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Hunt Big Game
Hunt Big Game

What's New for the 2023 Colorado Seasons

 

Colorado Hunting Regulations Brochure​​s

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

Sheep and Goat brochure cover

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Sheep & Goat Brochure
Folleto de Regulacíon de Borregos y Cabras (En Español)​​

Big Game brochure cover


Big Game Brochure

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Prepare for Colorado's Primary Limited License Draw

Prepare to Apply!

Some hunt codes require more preference points than others. Every hunter can improve their chances of drawing a license by taking the following steps:

  1. Read the Big Game Brochure.

  2. Check your preference points.

  3. Review CPW's Big Game Draw & Hunting Statistics to see how many points were needed to draw a hunt code in the past, given that point requirements change from year to year.


Find a Place to Hunt

Colorado has a wealth of public land hunting opportunities. If you've found a​ hunt code, but need a place to hunt, check out the Colorado Hunting Atlas to see all available public land hunting opportunities in the Game management unit (GMU) that you are considering.

The Colorado Hunting Atlas allows users to view big game concentrations and game management units displayed on top of street maps, USGS topographic maps or high-resolution color aerial photography. 

Apply Today!



April 4, 2023 at 8p.m. MT: Deadline for the 2023 Colorado Big Game Primary draw application. 

Need help?

If you need help with your big game application, please call a Colorado Parks and Wildlife hunt planner at (303) 291-7526.​​​​

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​Public Comment Opportunity: Colorado Big Game Season Structure Planning​

We want to hear from you about the current Big Game Season Structure and possible changes for 2025-2029.

As we begin to build the framework for the 2025-2029 Big Game Season Structure, CPW wants to hear from big game hunters about the topics under consideration, including season dates and timing and potentially limiting over-the-counter (OTC) elk licenses. The options provided in this comment form are starting points for discussion (i.e., not final options to 'vote' on) - these options will be further considered and modified as needed during the public meeting opportunities in Spring/Summer 2023-details on dates/locations to come. This comment form will be available through March 15, 2023.​

Complete the public comment form​.​​​

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Hunter Education​

Hunter Education courses are offered throughout the year and through​out the state. Find a course at a pla​ce 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

Habitat stamp All annual licenses purchased for individuals ages 18-64 will have a Habitat Stamp applied at the time of purchase, if required. Read more about the Habitat Stamp. ​​​​

2022 Hunting Guide

2022 Hunt Guide coverThis annual issue is loaded with great content, including hunting strategies for hot weather, advantages of antlerless deer and elk hunts, how and what to cook when in the field, and so much more! Purchase your copy today!

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​

​​Big Game Hunting Planner cover

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

​2022 Regula​r Walk-in Atlas

Walk-In Atlas Brochure cover  

Download the 2022 Regular Walk-in Atlas.

​Continuing in 2022, big-game hunting will be available on certain Walk-In Access (WIA) properties. Big-game access within the program has been expanded to the entire eastern plains, totaling approximately 139,000 acres.

The big game program will allow public access to specified Colorado WIA properties for deer, elk and pronghorn hunting within specified big game season dates, from Sept. 1–Dec. 31, 2022.​​​​​