New Gun Laws in Colorado For Hunters - Have Gun Will Train Colorado

New Gun Laws in Colorado for Hunters 01/01/2025

New gun storage laws in Colorado require that guns not in use must be stored securely to prevent access by unsupervised juveniles and other unauthorized users. This law was enacted in response to the King Sooper mass shooting in Boulder in 2021. As of January 1, 2025, guns in vehicles must be stored in a locked container out of plain view, such as a locked glove compartment . Additionally, Colorado state law allows residents aged 18 and older to own or possess legal firearms and ammunition unless they are otherwise prohibited from doing so. However, you must be at least 21 years old to purchase handguns, and at least 18 to purchase long guns in Colorado.

In Colorado, hunters storing handguns in vehicles must follow these guidelines:

Locked Container: Firearms must be stored in a locked container that is out of plain sight. This can include a:
- Locked glove compartment (NOT SAFE)
- Locked trunk
- Locked gun safe or lockbox
Secured with a Cable or Chain: If a locked container is not available, firearms can be secured with a cable or chain that is:
- Attached to the vehicle’s frame
- Rendered inoperable by a locking device
Out of Plain Sight: Firearms must be stored in a manner that they are not visible from outside the vehicle.

These regulations aim to prevent unauthorized access to firearms, especially by children or thieves. It’s essential to note that these laws may be subject to change, so hunters should always check with Colorado Parks and Wildlife or local authorities for the most up-to-date information.

It is illegal to have a loaded rifle or shotgun in or on any motor vehicle. If you are checked by an officer, and they discover a loaded rifle or shotgun in your vehicle, you will receive a ticket.

Muzzleloaders are considered unloaded if the percussion cap or shotshell primer is removed or if the powder is removed from the flash pan.

If you have an electronic-ignition muzzleloader (which is not allowed during muzzleloader season in Colorado but could be used during rifle season), the chamber must be empty or the battery must be disconnected and removed from its compartment to be considered unloaded.

These rules also apply when your vehicle is an off-highway vehicle (OHV) or a snowmobile.

You cannot operate or ride a snowmobile with a firearm unless it is completely unloaded and fully cased.
If you are archery hunting, your bow must be unstrung or fully cased.
Compound bows do not need to be unstrung, but they do need to be cased.
It is illegal to carry firearms (except handguns) on an OHV during deer, elk, moose, pronghorn, and bear seasons unless they are unloaded in the chamber and magazine.
Firearms (except handguns) and bows carried on an OHV must be fully enclosed in a hard or soft case. Scabbards or cases with open ends or sides are prohibited.