COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE

Colorado Revised Statute (C.R.S.) 33-4-116 authorizes CPW to issue 18 special Auction and Raffle Program big game licenses, which have extended seasons and are valid in any unit open to hunting for that species. These currently consist of 9 auction and 9 raffle licenses. C.R.S. 33-4-116(1)(B) states that a nonprofit organization directly involved in the conservation of wildlife in Colorado or the Division may be authorized by the PWC to conduct the license auction or raffle.

C.R.S 33-4-116 and CPW Regulation #229 allow organizations to retain up to 25% of the gross proceeds of the auctions and raffles to cover costs and to fund projects of their choosing that benefit wildlife in Colorado. At least 75% of gross proceeds must be paid to CPW.

The funds generated from the sale of these licenses that are returned to CPW are used for big game habitat enhancement, research, management, and education in Colorado. To distribute these funds, a Project Advisory Committee (PAC) reviews proposals and makes project funding recommendations to the CPW Director. The PAC is made up of representatives from each conservation organization with an auction or raffle license, the United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and CPW.

These 18 Auction and Raffle Program licenses generated over $1 million gross in 2021 and have generated $4.4 million in the last 5 years for big game conservation in Colorado.