Hunting, Fishing and Shooting

A license is required to hunt in both Colorado and Wyoming. Licenses may be purchased from state game departments and some local retailers. For more information on hunting licenses, game units, and seasons, visit Colorado Parks & Wildlife or Wyoming Game & Fish.

Secluded mountain lakes and streams await anglers. Many different species of trout are present and provide numerous opportunities for fishing. Fishing permit information can be found on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Wyoming Game & Fish websites.

Recreational target shooting is an appropriate use of the forest, when done safely and with respect to the land and forest property.

Lake and Pond Fishing

There are many opportunities for fishing across the national forests and national grassland. Many different species are present and provide numerous opportunities for fishing. The high alpine lakes with stunning views are a destination like none other! Fishing permits are required, and information can be found on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Wyoming Game & Fish websites.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is a great way to enjoy the winter months in Wyoming and Colorado. Many alpine lakes offer ice fishing opportunities, as well as reservoirs on the forests and grassland. Make sure to be mindful of ice thickness and always plan ahead. Fishing permits are required, and information can be found on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Wyoming Game & Fish websites.

River and Stream Fishing

There are many opportunities for river and stream fishing across the national forests and national grassland. Many different species are present and provide numerous opportunities for fishing year-round. Fishing permits are required, and information can be found on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Wyoming Game & Fish websites.

Hunting

The forests contain a variety of game ranges and habitat. Big game on the forests include elk, moose, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and black bear. Many hunters use our trails systems to reach their favorite spots. Visit our Hiking page to view trails. Additionally, our Camping & Cabins page provides useful lodging information.

For Wyoming hunters, view this brochure on Hunting and ATVs. For shed hunting information, contact Colorado Parks & Wildlife or Wyoming Game & Fish.

Tree stands may be used if they are removed daily and installed without any damage to trees. Any damage may result in a fine.

Recreational and Target Shooting

The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland are open to target shooting except in specified closure areas shown below.

Shooting Area Closures

Medicine Bow National Forest, Pole Mountain Unit
- Annual Seasonal Closure, March 31 through September 10
Thunder Basin National Grassland, Douglas Ranger District
- Permanent Seasonal Restrictions, February 1 through August 16

Recreational Shooting Guidelines

When target shooting is done in the right way, it poses little threat to people’s safety or natural resources. However, careless, unsafe shooting can cause great resource damage and pose serious threats to human life: both to forest staff and visitors. The following guidelines are in place to encourage safe and responsible recreational shooting.

Only shoot at cardboard/paper targets, self-healing targets, manufactured metallic targets, or manufactured thrown-type clay targets. It is up to a $5,000 fine and/or imprisonment for up to six months for using an unapproved target.
Shoot further than 150 yards from a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation area or occupied area.
Do not shoot on or across a National Forest System Road or across a body of water.
Do not shoot in any manner or place where any person or property is exposed to injury or damage.
Do not possess an open container of an alcoholic beverage while discharging a firearm.
No tracer rounds or incendiary rounds allowed. Exploding targets are prohibited.
Clean up your targets and casings.

Recreational Shooting Best Practices

To ensure your safety and the safety of others, please adhere to the following universal guidelines:

All firearms should always be considered loaded.
Never point the muzzle of your gun at anything you are not intending to shoot or destroy.
Keep your finger off the trigger and your safety on until you are on target.
Be sure of your target and what is beyond your target to prevent endangering any person or property.
Before discharging your firearm scout out the area for other people that may be recreating near you.
Only Shoot in an area with a safe backstop preferably an earthen mound.
Firearms should be unloaded when not actually in use.
Use correct ammunition.
Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting.