorado. Such stamp shall be in the possession of the person while hunting or taking any migratory waterfowl.
(3) (a) The stamp is valid through the last day of June following its issuance.
(b) The division may grant up to twenty-five percent of the funds derived from the sale of state migratory waterfowl stamps to appropriate nonprofit organizations for implementation of the North American waterfowl management plan. The nonprofit organizations shall use the funds for the development of waterfowl propagation areas within the dominion of Canada or the United States that specifically provide waterfowl for the central flyway, pacific flyway, or both. A nonprofit organization granted money pursuant to this subsection (3)(b) shall not use the money for lobbying or any other political purpose.
(4) The commission may enter into a contract with a nonprofit waterfowl conservation organization for the purpose of providing the form and design of the migratory waterfowl stamp. Such contract shall provide that such nonprofit waterfowl conservation organization shall select a form and design. At least one of the alternative pieces of artwork considered for final selection shall be the work of an artist who is a resident of Colorado. In addition, such contract shall designate the ownership of the publication rights for any art prints or other facsimiles of the migratory waterfowl stamp and the disposition of any proceeds. The division shall not be an eligible contractor, unless no contract can be negotiated with a nonprofit waterfowl conservation organization.
(5) All money received pursuant to the issuance of the migratory waterfowl stamp shall be used for the sole benefit of migratory waterfowl habitat conservation and related capital improvements and is subject to an annual appropriation.
(6) Repealed.
Source: L. 89: Entire section added, p. 1347, � 2, effective February 1, 1990. L. 93: (6) repealed, p. 507, � 1, effective April 26. L. 94: (4) amended, p. 1580, � 6, effective May 31. L. 98: (3) amended, p. 1339, � 58, effective June 1. L. 2018: (3) and (5) amended, (SB 18-143), ch. 207, p. 1334, � 7, effective August 8.
Cross references: For the short title (Hunting, Fishing, and Parks for Future Generations Act) and the legislative declaration in SB 18-143, see sections 1 and 2 of chapter 207, Session Laws of Colorado 2018.
33-4-102.7. Colorado wildlife habitat stamp - review committee - rules - legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that:
(a) Protecting wildlife habitat and obtaining public access are important elements to preserving wildlife and wildlife-related recreational opportunities in Colorado;
(b) The general assembly specifically recognizes that hunting of big game species is an activity that hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors to Colorado enjoy, which contributes significantly to state and local economies; and
(c) Priorities for the expenditure of funds generated from the sale of habitat stamps shall include protecting big game winter range and migration corridors, acquiring public access to wildlife-related recreation, including fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing, protecting habitat for species of concern, and preserving the diversity of wildlife enjoyed by Coloradans.
(1.5) A person eighteen years of age or older and under sixty-five years of age shall purchase a Colorado wildlife habitat stamp, or shall have purchased a lifetime Colorado wildlife habitat stamp, when applying for or purchasing a hunting or fishing license. No habitat stamp purchase is required prior to application for or purchase of such person's first two one-day hunting or fishing licenses, but a habitat stamp shall be purchased prior to applying for or purchasing a third one-day hunting or fishing license. No person is required to purchase more than one Colorado wildlife habitat stamp within a twelve-month period. Any person acquiring a license issued pursuant to section 33-4-104 and any person who is mobility-impaired, as defined by commission rules, is exempt from the requirement to purchase a Colorado wildlife habitat stamp.
(2) Such stamp, or an authorized facsimile of such stamp, shall be in the possession of the person while hunting or fishing.
(3) Fees for each stamp shall be as established in section 33-4-102 (1.4).
(4) (a) All moneys received pursuant to the issuance of the Colorado wildlife habitat stamp shall be used for the benefit of wildlife habitat or access to wildlife habitat, including costs associated with the operation and maintenance, such as weed control and fencing, of those lands purchased in fee simple by the division or those access easements acquired by the division under the Colorado wildlife habitat protection program. Revenues collected from the sale of the stamp are subject to annual appropriation. The Colorado wildlife habitat stamp review committee shall annually review proposed projects for expenditure of Colorado wildlife habitat stamp funds and make recommendations to the director and the commission. In consultation with the habitat stamp committee, the commission shall, in its discretion, ensure that, in the allocation of revenues under this section, sufficient priority is given to conserve and protect winter range and vital habitats, including migration corridors, for deer, elk, and other big game wildlife species; to improve public access for hunting, access for anglers to the waters of the state, and access for other wildlife-related recreation; to protect habitat for species of concern; and to preserve the diversity of wildlife enjoyed by Coloradans.
(b) Repealed.
(c) Real property interest acquisitions made by the commission pursuant to this section shall emphasize the acquisition of easements and ensure that all other avenues are pursued prior to fee simple acquisition. Conservation easements, as described in section 38-30.5-104 (2), C.R.S., and fee simple title purchases are allowed. All fee simple title purchases made with revenues collected pursuant to this section, not including purchases of water for maintenance or enhancement of aquatic habitats, such as minimum storage pools or direct flow rights purchased specifically to protect habitat, shall be primarily for the purpose of providing access to the public for wildlife-related recreation, and shall be made available to the public for hunting or fishing, subject to commission rules. The commission shall not use the power of eminent domain to obtain fee simple title or a conservation easement on real property. The commission shall comply with a seller's agreement or sections 33-1-105 and 33-1-105.5 prior to purchasing real property.
(d) No third-party conservation easement shall be obtained using proceeds from the sale of habitat stamps unless the requesting organization contributes at least fifteen percent of the purchase price of the easement or fifteen percent of the purchase price is secured using other sources of nondivision funding; however, if, in the commission's discretion, sufficient hunting or fishing access is provided, the fifteen percent contribution requirement may be waived.
(5) The Colorado wildlife habitat stamp committee is hereby created. The committee shall be composed of four sports persons; two representatives of national or regionally recognized conservation organizations whose missions are focused on nongame wildlife and whose membership is composed primarily of nongame wildlife users; two landowners actively engaged in agriculture; one citizen at large; and two division of parks and wildlife representatives as ex officio members, at least one of whom shall be a wildlife biologist. The sports persons shall be representative of the four quadrants of the state. Members shall be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate. Staggered appointments shall be made so that not more than two members' terms expire in any one year, and thereafter appointments shall be for terms of four years each. Members shall be limited to two consecutive four-year terms.
(6) Repealed.
(7) The commission may adopt rules concerning the Colorado wildlife habitat stamp.
(8) and (9) Repealed.
Source: L. 2005: Entire section added, p. 472, � 3, effective January 1, 2006. L. 2009: (2) amended and (9) added, (SB 09-235), ch. 388, pp. 2097, 2100, �� 5, 6, effective August 5; (1), (4), and (8) amended and (1.5) added, (SB 09-235), ch. 388, p. 2097, � 5, effective July 1, 2010. L. 2012: (1.5), (4)(a)(I), and (4)(c) amended, (HB 12-1317), ch. 248, p. 1208, � 20, effective June 4. L. 2013: (1)(c), (4)(a), (4)(d), and (8)(a) amended and (4)(b), (6), and (9) repealed, (SB 13-175), ch. 243, p. 1173, � 2, effective May 18. L. 2025: (8) repealed, (SB 25-049), ch. 198, p. 876, � 1, effective August 6.
33-4-103. Landowner preference for hunting license - legislative declaration - rules. (1) Legislative declaration. (a) The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that the wildlife resources of the state are in danger of decline from increasing population pressures and the loss of wildlife habitat. In order to encourage private landowners to provide habitat that increases wildlife populations for the benefit of all hunters, discourage the harboring of game animals on private lands during public hunting seasons, and relieve hunting pressure on public lands by increasing game hunting on private lands, the general assembly finds that it is necessary to provide an incentive-based system to landowners to provide habitat for wildlife through a hunting license allocation program that allows hunters access to the state's wildlife under the cooperative control of the private landowner.
(b) The landowner preference program is designed to encourage hunter access to private land by enabling landowners to apply for licenses using applications based upon land ownership and wildlife benefit.
(2) Eligibility. (a) A landowner who is an owner, as shown by a recorded deed, of a parcel of agricultural land of one hundred sixty acres or more and whose land meets the following requirements is eligible for the landowner preference program, also referred to in this section as the program. The land must:
(I) Be inhabited by the species being applied for in significant numbers throughout the year or in substantial numbers for shorter times;
(II) Provide for the species being applied for wintering habitat, transitional habitat, calving areas, solitude areas, migration corridors, or an important food source; and
(III) Have a history of game damage or a huntable population of the species being applied for.
(b) For owners of one hundred sixty to six hundred thirty-nine acres, the division shall verify the size of the property and that the property meets the eligibility requirements of this subsection (2) before issuing the applications under subsection (3) of this section.
(c) Owners of properties registered under the wildlife conservation application program that existed prior to July 1, 2013, remain eligible to participate in the program until the earlier of:
(I) July 1, 2016;
(II) The date when the ownership of the property is transferred to a person who is not within the immediate family of the owner; or
(III) The date when the owner of land no longer is in compliance with this section or any rule promulgated under this section.
(3) Applications - availability. (a) After determining a landowner is eligible and in compliance with this section, the division shall issue the landowner applications for licenses permitting the hunting of deer, elk, pronghorn, and such other species, except for moose, rocky mountain big horn sheep, desert big horn sheep, and rocky mountain goat, that meet the commission's animal management objectives for the game management unit where the property lies, in an amount determined by this subsection (3).
(b) (I) In game management units west of interstate highway 25:
(A) Ten percent of the number of licenses established for each management area where firearm hunting licenses are totally limited are available for eligible landowners; and
(B) An additional ten percent of the number of licenses established for each management area where firearm hunting licenses are totally limited are available for eligible landowners if these licenses are restricted to use on private land in the designated management area.
(II) In game management units east of interstate highway 25:
(A) Fifteen percent of the number of licenses established for each management area where firearm hunting licenses are totally limited are available for eligible landowners; and
(B) An additional ten percent of the number of licenses established for each management area where firearm hunting licenses are totally limited are made available for eligible landowners if these licenses are restricted to use on private land by the applicant's immediate family members or youth under eighteen years of age.
(III) The division shall make licenses not used by eligible landowners available to the general public.
(c) (I) The applications available under this subsection (3) are allocated to a participant based upon the following schedule:
(A) For owners of one hundred sixty to one thousand two hundred thirty-nine acres, one application;
(B) For owners of six hundred forty to one thousand two hundred thirty-nine acres, an additional application for a license restricted to private land if the division has verified that the land meets the conditions required for eligibility under paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of this section; and
(C) For owners of one thousand two hundred forty or more acres, one additional application for each additional six hundred acres more than one thousand two hundred forty acres, not to exceed nineteen applications or the limit imposed by subparagraph (II) of this paragraph (c).
(II) Landowners may obtain more than eight applications only if the division has verified that the land is the size reported by the landowner and meets the conditions required for eligibility under paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of this section.
(4) Requirements - vouchers. In addition to the limitation on the number of applications available under the program, the program has the following additional requirements and authorizations:
(a) Successful applicants receive a voucher that may be transferred to any person who is eligible for a big game license for that species, to be used for the purchase of a license to be used only within the applicant's game management unit for that species and in accordance with any restrictions imposed by this section.
(b) The transfer of a license voucher by a landowner must include permission to access and hunt the lands yielding the license under the program during the entire season that the license is issued. The permission must not discriminate among hunters entering the property or contain restrictions other than manner of access, including foot, horseback, or vehicular restrictions reasonably necessary to prevent damage to property.
(c) Except as authorized by paragraph (a) of this subsection (4), a voucher that has been transferred by any person who is not the landowner or land manager is void. A voucher that is brokered for another person is void. A hunting license obtained for use with a void voucher is also void.
(d) If a landowner submits one or more applications that fail to yield a license, the division shall give a preference in succeeding years to one application of that landowner for each application of the same landowner that failed to yield a license.
(e) (I) In game management units where hunting is totally limited for a species, and where eligible landowners do not use the number of landowner preference licenses established for a species for that management area, the division shall make the unused licenses available to private landowners in that particular game management unit or data analysis unit as a first priority before making them available to the general public hunter.
(II) A landowner may receive no more than three times the number of leftover applications than the number of initial applications authorized under paragraph (c) of subsection (3) of this section.
(f) If a landowner or hunter fails to comply with this section or any rule promulgated under this section, the division may disqualify the person from participation in the program for up to five years.
(5) The commission shall adopt rules to implement this section prior to July 1, 2014.
Source: L. 69: R&RE, p. 436, � 1. C.R.S. 1963: � 62-11-3. L. 72: p. 333, � 31. L. 75: Entire section amended, p. 1307, � 8, effective July 14. L. 84: Entire section R&RE, p. 920, � 5, effective January 1, 1985. L. 2000: (3) added, p. 1590, � 1, effective June 1. L. 2005: IP(1) and (3)(c)(I) amended, p. 475, � 7, effective January 1, 2006. L. 2008: (3)(d)(I) amended, p. 535, � 2, effective August 5. L. 2013: Entire section amended, (SB 13-188), ch. 244, p. 1177, � 1, effective August 7.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former � 33-4-105.5 as it existed prior to 1984.
Cross references: For the legislative declaration contained in the 2008 act amending subsection (3)(d)(I), see section 1 of chapter 158, Session Laws of Colorado 2008.
33-4-104. Free licenses issued - members or veterans of armed forces - when - rules - definition. (1) Any active or retired member of the United States armed forces while stationed as a resident patient at any United States armed forces hospital or convalescent station located within Colorado, any resident patient at a veterans administration hospital and resident patients of any state institution for the treatment of persons with behavioral or mental health disorders or other mental health institution in Colorado while under supervision of a proper staff member, and any resident who is totally and permanently disabled as determined by the social security administration or the division of labor standards and statistics or pursuant to rule of the commission may obtain a fishing license free of charge, valid for taking fish during the period of residency only, under rules of the commission.
(2) Any Colorado resident on active duty outside this state with any branch of the armed forces of the United States may obtain, from the division of parks and wildlife, a fishing license free of charge, valid for taking fish while such person is in this state on temporary leave from such duty, but not to exceed a total of thirty days during any year.
(3) (a) Any resident of this state who has received a purple heart for service in the United States armed forces or who is a disabled veteran may obtain from the division of parks and wildlife, free of charge, a lifetime resident combination small game hunting and fishing license.
(b) As used in this subsection (3), disabled veteran means an individual who is a resident, as defined in section 33-1-102 (38); has served on active duty in the armed forces; has been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions; and has established to the division the presence of a service-connected disability that has been rated by the veterans administration at fifty percent or more through disability retirement benefits or a pension because of a public statute administered by the veterans administration or the department of the Army, Navy, or Air Force.
(4) The commission may adopt appropriate rules to establish a preference for active duty members of the United States armed forces who are stationed at any military facility located in Colorado or are Colorado residents upon their return from service outside of the United States for licenses left over after completion of the division's annual limited license draw. The preference may allow for such a member of the United States armed forces to apply for preference points for any limited license draw that occurred during the member's absence.
(5) A person assigned to the warrior transition battalion may obtain from the division a fishing license free of charge.
Source: L. 69: R&RE, p. 436, � 1. C.R.S. 1963: � 62-11-4. L. 71: p. 605, � 1. L. 72: p. 333, � 32. L. 75: (1) and (2) amended and (3) added, p. 1320, � 1, effective January 1, 1976. L. 83: (1) amended, p. 1290, � 3, effective January 1, 1984. L. 86: (1) amended, p. 502, � 124, effective July 1. L. 2006: (4) added, p. 1167, � 1, effective May 25; (1) amended, p. 1408, � 78, effective August 7. L. 2007: (4) amended, p. 586, � 2, effective April 19. L. 2008: (3)(a) amended, p. 640, � 1, effective August 5. L. 2013: (5) added, (HB 13-1232), ch. 105, p. 367, � 1, effective August 7. L. 2016: (1) amended, (HB 16-1323), ch. 131, p. 382, � 22, effective August 10. L. 2017: (1) amended, (SB 17-242), ch. 263, p. 1380, � 303, effective May 25. L. 2024: (3)(b) amended, (SB 24-161), ch. 150, p. 607, � 3, effective August 7.
Cross references: For the legislative declaration in SB 17-242, see section 1 of chapter 263, Session Laws of Colorado 2017.
33-4-104.5. Free licenses issued - first responders with a permanent occupational disability - definition. (1) Any resident of the state who is a first responder with a permanent occupational disability may obtain from the division, free of charge, a lifetime resident combination small game hunting and fishing license.
(2) For purposes of this section, first responder with a permanent occupational disability means an individual who is a resident, as defined in section 33-1-102 (38), and:
(a) Is a retired member of the fire and police pension association, as defined in section 31-31-102 (6), who has established to the division that he or she has been found to have, as the result of an injury received while performing official duties or an occupational disease arising out of and in the course of performing official duties, a permanent occupational disability, as defined in section 31-31-801 (3.2), by the fire and police pension association; or
(b) Served as a peace officer, as defined in section 16-2.5-101, or as a firefighter, as defined in section 29-5-203 (10), and has established to the division that he or she has, as the result of an injury received while performing official duties or an occupational disease arising out of and in the course of performing official duties, a permanent occupational disability as defined in section 31-31-801 (3.2).
Source: L. 2019: Entire section added, (HB 19-1080), ch. 222, p. 2250, � 1, effective August 2.