Colorado

Colorado is a top destination for bird and waterfowl hunting, offering a variety of landscapes and ecosystems that make it an ideal place for hunters with dogs. The state's mix of high-altitude plains, wetlands, and mountain valleys provides abundant opportunities for upland bird hunters, particularly in areas like the San Luis Valley, near Alamosa, where pheasants and sharp-tailed grouse are plentiful.

The eastern plains, around towns such as Sterling and Lamar, are renowned for their large populations of pheasants and greater prairie chickens, making them ideal for pointing dogs. For waterfowl hunters, Colorado's many reservoirs, lakes, and river systems, including Cherry Creek Reservoir near Denver, Pueblo Reservoir, and the South Platte River, attract migratory ducks and geese. These areas offer hunters and their retrievers the perfect conditions to chase waterfowl, with expansive wetlands that provide prime hunting opportunities throughout the fall and winter.

The state also boasts a thriving waterfowl migration route, particularly along the Arkansas River in the southeastern part of the state, where hunters can take advantage of an abundance of ducks, geese, and even sandhill cranes. Whether you’re in the high plains or the river valleys, Colorado offers world-class hunting for those looking to share a rewarding day in the field with their canine companions.