Hunters! The 2026 Colorado Big-Game Brochure is now available, and application time is here for Colorado big-game licenses.
The application deadline for the Primary Draw is 8 p.m. Mountain Time on April 7th. Be sure to submit your applications early to avoid complications or delays!
Here are a few tips to help you successfully navigate the application process:
Download your 2026 Colorado Big Game brochure.
Qualifying Licenses
Hunters are required to purchase a Qualifying Licence before applying in the Primary Draw.
Qualifying Licenses are nonrefundable, and fees from these licenses help to support wildlife conservation for both game and nongame species.
You can see the full list of Qualifying Licenses in the Big-Game Brochure [00:32].
Please note the Furbearer license is NOT a valid qualifying license.
Most Qualifying Licenses go on sale beginning March 1, 2026.
Understanding Hunt Codes
Hunt codes contain a lot of information. Learning how to read hunt codes can ensure that you apply for the right hunt in the limited license draw(s) each year. Hunt codes are an 8-character code used to designate species, sex, GMU, season and method of take:
Hunt codes are broken down into five specific pieces of information [01:11]:
- Species (e.g., ‘E’ for Elk)
- Sex (e.g., ‘F’ for Female/Cow)
- GMU (Game Management Unit)
- Season and Land Type (e.g., ’03’ for 3rd rifle season; ‘O’ for public/private land)
- Method of Take (e.g., ‘R’ for Rifle)
Applying for a Preference Point
Preference Points: To apply for a preference point only, use the species letter followed by P999P as your first choice [02:13].
Youth and Group Applications
- Youth Preference: 15% of limited licenses for certain species are reserved for youths aged 12–17. However, if a youth applies as part of a group, this preference is voided [02:50].
- Group Applications: If you plan on applying for big-game licenses as part of a group, there are a few things you should know:
- Group applications are accepted in the Primary Draw, and priority is based on the member with the fewest number of points. This means if one hunter has 2 preference points, while others in the group have 5 points, the group will not draw licenses that require more than 2 preference points.
- In a group of applications that includes both residents and nonresidents, all nonresidents in the group will count against the nonresident allocation; if the nonresident allocation is exhausted, the group will not draw licenses.
- For more information, please refer to our “Group Hunt” on the CPW website.[03:50].
Planning Resources
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife Website – Big Game Hunting Information
- Statistics Reports: Available on the CPW website, these show harvest rates, draw results, and population estimates [04:38]. Hunting statistics are organized by species to make it easy to plan your next hunt.
- Colorado Hunting Atlas: A free interactive online map showing GMU boundaries, migration routes, and concentration areas [05:22].
- Recreation Lands Brochure: Essential for checking specific regulations on State Wildlife Areas, State Trust Lands, and State Parks [06:12].
For further assistance, CPW customer service is available via (303)297-1192 [06:53].