What a Colorado Combination License Covers

Colorado's combination license lets you hunt small game and fish in the same year with one purchase, rather than buying a fishing license and a hunting license separately. The combination includes a fishing license valid for the calendar year, plus a small game hunting license valid for the same period. You can use it to fish for trout, walleye, pike, and other species in Colorado waters, and to hunt rabbits, squirrels, grouse, and other small game during their open seasons.

The combination is cheaper than buying both licenses individually, making it the practical choice if you plan to do both activities. The license is not a permit — it does not reserve any specific water or hunting area, and it does not cover big game hunting (deer, elk, antelope, mountain lion). Those require separate big game licenses purchased through the draw system.

Your combination license is valid only for you. It is not transferable to a family member or friend, and you must carry it with you whenever you fish or hunt small game in Colorado.

Key Takeaways

  • A combination license covers both fishing and small game hunting for the calendar year and costs less than buying each license separately.
  • You can purchase a combination license online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife, by phone, or at authorized vendors across the state.
  • The license is valid immediately upon purchase if you buy it online or by phone, but you must print or carry proof of purchase while fishing or hunting.
  • Residents and non-residents pay different prices, and Colorado offers reduced-price licenses for seniors, disabled hunters, and youth under 16.
  • Small game seasons vary by species and region — check the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife hunting and fishing guides before heading out.

Who Can Buy and Current Pricing

Colorado residents and non-residents can both purchase a combination license. Residents pay a lower annual rate than non-residents. Pricing changes each year and varies slightly depending on how you buy it (online, by phone, or in person), so confirm the current cost on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website before purchasing.

Colorado offers discounted combination licenses for specific groups. Seniors aged 64 and older, hunters and anglers with disabilities, and youth under 16 all pay reduced rates. You will need to provide proof of age or disability status when you purchase. Military members on active duty may also may have access to for discounts — ask the vendor when you buy.

If you are a Colorado resident who has lived in the state for at least one year and are at least 18 years old, you are may be able to access to buy a resident license. Non-residents do not need to meet residency requirements but will pay the higher non-resident price.

How to Buy Your License Online or by Phone

The fastest way to get a combination license is through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website at cpw.state.co.us. Go to the "Buy a License" section, select "Combination License," choose your residency status, and complete the purchase. You will receive a confirmation email with your license number immediately. Print the confirmation or save it to your phone — you must show proof of purchase while fishing or hunting.

You can also call Colorado Parks and Wildlife at their licensing line to purchase by phone. A staff member will walk you through the process and email your confirmation. Phone purchases take a few minutes longer than online but work just as well if you prefer not to use a computer.

Your license is valid the moment you complete the purchase, whether online or by phone. You do not need to wait for anything to arrive in the mail. If you lose your confirmation email, you can look up your license number on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website using your name and date of birth.

Buying in Person at Vendors

You can also buy a combination license at authorized vendors throughout Colorado — typically sporting goods stores, outdoor retailers, and some grocery stores with hunting and fishing departments. Search "Colorado Parks and Wildlife license vendors" online to find the nearest location to you. Vendors have the same licenses available as the online system and can print your proof of purchase on the spot.

In-person purchases take longer than online or phone because the vendor must process the transaction and print your license. If you are buying on a weekend or during hunting season, expect a short wait. Bring your ID and be ready to confirm your residency status.

Some vendors charge a small transaction fee on top of the license price. Ask before you pay, since fees vary by location and are not set by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Small Game Seasons and Regulations

Your combination license covers small game hunting, but each species has its own open season and bag limit. Rabbits, squirrels, and grouse have different start and end dates depending on the hunting zone you are in. Colorado divides the state into hunting zones, and seasons can vary between them. Before you hunt, check the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife small game hunting guide, which lists exact dates, zones, and daily bag limits for each species.

Seasons typically run from fall through winter, but exact timing changes year to year based on wildlife populations. The hunting guide is updated annually and is free to download from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. Print it or save it to your phone — you do not need to carry it, but it is the only reliable source for current dates.

You must also follow method-of-take rules: certain weapons are allowed for certain species, and some areas restrict hunting to shotgun only. The hunting guide spells out what is legal for each animal and each zone.

Fishing Regulations and Seasons

Your combination license covers year-round fishing in Colorado, but regulations vary by water body and species. Most trout streams and reservoirs are open year-round, though some high-altitude waters close seasonally. Walleye and pike have different seasons depending on the lake or reservoir. Check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing guide for the specific water you plan to fish — it lists open seasons, daily catch limits, and size restrictions for each location.

Colorado requires you to follow special regulations on certain waters. Some sections of streams are catch-and-release only, others have slot limits (you can keep fish only within a certain size range), and some allow only artificial flies or lures. These rules are printed in the fishing guide and posted at popular access points.

You do not need a separate stamp or endorsement to fish — your combination license covers all species and all public waters in Colorado. Private water requires permission from the landowner, regardless of what license you hold.

What Your License Does Not Cover

A combination license does not include big game hunting. If you want to hunt deer, elk, antelope, or mountain lion, you must enter Colorado's draw system and purchase a separate big game license. The draw is competitive and not may provide — you enter by the deadline, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife randomly selects successful applicants. Big game licenses are more expensive than combination licenses and are only valid during the specific season for which you drew.

Your combination license also does not cover waterfowl hunting. Hunting ducks, geese, or other migratory birds requires a separate waterfowl stamp in addition to your hunting license. You must also have a valid federal duck stamp, which you can buy from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The license does not grant you access to private land. You can only fish and hunt on public land and on private land where you have the owner's permission. Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages public lands, and their website lists public access areas by county.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a combination license if I just moved to Colorado?

You can buy a non-resident license immediately. If you have lived in Colorado for at least one year and are at least 18 years old, you can buy a resident license at the lower price. Once you meet the residency requirement, you can switch to a resident license the following year.

What if I lose my printed license while I'm out fishing or hunting?

Call Colorado Parks and Wildlife with your name and date of birth, and they can look up your license number over the phone. Write it down and keep it with you. You can also take a photo of your confirmation email before you go out, which serves as backup proof.

Do I need a separate license for each family member?

Yes. Each person who fishes or hunts must have their own license. Children under 16 can buy youth licenses at a reduced rate. Anyone under 18 must have a valid license, even if they are fishing with a parent.

Can I use my combination license to fish on private land?

Your license is valid on private land only if the landowner gives you permission. The license itself does not grant access to anyone's property. Always ask the owner before you fish or hunt on private water or land.

What happens if I buy a combination license but only want to fish?

You can use your license for fishing only — there is no penalty for not hunting. The combination license is simply cheaper than buying a fishing license alone, so it is a good deal even if you only fish.