The Annual Preference Point Issue features preference-point data and statewide herd-population estimates to guide big-game hunters in applying for limited big-game licenses. This is a must-have item for any Colorado hunter.
In the issue: Big-game preference points and herd counts! Plus: Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers are trained and ready for wolves, raptor viewing opportunities in Colorado, rules to fish by, and much more!
Important Dates for the 2023 Colorado Big Game Hunting Season
- April 4, 2023, 8pm (MT) – Bear, deer, elk, moose, pronghorn, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, desert bighorn sheep and mountain goat limited license application & correction deadline (Primary Draw)
- June 30, 2023, 8pm (MT) – Bear, deer, elk, & pronghorn limited license application & correction deadline (Secondary Draw)
- August 1, 2023, 9am (MT) – Over-the-counter licenses (unlimited & add-on bear) and Remaining (leftover) limited licenses on sale online, in person and by phone, (no application necessary)
2 Responses
I was unable to make the primary draw deadline this season. I have 20 preference points
for Elk. Will I still be able to use those next season since I will not be able to hunt this Fall
due to health / treatment issues?
You do not lose your preference point for missing one year of application. From Colorado’s regulations (2023), “If an applicant both fails to apply for a species and has not purchased a license for that same species during any given 10-year period, all accumulated preference points for that species become void.” https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/RulesRegs/Regulations/Ch02.pdf