Nearly all whitetail deer are on private land in the eastern third of the state. A rack that scores 150” Boone and Crockett is better than average. Deer numbers are lower than in most similar terrain in the midwest, but hunter numbers are also low, so bucks have a good chance of attaining maturity and growing large antlers. Some units that produce big whitetails have public land that is open to hunting, but most of that public land is crowded with other hunters. Hunters who are serious about taking a big Colorado whitetail should get permission to hunt on private land, acquire a hunting lease, pay a landowner for a trespass fee, or pay an outfitter. Some tags are valid for either whitetail or mule deer, while others are for whitetail hunting only. Be cautious about single-specie tags. The state issues many of them in units where managers want to keep whitetail numbers low.

* Includes annual fishing license

All license fees include a $0.25 search-and-rescue fee and a $1.50 fee for the Wildlife Education Fund, if applicable.

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Highlights

Boone and Crockett entries: Typical

** Units listed below may not have a current hunt for this species. Units in this table are included if any part of the unit is found within the county.

Boone and Crockett Entries: Nontypical

** Units listed below may not have a current hunt for this species. Units in this table are included if any part of the unit is found within the county.