Hunt Big Game

Bull Elk Bugling with cows in background

Hunt Big Game

Hunter Education

Hunter Education courses are offered throughout the year and throughout the state. Find a course at a place and time to fit your schedule.

Youth Expands!

One of the foremost goals at CPW is to expand youth opportunity and turn first-time hunters into lifelong sportspersons. Read more.

Habitat Stamp

Anyone aged 18 through 64 must buy a habitat stamp in order to buy or apply for a hunting or fishing license. Read more.

GMU 171 Limited Access Opportunity

Elk Hunters- Archery over-the-counter license (due Aug 13) or rifle elk license (due Aug 31) holders for GMU 171 can apply for limited access permits to hunt on Yarmony Ranch SWA. More details: see flyer.

Hunters: Know BEFORE You Go

Closures of areas can change quickly (even daily or hourly) and your hunting destination or access route may be affected. Prior to license purchase, scouting or hunting, it is your responsibility to learn about fires, closures alerts. Plan alternative routes & areas to hunt. Check with local land management agencies before heading out.

For more information, including contact numbers, visit the Fire, Road Closures and Alerts page.

Big Game Hunting Planner

The Big Game Hunting Planner is an easy-to-read, two-page summary of dates, fees, application dates & deadlines. Print for an easy reference.

Hunting Colorado's Public Lands from Colorado Parks & Wildlife on Vimeo.

What's New for the 2020 Colorado Seasons

Watch the video to see an overview of some of the major changes affecting the 2020 big game seasons.

Hunting Regulations Brochures

Be sure to read the entire "what's new" page in the brochures before purchasing a license or hunting this fall.

Sheep & Goat

Big Game

Qualifying License, Draw Results, Payment Deadlines

All applicants (resident and nonresident), including youth ages 12-17, must purchase a qualifying license prior to applying for the big game primary draw or new secondary draw.

Primary Draw

Big Game Draw

Results posted
between June 1-5
Payments due by June 19

Successful licenses will be mailed after payment is received.

Secondary Draw

NEW Secondary Draw

The secondary draw replaces the leftover draw.

Secondary draw applications are accepted June 5 - July 7, 8 PM MT.

2020 Leftover & Over-the-Counter Licenses

Leftover Limited Licenses

Now Available - Customers are strongly encouraged to purchase leftover licenses online or by phone at 1-800-244-5613.

See the Leftover and OTC licenses page for more information.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Unlimited Licenses

Now Available - Find details on the Leftover and OTC licenses page.

CPW Office & Visitor Center Information

Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor centers, service centers and CPW offices are open, while following COVID-19 guidance from CDPHE and the CDC.

All customers are required to wear non-medical face coverings while visiting our offices, visitor centers and other public indoor spaces per Governor Polis' Executive Order D 2020-138
Front desk areas and staffed drive-up windows are open to customers with social distancing and safety at the forefront.
Individual location hours may vary, so please call for hours before visiting your nearest office or park. Restrictions and closures remain subject to change.
For customers planning to purchase CPW products, including licenses, park passes or vehicle registrations can visit CPWshop.com or call 800.244.5613.
If you are having trouble registering your OHV online, please email our staff: DNR_wildlife.cpwinfo@state.co.us. We will need your name, date of birth and registration number.

To see the most up to date information on closures and cancellations, and on how CPW is responding to COVID-19, please visit the COVID-19 Response page.

Chronic Wasting Disease in Colorado

Chronic wasting disease occurs in free-ranging and captive cervids (members of the “deer” family) in several parts of North America, including Colorado.

CWD is one area of increasing concern across Colorado. We need to find adaptive management tactics for helping prevent further spread of CWD and controlling it in herds that are already affected.

Controlling CWD is critical for the long-term health of our herds. Our quality of life, outdoor heritage, and economic prosperity are dependent on the health and sustainability of these treasures.

More on chronic wasting disease management and prevalence tables.

COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE

Hunt Big Game

Hunt planning resources

License information

Learn

Hunter Education

Youth Expands!

Habitat Stamp

GMU 171 Limited Access Opportunity