What are the 10 Big-Game Species You Can Hunt in Colorado?

There's no question that the wilderness across the great state of Colorado is a kind of paradise for the outdoors type. Some of the most popular outdoor activities that Coloradans and tourists alike enjoy are rock climbing, rafting, hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting, to name a few.

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Each year, hunters eagerly wait for their tags to be drawn in order to plan their hunting trip, but have you ever wondered exactly what is legal to hunt in the state of Colorado, specifically when it comes to big-game animals? Keep scrolling to find out.

Big-Game Species that Are Legal to Hunt in Colorado

There are a total of ten big-game species of animals that are legal to hunt in the state of Colorado with the proper license.

1. Colorado Big Game Species: Black Bear

First, we have the American black bear or the Ursus americanus.

2. Colorado Big Game Species: Elk

One species of big-game that you'll see a lot of in Colorado is Cervus canadensis, commonly known as elk.

3. Colorado Big Game Species: Moose

While moose, or Alces alces, are typically associated with places like Alaska and Canada rather than Colorado, they are a big-game species that is legal to hunt in the Centennial State.

4. Colorado Big Game Species: Mule Deer

Odocoileus hemionus, commonly known as the mule deer, is a big-game animal that is legal to hunt in Colorado.

5. Colorado Big Game Species: White-Tailed Deer

Scientifically known as Odocoileus virginianus, the white-tailed deer is a big-game species in Colorado as well.

6. Colorado Big Game Species: Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

Ovis canadensis, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, is Colorado's official state animal as well as a big-game species.

7. Colorado Big Game Species: Desert Bighorn Sheep

The Ovis canadensis nelsoni, or the desert bighorn sheep, is also a big-game species in Colorado.

8. Colorado Big Game Species: Mountain Goat

The Oreamnos americanus, commonly known as the mountain goat, is also a big-game species in Colorado.

9. Colorado Big Game Species: Pronghorn

The Antilocapra americana, commonly known as the pronghorn, is another big-game species in Colorado.

10. Colorado Big Game Species: Mountain Lion

Finally, the Puma concolor, also known as the puma, cougar, and most commonly in Colorado, the mountain lion, is also a big-game species in the state.