Primary Draw
What You Need to Apply
Identification
Customers must have valid identification to purchase Colorado Parks and Wildlife Products.
See all Accepted Forms of IdentificationSocial Security or Taxpayer Identification Number
A Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is required for hunters age 12 and older, per federal law.
Hunter Education
Colorado law requires that individuals born on or after January 1, 1949, must complete an approved hunter education course before applying for or purchasing a Colorado hunting license.
Take a Hunter Education Class
Habitat Stamp
All hunters must purchase a habitat stamp with their license.
Learn About the Colorado Wildlife HabitatQualifying License
Qualifying license purchases must be completed prior to applying for the big game draws. A qualifying license purchase and application for the big game draw can be completed in the same transaction but the qualifying license must be added to the cart first.
Learn More About Qualifying LicensesHow to Apply
Hunters can submit one application per species in the primary draw. Applications can include up to four hunt choices to maximize your opportunity to draw a license and hunt. Hunts can only draw one license, per species in the primary draw. Hunters can apply by logging into their account at cpwshop.com or by phone at 1-800-244-5613.
Pick a Species
Start planning for the draw today!
Bighorn Sheep
Hunting in Bighorn SheepMountain Goat
Hunting Mountain Goat in ColoradoPronghorn
Hunting Pronghorn in ColoradoPrimary Draw
Preference Points
Preference points help hunters draw limited licenses. Hunters earn one preference point per species they apply for (application must be submitted correctly without errors) if they are unsuccessful in drawing a license for their first-choice hunt code in the primary draw or by entering the preference point code (P-999-99-P) as the first choice on the primary draw big game application.
How do preference points work?
Preference points help hunters successfully draw a first-choice license in the primary draw by giving the hunter priority to draw a license over hunters with fewer or no preference points. Preference points do not apply to the secondary draw, leftover or over-the-counter licenses. Turkey is the only species for which more than one preference point is awarded annually; you can earn one preference point in each the spring and fall turkey draws.
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, Moose Preference Points and Weighted Points
If you apply for a point only or if you are unsuccessful in drawing your first choice license and you have opted in to receive a preference point, your credit card on file will be charged when the draw results are posted.
Youth
Youth ages 12-17 can apply for a point. Youth aged 11 can also apply for a point, provided they turn 12 prior to the end of the year in which they are applying.
Preference points are awarded for:
- Turkey
- Elk
- Deer
- Pronghorn
- Bear
Deer, elk, pronghorn and bear do not have preference point fees.
Priority
Limited license purchasing priority goes to those with the most points, except when the license quota or nonresident cap would be exceeded, and except for the hybrid draw.
Group Priority
Group application priority is based on the member with the fewest points.
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.
How to Gain Preference Points
There are two ways to gain a preference point:
- Be unsuccessful in drawing your first-choice hunt code OR
- Apply for the preference point hunt code as your first choice
Either option allows you to apply for hunts for your second, third, and fourth choices. Do NOT submit separate applications for hunts and preference points for the same species in the same primary draw or both applications will be disqualified.
How to Use Preference Points
Preference points earned will be available for the hunter to use on their primary draw application the following year. Preference points are not transferable between hunters. Points are awarded for specific species, not for hunt codes, sex, unit(s), season(s) or method of take. Preference points are only used during the primary draw. Second, third, fourth choice, over-the-counter, leftover limited licenses and the secondary draw don’t use or generate points.
Once a hunter applies and successfully draws their first choice license, they will forfeit all of their preference points (regular and weighted).
Receive a Preference Point While Deployed
Active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are stationed in Colorado and actively deployed outside the U.S. can apply to receive a preference point for a future hunt. The military preference point application becomes available in July of each year. Applications must be postmarked within 6 months of the hunters return to the U.S.
Hunt Codes
Some hunt codes require more preference points than others. Every hunter can improve their chances of drawing a license by taking the following steps:
- Read the Big Game Brochure.
- Check your preference points on CPWShop.com.
- Review CPW's big game draw and 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.
Hunting Statistics
Statistics provide harvest surveys, draw statistics, and minimum preference points required in each game unit from current and previous years. Use them to assist in planning.
The Colorado Outdoors Preference Point Issue
This annual issue of Colorado Outdoors Magazine features preference-point data and statewide herd-population estimates to guide big-game hunters in applying for limited big-game licenses. This is a must-have item for any Colorado hunter. Purchase your copy today!
Report Inaccurate Information
If you believe your preference points are incorrect, let us know by calling 303-297-1192 or emailing us at.
Pay For Your Preference Points
Doublecheck Your Payment Option
Doublecheck your credit card on file in your CPWShop.com account is up to date after you apply for the draws.
Your Credit Card Will Automatically Be Charged
Your card on file will be initially charged after your draw results are posted.
If the credit card on file is declined, you will have until the payment deadline to provide an alternate form of payment. An attempt will be made to notify you in the event that your card is declined.
Payment Deadlines:
- Spring turkey - February 28, 2024
- Rocky Mountain and desert bighorn sheep, mountain goat - April 30, 2024
- Primary Draw (big game) - June 14, 2024
- Secondary Draw (bear, deer, elk and pronghorn) - July 22, 2024
- Fall turkey - June 19, 2024
Successful Payments
All licenses will be mailed after the payment is received.
Preference Point Fee Refunds for Active Military
Residents who are in the military on active duty outside of Colorado can request a preference point fee refund.
Failure to Pay by the Deadline
If we are unable to charge the credit card on file in your cpwshop.com account and you fail to pay for your license online, by phone or at a CPW location by the deadline for the species you applied for your license is surrendered and removed from your record. All preference points used to draw that license will not be eligible for restoration.
Complete Your Application
All Applicants
Residents and nonresidents can apply for limited licenses through the draw for deer, elk, pronghorn, bear, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and turkey. Applicants are advised to submit applications early to avoid any potential issues.
About Limited Turkey Licenses
The draw process for limited turkey licenses works similar to the primary draw for big-game species. A limited and over-the-counter turkey license can be used as a qualifying license to participate in the draws. More information about turkey draws and license options can be found on the turkey hunting page.
Primary Draw
- Hunters who wish to participate in the primary draw must be at least 12 years old to hunt big game.
- Hunters need valid identification, a social security number or taxpayer identification number, have completed hunter education, and have purchased a qualifying license and a habitat (required for ages 18 to 64 only) before they can apply.
- Hunters can only apply online through their CPWshop.com account or over the phone.
- Once the application is submitted, please review your receipt to ensure your application is submitted as intended. Application modifications can be made free of charge until the application deadline.
Hybrid Draw
The hybrid draw is a part of the primary draw that gives hunters an additional opportunity to draw a license for some of the state’s premier hunting areas. Hunters who normally would not have enough preference points to draw these licenses now have a slight chance to draw a small number of the most coveted licenses through this process. If your big game applicaiton meets the criteria below, your primary draw application will automatically be entered for a chance to be awarded a hybrid limited license if your first choice hunt code has hybrid quota available.
Hunters can apply for hybrid draw licenses for:
- Elk
- Deer
- Pronghorn
- Bear
How the Hybrid Draw Works
- Hunt codes must have taken 10 or more resident preference points to draw in the previous primary draw.
- Hunt codes must have at least five licenses available in the current primary draw.
- Nonresident license caps apply.
- The hybrid draw is a random draw.
Hunters who successfully draw a license in the hybrid draw lose all of their preference points for that species. Unsuccessful applicants will be awarded one preference point.
How to Apply
Qualified hunters wishing to participate in the hybrid draw must meet the following criteria and choose from the hunt codes listed here as the first choice on their application.
- Have at least five preference points.
- Apply individually. Groups are not accepted.
- Enter a hybrid draw code as your first choice on your draw application. Ranching for Wildlife "W" codes are for residents only.
Resident Applicants
Colorado residents have unique hunting opportunities available to them.
Ranching for Wildlife (RFW)
Colorado resident hunters can apply to hunt big game on private ranches. Hunters can only apply for the Ranching for Wildlife Program licenses through the primary draw by choosing an RFW hunt code on their draw application.
Bighorn Sheep Access Program (BSAP)
Colorado resident hunters can apply to hunt bighorn sheep on private land. Hunters can only apply for the Bighorn Sheep Access Program licenses the primary draw by choosing an BSAP hunt code on their draw application.
Apply as a Group
A group of hunters can apply together for licenses in the primary draw only. Group applications are not accepted for moose, desert bighorn sheep or hybrid draw licenses. Party hunting, or group members taking animals under a different group member’s license, is illegal in Colorado. Group applications do not receive youth preference.
Group Sizes
The following are the allowed sizes for group hunts:
- Elk, Deer, Pronghorn, Bear and Turkey: any number of people.
- Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep: 2 individuals. Residents and nonresidents may not apply together.
- Mountain Goat: 2 individuals. Residents and nonresidents may not apply together.
How to Apply
Group applications do not increase the probability of drawing licenses. Only submit a group application if everyone in your hunting party is committed to only go hunting if everyone draws. If members of the group plan to hunt anyway if their group application is unsuccessful, please submit individual hunting applications.
Group Leader
One person must be designated as the group leader, and all applications in that group are linked together with the group leader’s CID (customer identification number). If the leader has no CID, they must set up an account with CPW online at CPWShop.com, or by calling CPW to get one.
The group leader must apply first so that the group members’ hunt code choices can be validated. If you are the group leader, select “I am a group leader.”
Group Members
All group members must use the same person as the leader in order to go through the draw as a group. All other group members will select “I am hunting in a group” and enter the group leader’s CID. Group members must apply for the same species, hunt code, unit, geographic restrictions, season and method of take for each choice, but may apply for a different sex. Each member must list the same first-choice hunt code and the same second-, third-, and/or fourth-choice hunt codes. These choices must be in the same order on all group applications.
- Use the same person as the leader in order to go through the draw as a group.
- All group members will select “I am hunting in a group” and enter the group leader’s CID.
- Group members must apply for the same species, hunt code, unit, geographic restrictions, season and method of take for each choice, but may apply for a different sex.
- Each member must list the same first-choice hunt code and the same second-, third-, and/or fourth-choice hunt codes. These choices must be in the same order on all group applications.
Submitting Group Applications
The group leader submits their application first, then each hunter submits their application separately under their individual account, putting the group leader’s CID in the appropriate field. When the system validates the group hunt code choices, if there are differences in the number or order of hunt codes on the applications, the leader’s choices will be used instead. If the group leader makes a correction to their application and changes their hunt codes or hunt code order, their changes will override the choices of their group members.
If anyone in the group makes an application error, everyone in the group is disqualified. Common errors include (but are not limited to):
- invalid hunter education information
- invalid residency information
- hunting privilege suspensions
How Licenses are Awarded
Each individual application is assigned a six-digit number. Groups are assigned a group number based on the lowest application number in the group and go through the draw based on the group member with the lowest number of preference points. After the group number is randomized, if that number is selected in the draw, and there are enough licenses left for the entire group, everyone in the group gets a license.
If the group includes resident and nonresident applicants and the nonresident cap has been met, the group will not be awarded licenses.
If the group is successful for their first choice, each group member will get a license and their preference points drop to zero. If unsuccessful for their first choice, everyone gets a point. Applying for more than one choice gives the group additional chances at hunting together.
How Group Applicants are Notified
Awarded licenses and draw results are sent to each individual based on the contact information in their profile on CPWShop.com.
Group Applications and License Payment
Applicants are only considered a group for the draw. After the draw, if a group member fails to pay for their license or chooses to return it, it does not affect any of the other group members.
Applicants with Disabilities
Hunters with disabilities may request accommodation permits to participate in wildlife recreation activities, including hunting.
First Responder Lifetime Fishing and Small Game Combo License
Colorado residents that have a permanent occupational disability as a result of their official duties as a First Responder may qualify for the First Responder License and Pass Program. Qualifying applicants can obtain a Lifetime Small Game and Fishing Combination License, which can be used as a qualifying license to apply for the primary and secondary draws.
Assistance Applying for the Draw
CPWshop.com is fully ADA compliant, but if you are having difficulty using the website please call in to the phone sales line at 1-800-244-5613.
Military Applicants
Test Out of Hunter Education
US military personnel including active duty, reserve duty, veterans, and National Guard can take the Colorado Test-Out Exam to complete the requirements for hunter education instead of taking a class. The class is online-only and timed. You can only take the test once. If you don't pass, you must take a regular hunter education class.
Receive a Preference Point While Deployed
Active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are stationed in Colorado and actively deployed outside the U.S. can apply to receive a preference point for a future hunt. The military preference point application becomes available in July of each year. Applications must be postmarked within 6 months of the hunters return to the U.S.
Refund Requests After Deployment
If an active duty member is deployed after applying for a hunting license, they can request a refund or preference point return. For more information, please contact Limited Licensing at 303-291-7208.
Residency While Stationed in Colorado
Active duty military personnel stationed in Colorado and their family members can qualify to purchase hunting and fishing licenses at the Colorado resident rates.
Veterans' Lifetime Fishing and Small Game Combo License
Colorado Resident military veterans who are disabled are eligible to apply for a lifetime fishing and small game combo license. This license counts as a qualifying license for the primary draw.
Youth Applicants
Youth hunters include resident and nonresident hunters aged 12 to 17. Youth hunters participate in the draw and apply for either designated youth licenses (youth preference), or they can apply for limited licenses.
- Youth hunters 12-15 years old must be accompanied for a mentor.
- Youths must be 12 years old to hunt big game. At age 11, youth may buy or apply for a license if they will turn 12 before the end of season on the license or if they are applying for preference points, they must turn 12 before December 31.
Deer, Elk, and Pronghorn
Youth are given preference for some pronghorn, deer, and elk licenses through the primary draw. A minimum of 15 percent of limited licenses for doe pronghorn, antlerless and either-sex deer, and antlerless elk for each GMU shall be available for youth who meet hunter education requirements. Youth licenses for these species are available at a reduced cost.
A private-land-only antlerless white tailed deer hunt code D-F-006-P5-R will have a youth reference set at 50%.
Bear
Youth are given reduced cost bear licenses, but are not given preference for drawing a bear license.
Moose, Mountain Goat, and Bighorn Sheep
Youth are not given preference or reduced cost licenses for moose, mountain goat, or bighorn sheep licenses. However, the $50 preference point fee for residents or $100 preference point fee for nonresidents is waived for youth applicants.
Groups
Youth lose all youth preference if they apply as a group.
Youth Hunt Codes on Draw Applications
If youth enter more than one hunt code on their application, ALL HUNT CODES must be youthpreference-eligible hunt codes (doe pronghorn, antlerless or either-sex deer, and antlerless elk) and/or youth-only hunt codes (such as D-F043-K2-R or E-E-851-K2-R). Any hunt code with a "K" in the season part is a youth-only hunt code.
Make an Application Correction
Application corrections or modifications allow applicants to update their draw applications up until the application deadline.
You may modify the following items through an application correction:
- Application type: Group Leader, Group Member, or Individual
- Hunt code(s)
- Opting in or out for a preference point for Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, and Moose
- Correcting hunter education information
Online
- Log into your account via CPWShop.com.
- Review your customer details. If all your information is correct, please click the “Confirm Details” at the bottom of the screen.
- From the menu on the left-hand side of your "Account Summary" page click on "Draws" listed under "My Orders".
- Listed under “Draws” you will find all your big game applications. Please click “Modify Application” for the application you wish to modify or correct. Proceed with your modifications and complete the transaction by clicking “Confirm Choices”.
- Review your application hunt code modifications and click “Add to Cart”. If you do not have a manually verified hunter education on file, the system will prompt you to enter your hunter education information again.
- Please review your application hunt code modifications again and click “Proceed to Checkout”. Please note that discount codes do not apply.
- Please review your application modifications. If everything is correct, please scroll through the “Terms and Conditions” and click the radio button to agree.
- To finish, click “Purchase” to submit your modified application.
- You will receive an emailed confirmation receipt to the email address on file.
Over the Phone
Application modifications can also be done over the phone by contacting our license vendor at 1-800-244-5613 or 1-888-572-7237.
Refunds
For information on license refunds, please visit the Hunting License Refunds, Reversals and Exchanges page.
Application and Preference Point Fees
License Type |
Hunter Type |
Fee |
|---|---|---|
|
Annual Habitat Stamp |
Residents and Nonresidents |
$12.15 |
|
Turkey |
Resident Application Processing Fee |
$8.00 |
|
Big Game Application Fee |
Resident Preference and Weight Point Fee |
$50.00 |
|
Big Game Application Fee |
Resident |
$8.00 |
|
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Desert Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goat |
Resident Application Processing Fee |
$8.00 |
|
Turkey |
Nonresident Application Processing Fee |
$10.00 |
|
Moose, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat |
Nonresident |
$10.00 |
|
Moose, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat |
Nonresident Preference and Weight Point Fee |
$100.00 |
|
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Desert Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goat |
Nonresident Application Processing Fee |
$10.00 |
About Application Fees
Residency status determines most CPW fees. When you submit your application, you will only be charged the application processing fee per species for the primary draw. 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).
Your credit card information will be kept on file and only charged the license fee if you are awarded a license from the draw or the preference point fee if you have opted in to receive and pay for the preference point fee.
Moose, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, and Mountain Goat
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. Residents who are in the military on active duty outside Colorado can request a preference point fee refund.
Surrendering Your License
Once the draw is complete, CPW will send emails to customers who are successful in the draw and provide them with a short period when they can decide to surrender their license if they no longer want it, removing the license from the customer’s account. The deadline for this surrender period is listed in the email you receive.
All licenses surrendered during the surrender period are eligible for both a monetary refund and a preference point restoration to the pre-draw level. Licenses returned after the posted surrender period follow CPW’s normal refund policy and are only eligible for a monetary refund or a preference point restoration to a pre-draw level.
Colorado Hunting Brochures
Colorado Big Game Hunting Brochure
The Big Game Brochure includes hunting information for deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, and bear.
The online Big Game brochure is the most up-to-date version.
Folleto de Regulacíon de Caza Mayor (En Español)
Descargue el FolletoColorado Sheep & Goat Hunting Brochure
The Sheep & Goat brochure includes hunting information for Desert Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, and Mountain Goat.
The online Sheep and Goat brochure is the most up-to-date version.