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How to Apply for the Draw(s)
How to Apply for the Draw(s)

​​​​​​​All license applications for the spring turkey, fall turkey, big-game primary and big-game secondary draws only available online (cpwshop.com) or by phone (1-800-244-5613).

Apply for the draw(s):

  • Log into your online account: cpwshop.com

  • By phone: 1-800-244-5613

Be sure to have the following information handy:

  1. Residency status determines most CPW fees.

  2. You’ll also need to have proper identification.

  3. Prior to applying for the draw(s), you must have your hunter education if born after Jan. 1, 1949.

  4. Prior to applying for the big-game draw(s), all applicants will first need to purchase a qualifying license, available starting March 1. The spring and fall turkey draws do not require a qualifying license.

    • Qualifying licenses are:

      • Annual resident and nonresident small game​
      • Annual resident combination small game/fishing
      • Annual resident senior combination small game /fishing
      • Resident or nonresident spring turkey
      • Resident or nonresident fall turkey (valid for the secondary draw only)
      • Resident veteran lifetime combination small game/fishing
      • Resident first responder lifetime combination small game/fishing
      • Annual small-game license for resident senior lifetime fishing license holders

    • If you are ages 18–64, one annual Habitat Stamp for the current license year (or lifetime Habitat Stamp) is required and will automatically be added to your qualifying license purchase, if applicable. The Habitat Stamp will be added to your spring or fall turkey license automatically, if applicable.

  5. When you submit your application, you will only be charged the application processing fee per species for both the big-game primary and secondary draws. 

  6. When you submit your spring or fall turkey application, you will only be charged the application processing fee. You must apply separately for these draws; fall turkey applications are not accepted before May 1.

  7. Your credit card information will be kept on file and only charged the license fee if you are awarded a license from the draw(s).

  8. If you opt in to pay the new Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mountain goat and/or moose preference point fee, your credit card will be charged if you are unsuccessful in the draw(s).

What about unsuccessful draw options?

There are no longer unsuccessful options for the draw process.

Instead, customers will have the opportunity to enter the secondary draw for elk, deer, pronghorn and bear. Also, over-the-counter unlimited licenses will be available for purchase starting Aug. 1 at 9 a.m. MT.

Group Applications

The group leader must apply first, and then all group members must enter the group leaders CID, and match the group leaders hunt code choices in order to successfully apply for the draw as a group. 

See the group hunts information page.

Draw Results

Spring turkey draw: posted February 16, 2023

Fall turkey draw: posted June 5, 2023

Primary draw: 

  • Sheep & Goat, posted April 18, 2023
  • Big Game, posted May 30 through June 2, 2023

Secondary draw: 

  • Big Game, posted July 7, 2023

Before the draw date(s), log-in to your CPW account and make sure the following are current and accurate:

  • Mailing address for any licenses you draw
  • Email address to receive draw notifications
  • Credit card number and expiration date

Payment Deadline

Spring turkey: MARCH 2, 2023

Fall turkey: JUNE 19, 2023

Primary draw:

  • Sheep & Goat, MAY 2, 2023 midnight MT
  • Big Game, JUNE 16, 2023 midnight MT
Secondary draw: 

  • Big Game, JULY 21, 2023 midnight MT

Important Information About Payment

  • If you are successful in the draw(s), your credit card on file in your online account will automatically be charged. It is your responsibility to check your account and pay for any license you draw.
  • The payment deadline is final.
  • All successful licenses will be mailed after payment is received.

Rejected Pa​​yment

If we are unable to charge your credit card on file in your online account for your license, we’ll attempt to notify you via email (be sure to check your spam folder).


  • It’s still your responsibility to check your online account and pay for any license you draw.
  • If you are successful in the draw(s) and do not pay for your license by the payment deadline, your license will be surrendered and you will lose both the license and any preference points you used to draw it.

To clear a rejected payment:

  • If our first attempt to collect money from your credit card on file was unsuccessful, you’ll be sent a courtesy notification email to the email address on file in your online account.
  • Directions for paying for your license will be included in the email, and you must follow the provided instructions. You must manually pay for your awarded license.​​ Logging into your online account and updating your credit card information will NOT clear a rejected payment.