Top Hunting Places in Aurora, Colorado

Aurora, Colorado, often recognized for its growing urban sprawl and family-friendly neighborhoods, is also a surprising hub for hunters seeking quality opportunities close to the city. Located on the eastern plains just outside of Denver, Aurora is uniquely positioned at the intersection of open prairie, river basins, and nearby mountain access—creating a variety of game habitats just a short drive away.

From seasonal duck blinds and trophy mule deer stalks to accessible small game zones, Aurora delivers an impressive hunting experience for residents and visiting sportsmen alike.

Best Big Game Hunting Areas Near Aurora

GMU 104, GMU 105, and GMU 51

Hunters based in Aurora benefit from close access to multiple Game Management Units (GMUs), each with unique terrain and species offerings.

• GMU 104 lies directly east of Aurora and is known for pronghorn antelope and deer hunting. With rolling plains, sparse cover, and public land parcels, this unit is best suited for rifle season and spot-and-stalk tactics.
  
• GMU 105 is located to the west, extending toward the foothills of the Front Range. It offers opportunities for mule deer and the occasional black bear, especially near Castle Rock and Sedalia.
  
• GMU 51, north of the city, includes parts of the South Platte River corridor, supporting white-tailed deer and waterfowl in riparian zones.
  

Top Big Game Species:

• Mule Deer
  
• Pronghorn Antelope
  
• White-tailed Deer
  
• Black Bear (in select western areas)
  

Waterfowl Hunting in the Aurora Region

Cherry Creek State Park and South Platte River Blinds

Aurora is located near some of Colorado’s most productive waterfowl zones, with ducks and geese flocking to reservoirs and river systems during the fall migration.

Cherry Creek State Park:

One of the most popular public hunting zones in metro Denver, Cherry Creek offers designated waterfowl hunting blinds on the eastern and southern shores of the reservoir. Draw permits and reservations are required, and hunting is restricted to specified days and zones.

South Platte River Access:

Roughly 45 minutes northeast, the South Platte corridor provides exceptional goose and duck action, especially near Fort Lupton and Barr Lake SWA. Late-season hunts are particularly fruitful as birds concentrate along the river and adjacent ag fields.

Waterfowl Species:

• Mallard
  
• Gadwall
  
• Green-winged Teal
  
• Canada Goose
  
• Snow Goose (late season)
  

Small Game and Upland Bird Hunting Near Aurora

Public Access Program Lands (PLOTS)

Thanks to Colorado’s Walk-In Access Program, there are hundreds of acres near Aurora where small game hunters can legally pursue pheasant, rabbit, dove, and partridge.

Top Locations:

• Byers Area (east of Aurora) – Pheasant and rabbit opportunities abound in brushy cover near crop edges.
  
• Kiowa Creek SWA – Ideal for cottontail rabbit and seasonal mourning dove shoots.
  
• Watkins and Bennett Corridors – Often overlooked, these prairie tracts are home to Hungarian partridge and feral pigeons.
  

Small Game Species:

• Cottontail Rabbit
  
• Eurasian Collared Dove
  
• Mourning Dove
  
• Pheasant (Eastern Plains)
  
• Bobwhite Quail (limited)
  

Spring Turkey Hunting Opportunities

Limited Tags, High Reward

Turkey hunting near Aurora is growing in popularity, particularly in cottonwood corridors and river bottoms. The South Platte River and Kiowa Creek areas are prime zones during the spring gobbler season.

What to Expect:

• Merriam’s Turkeys are the most common subspecies.
  
• Use of ground blinds and decoy setups is crucial due to the openness of habitat.
  
• Scout roosting sites along creeks for early morning setups.
  

Top Turkey Zones:

• GMU 104 (by draw)
  
• GMU 91 (northeast corridor)
  
• South Platte SWAs near Brighton and Fort Morgan
  

Archery and Bowhunting Near Aurora

For bowhunters, Aurora's proximity to the eastern plains and lower foothills offers long seasons and a variety of terrain options. Whether you're after early-season deer or seeking an archery-only zone, these areas provide unique benefits.

Recommended Archery Zones:

• Barr Lake (archery-only units nearby)
  
• Private land leases east of Strasburg and Deer Trail
  
• Rim Rock terrain around Castlewood Canyon (GMU 105)
  

Archery Benefits:

• Extended seasons (September for big game, spring for turkey)
  
• Less hunting pressure
  
• Close-range encounters and natural stalks
  

Licensing, Tags, and Important Regulations

Before heading into the field, hunters in Aurora must acquire the correct licenses from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).

Mandatory Licenses:

• Habitat Stamp (required with most licenses)
  
• Small Game License (for upland, rabbit, dove)
  
• Big Game License (specific to deer, elk, bear, pronghorn)
  
• Turkey Tags (by draw or OTC, depending on GMU)
  

Key Dates:

• Big Game Draw Application: Opens March, Closes April
  
• Leftover Licenses: August
  
• Turkey Season: April–May (Spring), October (Fall)
  
• Waterfowl: Starts early October through January
  

Purchase at cpw.state.co.us or from participating retailers across Aurora.

Where to Buy Hunting Gear in Aurora

You’ll find several trusted gear shops and outfitters throughout Aurora and nearby cities to stock up before your next outing:

• Bass Pro Shops (Denver) – Full archery, firearm, and apparel selection
  
• Cabela’s (Lone Tree) – High-end optics, boots, and tactical gear
  
• Green Mountain Guns (Lakewood) – Specializes in firearms and reloading
  
• JAX Outdoor Gear (Broomfield) – Rugged outdoor gear for mobile hunters
  

Many hunters also trust FS9 Tactical rifle cases and backpacks to safely transport gear in Colorado’s unpredictable weather and terrain.

Hunting Etiquette and Legal Best Practices

Aurora is a growing metro area, and hunting near urban zones requires extra caution and respect. Follow these essential best practices:

• Always know the boundary between public, private, and restricted city lands.
  
• Never discharge a firearm within 150 yards of dwellings or roads unless legally permitted.
  
• Always leave no trace—pack out trash, shell casings, and animal remains.
  
• Report poaching or unethical activity to Operation Game Thief.
  

Conclusion: Discover Aurora’s Untapped Hunting Potential

Aurora may not scream “hunting paradise” at first glance, but those who know the land understand its untapped potential. From vast eastern plains to seasonal wetlands and draw-only units along creek beds, the region offers year-round adventure for Colorado hunters.

With a little scouting, strategic timing, and the right permits, you’ll find that Aurora is one of the most accessible, productive, and rewarding places to hunt on the Front Range.