Hunting
The U.S. Air Force Academy uses hunting to manage the deer, elk, and wild turkey populations. This protect habitats, promotes animal health, and reduces vehicle-wildlife accidents. More detailed information on the hunting program is available at usafa.isportsman.net
Hunting is open to the general public during a set schedule throughout the year. In addition to obtaining a State game license, a base hunting access permit must be purchased ($25 elk, $15 deer, and $10 turkey). Active duty military, cadets, veterans, youth, or disabled hunters are not given a license preference.
The Academy’s Game Management Unit works closely with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to determine annual population and harvest objectives.
For safety and security reasons, deer and elk hunters must be escorted by U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife personnel. Guests under 12-years old are NOT allowed to hunt on Academy grounds.
To learn more, contact the Natural Resources Office at 719-333-3308.
Mule Deer and White-Tailed Deer Hunting
Rifle Only (Escorted)
The Academy offers two December weekend hunts with two hunting days allotted per hunt. View the deer hunting map.
Hunters must successfully draw a Game Management Unit 512 (Air Force Academy) license through the State to be eligible to deer hunt on the base. If successful in the State drawing, hunters will receive a letter from the Academy with further guidance and important information.
Preference Points: Recently, a minimum of 10 preference points is required for a resident buck license and 4 points for a resident doe license.
American Elk
Rifle Only (Escorted)
Cow elk hunting is offered October 1 through January 31, Monday through Friday and is conducted on an as-needed basis to meet population and habitat objectives. Recently, an average of three elk have been harvested per year. View the elk hunting map.
Enter the lottery drawings for base access to hunt cow elk. The lottery registration takes place from January 1 to May 31. There is a $6 non-refundable application fee. The first 10 randomly drawn applicants will be notified by letter in mid-June and contacted in priority order when the season begins.
Successful applicants will receive a Colorado Parks and Wildlife cow elk voucher from the Natural Resources Office to purchase an over-the-counter “B” license through a state licensing agent. There is no guarantee a successful applicant will have an opportunity to hunt.
Hunters must be available on short notice (12-24 hours) when the herd of typically 30-40 animals is present on base. Hunters may decline an opportunity to hunt once and still retain priority ranking. The Natural Resources Office tries to make reasonable accommodations for work schedules, vacations, illness, school commitments, etc.
Preference Points: Cow elk licenses are additional “B” tags that do not require preference points to be drawn.
Wild Turkey Hunting
Archery Only (Un-escorted)
Merriam’s Turkey hunting falls into two seasons. View the turkey hunting map.
Spring season: Enter the lottery drawings for base access to hunt spring turkey. Registration takes place from January 1 to February 28. There is a $6 non-refundable application fee. The first 20 randomly drawn applicants will be notified by letter in early March with further guidance and important information.
Fall season: Enter the lottery drawings for base access to hunt fall turkey. Registration takes place from June 1 to July 31. There is a $6 non-refundable application fee. The first 20 randomly drawn applicants will be notified by letter in early August with further guidance and important information.
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Can I hunt other animals at the Academy?
No. There is no small game, waterfowl, prairie dog, furbearer, black bear, or mountain lion hunting offered on the Academy.
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Where can I find more resources?
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has assembled a useful list of other online resources, including instructions on field dressing game and field mapping tools.
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Why do I have to be escorted for deer and elk hunting?
For safety and security reasons, deer and elk hunters are escorted by Air Force Academy, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff, or other approved volunteers.
Under the direction of an escort, hunters may pursue big game throughout their scheduled hunt. Escorts do not instruct hunters to harvest a particular animal. The escorts transport hunters to the prime game areas in government vehicles, but public safety and security often dictates when and where hunting can occur. Escorts will provide helpful instruction; however, hunters are expected to understand how to operate their firearm and the basics of field dressing game.
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Can I bring a guest?
Guests are only allowed on a space-available basis and must be 12+ years of age. Both hunters and guests must complete an Assumption of Risk waiver form.
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Can I pass on deer with the intent of pursuing a larger antlered buck?
The limited hunting period is intended to help emphasize the use of hunting as a population management tool, rather than encouraging a highly selective harvest of “trophy” buck deer.
Hunters can harvest any deer they choose, including a “trophy” buck, but passing on deer with the intent of pursuing a larger-antlered animal could result in an unfilled tag.
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What happens if an animal is injured or involved in a vehicle collision?
Deer and elk are occasionally involved in vehicle-related collisions on base. Here are guidelines for handling and reporting wildlife-vehicle accidents which result in the injury or death of the animal. If this occurs, drivers must report any accidents involving large mammals (bobcat, fox, coyote, deer, elk, bear, mountain lion, etc.) to the Security Forces Squadron at 719-333-2000. Do not disturb the animal until an officer has had an opportunity to assess the scene.
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Does the Academy maintain a wildlife roadkill salvage list?
Yes. Many deceased animals may be salvageable for human consumption. The Natural Resources Office holds an in-person sign up each August to create a salvage list of up to 30 households. People on the list are called in priority order to pick-up any salvageable deer or elk. Animals must be retrieved promptly as they are not field dressed.