Is night hunting allowed for antelope in Colorado?

Regulations and Requirements

In Colorado, night hunting with a spotlight for antelope is restricted to private property with the landowner’s permission. This type of hunting is considered “spot and stalk” and requires a valid hunting license. It is essential to follow the state’s regulations regarding night hunting, which include using a handheld or vehicle-mounted spotlight, only hunting on private property, and adhering to the landowner’s rules and guidelines.

Public Land Hunting and the Draw System

Antelope hunting in Colorado’s public lands is heavily regulated due to concerns about overhunting and habitat degradation. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) department manages public land antelope hunting through a draw system, where applicants can enter a random drawing for limited licenses. In 2022, the CPW issued approximately 15,000 antelope licenses, with 5,000 of those allocated to the draw system. The draw system is divided into six zones, each with its own limited license quota. In the eastern plains region, where antelope are most abundant, the draw system is highly competitive, with many applicants vying for a limited number of licenses.

Eastern Plains Hunting Strategies

For those who do draw an antelope license for public land in the eastern plains region, successful hunting strategies often involve identifying areas with high antelope concentrations. This can include identifying key habitat features such as food sources (e.g., alfalfa fields, native grasslands), water sources, and escape routes. Hunters may also use aerial surveys or scouting trips to locate antelope herds and understand their behavior patterns. In areas with high antelope densities, hunters may need to be prepared to hunt during the early morning or late evening hours when animals are most active.