The Division takes great pride in giving all people the opportunity to enjoy what Colorado's wildlife has to offer.  The following pages include a wealth of information on opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in and enjoy Colorado's wildlife-related activities.

Whether it is trying to catch a lunker from one of the state's pristine fisheries, hunting one of the state's bounty of game species, relaxing in the solace of Colorado's backcountry or taking the photo of a lifetime of one of our wild inhabitants, there is an array of wildlife opportunities and enjoyment to be explored in Colorado.

Disability fishing license

The Colorado Division of Wildlife offers a free fishing license to Colorado residents who are totally and permanently disabled.  To obtain more information about the disability fishing license and/or to obtain an application, please contact License Services at (303)291-7235.

VA Lifetime Combination Small Game Hunting/Fishing License

For Colorado residents who are also disabled veterans, the Division offers free of charge a lifetime combination small game hunting and fishing license. To qualify for this license, a disabled veteran must have an honorable discharge and a 60% or more service-related disability. For more information about the small game/fishing license, or to obtain an application, please call (303) 291-7235.

For even more information and opportunities, refer to the Colorado Wildlife Viewing Guide, Second Edition. It’s available from the Division of Wildlife’s store, Shop@DOW and most bookstores.

For Colorado residents who are also disabled veterans, the Division offers free of charge a lifetime combination small game hunting and fishing license. To qualify for this license, a disabled veteran must have an honorable discharge and a 60% or more service-related disability. For more information about the small game/fishing license, or to obtain an application, please call (303) 291-7235.

Mobility-Impaired Big Game Program

Mobility-impaired hunting licenses are available for individuals with a mobility impairment resulting from permanent medical conditions which makes it physically impossible for them to hunt without the assistance of an attendant. Evidence of an impossibility to participate in the hunt without the assistance of an attendant may include, but is not limited to, prescribed use of a wheelchair; shoulder or arm crutches; walker; two canes; or other prescribed medical devised or equipment.

If you feel you qualify for the mobility-impaired big game license program please obtain an application by contacting Erik Slater at (303)291-7380.

Application

Wildlife Recreation Accommodation Permit Application (PDF)
Use this form to request accommodations including, but not limited to:

• Shoot from a stationary motor vehicle and/or OHV
• Authorize your assistant to track and dispatch your wounded game
• Use the exterior of your vehicle as support for your firearm
• Crossbow or draw-loc during archery season (These permits do not allow for the use of scopes, red dot sights, magnified optical aids, laser, battery or electronically powered aiming, sighting, or range finding devices.)

For more information, or to request a paper application, contact the Call Center at (303) 297-1192 or email wildlife, info.

Applicable Laws

Information Bulletin for Accommodation Permit Holders (PDF)
Possession of an accommodation permit does not exempt the permit holder from obeying all other hunting and fishing statutes and regulations.  Review this document for important information about the laws.

Regulation #005 Reasonable Accommodations (PDF)

Eligibility Requirements

The CDOW provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, defined as an everyday activity an average person can perform with little or no difficulty.  There is no charge for these permits and they are valid for the period of time specified on the permit.

Accommodations to authorize an assistant to track and dispatch wounded game will only be given to individuals when the applicant is unable to perform any or all of the following essential functions of hunting:

Walk the necessary distance to retrieve game;
Walk the necessary distance to track wounded game;
Field dress game;
Transport game to camp.

Accommodations to shoot from a vehicle will only be given to individuals when the applicant has difficulty or is unable to perform any or all of the following essential functions of hunting, or is required to transport prescribed medical equipment:

Exiting or entering the vehicle;
Standing and balancing;
Walking any distance without a prescribed assistive device or assistance.

Vehicle Access for Individuals with Mobility Impairments: For information and rules governing motor vehicle access on public land other than that owned or leased by the CDOW, contact the local office of the appropriate land use agency (i.e., U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management).

For more information, contact the Call Center at (303) 297-1192 or email wildlife, info.