Quick Answer
In Colorado, the minimum age for hunting antelope with a hunting license is 10 years old, but youth under 18 must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult. However, to hunt antelope on public lands using a draw system, youth may be eligible for a limited number of licenses under certain circumstances.
Understanding the Draw System
Hunting antelope on public lands in Colorado typically requires a limited license, which is drawn randomly through the state’s draw system. The draw system allocates a limited number of licenses for each hunt unit, and hunters can apply for a license by submitting an application during the specified period, usually in late winter. For the 2022 draw, the application period was from January 5 to January 31, and the draw results were announced on March 31.
Requirements for Youth Hunters
Youth hunters under 18 years old may be eligible for a limited number of antelope licenses on public lands. To be eligible, youth hunters must apply for a youth-only license, which allows them to hunt during a designated youth-only season. Youth hunters must also be accompanied by a non-hunting adult who has a valid hunter education certificate. The youth-only license is a separate draw system, and youth applicants must submit a separate application during the specified period.
Hunting Antelope on the Eastern Plains
The eastern plains of Colorado are home to a large population of antelope, and public lands offer numerous opportunities for hunting. Hunters can apply for a limited license to hunt antelope on public lands in units such as the Pawnee National Grasslands and the Comanche National Grasslands. To increase their chances of drawing a license, hunters may want to consider applying for a “first preference” license, which allows them to hunt during the peak antelope rutting season.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.