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

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

2. Colorado Big Game Species: Elk

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

8. Colorado Big Game Species: Mountain Goat

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

9. Colorado Big Game Species: Pronghorn

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

10. Colorado Big Game Species: Mountain Lion

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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.

The Most Dangerous Animals in Colorado + Why They're Dangerous

There's no shortage of wildlife in Colorado, and some aren't necessarily the safest to be around. Here are the 11 most dangerous animals in Colorado and what makes them so dangerous.

Gallery Credit: Nate Wilde

Seized Illegal Taxidermy and Animal Products end up in Colorado

A warehouse in Colorado is filled with over a million illegal and seized items made from protected animals and wildlife.

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10 Ridiculous + Unbelievable Laws in Colorado Involving Animals

You’ve likely heard about many weird and/or stupid laws in Colorado, but these 10 laws involving animals are among the most ridiculous.

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