Top Hunting Place in Centennial, Colorado

July 17, 2025 Cody Bollerman

Centennial, Colorado, located in Arapahoe County, offers more than suburban living and proximity to Denver—it’s a well-positioned hub for hunters who want quick access to diverse public lands, thriving game species, and managed hunting zones. Whether you're chasing waterfowl near the South Platte River, planning a predator hunt in the open plains, or preparing for an archery mule deer season, Centennial provides hunters with fast and flexible options without having to travel hours into the mountains.

Top Public Hunting Areas Near Centennial, CO

Cherry Creek State Park – Waterfowl Hunting Area

Only a short drive north of Centennial, Cherry Creek State Park is an excellent and often overlooked waterfowl destination.

Game Species: Ducks (mallard, teal, gadwall), geese
Hunting Access: Designated blinds only via CPW reservation
Weapon Type: Shotgun only
Best Season: October through January

Cherry Creek is ideal for morning duck and goose hunts, with clear signage and strong population counts during migratory months.

Chatfield State Park – Waterfowl & Small Game

Located west of Centennial, Chatfield Reservoir is one of the top public waterfowl zones in the metro area, providing excellent blind access and wildlife habitat.

Game Species: Canada geese, mallards, dove, rabbit
Hunting Access: Reservations required; shotguns only
Notes: Excellent ADA-compliant blinds; no rifles permitted

This park is a favorite for early morning hunters targeting waterfowl and those training retrievers or youth hunters.

South Platte River Corridor (Open Space Zones)

Just east of Centennial, the South Platte corridor runs through multiple open spaces that permit small game and predator hunting.

Game Species: Rabbit, dove, coyote
Access: Foot traffic only; verify land status (some sections private)
Weapon Limits: Shotgun and archery only within metro proximity
Recommended For: Predator calling, short-day hunts

These pockets of access are excellent for those who want to hunt close to home and don’t mind adapting to tighter land-use regulations.

What You Can Hunt Near Centennial

Though big game options require a short drive to surrounding GMUs, Centennial hunters enjoy a broad range of species including:

Waterfowl: Mallards, teal, Canada geese, widgeon
Small Game: Rabbit, squirrel, dove
Predators: Coyote, fox (with proper tag)
Big Game (nearby zones): Mule deer, elk (primarily to the west and south)
Upland Birds: Wild turkey (select zones), pheasant (east on private land)

The urban-edge ecosystems around Centennial attract birds and small mammals, especially in areas with water sources, tall grass, and crop edges.

Centennial Hunting Seasons Overview

Season	Target Game	Dates (Typical)
Early Fall	Dove, archery deer, teal	Sept – Early Oct
Late Fall	Waterfowl, turkey, rabbit	Oct – Dec
Winter	Coyote, geese, rabbit	Dec – Feb
Spring	Turkey, predator hunts	April – May

Visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife for current season dates and area restrictions.

Essential Hunting Gear for Centennial Terrain

Hunting around Centennial requires a lightweight, adaptable kit for shorter-range field movement and quick hunts before or after work.

Apparel: Insulated camo outerwear, blaze orange (if near rifle zones)
Boots: Waterproof hiking boots or chest waders (for duck blinds)
Weapons:
- Shotgun: 12-gauge preferred for waterfowl and upland game
- Archery: Compound bow for turkey and draw-limited big game
- Rifles: Not permitted in local zones—rifle hunting available outside metro GMUs
- Optics: Binoculars (8x42) and rangefinder for archery hunts
Accessories:
- Duck decoys
- Predator mouth/electronic calls
- Game bags and scent control
- OnX Hunt or similar GPS for land verification

Legal Requirements for Hunting in Centennial

To hunt legally in Centennial or nearby zones:

Colorado Hunting License (based on species and season)
Habitat Stamp (required annually)
Hunter Education Certificate (if born after Jan 1, 1949)
Federal Duck Stamp (for waterfowl)
Area Permits: Needed for Cherry Creek, Chatfield, and some open space lands

Most state parks and SWAs in the area require reservations or limited access, especially for waterfowl seasons. Check the CPW website for full details.

Best Times of Day to Hunt in Centennial

Morning (Legal shooting light – 9:00 AM): Ducks, geese, turkey
Afternoon (3:30 PM – Sunset): Rabbits, dove, predator movement
Midday: Effective for calling coyote in quieter open spaces

Centennial's proximity to metro life means weekend pressure is higher, so hunting during the week or before dawn often yields better results.

Pro Tips for Hunting in and Around Centennial

Use the Suburban Edge to Your Advantage

Urban wildlife corridors—like creeks, ditches, and brushy field edges—attract deer, birds, and predators. These pockets are often overlooked but hold high activity.

Scout Small Spaces Thoroughly

Public hunting zones near Centennial aren’t massive, but they’re productive. Use trail cams, Google Earth, and boots-on-the-ground scouting to find trails, bedding, or flyways.

Hunt Smart with the Wind

Being near the plains, winds shift frequently. Use the terrain and forecast to position yourself correctly—especially when calling predators or sitting ducks.

Respect Public Land Users

Areas like Chatfield and Cherry Creek are shared with runners, cyclists, and birders. Always practice safe, courteous firearm handling and clearly mark your hunting zone when required.

Local Hunting Resources

Scheels (Lone Tree): Extensive selection of hunting gear, ammo, optics
CPW – Denver Metro Office: Licenses, reservations, area maps
South Platte Open Space Division: Hunting access maps and updates
Local Wild Game Processors (Aurora, Englewood): Check seasonal hours

Why Centennial is a Prime Hunting Base in Colorado

Centennial offers unmatched access to waterfowl zones, short drives to big game units, and convenient open spaces for small game and predator hunting. With a well-established system for reservations and CPW regulations, hunters enjoy:

Reliable duck and goose seasons at Cherry Creek and Chatfield
Quick weekday hunts near home
Predator and rabbit hunts in overlooked pockets
Nearby foothills for deer and turkey archery seasons

For Front Range hunters wanting access without the hassle, Centennial, Colorado is the perfect launchpad for success in the field.

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