Hunting Moose

What are limited licenses?

Each year, a set (limited) number of licenses is allotted to each game management unit (GMU). Huntable areas are broken down into units called “game management units.” These units help you decide where you'd like to hunt. A GMU map is available  through the Colorado Hunting Atlas or on the inside back cover of the Big Game Brochure.

You can apply for the big game draw(s) to get one of these limited licenses, or after the draws are over, you can purchase a remaining (leftover) limited license when they go on sale. 

Big Game Draws

• Primary Draw
• Secondary Draw

 A qualifying license is required prior to applying for limited licenses through the big game draw(s).

Hunters can submit one application per species to participate in the draw. Applications can include up to four hunt choices to maximize your opportunity to draw a license and hunt. Applicants may only draw one license per species, per draw. 

Types of Limited Licenses

Limited licenses include public-land, private-land-only, Ranching for Wildlife (RFW), Bighorn Sheep Access Program (BSAP), season choice and leftover limited licenses. 

What are weighted preference points?

Weighted preference points only apply to primary draw applications for moose, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, and mountain goat. One preference point is awarded to each applicant who qualifies for and DOES NOT draw their first-choice limited license. Once a hunter has three regular preference points and fails to draw a first choice license, they will receive a weighted preference point.

Preference points and weighted preference are awarded for:

• Moose
• Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
• Mountain Goat

Preference points do not apply to and are not awarded for desert bighorn sheep license applications.

Weighted Preference Point Fees

Moose, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and mountain goat have a preference and weighted preference point fee. If you apply for a preference point hunt code as your first choice or are unsuccessful in drawing your first choice hunt, you’ll be charged a $50 resident or $100 nonresident preference point fee. The fee is waived for youth and resident lifetime license holders. 

Opt Out of a Preference Point

You will have the option to opt out of paying the preference point fee while filling out your draw application and therefore will not be charged the fee and will not acquire a preference or weighted point. This includes if you apply for a preference point hunt code as your first choice.

How is weighted preference calculated and used?

Weighted preference is calculated by converting your application number into a different, random application number, then dividing that new application number by the number of weighted points you have, plus one. Individuals with three preference points and no weighted preference will have their application number divided by one. This generates a new application number. Applications are sorted by this new number from lowest to highest, and low numbers for each hunt code are awarded licenses.