Moose Hunting in Colorado: Rocky Mountain Bull Hunts
Introduction to Moose Hunting
Moose hunting is an exciting and challenging experience, especially in the state of Colorado. The Centennial State is home to a healthy population of Shiras moose, a subspecies of moose found in the western United States. For big game hunters, a moose hunt in Colorado is an absolutely incredible hunt that offers a unique opportunity to harvest a giant bull in a truly magical wilderness area. With over a million acres of public and private land available for hunting, Colorado moose hunts provide an unforgettable experience for hunters. The state’s moose populations are thriving, making it an ideal destination for those looking to hunt moose. Whether you’re navigating the rugged buffalo peaks or exploring the surrounding mountain ranges, the adventure and the chance to encounter these majestic animals make every moment worthwhile.
Exploring Moose Habitat in Colorado
Colorado’s mountain moose hunts are rooted in some of the most dramatic terrain in the West, reaching elevations that offer stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. These big bulls roam the willow-choked creeks, high-altitude wetlands, and spruce-fir forests scattered across the central and northern ranges of the state. The diverse wildlife in the area includes not only moose but also deer and elk, making it a rich hunting ground. The best hunting zones tend to be in areas with reliable moisture and heavy vegetation, like the Colorado River headwaters, North Park, and parts of the Flat Tops. The terrain features open sagebrush and flat marshes surrounded by forests, providing ideal conditions for moose hunting. Moose favor low-elevation riparian areas in the early morning and late evening, while mid-day finds them in shaded timber. The hunting terrain consists of a contrast of open meadows and thick cover, offering hunters both glassing opportunities and challenges in getting close. Understanding their routines and having patience to watch quietly from a distance is key.
Drawing a Tag in the Centennial State
Moose tags in Colorado are issued through a preference point system, and drawing one often takes many years of applying. Individuals with three preference points have a higher likelihood of drawing a license in subsequent applications, enhancing their hunting opportunities. Bull moose tags are especially competitive, but once drawn, they offer a rare chance at a true trophy-class hunt. The state is broken into game management units, and selecting the best units in Jackson County, Colorado, can significantly increase your chances due to their vast wilderness, high moose populations, and prime hunting terrain. Researching the history of bull-to-cow ratios, success rates, and public land percentages helps narrow down the best fit for your hunt. Once you’ve drawn a tag, focus on e-scouting and preparing for a backcountry hunt with limited support and potentially rough weather. Additionally, make sure to check specific dates for moose season to plan your hunt accordingly.
Scouting and Spotting Bulls in the Rockies
Colorado’s wide elevation changes and diverse habitat make moose scouting a little different than in flatter regions. Bulls are often seen feeding in willows along creeks and lakes early in the season, and they’ll stay active longer into the morning in the cool mountain air. When you target mature bulls, glassing from ridge tops across valleys or slowly moving through timber with the wind in your face are productive approaches. The North Park Region is known for its giant bulls, offering hunters the unusual opportunity to encounter numerous large bulls during the rut. If hunting during the rut, calling can be effective—low grunts, cow moans, and antler raking sounds may bring in curious or territorial bulls. Mature bulls often have impressive width measurements, making them a prized target. Make notes on travel corridors, fresh tracks in soft mud, or newly stripped saplings, all of which point to recent activity. Whether you’re walking trails, floating a river, or glassing from above, knowing where bulls like to feed and bed gives you a major edge.
Gearing Up for High Country Moose
The gear you bring will either make or break your hunt. Weather in the Rockies can shift from warm sunshine to snow flurries in a single day. Layered clothing, waterproof boots, and a solid pack system are all non-negotiables. Optics matter more than ever in big country. Binoculars with a harness and a spotting scope on a tripod help save energy and spot moose from a distance. A flat-shooting rifle chambered in .300 Win Mag, .338, or .30-06 is a smart choice to ensure you can take a clean, ethical shot. Also include a rangefinder, headlamp, GPS unit, game bags, and field processing tools. If you’re deep in the backcountry, have a plan for packing out large quarters, either with help from friends or pack animals. Horses can be particularly useful for packing out large quarters. Guides will assist in gutting, transporting, and processing the animal to ensure the best outcome for the client.
Going Guided or DIY in the Rockies
Some hunters choose to go the DIY route, especially those familiar with Colorado’s backcountry and game movement. For others, hiring licensed outfitters can ease the pressure by offering guided hunts tailored to individual needs. Guides not only offer experience in reading moose sign and calling bulls, but they can also assist with navigation, camping setups, and meat recovery. Many hunters have successfully harvested mature bulls with impressive antler sizes thanks to the expertise of their guides. Whether you go solo or with a guide, preparation is everything. Moose hunting in the high country is physically demanding and mentally exhausting, but proper planning and conditioning make it manageable and enjoyable.
Being Smart About the Elements
At higher elevations in the Rocky Mountains, oxygen is thinner, and every step takes more out of you. Spend time acclimating if you’re not used to the altitude. The elevation changes from the valley floor up to the tree line provide diverse terrain and stunning views. Bring plenty of water, high-calorie snacks, and always keep weather protection close. Snow and freezing rain can roll in fast, so carry rain gear even on bluebird days. Have an emergency plan in place and let someone know where you’ll be. Cell coverage is unreliable in many units, so consider a satellite device. Knowing how to read weather and trail conditions helps avoid trouble when you’re miles from the nearest road.
Hunting Season and Regulations
The moose hunting season in Colorado typically takes place in the fall, with the exact dates varying from year to year. The season is usually around September or October, and it’s a limited-entry season, requiring a tag. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife department sets the season dates and regulates the hunt to ensure the long-term sustainability of the moose population. Big game licenses are required for hunting moose in Colorado, and the cost of these licenses varies. The state uses a preference point system to allocate tags, with weighted points awarded to hunters who have accumulated three regular preference points and fail to draw a first-choice license. Colorado residents and non-residents can apply for tags, but the draw process can be extremely difficult, making it essential to plan and prepare carefully. Understanding the regulations and being prepared for the competitive nature of the draw can make all the difference in securing a chance to hunt these magnificent animals.
Cost of a Moose Hunt
The cost of a moose hunt in Colorado can vary depending on the outfitter, location, and services provided. On average, a guided moose hunt can cost around $6,500.00, which includes field preparation of trophies, guide services, lodging, meals, and trip transportation. Additional services such as airport pickup and dropoff, delivery of meat to a processor, and delivery of trophy to a taxidermist may also be available at an extra cost. The cost of a moose hunt also includes the cost of big game licenses, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Overall, a moose hunt in Colorado is a significant investment, but for many hunters, the opportunity to harvest a giant bull in a beautiful and remote wilderness area is well worth the cost. With the right outfitter and planning, a moose hunt in Colorado can be an unforgettable experience that provides a lifetime of memories. The combination of expert guidance, stunning landscapes, and the thrill of the hunt makes it a worthwhile endeavor for any serious hunter.
Conclusion
Colorado’s moose hunts are among the most memorable in the lower forty-eight. From spotting a bull raking his antlers in a high meadow to navigating the challenges of a wilderness pack-out, every part of the experience demands grit, patience, and respect. The reward is more than a filled tag—it’s the stories you earn chasing one of the largest animals in North America through some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. Whether you draw a tag this year or keep building points, a Colorado moose hunt is always worth the wait.
FAQs
How do I get a moose tag in Colorado?
Colorado uses a preference point system, and moose tags can take many years to draw. Applications must be submitted in the spring.
When is the best time to hunt moose in Colorado?
Most hunts take place in September or October. Early season is better for spotting bulls in the open, while the rut provides better calling opportunities.
What gear is essential for hunting moose in Colorado?
High-quality optics, layered clothing, waterproof boots, a powerful rifle, and a good pack system are key to hunting in the Rockies.
Can non-residents apply for moose tags in Colorado?
Yes, but non-residents face longer odds and fewer tag allocations. The process is still open and worth pursuing.
Are moose hunts in Colorado typically guided?
Many hunters go guided due to the difficulty and remoteness of some units, but experienced backcountry hunters often go DIY successfully.