Colorado Will Shorten Beaver Harvest Season
New regulations for furbearer hunting begin October 1 in Colorado.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Hunting
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Colorado Parks and Wildlife will implement updated harvest regulations for beavers starting October 1, 2026. The agency is shortening the official hunting season by one month to improve data collection.
Why it matters
The changes support the Beaver Conservation and Management Strategy by allowing officials to gather more information on harvests. This regulatory shift aims to improve the oversight of the state's furbearer population.
The daily bag limit for furbearer species is set at two, with unlimited possession permitted for beavers. Hunters are required to use a small game license alongside a furbearer harvest permit or furbearer license.
The players
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
This state agency is responsible for the management of Colorado's wildlife, including the enforcement of hunting regulations and conservation strategies.
The details
Under the new mandate, hunters must present all beaver carcasses or pelts to Colorado Parks and Wildlife for a physical inspection. These requirements apply to the 17 furbearer species managed by the state.
Timeline
The new beaver harvest season begins on October 1, 2026.
The updated season will conclude on March 31, 2027.
Culture Shift
These regulatory adjustments represent a growing trend of prioritizing data-driven wildlife management over traditional open-season models. The move aligns Colorado's hunting season adjustments with the objectives of the Beaver Conservation and Management Strategy.
Hunters must adjust their schedules to finish by March 31, which is one month earlier than in previous years. Participants should also prepare for the mandatory in-person inspection of pelts or carcasses at designated agency facilities.
The takeaway
Hunters should review their furbearer permits early to ensure compliance with the new season dates and inspection requirements. Staying updated on these changes is essential for maintaining legal participation in the state's hunting programs.
Further reading
Find more information on state policies at Colorado Hunting.
More information
For details on permits and inspection locations, visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KRDO.
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