Top Hunting Places in Lakewood, Colorado

Lakewood, Colorado, is often appreciated for its stunning views of the Front Range, close proximity to Denver, and access to countless outdoor recreation options. But beyond the hiking trails and bike paths, Lakewood is a hidden gem for hunters who want to balance suburban living with real wilderness pursuits. Its strategic location between the eastern plains and Rocky Mountain foothills places Lakewood within short reach of some of Colorado’s most productive Game Management Units (GMUs).

Whether you're planning an early morning duck hunt before work or a weekend trip for elk, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to make Lakewood your hunting headquarters

Big Game Hunting Near Lakewood

Top Units: GMU 38 and GMU 461

Hunters in Lakewood are uniquely positioned near two excellent big game units:

• GMU 38: Just west of Lakewood, this unit covers Golden Gate Canyon, parts of Roosevelt National Forest, and extends toward Evergreen. It is one of the most popular GMUs for over-the-counter elk licenses, offering rugged terrain and strong populations of mule deer and elk.
  
• GMU 461: South of Lakewood, this unit includes parts of Douglas County and stretches toward Pike National Forest. GMU 461 has great access to private ranch leases and state land with managed wildlife populations.
  

Species Commonly Hunted:

• Elk
  
• Mule Deer
  
• Black Bear (Limited draw)
  

These areas offer a mix of steep alpine terrain and accessible foothills, giving both bowhunters and rifle hunters plenty of options during different seasons.

Waterfowl Hunting Close to Lakewood

Barr Lake, Chatfield Reservoir & South Platte River

If waterfowl is your pursuit, Lakewood hunters enjoy proximity to seasonal flyways and wetland basins that attract ducks and geese in large numbers during the migration months.

Chatfield Reservoir:

Located southwest of Lakewood, Chatfield allows waterfowl hunting by permit during designated periods in the fall and winter. With marshy terrain and backwater inlets, it’s ideal for setting up mallard and teal decoys early in the morning.

South Platte River Corridor:

Drive 45 minutes east and you’ll reach one of Colorado’s most productive waterfowl regions. The South Platte’s braided river system near Brighton and Fort Lupton provides top-tier goose and duck opportunities, particularly in late season.

Common Species:

• Mallard
  
• Gadwall
  
• Pintail
  
• Canada Goose
  
• Snow Goose (late winter)
  

Small Game and Upland Bird Hunting Near Lakewood

Front Range Fields and Open Space Access

Small game hunting opportunities abound around Lakewood, especially if you're willing to drive east toward Watkins, Byers, and Bennett, where Walk-In Access Program lands open up thousands of acres for public pursuit.

Best Options:

• Rabbit hunting along brush lines near crop fields
  
• Dove hunting during the September migration in grain fields
  
• Pheasant and quail in eastern plains habitats (especially east of I-70)
  

Check the Colorado Walk-In Access Atlas for current open lands and seasonal restrictions.

Target Species:

• Cottontail Rabbit
  
• Mourning Dove
  
• Eurasian Collared Dove
  
• Ring-necked Pheasant
  
• Bobwhite Quail (in limited zones)
  

Turkey Hunting Near Lakewood

Spring gobbler season is often overlooked in metro regions, but Merriam’s turkeys thrive in the foothills west of Lakewood, particularly around Morrison, Golden Gate Canyon, and Deer Creek Canyon.

Top Spring Turkey Spots:

• Golden Gate Canyon State Park (by special draw)
  
• Matthews/Winters Park (adjacent zones with private access leases)
  
• Jefferson County foothills with creek drainage access
  

Turkeys here tend to be wary and require skillful calling, but scouting their roosting trees and travel corridors can lead to successful hunts.

Archery Hunting Zones in the Lakewood Area

Bowhunters based in Lakewood benefit from extended seasons and reduced pressure, especially in GMU 38, where archery elk tags are often sold over the counter.

Best Archery Grounds:

• Mount Falcon Park (Check local firearm restrictions)
  
• Centennial Cone Park (Archery only, draw-based)
  
• Private land near Conifer and Evergreen
  

These zones offer high-quality bowhunting terrain, and archers can hunt during the September rut—when elk are most vocal and active.

Licensing Requirements and Draw Deadlines

All hunters in Colorado, including those near Lakewood, must obtain appropriate licenses through Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW).

Required Licenses:

• Habitat Stamp (mandatory)
  
• Small Game License
  
• Big Game License (species-specific)
  
• Turkey Tags (spring/fall)
  
• Waterfowl Stamp + HIP registration (for migratory birds)
  

Important CPW Dates:

• Big Game Draw: March–April
  
• Turkey Draw: February
  
• Leftover Licenses: August
  
• Waterfowl Season: Starts early October
  

Licenses can be purchased at cpw.state.co.us or from sporting goods stores in the Lakewood area.

Where to Gear Up in Lakewood

Hunters in Lakewood have access to several excellent shops for firearms, apparel, and field equipment:

• Green Mountain Guns – A Lakewood staple for firearms, optics, and ammo.
  
• Sportsman’s Warehouse (Thornton) – Great for boots, hunting packs, and blinds.
  
• JAX Outdoor Gear (Broomfield) – High-quality tactical and outdoor gear, including FS9 Tactical rifle cases for secure transport.
  
• Bass Pro Shops (Northfield) – A full-service destination for game calls, decoys, and reloading supplies.
  

Ethical and Legal Hunting Practices

Lakewood is close to residential areas and open spaces that double as public recreation zones. Always:

• Check land ownership using GPS and OnX Hunt maps.
  
• Follow all firearm discharge laws, especially within 150 yards of structures.
  
• Be courteous to hikers and bikers in multi-use areas.
  
• Respect private property lines and conservation easements.
  
• Report illegal activity through Colorado Operation Game Thief.
  

Conclusion: Lakewood—A Hunter’s Base Camp With Urban Comfort

Lakewood is more than a suburban gateway to Denver—it’s a strategically located hunting base for those who want big adventure without driving hours into the high country. With access to GMU 38, foothill turkey zones, eastern plains waterfowl, and public small game lands, hunters can enjoy an exceptionally well-rounded hunting season within an hour of home.

Whether you're filling your freezer or perfecting your calling technique, Lakewood gives you the wild with the convenience of the city—and that makes it one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets for sportsmen.