Top Hunting Places in Denver, Colorado

Denver, Colorado is more than just the Mile High City—it’s a hunter’s paradise surrounded by thriving ecosystems, varied terrain, and access to some of the most coveted public lands in the American West. Whether you're a seasoned elk tracker or a first-time upland bird hunter, the region offers unparalleled opportunities. In this guide, we’ll cover the top hunting places in Denver, Colorado, along with regulations, species information, and tips to make your trip successful.

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Cherry Creek State Park – Close Quarters Hunting

Located just southeast of downtown Denver, Cherry Creek State Park offers a surprisingly robust small game and waterfowl hunting experience within city limits. The park’s upland bird population, especially pheasant and dove, makes it a popular spot for day hunters.

• Species: Dove, pheasant, waterfowl
  
• Season: Waterfowl season begins in October
  
• Permit: State Park Pass + Small Game License required
  
• Tip: Hunt early morning near the marshes for the best duck action
  

Pike National Forest – Big Game Heaven

Just west of Denver, Pike National Forest stretches across 1.1 million acres and offers trophy elk, mule deer, bear, and turkey hunting. The terrain varies from dense pine to open meadows—ideal for spot-and-stalk hunting.

• Game Units: GMU 500–501, 511–513
  
• Species: Elk, mule deer, black bear, wild turkey
  
• Access: Most areas are open to public hunting; dispersed camping available
  
• Tip: Use GPS mapping tools like OnX Hunt to navigate and find less-pressured zones deep within the forest
  

South Platte River Corridor – Waterfowl and More

For prime duck and goose hunting, the South Platte River Corridor east of Denver is a must-visit. The braided wetlands and cottonwood riverbanks attract large numbers of migratory birds each season.

• Species: Mallards, Canada geese, teal
  
• Best Time: November–January
  
• Land Type: Mix of public State Wildlife Areas (SWA) and private parcels
  
• Tip: Check SWA-specific rules; many require reservations or have special draw dates
  

Barr Lake State Park – Waterfowl & Dove Central

While often overlooked, Barr Lake offers regulated hunting in designated areas. Hunters can pursue doves and waterfowl, particularly during early morning flights.

• Species: Dove, teal, mallard
  
• Limitations: No centerfire rifles; archery and shotgun only
  
• Permit: Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) hunting license + habitat stamp
  
• Tip: Arrive at sunrise—dove and teal are most active at dawn
  

Golden Gate Canyon State Park – Archery Only Option

For a more primitive hunt close to Denver, Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers limited archery-only hunting in select zones. This is an ideal destination for stealthy hunters pursuing elk and deer during quieter seasons.

• Species: Elk, mule deer
  
• Method of Take: Archery only
  
• Application: Controlled hunt – applications through CPW
  
• Tip: Scouting is critical due to limited zones and thick terrain
  

Roxborough State Park – Controlled Hunts

Though primarily a scenic hiking destination, Roxborough State Park periodically allows controlled deer and elk hunts to manage the population. These hunts are draw-only and highly regulated, but success rates are high due to restricted access.

• Species: Mule deer, elk
  
• Type: Draw-only managed hunts
  
• Permits: Apply through CPW Big Game Draw
  
• Tip: Prepare early—competition is steep for access to this park’s limited tags
  

Private Ranch Hunts – High Success and Comfort

Numerous private ranches near Denver offer guided hunts with higher chances of success, luxurious lodging, and access to private herds of elk, antelope, and whitetail deer. Though pricier, these are ideal for hunters looking for an all-inclusive experience.

• Top Ranches: High Lonesome Ranch, Silver Spur Ranches, Bar Lazy J
  
• Species: Elk, whitetail deer, antelope
  
• Inclusions: Lodging, meals, guide services, game processing
  
• Tip: Book at least 6 months in advance—spots fill fast during peak rut seasons
  

Colorado State Wildlife Areas (SWAs) – Free Public Access

The state of Colorado maintains over 350 State Wildlife Areas, many within driving distance from Denver. These zones offer small and big game hunting, often with little foot traffic during weekdays.

• Notable SWAs Near Denver:
  
  • Banner Lakes SWA – Waterfowl
    
  • Bijou SWA – Dove and pheasant
    
  • Lon Hagler SWA – Deer and coyote
    
• Access Rules: Habitat stamp required; some SWAs require special permits
  
• Tip: Use CPW’s Hunting Atlas to plan which SWAs allow your preferred game and method
  

Essential Regulations and Gear for Denver Hunters

Before heading out, hunters must comply with all Colorado Parks & Wildlife regulations, including licensing, seasonal dates, and weapon restrictions.

Licenses and Tags

• Purchase through the CPW website or authorized dealers
  
• All hunters need a Habitat Stamp and species-specific tag
  
• Hunters born after 1949 must complete a hunter safety course
  

Gear Checklist

• GPS with offline maps (e.g., OnX, HuntStand)
  
• Blaze orange vest (required during rifle season)
  
• Bear-proof food storage (for backcountry hunts)
  
• Quality optics (binoculars + rangefinder)
  
• Waterproof boots and weather-adaptable clothing
  
• Autrey’s Armory (Fayetteville) – Firearms, scopes, tactical soft rifle cases, and gear.
  

Safety Tips

• Inform someone of your hunting location and return time
  
• Watch out for elevation sickness—Denver’s altitude and surrounding mountains can be deceiving
  
• Carry a paper map and compass as backup to digital tools

Best Times to Hunt in Denver

Final Thoughts: Hunt Responsibly, Harvest Ethically

Denver's proximity to rich hunting lands makes it a prime destination for a wide range of hunters. From high-alpine elk pursuits in Pike National Forest to quick morning duck hunts in Cherry Creek, there’s no shortage of diverse and rewarding opportunities.

Always respect public land rules, hunt ethically, and support conservation efforts to keep Colorado’s wild game populations thriving for generations to come.