Hunting Season in the Gunnison Valley: What Hunters and Outdoor Recreationists Should Know

Hunting Season in The Gunnison Valley

Fall is one of the most beautiful—and busiest—times of year in the Gunnison Valley. As the leaves change and temperatures cool, hunters head into the mountains in pursuit of Colorado's abundant big game, while hikers, mountain bikers, wildlife watchers, campers, horseback riders and other outdoor enthusiasts continue enjoying the public lands we all share.

With so many people recreating on the landscape at the same time, awareness, communication and respect go a long way toward keeping everyone safe and preserving the outdoor experience we value.

The Gunnison Wildlife Association encourages hunters and non-hunters alike to understand what hunting season means for our public lands and to do their part to share the landscape responsibly.

When is hunting season?

Several hunting seasons are already underway in Colorado, with additional big game seasons beginning in October and continuing into November.

2026 Big Game Seasons

• Archery: September 2–30

• Rifle Bear: September 2–30

• Muzzleloader: September 12–20

Rifle Seasons

• 1st Rifle: October 14–18

• 2nd Rifle: October 24–November 1

• 3rd Rifle: November 7–15

• 4th Rifle: November 18–22

Season dates and regulations can vary by species and Game Management Unit (GMU), so hunters should always consult current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations before heading into the field. Click here for the 2026 CPW Big Game Hunting Guide

What should non-hunters know?

You don't have to stop enjoying the outdoors during hunting season. Most public lands remain open to multiple forms of recreation, and fall is a wonderful time to explore the Gunnison Valley.

However, if you're hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, camping or viewing wildlife in an area where hunting is permitted, it's important to recognize that hunters may be sharing the same landscape.

A few simple precautions can make a big difference:

Wear bright, visible clothing

During firearm and muzzleloader seasons, consider wearing fluorescent orange or pink, particularly if you're traveling through areas where hunters are likely to be present. Hunters pursuing big game with firearms are required to wear fluorescent orange or pink when in the field; camouflage orange or pink does not meet the requirement.

Archery hunters are exempt from the fluorescent clothing requirement, so don't assume that every hunter you encounter will be wearing orange or pink.

Make yourself visible and heard

Stay aware of your surroundings, especially around dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active. If you're traveling through thick timber or areas with limited visibility, talking with your group or otherwise making your presence known can help hunters and other recreationists recognize that someone else is nearby.

Dogs should also be kept under control and within sight or according to applicable land-management and leash regulations.

Know where you are

Before heading out, familiarize yourself with the area you're visiting and whether hunting is permitted. Check maps, land-management regulations and current closures or restrictions.

If you're hiking or riding a popular trail, remember that a trailhead or trail does not necessarily mean hunting isn't taking place nearby.

Give hunters space

If you encounter a hunter in the field, give them the same courtesy you'd hope to receive from other recreationists. A simple greeting or brief conversation can help both parties understand what's happening around them.

At the same time, deliberately interfering with a lawful hunt is not acceptable. Colorado law prohibits intentionally interfering with hunters, including actions intended to cause wildlife to flee, preventing lawful access or otherwise disrupt a legal hunt.

Sharing public lands works best when everyone recognizes that they have a place on the landscape.

A reminder for hunters

Hunters are also responsible for helping create a safe and respectful experience for everyone using public lands.

Before heading out, know the regulations for your species and GMU, identify your target and what lies beyond it, and be particularly mindful of other recreationists who may be nearby.

If you encounter hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers or other outdoor users, remember that they may not realize hunting is taking place. A friendly conversation and clear communication can prevent misunderstandings.

Know your target, know your surroundings and make safety your first priority.

Hunters are an important part of wildlife conservation

Hunting is more than a fall tradition in Colorado. It is an important component of the state's wildlife management and conservation system.

Colorado's wildlife is managed under the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, a system built around principles such as science-based wildlife management, regulated hunting, public ownership of wildlife and the sustainable use of natural resources.

License fees and excise taxes associated with hunting and fishing help fund wildlife conservation, habitat work, research and management throughout Colorado. Hunters also contribute valuable information to wildlife managers through harvest reporting, mandatory testing and other management programs.

One particularly important example is chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal neurological disease affecting deer, elk and moose. Hunters play an important role in helping Colorado Parks and Wildlife monitor and manage CWD by participating in required testing and following carcass-transport regulations.

These efforts help wildlife professionals understand where disease is occurring and how it is affecting Colorado's herds.

Sharing the Gunnison Valley this fall

The Gunnison Valley is fortunate to have extraordinary public lands and abundant wildlife. Those resources belong to all of us, and maintaining them requires cooperation among the many people who enjoy them.

Whether you're carrying a bow, rifle, camera, fishing rod or backpack, we all have a responsibility to recreate safely, respect wildlife and give one another room to enjoy the outdoors.

This fall, take a little extra time to know what's happening around you. Wear visible clothing when appropriate, communicate with other recreationists, follow hunting and land-management regulations, and remember that we're all sharing the same remarkable landscape.

Be safe. Be respectful. Know before you go—and help keep the Gunnison Valley a place where wildlife and people can thrive.

Additional Resources

For current hunting regulations, season dates, licensing information, CWD testing requirements and other important information, visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife before heading into the field.