The Division of Wildlife manages the state's 960 wildlife species. It regulates hunting and fishing activities by issuing licenses and enforcing regulations. The division also manages more than 230 wildlife areas for public recreation, conducts research to improve wildlife management activities, provides technical assistance to private and other public landowners concerning wildlife and habitat management, and develops programs to protect and recover threatened and endangered species. Wildlife regulations are established by the eight-member Wildlife Commission.

The agency maintains Regional Service Centers in Denver, Grand Junction and Colorado Springs, as well as Area Service Centers in 16 other cities and towns across the state.