Top Hunting Place in Longmont, Colorado

Tucked between the vast plains and the Front Range foothills, Longmont, Colorado is a premier destination for hunters seeking a blend of accessibility, scenic backdrops, and diverse game species. Located within easy reach of both rural open spaces and mountainous public lands, Longmont offers year-round hunting opportunities for seasoned outdoorsmen and newcomers alike. Whether you're stalking mule deer in the brush or calling in wild turkey in the cottonwoods, Longmont delivers unmatched versatility and rich hunting grounds.

Best Public Hunting Areas Around Longmont, CO

St. Vrain State Park (Barbour Ponds)

Located just east of Longmont, St. Vrain State Park is known for its wetlands and ponds, making it a prime location for waterfowl hunting.

• Game Species: Mallards, teal, Canadian geese
  
• Access Info: Hunting allowed only in designated blinds
  
• Regulations: Reservation system via CPW for hunting slots
  

This is one of the best options for duck hunters looking for close proximity to Longmont and managed water access.

Rabbit Mountain Open Space

Northwest of Longmont lies Rabbit Mountain, an underutilized but productive archery-only hunting area. It provides a quieter option away from the crowds with a healthy population of deer and small game.

• Game Species: Mule deer, turkey, rabbit
  
• Hunting Method: Archery only, seasonal permit required
  
• Managed By: Boulder County Parks & Open Space
  

This area rewards those who scout the terrain in advance, as wildlife often beds deep in the foothill valleys.

Lagerman Agricultural Preserve

Lagerman Reservoir and its surrounding preserve offer seasonal opportunities for hunting under specific guidelines. While primarily known for birdwatching and agriculture, upland bird hunting and waterfowl hunting are permitted in controlled zones.

• Game Species: Dove, pheasant, waterfowl
  
• Permit Needed: Boulder County Parks hunting application
  
• Best Season: September–November
  

This location offers easy access for family hunts and a more open, agricultural environment for new hunters to hone their skills.

Boulder Valley Ranch (Special Access)

Though not always open to the public for hunting, this property near Longmont's southern border occasionally provides controlled access for small game and predator management, particularly coyote and rabbit.

• Hunting Type: Limited, by lottery or request
  
• Game Species: Coyote, rabbit, dove
  
• Land Type: Boulder County public/private partnership
  

This site is best suited for experienced hunters seeking unique access and a quieter outing.

What Can You Hunt in Longmont, CO?

Longmont's unique location gives it access to an impressive mix of game animals, including:

• Big Game: Mule deer, whitetail deer (in surrounding GMUs), elk (west of town)
  
• Small Game: Rabbit, squirrel, raccoon
  
• Upland Birds: Pheasant, quail, dove
  
• Waterfowl: Mallard, gadwall, teal, goose
  
• Predators: Coyote, bobcat (with special permit)
  

Thanks to the agricultural fringe and wetland areas, the diversity is high, especially during fall migrations and rutting seasons.

Hunting Seasons and Key Dates in Longmont

 

Always check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for updates and zone-specific closures before planning your trip.

Essential Gear Checklist for Longmont Hunts

Longmont hunting requires a blend of lightweight mobility and cold-weather gear, especially during late fall and winter hunts.

• Clothing: Base layers, insulated camo, blaze orange during rifle seasons
  
• Boots: Midweight, waterproof with traction for muddy or icy fields
  
• Weaponry:
  
  • Archery: Compound bows for early seasons
    
  • Shotguns: 12-gauge for birds and small game
    
  • Rifles: Allowed in units west of Longmont for big game
    
• Optics: Binoculars (8x42 or 10x50), rangefinder for longer shots
  
• Tech: OnX Hunt or HuntStand for GPS land boundaries
  
• Calls and Decoys: Turkey box calls, duck decoys for waterfowl
  
• Cooler: Large enough for game transport—essential during warm shoulder seasons
  

Longmont’s Hunting Regulations and Permits

Before hitting the field, every hunter must have the following:

• Valid Colorado Hunting License via CPW
  
• Habitat Stamp (required for most licenses)
  
• Hunter Education Card (born after 1949)
  
• Special Use Permits for Boulder County-controlled lands
  
• Draw Tags for certain big game units nearby (like Unit 38, west of Longmont)
  

Take note that many Boulder County open spaces require pre-approval or seasonal lotteries for hunting access. Don’t skip the paperwork—penalties for hunting out of bounds or without permits are severe.

Best Time of Day to Hunt in Longmont

• Morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Prime movement for mule deer and waterfowl
  
• Afternoon (3:30 PM – dusk): Excellent for rabbits, coyote, and turkey roosting
  
• Evening (Where allowed): Predator activity increases at sunset
  

Weather and pressure play a role, so use scouting cameras or fresh tracks to adjust your schedule accordingly.

Tips for Hunting Success in Longmont

Scout With Purpose

Use preseason walks or trail cams to locate bedding areas, feeding trails, and watering holes. Local reservoirs and creek beds are great wildlife corridors.

Watch Wind and Elevation

Winds in the plains shift rapidly—plan your stalk or blind based on forecast direction. Also, elevation gain west of Longmont affects animal patterns and thermals.

Understand Land Access

Longmont borders a patchwork of private farms, county lands, and CPW wildlife areas. GPS tools and county maps will keep you legal and efficient.

Take Advantage of Urban-Edge Wildlife

Areas near town attract game seeking refuge from pressure. Cottontails, doves, and even deer move through ditches, field edges, and suburban green belts.

Local Hunting Resources

• Jax Outdoor Gear – Lafayette: Great for ammo, optics, and outdoor clothing
  
• CPW Northeast Region Office: Licensing, zone maps, season updates
  
• Longmont Butchers: Local meat processors offer wild game services
  
• Boulder County Parks Department: Info on land access, seasonal closures, and permits
  

Why Longmont Stands Out as a Colorado Hunting Base

Longmont provides the perfect balance of rural access and city convenience. Its proximity to hunting lands, reliable wildlife populations, and structured access rules make it an excellent base for:

• Waterfowlers chasing the migration
  
• Deer hunters seeking archery or rifle zones nearby
  
• Families introducing youth to small game in managed spaces
  
• Seasoned hunters scouting for ethical access close to home
  

With year-round potential and a community that respects conservation and ethical harvest, Longmont earns its spot as one of the top hunting hubs in Northern Colorado.