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.

If you are active duty military or a veteran with a disability, see the Military Benefits page!

The Colorado Division of Wildlife offers a Free Lifetime Fishing License to Colorado residents who are totally and permanently disabled. To obtain more information about the Free Lifetime Fishing License and/or to obtain an application, please contact License Services at (303)291-7235 or to download, click on the application below:

• Free Lifetime Fishing Letter 
• Free Lifetime Fishing Application
• Residency Qualifications

Veteran's Lifetime Combination Small Game Hunting/Fishing License (VA Combo License)

For Colorado residents who are also disabled veterans, the Division offers a Free Lifetime VA Combo License. To qualify for this license, a disabled veteran must provide the following documentation:

• Proof of a service-connected disability of 60% or more, as rated by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
• Any person born on or after January 1st, 1949, must have completed a hunter’s safety course before applying for the VA Combo License.
• Purple Heart recipients, who can provide documented proof, are also eligible for a VA Combo License.

For more information about the small game/fishing license, or to obtain an application, please call (303) 291-7235 or to download, click on the application below:

• Veteran’s Combination Letter 
• Veteran’s Combination License Application 
• Residency Qualifications 

Facility Licenses

The Colorado Division of Wildlife offers a yearly Facility License to Mental Health institutions that provide 24 hour, 7 day a week residential care to patients. This Facility License allows the facility to take their patients fishing without having to obtain individual fishing licenses (patients only, not staff). The license is good for the calendar year for which it was issued and must be renewed every year. This license is NOT available to “daycare” facilities. For additional details or to have an application mailed to you please call 303-291-7235 or to download, click on the application below.

• Facility Application 

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 a Free Lifetime VA Combo License. To qualify for this license, a disabled veteran must provide the following documentation:

• Proof of a service-connected disability of 60% or more, as rated by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
• Any person born on or after January 1st, 1949, must have completed a hunter’s safety course before applying for the VA Combo License.
• Purple Heart recipients, who can provide documented proof, are also eligible for a VA Combo License.

For more information about the small game/fishing license, or to obtain an application, please call (303) 291-7235 or to download, click on the application below:

• Veteran’s Combination Letter 
• Veteran’s Combination License Application 
• Residency Qualifications 

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 fill out the application (pdf). For questions contact Erik Slater at (303)291-7380.

Application

Wildlife Recreation Accommodation Permit Application
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. Some Barnett, Horton, and TenPoint crossbow models have peep and pin sight options. If you own another brand contact your gunsmith or archery shop to custom-build open sights.)

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
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

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).