Possibly the greatest wildlife success story of the last half century that no one talks about is the Colorado moose. Growing from being nearly nonexistent in the seventies and eighties to an estimated 3,600 animals in 2025, the moose population has really ballooned in the last twenty-five years—mainly due to sound management, prime habitat, and a low number of large carnivores allowing for high calf recruitment. Compared to its neighbors to the north, all of whom are dealing with wolves and grizzly bear predation of moose, Colorado has a very high percentage of bulls and cows reaching their prime years and reproducing. The downside of this is that more hunters are looking at and applying in Colorado for that coveted once-in-a-lifetime tag, leading to steeper draw odds in the state.
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With moose numbers continuing to increase, more non-resident hunting opportunities are becoming available every year. There is definitely a lot to be excited about when it comes to moose in Colorado, but wolves have the potential to dampen that excitement. CPW has been reintroducing gray wolves into the state since 2023, giving the moose a new predator. It’s obvious what will happen to moose if a wolf population establishes itself and grows—just look at its northern neighbor, Wyoming. Wolves and grizzlies taken down more moose than all hunters combined each year. As of early 2026, Colorado has put a halt on reintroducing any more wolves. Add to that the fact that, to date, eleven of the original twenty-five have died, and it starts to seem that the Pinnacle the moose population in the Centennial State may still be ahead of us. For now, Colorado remains a great place to try and draw a Shiras moose tag if that is on your bucket list.
Colorado currently has thirteen data analysis units statewide with huntable moose populations. Every single one of them is capable of producing 40”+ bulls, with some pushing the 50” mark each season. Most of these units are higher elevation mountain basins with high riparian willow and aspen stands lining the canyon bottoms (a.k.a. ideal moose habitat). Pay attention to unit comments to figure out which units have the type of terrain that will suit your hunting style and have access to enough public land if you plan to self-guided. Breaking down and hauling a moose out for miles from above 10,000 feet can be an overwhelming task for hunters who are not prepared for it.
In 2025, the state issued 712 total permits. Seventy of those went to non-residents, thirty of which were bull tags. Those numbers were up fifty-three total permits and six non-resident permits from 2024. 2026 moose permit numbers will not be set until the April commission meeting.
Colorado offers three weapon choices (archery, muzzleloader, and rifle) with varied season dates associated with each. Dates for 2026 are as follows: a September 12 through 30 archery season; season, a September 12 through 20 muzzleloader season, and an October 1 through 14 rifle season. Successful bull moose applicants have the luxury of hunting all three seasons with their permit. Successful cow moose applicants are limited to hunting in one season, unless they draw the L-1R hunt giving them four season dates to hunt with a rifle.
If Colorado’s moose hunting has a downside, it’s the cost. Since the 2019 price increases, it has become one of the more expensive states for moose due to the out-of-pocket cost of a permit. Even if you’re unsuccessful in the draw, building a point will cost you $100. In the end, if you’re looking for a trophy class bull, or just a chance to hunt Shiras moose, Colorado is a must-apply-in state.
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The Colorado big game application period deadline is April 7, 2026 at 8 p.m. MDT.
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| Annual Small Game Hunt License (required to apply) | $104.86 |
| Youth Annual Small Game Hunt License (under age 18, required to apply) | $2.53 |
| Habitat Stamp (required for adults to apply) | $12.76 |
| Draw Application (per species) | $11.49 |
| Youth Point Fee (all species) | NONE |
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| Shiras Moose | $2,823.53 |
Colorado Moose Hunting Articles from Huntin' Fool Magazine
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