Colorado does not offer reduced hunting license fees for non-resident disabled veterans. If you live outside Colorado, you pay the same rates as any other non-resident hunter, regardless of your VA rating or Purple Heart status. The state’s free lifetime license for disabled veterans is a resident-only benefit, and no parallel non-resident discount exists. That said, two Colorado programs help disabled veterans from any state: accommodation permits for adaptive equipment, and a hunter education test-out for military personnel and veterans.
Why the Resident Discount Doesn’t Reach You
Colorado’s free Lifetime Small Game and Fishing Combination License is available only to Colorado residents who are Purple Heart recipients or have a service-connected VA disability rating of 50% or more.1Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Hunters with Disabilities Residency is a hard gate. If you hold an out-of-state driver’s license, are registered to vote elsewhere, or bought a resident hunting license in another state within the last six months, Colorado classifies you as a non-resident and the free license is off the table.
If you are stationed in Colorado or planning to move there, the program is worth revisiting once your residency changes. Applications go to disability.apps@state.co.us, through a CPW account at cpwshop.com, or by mail, with about 15 business days of processing.1Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Hunters with Disabilities
What Non-Residents Actually Pay
Colorado sells most non-resident hunting licenses as combination hunting-and-fishing packages, and the price depends heavily on the species. Representative adult fees:
- Elk combo: $825.03
- Deer combo: $494.47
- Pronghorn combo: $494.47
- Bear combo: $294.75
- Spring or fall turkey: $188.86
- Small game: $98.92
Big game applications also carry an $11 nonrefundable processing fee per species. Youth licenses for hunters under 18 cost substantially less.2Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Nonresidents
Habitat Stamp
Every hunter between 18 and 64 has to buy a habitat stamp before purchasing or applying for a license. It’s $12.47 annually, or $374.47 for a lifetime stamp. One annual stamp covers you for the year no matter how many licenses you buy.3Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Habitat Stamp
Preference Points
For hard-to-draw species like moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat, Colorado runs a preference point system. If you apply and don’t draw your first choice, or apply for a point-only code, non-residents are charged $100 for the point. It carries forward and improves your odds next year.4Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Primary Draw Points don’t apply when you buy over-the-counter licenses, leftover limited licenses, or secondary draw licenses.2Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Nonresidents
The Wounded Warrior Carve-Out
Colorado statute allows the Parks and Wildlife Commission to reduce or waive big game license fees for members of U.S. armed services wounded warrior programs, including the Army Wounded Warrior (AW2), Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2), Navy Safe Harbor, and Coast Guard Wounded Warrior Regiment.5Justia Law. Colorado Code 33-4-102 – Licenses, Fees, and Passes The provision is narrow. It targets service members with severe injuries requiring years of ongoing care, and it still requires that the applicant be a resident of Colorado or be stationed there. A non-resident wounded warrior with no Colorado station does not qualify under this section.
Accommodation Permits Any Disabled Hunter Can Use
This is where non-resident disabled veterans get real benefit. Colorado’s accommodation permits are open to any hunter with a qualifying disability, regardless of what state you live in.
Crossbow and Draw-Lock Permits
Hunters with certain physical limitations can use a crossbow or draw-lock device during archery seasons. Qualifying conditions include inability to reach above your head, limited range of motion in your arms or shoulders, decreased grip strength, and reduced hand coordination.1Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Hunters with Disabilities The permit is not a license; you still buy the hunting license separately.
Submit your application at least 30 days before the season starts. Processing takes up to 30 days. CPW may issue a temporary or lifetime accommodation depending on your condition, and temporary permits require annual renewal with updated medical documentation.1Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Hunters with Disabilities
Mobility Accommodations
CPW also runs accommodations for mobility-impaired hunters, including designated areas with accessible trails and blinds. Hunters with severe mobility limitations may apply for permission to use a motorized vehicle in areas where vehicle use is otherwise prohibited. One important detail for out-of-state veterans: Colorado does not honor accommodation permits from other states. If you have a permit in your home state, you’ll still need to apply through Colorado’s process.1Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Hunters with Disabilities
Hunter Education Test-Out for Military and Veterans
Colorado requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1949, to complete an approved hunter education course before buying a license. That applies to non-residents too, though Colorado accepts certification from other states.6Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Education and Outreach
If you’re a veteran without a hunter education card from any state, you can skip the full course and take a test-out exam. Military personnel for this purpose covers active duty, reserve, veterans, and National Guard. Email a certificate of completion, proof of military service, and a photo ID to CPW’s hunter education office. Accepted service documents include a DD214, DD Form 2, DD Form 2765, a military ID card marked “veteran,” or a VA medical card.6Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Education and Outreach Once CPW verifies your documents, you can buy licenses or enter draws.
How to Apply as a Non-Resident
Colorado allocates licenses through several channels, and the desirable tags move fast.
- Primary draw: the main annual draw for limited big game licenses. Applications open March 1 and close April 7 at 8:00 p.m. MDT. Results post in late May, with payment due June 12.4Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Primary Draw
- Secondary draw: covers most elk, deer, pronghorn, and bear licenses not issued in the primary draw.
- Leftover limited licenses: whatever remains after both draws, sold first come, first served.
- Over-the-counter licenses: no draw required and no qualifying license required. Buy at cpwshop.com, by phone at 1-800-244-5613, or through sales agents.2Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Nonresidents
One trap catches non-residents every year: you cannot apply for a limited big game tag on its own. Both the primary and secondary draws require you to first purchase a qualifying license, then submit the draw application in the same transaction or a later one. Skip that step and your draw application will not go through.2Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Nonresidents All buyers age 12 or older need valid identification and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.