Carbondale’s nearby White River National Forest and the Sopris Ranger District offer some of the finest big game hunting in Colorado. Each year, many hunters travel to this area in search of mule deer, elk, and black bear. Mountain goats and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are also popular game. Small-game species found here are rabbits, snowshoe hares, coyotes, and pine squirrels, as well as duck and goose in the winter months.
All hunters are required to have a hunting license. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1949 must have completed an approved hunter or bow hunter education course sanctioned by a state or province before applying for or purchasing a license. You must present a hunter safety card when buying a license over the counter at a license agency. Also, you must carry your hunter education card when hunting unless ‘Verified” is printed by the DOW on your license.
Some big game licenses are limited. Since this varies from year to year, it is best to contact the Colorado Division of Wildlife for more information. Game regulations and hunting maps are also available from the local Division of Wildlife office at Highways 6 & 24 in Glenwood Springs. (970) 947-2920, or click here to download the Western Slope Hunting Guide.
Archery hunting season typically runs from late August through late December. Muzzle-loading season runs from mid-September through late October. Deer and elk hunting season runs late October through January. Bear season runs in September. Turkey hunting season runs in April and May, then again in September.
For hunters not wanting to explore the area on their own, several local outfitters are available to make your experience as rewarding and memorable as possible. All guides and outfitters in Colorado must be bonded, registered, and insured. They also need permits to operate on public lands. Most offer fully guided, semi-guided, and drop camp hunts, as well as game packing for do-it-yourselfers. The success rate for outfitted hunters is significantly higher than that of the general public. Some of the best elk and deer hunting is often found miles from trailheads, and getting to these remote areas and packing out animals is much easier with an outfitter’s horses.
Carbondale is at the center of some of the most spectacular hunting in all of Colorado. Whether you’re looking for quick access to prime public land hunting areas or to venture deep into the woods for a multi-day trip, nearby hunting opportunities abound.
The variety of wildlife surrounding Carbondale includes mule deer, elk, black bear, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, small game, and waterfowl. Over-the-counter licenses are available locally as well as through Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Archery: Late August-September
Muzzleloading: September
Rifle: October and November View the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website for specific season dates and fees
Thompson Divide (Colorado Hunting Unit 43)
Mt. Sopris (Colorado Hunting Unit 43)
Basalt Mountain (Colorado Hunting Unit 444)
Roaring Fork Coop (Licenses, Hunting Supplies)
Ace Hardware of Carbondale (General Supplies)
City Market (Food, Licenses, and General Supplies)
Avalanche Outfitters at Redstone Stables
Capitol Peak Outfitters
OutWest Guides
Delaney Nature Park (Archery Only)
Cozy Point Archery Range (Archery Only)
South Canyon Archery Range (Archery Only)
Basalt Public Shooting Range
Glenwood Springs Gun Range
Colorado Parks & Wildlife White River National Forest – Sopris Ranger District
Due to increased bear activity, Bear Canisters are now required in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness
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