Hunting

Explore an Outdoor Sports Enthusiast’s Paradise

Elevate your game and make Clear Creek County your next destination into the backcountry. Clear Creek County is made up of more than 75% public lands and allows public access to vast areas and free roam over the Arapaho/Roosevelt National Forest, County Open Space lands, and state wildlife areas.

If you choose not to camp, no worries, reaching our backcountry from the comfort of our historic mining towns is possible within minutes.

Before you book your next adventure please visit the  Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for season dates, licenses, and additional pertinent information.

Elk Hunting

Colorado Elk

Colorado has the largest herd of elk in North America, and Clear Creek County has the iconic western species right in our own backyard. Elk tags in Unit 39 typically must be applied for in the draw before April 1st in the year you desire to hunt. Unit 38 also offers tags through the draw, but also unlimited over-the-counter tags for second and third elk seasons.

For more information on licenses and dates in Clear Creek County – please refer to Colorado Parks and Wildlife at: cpw.state.co.us

Deer Hunting

Both GMUs 38 and 39 offer opportunities to put you on the rugged Mule Deer Colorado is known for. Tags for both units are offered through the draw, but Unit 38 typically has leftover tags that may be obtained from Colorado Parks and Wildlife in August before the season begins.

For more information on licenses and dates in Clear Creek County – please refer to Colorado Parks and Wildlife at: cpw.state.co.us

Small Game Hunting

Photo of the white-tailed ptarmigan

The air may be thin in Clear Creek County, but not the endless opportunities to pursue small game species unique to our mountains. Come and enjoy an experience that will take you from the bottom of our foothills to mountaintops chasing turkey, rabbits, ptarmigan, squirrel, Dusky grouse, and coyotes.

For more information on licenses and dates in Clear Creek County – please refer to Colorado Parks and Wildlife at: cpw.state.co.us

Big Game Hunting

Bighorn Sheep sitting in the grass

Clear Creek County is divided in two primary Game Management Units (GMUs) – Units 38 and 39 – offering unique opportunities for everyone to pursue six of North America’s premier big game species – elk, mule deer, mountain lion, bear, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. Unit 39 includes vast areas of roadless pursuits south of I-70 and U.S. 40 with access into the secluded Mount Blue Sky Wilderness. Unit 38 includes more off-highway vehicle-friendly trails that give you a shot at animals roaming North of Interstate I-70 and U.S. Highway 40.

For more information on licenses and dates in Clear Creek County – please refer to Colorado Parks and Wildlife at: cpw.state.co.us

Turkey Hunting

Turkey hunting is growing in popularity throughout North America. Clear Creek offers exceptional hunting opportunities in the spring and fall for two subspecies of these remarkable birds. 

For more information on licenses and dates in Clear Creek County – please refer to Colorado Parks and Wildlife at: cpw.state.co.us

Waterfowl Hunting

Excitement, adventure, beautiful scenery — that’s what hunting in Colorado is truly about. And there’s no better way to experience all three than waterfowl hunting. Waterfowl hunting provides the ultimate way to connect with nature and immerse yourself in the Colorado Outdoors.

For more information on licenses and dates in Clear Creek County – please refer to Colorado Parks and Wildlife at: cpw.state.co.us

Where to Hunt in Clear Creek County

Get Your Colorado Hunting License

To purchase your license in Colorado, you must:

  • Take and pass a Hunter Safety Education Course, either in-person or online
  • Purchase a license online or over the phone (or through an agent)
  • Show proof of hunter education, plus proof of ID
  • Provide proof of residency, having lived in Colorado for six continuous months
  • Purchase a “Habitat” Stamp to help invest in local wildlife conservation

While a hunting license allows you to hunt big game or fish, a permit is needed to hunt for specific species, like: 

Learn more about obtaining your license and applying for the proper permits via Colorado Parks & Wildlife. You can also find fishing licenses via the website. 

Help Wildlife by Hunting in Clear Creek

Did you know that outdoor enthusiasts help maintain Colorado’s wildlife resources? This happens through excise taxes on fishing tackle, firearms, ammo, motorboat fuel, and associated outdoor equipment. 

Colorado’s portion of these funds equates to roughly $11 million dollars per year. The distribution of these funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is based on the land area and number of licensed hunters in each state. 

Come give back to Colorado’s wildlife by creating an unforgettable outdoor hunting experience in Clear Creek County. 

Explore More of Clear Creek County