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Colorado state wildlife area · hunting
Lon Hagler State Wildlife Area: where and how to hunt
State wildlife area in Larimer County, about 121 acres.
Photo: Max and Dee Bernt (CC BY 2.0)
Getting to Lon Hagler State Wildlife Area
Lon Hagler SWA: licenses, dates and restrictions
Anyone 16 or older on Lon Hagler SWA needs a valid Colorado hunting or fishing license or a State Wildlife Area Pass, unless the property rules below say otherwise. Stay on open roads in a vehicle and use only authorized camp spots. Portable blinds and tree stands are the only kind allowed, and not earlier than 30 days before the season. Firearms and bows may not be discharged in parking lots, camps or picnic grounds.
Rules posted for this property:
- Open for public access 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset; no time restrictions for fishing.
- Parking in designated areas only.
- Fishing prohibited in inlet structure and annex pond.
- Vessel use prohibited, except when used as aid for fishing. Sailboats are prohibited. Operating a vessel in a manner that creates a whitewater wake is prohibited.
- Horse use and target practice prohibited.
- Dogs must be under control and on leash by handler, unless on a vessel.
- From September 1 to end of February, dogs prohibited W of lakeside parking lots, except as an aid in hunting.
- Dogs prohibited on annex pond and adjacent lands as posted to protect wildlife.
From the agency source, CPW SWA finder; checked November 5, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Lon Hagler State Wildlife Area
Facts on file for Lon Hagler SWA
Measured by the CPW SWA page, Lon Hagler SWA runs to 121 acres. A GIS measure of the boundary gives 306 acres instead; this page prints the CPW SWA page figure. Sorted by acreage, Lon Hagler SWA sits at number 193 of the 224 state wildlife areas in this guide. Counting Lon Hagler SWA, Larimer County has 13 state wildlife areas. On the CPW map it sits in Area 2 (Northeast Region) and the Loveland district. The office named for Lon Hagler SWA is Area CPW Office, Fort Collins; the number is 970-472-4300. Hunting, per the printed 2026 brochure: deer, elk, dove, rabbit, waterfowl. Fishing here: warm-water, cold-water. Other uses on record: wildlife viewing, archery range, nature trail. Plan to sleep somewhere else, since camping is not listed.
You can pursue, by the agency list: Deer, Elk, Waterfowl, Doves, Rabbits.
Activities on the CPW page: Boating, Nature Viewing, Archery Facilities Restrooms, Boat Ramp.
From the agency page, 2026 Recreation Lands brochure, p. 19 (Colorado Parks and Wildlife); retrieved 2026-11-04, checked November 5, 2026.
2026-27 seasons in the units of Lon Hagler SWA
For Lon Hagler SWA the season list holds 22 lines across its GMUs. Limited licenses only for big game on Lon Hagler SWA. Rows that need private land (4) stay off this table. 11 rows for species the agency does not list here are not shown.
| Game | Weapon | Sex | Type | First day | Last day | GMUs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited, late | Aug 15, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | 20 |
| Elk | Archery | bull | Limited draw | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 20 |
| Elk | Archery | cow | Limited draw | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 20 |
| Elk | Archery | either sex | Limited draw | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 20 |
| Elk | Muzzleloader | bull | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 20 |
| Elk | Muzzleloader | cow | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 20 |
| Elk | Rifle | bull | Limited draw | Oct 14, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | 20 |
| Elk | Rifle | bull | Limited draw | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 20 |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 20 |
| Elk | Rifle | bull | Limited draw | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 20 |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 20 |
| Elk | Rifle | bull | Limited draw | Nov 18, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 20 |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited draw | Nov 18, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 20 |
| Elk | Rifle | bull | Limited, late | Dec 5, 2026 | Dec 16, 2026 | 20 |
| Elk | Rifle | cow | Limited, late | Dec 5, 2026 | Dec 16, 2026 | 20 |
| Elk | Rifle | bull | Limited, late | Jan 9, 2027 | Jan 20, 2027 | 20 |
| Deer | Archery | either sex | Limited draw | Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 | 20 |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | buck | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 20 |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | doe | Limited draw | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | 20 |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited draw | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 20 |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited draw | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | 20 |
| Deer | Rifle | buck | Limited draw | Nov 18, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | 20 |
Small game and bird seasons for the listed species
| Game | Season | Where | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning dove | Season | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 |
| Ducks and coots | Season (split) | Mountain zone | Oct 3, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 |
| Ducks and coots | Season (split) | Northeast zone | Oct 17, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 |
| Dark geese | Season | except zone | Nov 2, 2026 | Feb 14, 2027 |
| Cottontail | Season | Statewide | Oct 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 |
Season rows and hunt codes from the 2026 Colorado Big Game brochure, the 2026 Small Game and Waterfowl brochure, the Turkey brochure and the Mountain Lion brochure; property access dates still apply; checked November 5, 2026.
GMU rules that reach Lon Hagler SWA
GMU overlay for Lon Hagler SWA (1 unit): GMU 20.
The antler point restriction list does not include any unit here. Elk CWD testing GMUs here: GMU 20 (selected rifle hunt codes). Group 4 set the lion harvest limit here.
GMU totals from 2024 give a sense of the game: GMU 20 produced 811 deer.
GMU overlay from the CPW Big Game GMU layer; unit rules from the 2026 Big Game brochure; 2024 elk harvest by GMU, 2024 deer harvest by GMU, 2024 pronghorn harvest by GMU, 2024 bear harvest by GMU; checked November 5, 2026.
Route and map files for Lon Hagler SWA
Route, per the brochure: From Campion, go 3.25 miles W on CR 14 to CR 21, then go 1.5 miles N.
Coordinates used on this page: 40.3678, -105.1453.
Directions from the 2026 Colorado State Recreation Lands brochure; map files from the CPW property page; point from CPW Managed Properties (public access only) layer, CPWAdminData (1 polygon) (polygon centroid of the largest part); checked November 5, 2026.
Supply towns and CPW help near Lon Hagler SWA
The handiest town is Loveland, 5 miles off in a straight line. A bigger stop is Fort Collins: population 170,924 in 2024. CPW Fort Collins Office is the closest CPW office, about 14 miles.
| Town | County | People (2024) | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loveland | Larimer | 81,102 | 5 miles | northeast |
| Fort Collins | Larimer | 170,924 | 13 miles | north |
| Longmont | Boulder | 99,818 | 14 miles | south |
| Windsor | Weld | 41,734 | 14 miles | northeast |
| Greeley | Weld | 114,363 | 20 miles | east |
Towns from places.json (Census 2024 estimates); CPW offices from the CPW Contact Us page; businesses from services.json listings; straight-line miles. Checked November 5, 2026.
Lon Hagler SWA and the land around it
If Lon Hagler SWA is busy, Boedecker Reservoir SWA lies 1 mile to the north. Close by you will find 3 SWAs, 2 state parks and 1 trust land parcel. No hunting at Storm Mountain Access Road (CPW lists no hunting), North Fork State Wildlife Area (CPW lists no hunting) and Frank State Wildlife Area (CPW lists no hunting).
| Place | Type | Acres | County | Straight line | Which way |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boedecker Reservoir SWA | SWA | 308 | Larimer | 1 mile | north |
| Simpson Ponds SWA | SWA | 44 | Larimer | 6 miles | east |
| Boyd Lake State Park | State park | 2,004 | Larimer | 7 miles | northeast |
| Big Thompson Ponds SWA | SWA | 51 | Larimer | 8 miles | east |
| Eagle Canyon STL | State trust land | 640 | Larimer | 14 miles | northwest |
| Lory State Park | State park | 2,591 | Larimer | 14 miles | north |
Point: CPW Managed Properties (public access only) layer, CPWAdminData (1 polygon) (polygon centroid of the largest part). Straight-line distances. Closed places from lands.json closed rows. Statewide public land map.
Shooting-light table for Lon Hagler SWA
Walk-In Access properties open an hour before sunrise and close an hour after sunset, two hours for waterfowl, deer, elk and pronghorn hunters.
| Day | Moment | First sun | Last sun | Rifle hours | Shotgun hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 15, 2026 | Pronghorn bow opener | 6:12 a.m. | 8:02 p.m. | 5:42 a.m. to 8:32 p.m. | 5:42 a.m. to 8:02 p.m. |
| Sep 2, 2026 | Archery opener | 6:29 a.m. | 7:35 p.m. | 5:59 a.m. to 8:05 p.m. | 5:59 a.m. to 7:35 p.m. |
| Sep 12, 2026 | Muzzleloader opens | 6:39 a.m. | 7:18 p.m. | 6:09 a.m. to 7:48 p.m. | 6:09 a.m. to 7:18 p.m. |
| Oct 17, 2026 | Duck season opens | 7:14 a.m. | 6:20 p.m. | 6:44 a.m. to 6:50 p.m. | 6:44 a.m. to 6:20 p.m. |
| Nov 23, 2026 | Lion season opens | 6:57 a.m. | 4:40 p.m. | 6:27 a.m. to 5:10 p.m. | 6:27 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. |
| Dec 21, 2026 | Shortest day | 7:22 a.m. | 4:38 p.m. | 6:52 a.m. to 5:08 p.m. | 6:52 a.m. to 4:38 p.m. |
Hours rules from the 2026 Colorado Big Game brochure and the Small Game and Waterfowl brochure; sunrise and sunset worked out for this location with the NOAA solar formula (Mountain Time); checked November 5, 2026. Legal hours for every county.
Game and terrain near Lon Hagler SWA
Lon Hagler State Wildlife Area: archery range details
Shooting range on Lon Hagler State Wildlife Area: Big Thompson Bowhunters at Lon Hagler SWA, open every day.
From the CPW Shooting Range Finder, ranges’ own pages and directory listings, checked November 5, 2026.
Events close to Lon Hagler State Wildlife Area
This property, or a venue within about 10 miles, has 1 listing ahead (outdoor expo). Checked November 4, 2026.
| Day | What | Away | Place | Next step | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 29–31, 2027 | Northern Colorado Outdoor & Hunting Expo 2027 · outdoor expo in Loveland | 5 | The Ranch Events Complex in Loveland, Larimer County | Event details | Source |
Lon Hagler SWA in brief, question by question
Is camping allowed on Lon Hagler SWA?
Camping is not listed as an amenity; plan to stay off the property.
Is there an official website for Lon Hagler SWA?
Yes, run by Colorado Parks and Wildlife: the official page.
Is there an entry fee or permit for Lon Hagler SWA?
Carry a Colorado hunting or fishing license or a State Wildlife Area Pass if you are 16 or older.
Roughly how much country does Lon Hagler SWA take in?
About 121 acres in all.
What part of Colorado holds Lon Hagler SWA?
Look in Larimer County.
Which game management units cover Lon Hagler SWA?
The CPW GMU layer gives GMU 20.
What access limits apply on Lon Hagler SWA?
Per the property rules, open for public access 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset; no time restrictions for fishing.
What animals can be hunted on Lon Hagler SWA?
Deer, elk, waterfowl, doves and rabbits.
Is there OTC elk on Lon Hagler SWA?
Through the draw or the leftover list: the 16 elk rows valid here are all limited.
Is CWD testing required for elk from Lon Hagler SWA?
GMU 20: mandatory CWD sampling for listed rifle elk hunt codes. The antler point rule does not reach these GMUs.
Which town makes the best base for Lon Hagler SWA?
Loveland, about 5 miles away in a straight line.
Which CPW contact handles Lon Hagler SWA?
Area CPW Office in Fort Collins, 970-472-4300. Poaching tips can go to CPW Turn In Poachers.
Orange or pink on Lon Hagler SWA?
Solid orange or pink, at least 500 square inches above the waist, and a hat, for firearm deer, elk, pronghorn, moose and bear.
May I use food lures for bear on Lon Hagler SWA?
No. Food-scented sticks are illegal for bear, and knowingly luring bears with food breaks C.R.S. 33-6-131.
What legal shooting hours apply on Lon Hagler SWA in November?
Big game: half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. On November 7, 2026 that works out to 6:08 a.m. to 5:23 p.m. in Larimer County (NOAA solar formula).
Lon Hagler SWA: double-check list
Confirm your hunt code, GMU and the open dates for Lon Hagler SWA before you load the truck.
Sources: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4; seasons from the 2026 Colorado Big Game brochure. Checked November 5, 2026.
Other photos on this page: cuatrok77 (CC BY-SA 2.0); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Midwest Region (Public domain); lostinfog (CC BY-SA 2.0).