If you’re anything like me, the crisp fall air in our little mountain haven signals one thing: hunting season! With the San Juan Mountains exploding in golden aspens and the rut echoing through the valleys, Pagosa Springs is a hunter’s dream destination. Whether you’re chasing trophy elk on rugged public lands or scouting mule deer along the Piedra River, this Pagosa Springs hunting guide has everything you need to make your 2025 hunt a success. From seasons and licenses to pro tips and must-know regs, we’ve got you covered. (Pro tip: With rifle season kicking off October 15, now’s the time to finalize your plans—temps are dropping, and the big boys are on the move.)
As always, hunting in Colorado is regulated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), so double-check the 2025 Big Game Brochure for the latest. Let’s dive in and get you dialed for a safe, ethical, and unforgettable pursuit.
2025 Hunting Seasons: Mark Your Calendar
Colorado’s big game seasons are structured around archery, muzzleloader, and rifle periods, with plenty of overlap for multi-species hunts. In the Pagosa area (primarily Game Management Units or GMUs 70-81, including gems like 76, 77, and 78), expect prime opportunities for elk and deer, especially in the San Juan National Forest, which spans over 1.8 million acres of prime habitat.
Here’s a quick breakdown of key 2025 dates for southwest Colorado—always verify unit-specific rules via the Colorado Hunting Atlas:
| Species | Archery | Muzzleloader | Rifle Seasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elk | Sept. 2–30 (OTC available in many units) | Sept. 13–21 | 1st: Oct. 15–19 2nd: Oct. 25–Nov. 2 3rd: Nov. 8–16 4th: Nov. 19–23 |
| Mule Deer | Sept. 2–30 (OTC in select units) | Sept. 13–21 | Same as elk |
| Black Bear | Sept. 2–30 (concurrent with elk/deer) | Sept. 13–21 | Oct. 1–Nov. 23 (varies by method) |
| Pronghorn | Aug. 15–Sept. 20 | N/A | Sept. 24–Oct. 12 |
Source: CPW 2025 seasons. Note: Moose and bighorn sheep are draw-only with limited tags—apply early if that’s your quarry. And heads up: The third rifle season often aligns with the elk rut, making GMU 77 (just north of Pagosa) a hotspot for bugling bulls.
Licenses & Permits: Don’t Get Caught Flat-Footed
Securing your license is step one to avoiding fines and frustration. Colorado offers over-the-counter (OTC) options for flexibility, but limited tags require draws and preference points.
- Habitat Stamp & Qualifying License: Every hunter needs a $10.50 annual habitat stamp (good through March 31, 2026) plus a small game license ($30ish for residents) to qualify for big game draws.
- OTC Tags: Grab ’em anytime online at CPW’s shop or local agents like Sportsmens Center in Pagosa. Archery elk/deer are OTC in most San Juan GMUs, but rifle is draw-heavy.
- Draw Applications: Primary draw closed in April, but leftovers hit shelves August 5—check weekly for reissues. Preference points boost your odds; apply for “points only” if you’re building.
- Non-Resident Fees: Expect $700+ for elk tags—way pricier than residents’ $60.
- Forest Access: No extra permits for San Juan National Forest beyond your CPW license, but pack a free Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) from the Durango Ranger District to stay on designated roads.
For outfitters, consider locals like Fawn Gulch Outfitters in GMU 77 or Crazy Horse Outfitters for guided drop camps—perfect for navigating the 14,000-foot peaks.
Prime Game & Hotspots: Where the Action Is
The San Juan Mountains boast world-class populations of Rocky Mountain elk (over 300,000 statewide), mule deer, and black bears. Pagosa’s mix of public (80% of Archuleta County) and private lands means endless options, but public spots like the forest get crowded—scout early.
- Elk: Target GMUs 76/77/78 for 300″ bulls amid aspen groves and dark timber. Best access: Echo Basin or Chromo areas off Hwy 84.
- Mule Deer: GMU 70/71 along the river bottoms; watch for bucks in oak brush.
- Black Bear: Spring/fall in berry patches near Williams Reservoir.
- Access Points Near Pagosa: Start at the Pagosa Ranger District trailheads (e.g., Beaver Creek or West Fork Trail) for hike-in hunts. Tribal lands (Southern Ute) require crossing permits—contact them at southernute-nsn.gov.
Download the 2024 Pagosa Springs Hunting Guide for maps (2025 updates pending, but terrain doesn’t change much!).
Tips for a Successful Hunt: From Scouting to the Shot
Success in the San Juans? It’s 90% prep. Here’s how to stack the odds:
- Scout Smart: Use apps like onX Hunt for boundaries. E-scouting via Google Earth reveals elk wallows; hit the ground in August for sign.
- Gear Essentials: Pack for 20°F mornings—Merino layers, binos (10×42 min), and a rangefinder. Bugle calls for elk rut; cow calls for archery.
- Hunting Styles: Archery for close encounters in thick cover; rifle for open meadows. Muzzleloader fans, note the Sept. 13 start overlaps archery.
- Weather & Timing: High pressure = active animals; storms push ’em low. Dawn/dusk glassing from ridges like Turkey Springs.
- Private Land Access: Knock on doors or use Huntin’ Fool for leases—many ranchers welcome respectful hunters.
Remember, ethical harvesting means quick, clean kills—practice at the Pagosa Shooting Range.
Safety First: Regs, Ethics, & Leave No Trace
Hunting here is as much about stewardship as sport. Key rules:
- Firearms Safety: Stay 150 yards from homes/campsites; no shooting across roads. In wilderness areas, campfires are banned above treeline or within 100 feet of water/trails.
- CWD Testing: Mandatory for rifle deer in some units—drop heads at CPW check stations.
- Ethics & Education: Hunter ed required if born after 1949; pack out what you pack in.
- Winter Note: If extending into late season, watch for avalanches and deep snow.
Report poachers to Operation Game Thief at 1-877-265-6647.
Wrapping It Up: Your Hunt Starts Here
There you have it—your blueprint for bagging memories (and maybe antlers) in Pagosa Springs this fall. Whether solo or with a guide, the San Juans reward the prepared. Book a cozy cabin at our Pagosa Spring Lodging page to unwind post-hunt.
Happy Hunting
You must be logged in to post a comment.