FAQ’s for Adventurers
Helpful Answers for Planning Your Colorado Adventure
Whether you’re preparing for your first guided hunt, returning for another season in Colorado, or exploring the backcountry with your family, it’s natural to have questions. The Colorado Outfitters Association created these Frequently Asked Questions to help adventurers feel confident, informed, and ready for the experience ahead.
This page is designed specifically for visitors and consumers, offering clear guidance on how to choose a licensed outfitter, what to expect when you arrive in Colorado, what permits or safety requirements you may need, and how to prepare for a safe and successful outdoor experience. Our goal is to make planning easier so you can spend less time searching for answers and more time looking forward to your adventure.
These FAQs draw from trusted Colorado resources, including the Department of Regulatory Agencies, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, and the National Forest Service. You’ll also find links to important tools such as hunting license requirements, safety card rules, and other helpful planning information.
Whether you’re a seasoned sportsman or brand new to the outdoors, the COA is here to support you every step of the way. Start exploring the FAQs below to feel prepared, confident, and excited for your Colorado adventure.
Licensing, Legality & Safety
You can verify any Colorado outfitter’s license through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). This helps ensure your guide is legally registered, bonded, and insured. Colorado’s Licensing Look Up link: https://apps.colorado.gov/dora/licensing/Lookup/LicenseLookup.aspx
Permit requirements vary by location. To confirm:
- Contact the Colorado BLM office for BLM-managed lands
Colorado Bureau Of Land Management
2850 Youngfield
Lakewood, CO. 80215
(303) 239-3600
http://www.co.blm.gov/
Front Range:(719) 269-8500
Northwest Region: (970) 244-3000
Southwest Region: (970) 240-5300
- Contact the local National Forest ranger district for National Forest lands
National Forest Ranger Districts for Colorado
Addresses and Telephone Numbers
USDA Forest Service – Rocky Mountain Region
http://www.fs.fed.us/r2
Registered outfitters meet Colorado’s legal and safety requirements. Using an unlicensed outfitter can put your hunt at risk, result in cancelled trips, or even cause legal consequences. Choosing a COA Outfitter ensures you’re booking with a professional committed to safe, ethical guiding.
Preparing for Your Colorado Hunt or Adventure
Most hunters will need:
- A valid Colorado hunting license
- Your original hunter safety card (copies and faxes accepted)
- If you were born before January 1, 1949, you are not required to have a hunter safety card.
Yes—except for archery-only hunters during bow season. Colorado law requires a minimum of 500 square inches of solid blaze orange, typically achieved with a hat and vest.
Colorado conditions can change quickly. In addition to your license and safety card, bring:
- Base layers for variable weather
- Waterproof outerwear
- Quality boots
- Hydration and snacks
- Any medications or personal essentials
- A reliable GPS or mapping app with offline capability
Your outfitter may also provide a trip-specific packing list.
Planning Your Trip
Use the Find Your Outfitter directory to search by:
- Game Management Unit (GMU)
- Region
- Game species
- Services or activities
- Lodging options
Each COA Outfitter has a detailed profile with photos, descriptions, and key offerings to help you choose confidently.
Big-game seasons fill quickly—many hunters book 6–18 months in advance, especially for limited-entry hunts. Booking early ensures you secure your preferred dates, GMU, and outfitter.
Colorado’s high altitude can affect even seasoned hunters.
To prepare, we recommend:
- Arriving a day early to acclimate
- Staying hydrated
- Avoiding alcohol before strenuous activity
- Speaking with your doctor if you have known sensitivities to altitude/
- Limited licenses require applying for the draw by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) deadline.
- OTC tags are available without drawing for select species and units.
Your outfitter can help you understand which option fits your goals.
During Your Hunt or Adventure
Expect early mornings, scenic terrain, time on horseback or foot, and professional guidance every step of the way. COA outfitters prioritize safety, ethical practices, and creating memorable experiences.
Most outfitters assist with field dressing, care, and pack-out. Check your outfitter’s profile or ask directly when booking.
Many outfitters offer family-friendly trips, photography opportunities, cabin lodging, horseback rides, or backcountry experiences. Check each outfitter’s services to see what’s available.
General Colorado Questions
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW)
6060 Broadway
Denver, CO. 80216
(303) 297-1192, Hunt Planning Hotline: (303) 291-7526
http://www.cpw.state.co.us/
- Colorado tourism resources
Trip planning, guides, map, lodging
Toll-free – (800) COLORADO (265-6723)
http://www.colorado.com
- Colorado Department of Transportation for road conditions
Colorado State Patrol
Road conditions:
Metro Denver – (303) 639-1111
Toll-free – (877) 315-7623
http://www.cotrips.org
You can report it safely and anonymously:
- Call Operation Game Thief: 1-800-332-4155
- Email game.thief@state.co.us
Many outfitters offer family-friendly trips, photography opportunities, cabin lodging, horseback rides, or backcountry experiences. Check each outfitter’s services to see what’s available.
About COA Outfitters
COA outfitters are:
- Fully licensed, bonded, and insured
- Committed to ethical, responsible guiding
- Experienced in Colorado’s terrain and wildlife
- Supportive of conservation and stewardship
- Part of a statewide community working to protect Colorado’s outdoor heritage
Choosing a COA Outfitter means choosing professionalism, safety, and a memorable Colorado adventure.
