What to Expect When Hunting Waterfowl

Waterfowl hunting in Colorado is an amazing experience and Big Thompson Outfitters is here to help along every step of the way. When booking a hunt with Big Thompson, you will need a variety of supplies prior to arrival.

Please purchase all Colorado State and Federal licenses prior to your arrival HERE
Need Hunter Safety Classes: SIGN UP HERE

  • The following licenses are required to hunt waterfowl in the state of Colorado:
    • A Colorado small game license
    • A habitat stamp for anyone age 18-64
    • A Colorado Waterfowl Stamp and Federal Migratory Bird stamp for anyone age 16 or older
    • A Harvest Information Program (HIP) number (obtained after small game license)

  • One shotgun per person (12 or 20 gauge recommended), rentals must be arranged in advanced
    • For small game hunting in Colorado, shotguns are limited to a maximum of 3 round capacity including the chamber. For a tube-loading shotgun, a plug may be required for compliance depending on make/model.
  • Ammunition
    • 3″ or 3.5″ non-toxic shot in sizes 4,3,2, or BB (We suggest 2 or BB)
    • Non-toxic shot can include steel, bismuth, or tungsten loads. Lead shot is strictly prohibited for waterfowl hunting.
    • A minimum of 50 cartridges is recommended per day
  • Due to large volumes of fire and close proximity, eye and ear protection is required.
  • If flying, please refer to your Airline’s firearm policies, as well as the most recent TSA policies.
    • TSA requires a hard sided case with locks for all firearms
    • Firearms must be unloaded with ammunition separate in its original container.
    • Different airlines have varying rules regarding format, amount of ammunition, etc.

Big Thompson Outfitters has state of the art waterfowl blinds that include heating, however Colorado’s winters can be harsh and unpredictable, so it is important to be prepared.

  • Warm base layers are highly recommended
  • Warm and waterproof hunting boots 
  • Warm and waterproof outer gloves
    • light layer gloves recommended for dexterity
  • Camo outer layer
  • Eye and ear protection is required
    • sunglasses are recommended
Colorado Goose Season
Guided Waterfowl Hunts

Guided Waterfowl Hunt Features

Exclusive Leases:
Properties are exclusively leased by Big Thompson Outfitters to ensure premium hunting grounds.
Premium World Class Blinds and Comfortable Hunting:
All blinds are equipped with propane heaters for a warm and cozy experience.
High End Decoys:
Includes 30-70 dozen floaters and lucky ducks.
Field hunts are up to 100 dozen full-bodied goose and duck decoys.
Expert Waterfowl Callers:
At least two experienced callers accompany each hunt to ensure success in drawing birds in close.
Dedicated Scouting:
Our guides scout properties 7 days a week to put you in the best position for an unforgettable hunt.

Guided goose hunts

Waterfowl Hunt Pricing

Guided Waterfowl Hunting Adventures: Expertly led hunts tailored to groups and individual enthusiasts.
*Pricing: $450 daily per person.
*Group Sizes: Accommodates up to 8 hunters total, with a minimum of 6 hunters per group.
*Scenic Northern Colorado Locations: Hunt on premium private lands with breathtaking views.
*Seasoned Guides: Ensuring a safe, successful, and enjoyable hunting experience.
*Lodging Available: Please contact for more.

Waterfowl Season Colorado
Goose hunting colorado guides

Preparing for Guided Waterfowl Hunts

Please purchase all Colorado State and Federal licenses before you arrive.

Required Licensing to Hunt

*Hunters Safety Course required for hunt license.
*A Small game license
*A Habitat Stamp is required for anyone aged 18 through 64
*All hunters age 16 and older must also have a Colorado Waterfowl Stamp and Federal Migratory Bird Stamp prior to hunting
*A Harvest Information Program (HIP) number

waterfowl hunting lodges

What to Bring

Shotgun (12 or 20 gauge recommended)

*Ammunition – 3” or 3.5” nontoxic shot in sizes 5, 4, 3, 2, or BB (We suggest 2 or BB.)
*Camo outer layer
*Warm under layers strongly recommended
*Hunting boots – Warm and waterproof recommended* Gloves
*Eye protection – Sunglasses or shooting glasses recommended
*Ear protection

Colorado hunting outfitters

Colorado Waterfowl Seasons and Limits

Central Flyway – All areas east of the Continental Divide, except North Park, South Park and San Luis Valley.

Geese
Central Flyway Nov 3 – Feb 15
Daily Bag Limit – Dark Goose: 5
Possession Limit – Dark Goose: 15
Bag Limit – Light Goose: 50
Possession Limit – Light Goose: unlimited

Geese in a line

All areas east of Interstate 25 and north of Interstate 70.

10/19/24 – 12/1/24

12/11/24 – 1/31/25

Daily Bag Limit – Duck and Merganser: 6 in aggregate, up to 5 can be mallard, but no more than 2 can be female mallard. Included in the daily bag limit of 6, you can have no more than 1 pintail, 2 canvasback, 2 redhead, 3 wood duck, and 1 scaup.

Daily Bag Limit – Coot: 15

Possession Limit: 3 daily bag limits

Duck Hunting

All areas east of Interstate 25 and north of Interstate 70.

Ducks

Central Flyway East of I-25 – Oct 18 – Nov 30; Dec 11-Jan. 31

Daily Bag Limit – Duck and Merganser: 6 in aggregate, up to 5 can be mallard, but no more than 2 can be female mallard. Included in the daily bag limit of 6, you can have no more than 1 pintail, 2 canvasback, 2 redhead, 3 wood duck, and 1 scaup.

Daily Bag Limit – Coot: 15

Possession Limit: 3 daily bag limits

Hunting Lodge

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