Hunt Big Game, Turkey & Birds in Eastern Colorado
Although Prowers County sits in Colorado’s Eastern Plains, wildlife frequent the area. The avid Lamar hunter can stalk elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and turkey without driving too far. Wildlife habitat blends into the cottonwood creek and river bottoms, the rim rock ridges, the prairies, and pine.
Go a little north or west, and, yes, hunters get closer to rutting grounds. A handful of hunters from Eastern Colorado regularly head to the Rockies sometime during hunting season. We also take advantage of nearby hunts.
Types of Local Hunts
Local hunters get going by practicing with hunting bows, muzzle loaders, and rifles. Many of us in southeastern Colorado take a casual approach, trying out our intuitive skills in spotting our prey. Other times, we use deer stands. On August 1, 2023, you might be able to pick up Leftover Limited, Unlimited and Add-On Licenses.
Beginning Dates for Big Game Season
Check out the starting dates for hunting season in Colorado:
Archery: Plains deer October 1; Pronghorn bucks August 15; all Pronghorn September 1
Muzzleloader: Deer/Elk September 9; Plains deer October 14; Pronghorn September 21
Rifle Deer/Elk: Limited Elk October 14 and November 22; Deer/Elk October 28 and November 11; Plains deer October 28 and December 1; Pronghorn by draw October 7
John Martin State Wildlife Area
If you want to extend a hunting experience, camping sites are available at John Martin Reservoir State Park west of Lamar. Just five minutes away, you’ll discover hunting opportunities in the state wildlife area along the reservoir and the shorelines. Check the seasons and regulations at the Visitor Center.
Private Lands
Private land hunts create more opportunities for quality hunting experiences. Mule deer, whitetail, elk, pronghorn, and turkey frequent the ranches on the Eastern plains. Our hunters bag a substantial number of trophies.
Hunter Education
In Colorado, the law requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1949, to complete a hunting education course. Offered in several formats, these Colorado Parks and Wildlife Hunter Education Courses are held year-round. Take a classroom course, an internet course, and/or the optional bowhunting class. In addition, a special course and certificate will be required for mountain lion hunts.
Licenses and Tags
Licenses and tags are required for access to State Wildlife Areas and State Trust Lands. The 2023 annual license year goes from March 1 until March 31, 2024. Most tags are issued by drawing, and some outfitters do have landowner vouchers to facilitate the hunts. Licenses can be available over the counter, including the archery pronghorn licenses and spring turkey licenses. Purchase licenses online at (800) 244-5613 or download the myColorado app.
Real Estate Agents – Colorado Ranches
For more information, please call Gene Cruikshank, Broker/President, Cruikshank Realty at (719) 336-7802. Stop by Cruikshank Realty at 20 S. Main Street, Lamar, CO 81052. Specializing in Farm and Ranch Real Estate Sales, Management, Auctions, and Exchanges.