Black Bear Hunting

In our hunt units 4, 214 & 441 black bear license are distributed based on the draw system or as an "add on" over the counter license. Each year this is determined based on the CPW and will be published in the Big Game Brochure. In order to purchase an over the counter "add on" bear license, you must first hold another big game license such as elk or mule deer. Add on bear tags can be purchased at a retailer or online as an add on option which require no preference points.  If you do not wish to hunt another big game, you may apply or if available purchase an over the counter bear license.

Youth ages 12–17 can apply for bear hunting license or preference point. Youth age 11 can also apply for a point, provided they turn 12 in the year they are applying. 

If you are bear hunting in a group that is not also applying for another big game species, we recommend applying for a license as a group. Preference point priority is based on the member with the fewest points. If a member of your group is a youth, they will need to apply separately. See “Apply as a Group for Hunts” at: cpw.state.co.us/apply-for-group-hunts

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1949 is required to have a hunter education card to hunt or apply for a license in Colorado. Your card must be carried with you at all times while hunting unless you get your card verified and marked by the CPW office. Colorado honors hunter education cards from other states, provinces and countries.

HUNTER EDUCATION EXEMPTIONS
Individuals over age 50 or active duty U.S. military and veterans can obtain a hunter education certificate by testing out of hunter education: cpw.state.co.us/hunter-education-test-out

An apprentice certificate can be obtained for hunters who are at least 10 years old (age 12 for big game) and who must be accompanied by a mentor in the field. This hunter education waiver can be obtained twice in a lifetime: cpw.state.co.us/apprentice-certificate

Please visit  www.cpwshop.com to apply or purchase your hunting license. Please note that all seasons are now draw only and the application for these hunts must be received prior to the deadline.

September 2- September 30

• Either Sex
• Add On license, Over the Counter or draw depending on CPW

September 2- September 30

• Either
• Add On license, Over the Counter or draw depending on CPW

September 12-  September 20

• Either Sex
• Add On license, Over the Counter or draw depending on CPW

1st Rifle-  October 14- October 18 

• Either Sex
• Add On license, Over the Counter or draw depending on CPW

2nd Rifle- October 24 - November 1

• Either Sex
• Add On license, Over the Counter or draw depending on CPW

3rd Rifle - November 7- November 15

• Either Sex
• Add On license, Over the Counter or draw depending on CPW

** All hunt seasons are draw only . While we will try to help you in applying for the draw and provide guidance on the process, we cannot guarantee tags for any season. Hunters are ultimately responsible for ensuring all tags are pulled for your correct unit and species. Please refer to CPW for all hunting regulations and requirements.**