Tactics, strategies, draw odds and much more to help you apply for Colorado's sheep, moose and mountain goat species
Item | Application fee (per species) |
|---|---|
Resident | $8.93 |
Nonresident | $11.49 |
Item | Qualifying license/annual small game hunting license |
Resident | $38.49 |
Nonresident | $104.86 |
Item | Youth qualifying license/ |
Resident | $2.53 |
Nonresident | $2.53 |
Item | Habitat stamp |
Resident | $12.76 |
Nonresident | $12.76 |
Item | Preference/weighted point |
Resident | $50 |
Nonresident | $100 |
Item | *Moose |
Resident | $385.66 |
Nonresident | $2,823.53 |
Item | *Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep |
Resident | $385.66 |
Nonresident | $2,823.53 |
Item | *Desert bighorn sheep |
Resident | $385.66 |
Nonresident | $2,823.53 |
Item | *Rocky Mountain goat |
Resident | $385.66 |
Nonresident | $2,823.53 |
Item | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
Application fee (per species) | $8.93 | $11.49 |
Qualifying license/annual small game hunting license | $38.49 | $104.86 |
Youth qualifying license/ | $2.53 | $2.53 |
Habitat stamp | $12.76 | $12.76 |
Preference/weighted point | $50 | $100 |
*Moose | $385.66 | $2,823.53 |
*Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep | $385.66 | $2,823.53 |
*Desert bighorn sheep | $385.66 | $2,823.53 |
*Rocky Mountain goat | $385.66 | $2,823.53 |
Season | Archery ram |
|---|---|
Resident Quota | 53 |
Nonresident Quota | 5 |
Total 2026 Quota | 58 |
Season | Archery ewe |
Resident Quota | 9 |
Nonresident Quota | 1 |
Total 2026 Quota | 10 |
Season | Rifle ram |
Resident Quota | 143 |
Nonresident Quota | 17 |
Total 2026 Quota | 161 |
Season | Rifle either sex |
Resident Quota | 2 |
Nonresident Quota | 0 |
Total 2026 Quota | 2 |
Season | Rifle ewe |
Resident Quota | 71 |
Nonresident Quota | 7 |
Total 2026 Quota | 78 |
Season | Bighorn sheep access program (resident only) ram |
Resident Quota | 3 |
Nonresident Quota | 0 |
Total 2026 Quota | 3 |
Season | Bighorn sheep access program (resident only) ewe |
Resident Quota | 3 |
Nonresident Quota | 0 |
Total 2026 Quota | 3 |
Season | Chancellor Ranch (resident only) ram |
Resident Quota | 1 |
Nonresident Quota | 0 |
Total 2026 Quota | 1 |
Season | Chancellor Ranch (resident only) ewe |
Resident Quota | 1 |
Nonresident Quota | 0 |
Total 2026 Quota | 1 |
Season | Total licenses by residency |
Resident Quota | 287 |
Nonresident Quota | 30 |
Total 2026 Quota | 317 |
Season | Resident Quota | Nonresident Quota | Total 2026 Quota |
|---|---|---|---|
Archery ram | 53 | 5 | 58 |
Archery ewe | 9 | 1 | 10 |
Rifle ram | 143 | 17 | 161 |
Rifle either sex | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Rifle ewe | 71 | 7 | 78 |
Bighorn sheep access program (resident only) ram | 3 | 0 | 3 |
Bighorn sheep access program (resident only) ewe | 3 | 0 | 3 |
Chancellor Ranch (resident only) ram | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Chancellor Ranch (resident only) ewe | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Total licenses by residency | 287 | 30 | 317 |
Unit(s) |
Populations |
S1 |
35 |
S2 |
65 |
S3 |
245 |
S4 |
65 |
S5 |
30 |
S6 |
135 |
S7 |
80 |
S8 |
120 |
S9 |
325 |
S10 |
60 |
S11 |
125 |
S12 |
200 |
S13 |
80 |
S14 |
5 |
S15 |
160 |
S16 |
100 |
S17 |
125 |
S18 |
20 |
S19 |
80 |
S20 |
60 |
S21 |
210 |
S22 |
110 |
S23 |
40 |
S24 |
80 |
S25 |
50 |
S26 |
65 |
S27 |
90 |
S28 |
50 |
S29 |
20 |
S30 |
100 |
S31 |
105 |
S32 |
175 |
S33 |
180 |
S34 |
135 |
S35 |
25 |
S36 |
110 |
S37 |
35 |
S38 |
35 |
S39 |
20 |
S40 |
15 |
S41 |
75 |
S42 |
65 |
S43 |
20 |
S44 |
45 |
S45 |
0 |
S46 |
10 |
S47 |
80 |
S48 |
75 |
S49 |
150 |
S50 |
125 |
S51 |
250 |
S52 |
5 |
S53 |
140 |
S54 |
175 |
S55 |
45 |
S57 |
45 |
S58 |
40 |
S59 |
60 |
S60 |
50 |
S61 |
375 |
S66 |
125 |
S67 |
5 |
S68 |
40 |
S69 |
130 |
S70 |
30 |
S71 |
55 |
S72 |
25 |
S73 |
200 |
S74 |
50 |
S75 |
70 |
S76 |
17 |
S77 |
75 |
S78 |
0 |
S79 |
20 |
S80 |
80 |
S81 |
10 |
S82 |
0 |
S84 |
0 |
S86 |
35 |
Unit(s) | Populations |
S1 | 35 |
S2 | 65 |
S3 | 245 |
S4 | 65 |
S5 | 30 |
S6 | 135 |
S7 | 80 |
S8 | 120 |
S9 | 325 |
S10 | 60 |
S11 | 125 |
S12 | 200 |
S13 | 80 |
S14 | 5 |
S15 | 160 |
S16 | 100 |
S17 | 125 |
S18 | 20 |
S19 | 80 |
S20 | 60 |
S21 | 210 |
S22 | 110 |
S23 | 40 |
S24 | 80 |
S25 | 50 |
S26 | 65 |
S27 | 90 |
S28 | 50 |
S29 | 20 |
S30 | 100 |
S31 | 105 |
S32 | 175 |
S33 | 180 |
S34 | 135 |
S35 | 25 |
S36 | 110 |
S37 | 35 |
S38 | 35 |
S39 | 20 |
S40 | 15 |
S41 | 75 |
S42 | 65 |
S43 | 20 |
S44 | 45 |
S45 | 0 |
S46 | 10 |
S47 | 80 |
S48 | 75 |
S49 | 150 |
S50 | 125 |
S51 | 250 |
S52 | 5 |
S53 | 140 |
S54 | 175 |
S55 | 45 |
S57 | 45 |
S58 | 40 |
S59 | 60 |
S60 | 50 |
S61 | 375 |
S66 | 125 |
S67 | 5 |
S68 | 40 |
S69 | 130 |
S70 | 30 |
S71 | 55 |
S72 | 25 |
S73 | 200 |
S74 | 50 |
S75 | 70 |
S76 | 17 |
S77 | 75 |
S78 | 0 |
S79 | 20 |
S80 | 80 |
S81 | 10 |
S82 | 0 |
S84 | 0 |
S86 | 35 |
Unit |
Season |
Trophy potential |
Harvest success |
Population |
2026 resident licenses |
2026 nonresident licenses |
S44 |
Sept. 1 to Oct. 7 |
175”+ |
67% |
45 |
3 |
0 |
S34 |
Dec. 7 to 21 |
170”+ |
n/a |
135 |
3 |
0 |
S26 |
Aug. 1 to 31 |
170”+ |
100% |
65 |
2 |
0 |
S32 |
Aug. 1 to 19 |
170”+ |
60% |
175 |
3 |
0 |
S32 |
Aug. 20 to Sept. 7 |
170”+ |
25% |
175 |
3 |
0 |
S12/S78 |
Aug. 1 to 31 |
170”+ |
29% |
200 |
7 |
1 |
S34 |
Nov. 15 to 30 |
170”+ |
100% |
135 |
1 |
1 |
S49 |
Sept. 8 to 30 |
165”+ |
50% |
150 |
2 |
1 |
S54 |
Nov. 1 to 30 |
165”+ |
100% |
175 |
4 |
0 |
S6/S46 |
Nov. 10 to 30 |
165”+ |
100% |
135 |
1 |
0 |
S66 |
Aug. 1 to 31 |
165”+ |
50% |
125 |
2 |
0 |
S51 |
Aug. 1 to 31 |
165”+ |
0% |
250 |
1 |
0 |
S9 |
Aug. 1 to 31 |
165”+ |
75% |
325 |
8 |
1 |
S71 |
Aug. 22 to Oct. 1 |
165”+ |
100% |
55 |
1 |
0 |
S39 |
Aug. 1 to Sept. 30 |
165”+ |
0% |
20 |
1 |
0 |
S3 |
Aug. 1 to 21 |
160”+ |
n/a |
245 |
2 |
0 |
S37 |
Oct. 31 to Nov. 30 |
160”+ |
100% |
35 |
1 |
0 |
S69 |
Aug. 1 to 31 |
160”+ |
100% |
130 |
2 |
0 |
S69 |
Nov. 1 to 30 |
160”+ |
100% |
130 |
1 |
1 |
S57 |
Dec. 1 to 31 |
160”+ |
50% |
45 |
1 |
0 |
S38 |
Dec. 1 to 31 |
160”+ |
100% |
35 |
1 |
0 |
Unit | Season | Trophy potential | Harvest success | Population | 2026 resident licenses | 2026 nonresident licenses |
S44 | Sept. 1 to Oct. 7 | 175”+ | 67% | 45 | 3 | 0 |
S34 | Dec. 7 to 21 | 170”+ | n/a | 135 | 3 | 0 |
S26 | Aug. 1 to 31 | 170”+ | 100% | 65 | 2 | 0 |
S32 | Aug. 1 to 19 | 170”+ | 60% | 175 | 3 | 0 |
S32 | Aug. 20 to Sept. 7 | 170”+ | 25% | 175 | 3 | 0 |
S12/S78 | Aug. 1 to 31 | 170”+ | 29% | 200 | 7 | 1 |
S34 | Nov. 15 to 30 | 170”+ | 100% | 135 | 1 | 1 |
S49 | Sept. 8 to 30 | 165”+ | 50% | 150 | 2 | 1 |
S54 | Nov. 1 to 30 | 165”+ | 100% | 175 | 4 | 0 |
S6/S46 | Nov. 10 to 30 | 165”+ | 100% | 135 | 1 | 0 |
S66 | Aug. 1 to 31 | 165”+ | 50% | 125 | 2 | 0 |
S51 | Aug. 1 to 31 | 165”+ | 0% | 250 | 1 | 0 |
S9 | Aug. 1 to 31 | 165”+ | 75% | 325 | 8 | 1 |
S71 | Aug. 22 to Oct. 1 | 165”+ | 100% | 55 | 1 | 0 |
S39 | Aug. 1 to Sept. 30 | 165”+ | 0% | 20 | 1 | 0 |
S3 | Aug. 1 to 21 | 160”+ | n/a | 245 | 2 | 0 |
S37 | Oct. 31 to Nov. 30 | 160”+ | 100% | 35 | 1 | 0 |
S69 | Aug. 1 to 31 | 160”+ | 100% | 130 | 2 | 0 |
S69 | Nov. 1 to 30 | 160”+ | 100% | 130 | 1 | 1 |
S57 | Dec. 1 to 31 | 160”+ | 50% | 45 | 1 | 0 |
S38 | Dec. 1 to 31 | 160”+ | 100% | 35 | 1 | 0 |
Unit | S50 |
|---|---|
Season | Sept. 8 to Oct. 8 |
Trophy Potential | 175"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 100% |
Population | 125 |
2026 resident licenses | 1 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 0 |
Unit | S44 |
Season | Oct. 10 to 23 |
Trophy Potential | 175"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 50% |
Population | 45 |
2026 resident licenses | 1 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 0 |
Unit | S1, S18 |
Season | Sept. 8 to Oct. 11 |
Trophy Potential | 170"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | n/a |
Population | 55 |
2026 resident licenses | 1 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 0 |
Unit | S8 |
Season | Sept. 8 to Oct. 8 |
Trophy Potential | 170"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 100% |
Population | 120 |
2026 resident licenses | 3 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 0 |
Unit | S53 |
Season | Sept. 1 to Oct. 1 |
Trophy Potential | 170"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 0% |
Population | 140 |
2026 resident licenses | 2 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 0 |
Unit | S12, S78 |
Season | Sept. 8 to Oct. 8 |
Trophy Potential | 170"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 83% |
Population | 200 |
2026 resident licenses | 5 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 1 |
Unit | S13 |
Season | Sept. 8 to Oct. 8 |
Trophy Potential | 170"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 100% |
Population | 80 |
2026 resident licenses | 2 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 0 |
Unit | S61 |
Season | Sept. 1 to 20 Dec. 1 to 31 |
Trophy Potential | 170"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 75% |
Population | 375 |
2026 resident licenses | 3 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 1 |
Unit | S70 |
Season | Sept. 1 to Nov. 8 |
Trophy Potential | 170"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 100% |
Population | 30 |
2026 resident licenses | 1 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 0 |
Unit | S77 |
Season | Sept. 8 to Oct. 8 |
Trophy Potential | 170"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 100% |
Population | 75 |
2026 resident licenses | 1 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 0 |
Unit | S21 |
Season | Sept. 1 to Oct. 1 |
Trophy Potential | 170"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 75% |
Population | 210 |
2026 resident licenses | 7 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 1 |
Unit | S22 |
Season | Sept. 1 to Oct. 1 |
Trophy Potential | 170"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 71% |
Population | 110 |
2026 resident licenses | 4 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 1 |
Unit | S33 |
Season | Sept. 1 to 17 |
Trophy Potential | 170"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 43% |
Population | 180 |
2026 resident licenses | 6 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 1 |
Unit | S11 |
Season | Sept. 8 to Oct. 8 |
Trophy Potential | 170"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 83% |
Population | 125 |
2026 resident licenses | 5 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 1 |
Unit | S32 |
Season | Sept. 12 to Oct 4 |
Trophy Potential | 170"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 100% |
Population | 175 |
2026 resident licenses | 5 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 1 |
Unit | S33 |
Season | Sept. 18 to Oct. 1 |
Trophy Potential | 170"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 86% |
Population | 180 |
2026 resident licenses | 6 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 1 |
Unit | S6 |
Season | Sept. 8 to 22 |
Trophy Potential | 165"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 100% |
Population | 135 |
2026 resident licenses | 1 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 0 |
Unit | S6 |
Season | Sept. 25 to Oct. 9 |
Trophy Potential | 165"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 100% |
Population | 135 |
2026 resident licenses | 1 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 0 |
Unit | S47 |
Season | Oct. 1 to 31 |
Trophy Potential | 165"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 100% |
Population | 80 |
2026 resident licenses | 3 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 0 |
Unit | S49 |
Season | Oct. 1 to 31 |
Trophy Potential | 165"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 100% |
Population | 150 |
2026 resident licenses | 2 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 0 |
Unit | S24 |
Season | Nov. 1 to 30 |
Trophy Potential | 165"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 100% |
Population | 80 |
2026 resident licenses | 4 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 0 |
Unit | S15 |
Season | Aug. 22 to Sept. 2 Sept. 19 to Oct. 4 |
Trophy Potential | 165"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 50% |
Population | 160 |
2026 resident licenses | 2 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 1 |
Unit | S15 |
Season | Sept. 5 to Oct. 4 |
Trophy Potential | 165"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 50% |
Population | 160 |
2026 resident licenses | 2 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 1 |
Unit | S31 |
Season | Sept. 1 to Oct. 1 |
Trophy Potential | 165"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 50% |
Population | 105 |
2026 resident licenses | 4 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 0 |
Unit | S51 |
Season | Sept. 12 to Oct. 11 |
Trophy Potential | 165"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 100% |
Population | 250 |
2026 resident licenses | 1 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 0 |
Unit | S9 |
Season | Sept. 8 to Oct 8 |
Trophy Potential | 165"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 88% |
Population | 325 |
2026 resident licenses | 8 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 1 |
Unit | S54 |
Season | Sept. 1 to Oct. 1 |
Trophy Potential | 165"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 100% |
Population | 175 |
2026 resident licenses | 3 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 1 |
Unit | S66 |
Season | Sept. 8 to Oct. 8 |
Trophy Potential | 165"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 100% |
Population | 125 |
2026 resident licenses | 5 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 1 |
Unit | S51 |
Season | Oct. 17 to Nov. 4 |
Trophy Potential | 165"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 0% |
Population | 250 |
2026 resident licenses | 1 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 0 |
Unit | S2 |
Season | Sept. 8 to Oct. 8 |
Trophy Potential | 165"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 0% |
Population | 65 |
2026 resident licenses | 1 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 1 |
Unit | S3 |
Season | Sept. 8 to 22 |
Trophy Potential | 160"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 67% |
Population | 245 |
2026 resident licenses | 3 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 1 |
Unit | S69 |
Season | Sept. 1 to Oct. 8 |
Trophy Potential | 160"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 100% |
Population | 130 |
2026 resident licenses | 2 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 0 |
Unit | S3 |
Season | Sept. 28 to Oct. 12 |
Trophy Potential | 160"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 75% |
Population | 245 |
2026 resident licenses | 2 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 1 |
Unit | S73 |
Season | Sept. 1 to Oct. 1 |
Trophy Potential | 160"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 100% |
Population | 200 |
2026 resident licenses | 3 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 0 |
Unit | S17 |
Season | Sept. 8 to Oct. 8 |
Trophy Potential | 155"+ |
2024 Harvest Success | 17% |
Population | 125 |
2026 resident licenses | 5 |
2026 nonresident licenses | 1 |
Unit | Season | Trophy Potential | 2024 Harvest Success | Population | 2026 resident licenses | 2026 nonresident licenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S50 | Sept. 8 to Oct. 8 | 175"+ | 100% | 125 | 1 | 0 |
S44 | Oct. 10 to 23 | 175"+ | 50% | 45 | 1 | 0 |
S1, S18 | Sept. 8 to Oct. 11 | 170"+ | n/a | 55 | 1 | 0 |
S8 | Sept. 8 to Oct. 8 | 170"+ | 100% | 120 | 3 | 0 |
S53 | Sept. 1 to Oct. 1 | 170"+ | 0% | 140 | 2 | 0 |
S12, S78 | Sept. 8 to Oct. 8 | 170"+ | 83% | 200 | 5 | 1 |
S13 | Sept. 8 to Oct. 8 | 170"+ | 100% | 80 | 2 | 0 |
S61 | Sept. 1 to 20 Dec. 1 to 31 | 170"+ | 75% | 375 | 3 | 1 |
S70 | Sept. 1 to Nov. 8 | 170"+ | 100% | 30 | 1 | 0 |
S77 | Sept. 8 to Oct. 8 | 170"+ | 100% | 75 | 1 | 0 |
S21 | Sept. 1 to Oct. 1 | 170"+ | 75% | 210 | 7 | 1 |
S22 | Sept. 1 to Oct. 1 | 170"+ | 71% | 110 | 4 | 1 |
S33 | Sept. 1 to 17 | 170"+ | 43% | 180 | 6 | 1 |
S11 | Sept. 8 to Oct. 8 | 170"+ | 83% | 125 | 5 | 1 |
S32 | Sept. 12 to Oct 4 | 170"+ | 100% | 175 | 5 | 1 |
S33 | Sept. 18 to Oct. 1 | 170"+ | 86% | 180 | 6 | 1 |
S6 | Sept. 8 to 22 | 165"+ | 100% | 135 | 1 | 0 |
S6 | Sept. 25 to Oct. 9 | 165"+ | 100% | 135 | 1 | 0 |
S47 | Oct. 1 to 31 | 165"+ | 100% | 80 | 3 | 0 |
S49 | Oct. 1 to 31 | 165"+ | 100% | 150 | 2 | 0 |
S24 | Nov. 1 to 30 | 165"+ | 100% | 80 | 4 | 0 |
S15 | Aug. 22 to Sept. 2 Sept. 19 to Oct. 4 | 165"+ | 50% | 160 | 2 | 1 |
S15 | Sept. 5 to Oct. 4 | 165"+ | 50% | 160 | 2 | 1 |
S31 | Sept. 1 to Oct. 1 | 165"+ | 50% | 105 | 4 | 0 |
S51 | Sept. 12 to Oct. 11 | 165"+ | 100% | 250 | 1 | 0 |
S9 | Sept. 8 to Oct 8 | 165"+ | 88% | 325 | 8 | 1 |
S54 | Sept. 1 to Oct. 1 | 165"+ | 100% | 175 | 3 | 1 |
S66 | Sept. 8 to Oct. 8 | 165"+ | 100% | 125 | 5 | 1 |
S51 | Oct. 17 to Nov. 4 | 165"+ | 0% | 250 | 1 | 0 |
S2 | Sept. 8 to Oct. 8 | 165"+ | 0% | 65 | 1 | 1 |
S3 | Sept. 8 to 22 | 160"+ | 67% | 245 | 3 | 1 |
S69 | Sept. 1 to Oct. 8 | 160"+ | 100% | 130 | 2 | 0 |
S3 | Sept. 28 to Oct. 12 | 160"+ | 75% | 245 | 2 | 1 |
S73 | Sept. 1 to Oct. 1 | 160"+ | 100% | 200 | 3 | 0 |
S17 | Sept. 8 to Oct. 8 | 155"+ | 17% | 125 | 5 | 1 |
Points |
Resident |
Nonresident |
0 to 3 |
16,090 |
11,678 |
1 |
3,735 |
2,282 |
2 |
3,253 |
1,807 |
3 |
3,003 |
1,568 |
4 |
2,799 |
1,445 |
5 |
3,035 |
1,669 |
6 |
1,413 |
389 |
7 |
1,091 |
356 |
8 |
1,068 |
312 |
9 |
811 |
289 |
10 |
821 |
261 |
11 |
687 |
250 |
12 |
569 |
245 |
13 |
510 |
237 |
14 |
445 |
200 |
15 |
411 |
208 |
16 |
342 |
177 |
17 |
299 |
146 |
18 |
292 |
160 |
19 |
227 |
107 |
20 |
169 |
108 |
21 |
110 |
89 |
22 |
104 |
89 |
23 |
92 |
74 |
24 |
81 |
83 |
25 |
81 |
120 |
Points | Resident | Nonresident |
0 to 3 | 16,090 | 11,678 |
1 | 3,735 | 2,282 |
2 | 3,253 | 1,807 |
3 | 3,003 | 1,568 |
4 | 2,799 | 1,445 |
5 | 3,035 | 1,669 |
6 | 1,413 | 389 |
7 | 1,091 | 356 |
8 | 1,068 | 312 |
9 | 811 | 289 |
10 | 821 | 261 |
11 | 687 | 250 |
12 | 569 | 245 |
13 | 510 | 237 |
14 | 445 | 200 |
15 | 411 | 208 |
16 | 342 | 177 |
17 | 299 | 146 |
18 | 292 | 160 |
19 | 227 | 107 |
20 | 169 | 108 |
21 | 110 | 89 |
22 | 104 | 89 |
23 | 92 | 74 |
24 | 81 | 83 |
25 | 81 | 120 |
Units |
Populations |
S56 |
150 |
S62 |
165 |
S63 |
75 |
S64 |
110 |
Units | Populations |
S56 | 150 |
S62 | 165 |
S63 | 75 |
S64 | 110 |
Units |
Trophy Potential |
Harvest Success |
Resident Licenses |
Nonresident Licenses |
S56 |
165”+ |
100% |
4 |
0 |
S62 |
155”+ |
100% |
4 |
1 |
S63 |
160”+ |
67% |
3 |
0 |
S64 |
165”+ |
100% |
3 |
0 |
Units | Trophy Potential | Harvest Success | Resident Licenses | Nonresident Licenses |
S56 | 165”+ | 100% | 4 | 0 |
S62 | 155”+ | 100% | 4 | 1 |
S63 | 160”+ | 67% | 3 | 0 |
S64 | 165”+ | 100% | 3 | 0 |
Units |
Population |
Bull:cow ratio |
6, 16, 17, 161, 171 |
630 |
53:100 |
7, 8, 19, 191 |
290 |
150:100 |
15, 18, 27, 28, 36, 37, 181, 361, 371 |
580 |
40:100 |
65, 66, 67, 68, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 681, 6 |
450 |
50:100 |
41, 42, 43, 52, 53, 54, 63, 64, 411, 421, 521 |
600 |
91:100 |
12, 13, 23, 24, 25, 26, 33, 34, 35, 131, 231 |
150 |
117:100 |
20, 29, 38 |
90 |
n/a |
39, 46, 49, 60, 51, 391, 500, 501 |
270 |
n/a |
4, 5, 14, 214, 441 |
250 |
135:100 |
1, 201 |
20 |
50:100 |
44, 45, 47, 444, 471 |
50 |
73:100 |
48, 55, 56, 471, 481, 551, 561 |
110 |
n/a |
51, 59, 511, 512, 581, 591 |
130 |
72:100 |
Units | Population | Bull:cow ratio |
6, 16, 17, 161, 171 | 630 | 53:100 |
7, 8, 19, 191 | 290 | 150:100 |
15, 18, 27, 28, 36, 37, 181, 361, 371 | 580 | 40:100 |
65, 66, 67, 68, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 681, 6 | 450 | 50:100 |
41, 42, 43, 52, 53, 54, 63, 64, 411, 421, 521 | 600 | 91:100 |
12, 13, 23, 24, 25, 26, 33, 34, 35, 131, 231 | 150 | 117:100 |
20, 29, 38 | 90 | n/a |
39, 46, 49, 60, 51, 391, 500, 501 | 270 | n/a |
4, 5, 14, 214, 441 | 250 | 135:100 |
1, 201 | 20 | 50:100 |
44, 45, 47, 444, 471 | 50 | 73:100 |
48, 55, 56, 471, 481, 551, 561 | 110 | n/a |
51, 59, 511, 512, 581, 591 | 130 | 72:100 |
Unit |
Trophy potential |
Harvest Success |
Nonresident license available |
66 |
45"+ width |
100% |
no |
66 wilderness only |
45"+ width |
new hunt |
no |
76 |
45"+ width |
100% |
yes |
49/500 |
45"+ width |
100% |
yes |
49 wilderness only |
45"+ width |
100% |
yes |
4/5/14 |
45"+ width |
100% (unit 5) |
yes |
67 |
45"+ width |
100% |
yes |
12/23/24 |
45"+ width |
100% |
yes |
19 |
45'+ width |
88% |
no |
28 |
45"+ width |
94% |
yes |
37/371 |
45"+ width |
100% |
yes |
39/46 |
45"+ width |
100% |
no |
7/8/181 |
45"+ width |
100% |
yes |
14 |
45"+ width |
92% |
no |
44/45 |
45"+ width |
100% |
yes |
20/29 |
45"+ width |
100% |
yes |
76/77/751 |
45"+ width |
100% |
yes |
50/501 |
45"+ width |
100% |
no |
43 |
40"+ width |
100% |
no |
38 |
40"+ width |
100% |
yes |
6 |
40"+ width |
94% |
yes |
15/27 |
40"+ width |
100% |
yes |
17 |
40"+ width |
83% |
yes |
18/181 |
40"+ width |
100% |
yes |
41/42/52/411/421/521 |
40"+ width |
100% (units 421/521) |
yes |
171 |
40"+ width |
90% |
yes |
Unit | Trophy potential | Harvest Success | Nonresident license available |
66 | 45"+ width | 100% | no |
66 wilderness only | 45"+ width | new hunt | no |
76 | 45"+ width | 100% | yes |
49/500 | 45"+ width | 100% | yes |
49 wilderness only | 45"+ width | 100% | yes |
4/5/14 | 45"+ width | 100% (unit 5) | yes |
67 | 45"+ width | 100% | yes |
12/23/24 | 45"+ width | 100% | yes |
19 | 45'+ width | 88% | no |
28 | 45"+ width | 94% | yes |
37/371 | 45"+ width | 100% | yes |
39/46 | 45"+ width | 100% | no |
7/8/181 | 45"+ width | 100% | yes |
14 | 45"+ width | 92% | no |
44/45 | 45"+ width | 100% | yes |
20/29 | 45"+ width | 100% | yes |
76/77/751 | 45"+ width | 100% | yes |
50/501 | 45"+ width | 100% | no |
43 | 40"+ width | 100% | no |
38 | 40"+ width | 100% | yes |
6 | 40"+ width | 94% | yes |
15/27 | 40"+ width | 100% | yes |
17 | 40"+ width | 83% | yes |
18/181 | 40"+ width | 100% | yes |
41/42/52/411/421/521 | 40"+ width | 100% (units 421/521) | yes |
171 | 40"+ width | 90% | yes |
Points |
Resident |
Nonresident |
0 to 3 |
30,606 |
13,227 |
1 |
6,627 |
2,611 |
2 |
6,049 |
1,998 |
3 |
5,048 |
1,728 |
4 |
4,663 |
1,537 |
5 |
5,422 |
1,782 |
6 |
2,420 |
343 |
7 |
1,968 |
296 |
8 |
1,650 |
207 |
9 |
1,312 |
224 |
10 |
1,126 |
170 |
11 |
991 |
140 |
12 |
820 |
187 |
13 |
714 |
143 |
14 |
677 |
105 |
15 |
489 |
106 |
16 |
485 |
82 |
17 |
477 |
85 |
18 |
447 |
67 |
19 |
371 |
58 |
20 |
316 |
44 |
21 |
256 |
32 |
22 |
235 |
41 |
23 |
244 |
26 |
24 |
158 |
22 |
25 |
180 |
24 |
Points | Resident | Nonresident |
0 to 3 | 30,606 | 13,227 |
1 | 6,627 | 2,611 |
2 | 6,049 | 1,998 |
3 | 5,048 | 1,728 |
4 | 4,663 | 1,537 |
5 | 5,422 | 1,782 |
6 | 2,420 | 343 |
7 | 1,968 | 296 |
8 | 1,650 | 207 |
9 | 1,312 | 224 |
10 | 1,126 | 170 |
11 | 991 | 140 |
12 | 820 | 187 |
13 | 714 | 143 |
14 | 677 | 105 |
15 | 489 | 106 |
16 | 485 | 82 |
17 | 477 | 85 |
18 | 447 | 67 |
19 | 371 | 58 |
20 | 316 | 44 |
21 | 256 | 32 |
22 | 235 | 41 |
23 | 244 | 26 |
24 | 158 | 22 |
25 | 180 | 24 |
Units |
Population |
G1 |
40 |
G2 |
50 |
G3 |
240 |
G4 |
70 |
G5 |
95 |
G6 |
100 |
G7 |
140 |
G8 |
50 |
G10 |
70 |
G11 |
120 |
G12 |
180 |
G14 |
50 |
G15 |
10 |
G16 |
80 |
G17 |
40 |
G18 |
45 |
Units | Population |
G1 | 40 |
G2 | 50 |
G3 | 240 |
G4 | 70 |
G5 | 95 |
G6 | 100 |
G7 | 140 |
G8 | 50 |
G10 | 70 |
G11 | 120 |
G12 | 180 |
G14 | 50 |
G15 | 10 |
G16 | 80 |
G17 | 40 |
G18 | 45 |
Unit |
2026 resident licenses |
2026 nonresident licenses |
G5 Archery Sept. 8 to Oct. 31 |
11 |
1 |
G1/G14 Archery Sept. 8 to Oct. 8 |
5 |
1 |
G8 Archery Sept. 1 to Nov. 1 |
5 |
0 |
G5 Sept. 8 to Oct. 31 |
2 |
0 |
G6 Sept. 1 to Oct. 1 |
27 |
3 |
G10 Sept. 1 to 11 |
4 |
0 |
G10 Sept. 14 to 25 |
4 |
0 |
G10 Sept. 28 to Oct. 9 |
3 |
1 |
G10 Oct. 12 to 23 |
4 |
0 |
G16 Sept. 1 to 11 |
2 |
0 |
G16 Sept. 14 to 25 |
1 |
1 |
G16 Sept. 28 to Oct. 9 |
2 |
0 |
G16 Oct. 12 to 23 |
2 |
0 |
G3 Sept. 8 to 22 |
18 |
2 |
G3 Sept. 23 to Oct. 8 |
18 |
2 |
G4 Sept. 7 to 18 |
2 |
0 |
G4 Sept. 21 to Oct. 2 |
2 |
0 |
G4 Oct. 5 to 16 |
1 |
1 |
G7 Sept. 1 to 11 |
2 |
1 |
G7 Sept. 14 to 25 |
2 |
1 |
G7 Sept. 28 to Oct. 9 |
2 |
0 |
G7 Oct. 12 to 23 |
2 |
0 |
G11 Sept. 1 to Oct. 11 |
6 |
0 |
G11 Sept. 1 to Oct. 11 |
7 |
1 |
G12 Sept. 8 to 21 |
14 |
1 |
G12 Sept. 22 to Oct. 8 |
9 |
1 |
G17 Sept. 8 to Oct. 8 |
5 |
1 |
G18 Sept. 8 to Oct. 8 |
6 |
1 |
G15 Sept. 1 to 11 |
1 |
0 |
G15 Sept. 14 to 25 |
1 |
0 |
G15 Sept. 28 to Oct. 9 |
1 |
0 |
G15 Oct. 12 to 23 |
1 |
0 |
Unit | 2026 resident licenses | 2026 nonresident licenses |
G5 Archery Sept. 8 to Oct. 31 | 11 | 1 |
G1/G14 Archery Sept. 8 to Oct. 8 | 5 | 1 |
G8 Archery Sept. 1 to Nov. 1 | 5 | 0 |
G5 Sept. 8 to Oct. 31 | 2 | 0 |
G6 Sept. 1 to Oct. 1 | 27 | 3 |
G10 Sept. 1 to 11 | 4 | 0 |
G10 Sept. 14 to 25 | 4 | 0 |
G10 Sept. 28 to Oct. 9 | 3 | 1 |
G10 Oct. 12 to 23 | 4 | 0 |
G16 Sept. 1 to 11 | 2 | 0 |
G16 Sept. 14 to 25 | 1 | 1 |
G16 Sept. 28 to Oct. 9 | 2 | 0 |
G16 Oct. 12 to 23 | 2 | 0 |
G3 Sept. 8 to 22 | 18 | 2 |
G3 Sept. 23 to Oct. 8 | 18 | 2 |
G4 Sept. 7 to 18 | 2 | 0 |
G4 Sept. 21 to Oct. 2 | 2 | 0 |
G4 Oct. 5 to 16 | 1 | 1 |
G7 Sept. 1 to 11 | 2 | 1 |
G7 Sept. 14 to 25 | 2 | 1 |
G7 Sept. 28 to Oct. 9 | 2 | 0 |
G7 Oct. 12 to 23 | 2 | 0 |
G11 Sept. 1 to Oct. 11 | 6 | 0 |
G11 Sept. 1 to Oct. 11 | 7 | 1 |
G12 Sept. 8 to 21 | 14 | 1 |
G12 Sept. 22 to Oct. 8 | 9 | 1 |
G17 Sept. 8 to Oct. 8 | 5 | 1 |
G18 Sept. 8 to Oct. 8 | 6 | 1 |
G15 Sept. 1 to 11 | 1 | 0 |
G15 Sept. 14 to 25 | 1 | 0 |
G15 Sept. 28 to Oct. 9 | 1 | 0 |
G15 Oct. 12 to 23 | 1 | 0 |
Unit |
2026 resident licenses |
2026 nonresident licenses |
G10 Sept. 1 to 11 |
3 |
0 |
G10 Sept. 14 to 25 |
3 |
0 |
G10 Sept. 28 to Oct. 9 |
2 |
1 |
G10 Oct. 12 to 23 |
2 |
1 |
G16 Sept. 1 to 11 |
1 |
0 |
G16 Sept. 14 to 25 |
1 |
0 |
G16 Sept. 28 to Oct. 9 |
1 |
0 |
G16 Oct. 12 to 23 |
1 |
0 |
G7 Sept. 1 to 11 |
1 |
0 |
G7 Sept. 14 to 25 |
1 |
0 |
G7 Sept. 28 to Oct. 9 |
1 |
0 |
G7 Oct. 12 to 23 |
1 |
0 |
G12 Sept. 8 to 21 |
1 |
0 |
G12 Sept. 22 to Oct. 8 |
1 |
0 |
G15 Sept. 1 to Oct. 23 |
1 |
0 |
Unit | 2026 resident licenses | 2026 nonresident licenses |
G10 Sept. 1 to 11 | 3 | 0 |
G10 Sept. 14 to 25 | 3 | 0 |
G10 Sept. 28 to Oct. 9 | 2 | 1 |
G10 Oct. 12 to 23 | 2 | 1 |
G16 Sept. 1 to 11 | 1 | 0 |
G16 Sept. 14 to 25 | 1 | 0 |
G16 Sept. 28 to Oct. 9 | 1 | 0 |
G16 Oct. 12 to 23 | 1 | 0 |
G7 Sept. 1 to 11 | 1 | 0 |
G7 Sept. 14 to 25 | 1 | 0 |
G7 Sept. 28 to Oct. 9 | 1 | 0 |
G7 Oct. 12 to 23 | 1 | 0 |
G12 Sept. 8 to 21 | 1 | 0 |
G12 Sept. 22 to Oct. 8 | 1 | 0 |
G15 Sept. 1 to Oct. 23 | 1 | 0 |
Points |
Resident |
Nonresident |
0 to 3 |
13,266 |
8,133 |
1 |
2,894 |
1,856 |
2 |
2,645 |
1,387 |
3 |
2,376 |
1,248 |
4 |
2,367 |
1,148 |
5 |
3,852 |
1,429 |
6 |
1,566 |
287 |
7 |
1,220 |
265 |
8 |
1,093 |
202 |
9 |
904 |
190 |
10 |
769 |
156 |
11 |
648 |
183 |
12 |
510 |
169 |
13 |
439 |
131 |
14 |
397 |
110 |
15 |
297 |
107 |
16 |
284 |
90 |
17 |
221 |
83 |
18 |
232 |
48 |
19 |
174 |
55 |
20 |
106 |
25 |
21 |
66 |
27 |
22 |
54 |
17 |
23 |
53 |
27 |
24 |
17 |
13 |
25 |
20 |
16 |
Points | Resident | Nonresident |
0 to 3 | 13,266 | 8,133 |
1 | 2,894 | 1,856 |
2 | 2,645 | 1,387 |
3 | 2,376 | 1,248 |
4 | 2,367 | 1,148 |
5 | 3,852 | 1,429 |
6 | 1,566 | 287 |
7 | 1,220 | 265 |
8 | 1,093 | 202 |
9 | 904 | 190 |
10 | 769 | 156 |
11 | 648 | 183 |
12 | 510 | 169 |
13 | 439 | 131 |
14 | 397 | 110 |
15 | 297 | 107 |
16 | 284 | 90 |
17 | 221 | 83 |
18 | 232 | 48 |
19 | 174 | 55 |
20 | 106 | 25 |
21 | 66 | 27 |
22 | 54 | 17 |
23 | 53 | 27 |
24 | 17 | 13 |
25 | 20 | 16 |
The application deadline for all Colorado species is 8:00 p.m. MST on April 7, 2026. Colorado is a fairly easy state to apply in. You can apply online here or via telephone at 1-800-244-5613. Paper applications are no longer available.
To aid in your research and planning efforts, we have a tool called Hunt Planner. This product will help you be more efficient at planning for hunts and also keeps all your research data organized. No more notepads getting lost or headaches when trying to remember what units caught your eye during your research! Everything you need is always in one place at GOHUNT.
Your GOHUNT Insider account also has the Point Tracker feature. This allows you to enter the number of points you have for each state and species and, as you research through Filtering and Draw Odds, your point total will automatically be highlighted.
It is important to understand the way that the tags are drawn for Colorado bighorn sheep, moose and mountain goat. The draw system is different from that for deer, elk, and antelope. Check out the “understanding the draw” section below for the method behind this calculation.
To view important information and an overview of Colorado’s rules/regulations, the draw system and preference points, tag and license fees, and an interactive boundary line map, check out our State Profile. You can also view the Species Profiles to access historical and statistical data to help you find trophy units.
Colorado is a fairly easy state to apply in. You will have to create an online account if you have not previously done so. Or you can call 1-800-244-5613 for help getting an account.
*License cost will only be charged if you are successful in the draw.
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and moose licenses are allocated differently than deer, elk, and antelope. The licenses for these species are allocated through a preference point/weighted preference point system.
Applicants must build three preference points; after which, they have a random chance to draw a license. The more weighted preference points you accumulate, the better your odds get of drawing a license.
Desert bighorn sheep licenses are randomly allocated, and there is no point system for that species. If you apply for desert bighorn sheep, you cannot also apply for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. You have to pick one of those species to apply for.
Nonresidents are limited to 10% of the total number of moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat licenses.
As stated, desert bighorn sheep licenses are randomly drawn; there is no point system. Every applicant is on the same level playing field for those permit(s). For nonresidents, there is only one desert bighorn sheep license available in Unit S62. If you apply for desert bighorn sheep, you cannot also apply for and build points for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain goat, and moose utilize a preference point/weighted point system to allocate licenses. Preference/weighted points are species-specific.
For these species, applicants can build up to three maximum preference points; after which, they will receive weighted bonus points for each year they apply for a hunt and purchase the weighted point. Applicants must build three preference points before they have the possibility to draw a license for bighorn sheep, mountain goat, or bull moose. The drawing for licenses is random, with the weighted points giving applicants statistically better odds of drawing; however, any applicant who applies with three preference points could, in theory, draw a license. As stated, once you have accumulated three preference points, you are eligible to draw. In the years following, you can apply and choose not to purchase the weighted preference point. You will still have a random chance, but you will not have to pay the point fee. Your odds of drawing over time would not increase if you do not buy the weighted points, but it's worth reviewing the draw odds from three points to the maximum number of points to see if purchasing the point is worth the incremental gain in draw odds.
How do weighted points help you in the draw? Each application received in the system is assigned a six-digit number. That number is then inverted, so that the order in which the application was received does not affect the draw. After the application number is inverted, it is converted to a new number using a random number replacement sequence. That number is then divided by the number of weighted preference points plus one. An applicant with three preference points and no weighted points will have their application divided by one. Thus, the more weighted points you have, the better your chances of getting a lower number.
After the final application numbers are assigned, all applicants with three preference points are grouped together, final application numbers are then sorted from lowest to highest, and the lowest-numbered applications are considered and given licenses until all licenses are allocated.
Let's look at an example. Applicant Lane has three preference points and 12 weighted preference points. Let’s suggest that Lane's application number is 9,045. His application number is then inverted to 5,409. That number is then converted to a random number by means of a random number replacement sequence. Lane's new number may be 3164. That number is then divided by 13 (12 weighted preference points plus one). Lane's final application number is 3,164/13 = 243
If Lane had 20 weighted points in the same situation, his final application number would be 3,164/21 = 150
You can see that the more weighted points an applicant has, the better the odds of getting a lower random number in the draw and, possibly, a license in the draw.
Overall, weighted points do increase your chances, but it all depends on the random number that is generated for your application during the initial stages. Even if you only have the three preference points and no weighted points, you have a chance in the draw. Be aware that if you fail to apply for any big game species for ten years, your points will be purged.
Group applications are not permitted for moose or desert bighorn sheep. However, two applicants can apply as a group for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and mountain goat. Residents and nonresidents cannot apply together. The group leader must submit their application first, and all group members must use the same leader and select the same hunt choices to be considered as a group in the draw. The group will enter the draw with the lowest number of points among its members. If any member lacks enough preference points to be eligible for the draw, the entire group’s application will be disqualified. We do not recommend applying as a group for these species.
If you draw a desert bighorn sheep license and successfully harvest one, you are ineligible to apply for another in your lifetime. For a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep license, if you harvest a ram with at least a half-curl, you cannot apply again for five years. Similarly, if you draw and harvest a mountain goat, you’ll be ineligible to apply again for five years. If you harvest an antlered moose, you cannot apply again for an antlered or either-sex moose license for the rest of your life. However, if you don’t harvest, there is no waiting period to apply again for these species.
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
Colorado is home to a healthy population of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, which has remained stable for the most part. There has been some decline due to disease in units north of I-70 in recent years. The statewide population of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep is estimated to be slightly over 7,000.
Going into 2026, Colorado will allocate 308 Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep licenses, which is an increase of two over the previous year. The number of ram licenses will be decreased by four, while the number of ewe licenses will increase by six. Unlike some other states, Colorado's management strategy doesn’t prioritize producing trophy rams. Rams harvested in the western portion of the state often reflect reduced horn growth due to the harsher weather conditions that they contend with annually. Eastern rams have better feed, better survival, and thus better horn growth. Colorado aims to manage rams in the six-to-eight-year-old age range and to aggressively manage populations through hunting to reduce the risk of disease. Typical trophy rams measure between 155” and 165”, but there are rams harvested that exceed 170”.
There are some units that will be closed in 2026 and a few new opportunities as well. Unit S35 will be closed due to low overall sheep numbers and very few mature rams observed during surveys. Unit S42 has had a second season for sheep, and that hunt has also been removed. Unit S79 is also being removed completely to allow the population to grow into a more sustainable, huntable population.
In the win column, Unit S3 sheep populations have continued to grow, and it will have a nonresident archery ewe license available as well as two ram and five ewe resident archery licenses. Unit S34 will utilize a new season date strategy to hopefully increase the opportunity for sheep hunters to succeed. The first archery season hunt in that unit will occur four weeks later than normal, and the second archery season for residents will start one week later. The new hunt dates will hopefully reduce the pressure hunters feel from recreational hikers and encourage sheep to remain on public, accessible lands.
Colorado offers both archery and rifle licenses for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. The opportunity to draw an archery-specific license is a unique option, with only a couple of states in the west offering archery-specific hunts for bighorn sheep. While the draw odds for these archery hunts are slightly better, they still remain challenging. Harvesting a ram using a bow is very difficult in many units due to the steep, timbered terrain.
The terrain where these sheep thrive is often remote and steep, making access and hunting particularly tough. While there are some less physically demanding hunting options near the eastern plains, the odds of drawing tags in these areas are generally lower. Overall, Colorado is an excellent state to apply for bighorn sheep hunts, and if this species is on your bucket list, we strongly recommend you apply. Keep in mind that while the odds are tough, you can’t draw a tag if you don’t apply.
Colorado’s bighorn sheep population has remained relatively stable in recent years. The state has done an excellent job managing this sensitive, disease-prone species. In 2023, the population was reported at 6,982 bighorn sheep. In 2024, the statewide population was estimated at 7,060 and was approximately 7,047 in 2025. Where populations have been impacted, Colorado has been proactive, adjusting permit numbers to ensure proper management.
Many people say that the hardest part of a sheep hunt in the western US is securing a permit, and I’d agree. While it remains challenging to draw a sheep tag in Colorado, certain areas offer hunts that are physically demanding and difficult, thus odds are slightly better in those areas. When deciding which units or hunts to apply for, it’s crucial to review the Unit Profiles. Take a look at the terrain, access, and recent harvest success rates. In addition to these factors, consider the trophy potential, population sizes, and available permits listed in the table below and weigh those against your personal objectives.
2026 maximum weighted preference points for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep: 25
When reviewing the standalone draw odds for a bighorn sheep license in Colorado within your Insider account, be sure to base your review on the number of points you have. For example, if you have three preference points and nine weighted points, you should check the odds at the 12-point level. We’ve factored in the complexities of the draw process and simplified the information for easy review.
Generally, archery hunts tend to have better draw odds due to the greater difficulty in finding success. In some areas, bighorn sheep can be challenging to locate consistently. Rams often stay in timber and steep, rugged terrain, making them hard to find, spot, and stalk. Do your research and think about your goals. If your primary objective is to harvest a ram, you may want to focus on rifle hunts, paying close attention to harvest success rates. If the experience of the hunt itself is your main goal, archery hunts might be the right choice.
There are four desert bighorn sheep units in Colorado, and only one of which is available for nonresidents to apply for and hunt. There will be one nonresident license once again in Unit S62 in 2026. There are no archery seasons for desert bighorn sheep. All seasons are rifle hunts.
Trophy potential is average when compared to other states like Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico; however, a mature 155” to 165” class ram is realistic. Harvest success rates are typically 100%.
Note: Applicants cannot apply for both desert and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in the same year. If you apply for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, you have the option to build points; there is no point system for desert bighorn sheep. The draw for desert bighorn sheep is random; every applicant has an equal chance to draw.
There is no point system in place for desert bighorn sheep. With only four units to choose from for residents, study the Unit Profiles and Draw Odds to find the best option. The odds for Unit S64 were the best for residents at 0.42%. Note: Nonresidents can only apply for Unit S62 in 2026, and the draw odds for that hunt were 0.04% last year.
Colorado’s moose populations represent a major success story in western big game management, with current numbers and impressive trophy potential. It's hard to say what the future of moose hunting looks like in Colorado. The reintroduction of wolves in Colorado has failed by most accounts, and by that I mean the cost of that program has well exceeded budget, and a number of the reintroduced wolves have died. The state is still trying to decide exactly how to continue introducing wolves, but currently, there isn't a clear path. In my opinion, that's good news for moose populations, but if Colorado continues to introduce wolves and the populations grow, moose will be the first species to decline. Moose calves are easy prey for wolves, and it's going to be hard to watch what is a thriving population rapidly tank as wolves become more established.
Currently, the statewide population is estimated at 3,620, with nearly every hunting unit capable of producing bulls with a 40” spread, and an increasing number each year approaching the 50” mark.
Hunters lucky enough to draw a bull moose license have the unique opportunity to hunt across all three seasons—archery, muzzleloader, and rifle—until their quota is met. This flexibility allows hunters to carefully choose the bull they wish to harvest. While the nonresident license fee can seem high, considering the current state of Colorado’s moose population, it’s an investment that’s well worth it. I highly recommend applying and hoping for success in the draw!
2025 moose population data not available as of March 6, 2026.
Colorado is a great state to hunt and harvest a trophy-class bull — if you are lucky enough to draw a license. Almost every unit can produce a 40”+ bull.
When it comes to bull or either-sex moose, there aren't many hidden gems in terms of draw odds. The odds for securing a bull moose license are tough, and even cow moose licenses are hard to draw. To improve your chances, use Filtering to research harvest success by unit. Digging deeper into each Unit Profile will help you identify the best options for your hunt. Be sure to consider factors such as terrain, the percentage of public land, and access. Also, reviewing the standalone draw odds will give you a better sense of the more favorable opportunities.
The preference point race
2026 maximum weighted points for moose: 25
Mountain goat populations have decreased somewhat from an estimated population in 2024 of 1,565 to 1,390 in 2025. Colorado's management plan is conservative, which has led to a reduction in permits this year. Populations across the state’s various herd management units vary, as shown in the table below. While Colorado may not offer abundant trophy potential with few record-book billies harvested, access to high country is generally good, and harvest success rates remain consistently high.
Some units offer archery-only or female-only hunts with slightly better draw odds, though the difference is marginal. It’s also important to note that some units restrict hunting to weekdays only due to the increasing presence of recreational hikers and backpackers, reflecting Colorado's strong outdoor recreation culture. As a result, hunters may encounter a significant number of onlookers, which can deviate from the secluded, off-the-beaten-path experience typically associated with mountain goat hunting.
Despite the relatively high cost of a nonresident mountain goat license, it still offers a more affordable option compared to guided hunts in places like British Columbia or Alaska. For those willing to invest in the license fee, I highly recommend applying for a mountain goat hunt in Colorado.
As previously noted, Colorado does not produce many trophy-quality billies. Top units are a combination of healthy populations, available permits, and some consideration of trophy potential.
The preference point race
2026 maximum weighted preference points for mountain goat: 25
When checking the standalone draw odds for a mountain goat license in Colorado within your Insider account, make sure to consider your total points. For instance, if you have three preference points and nine weighted points, you should review the odds at the 12-point level. We’ve taken the draw process into account and incorporated these details into our odds, presenting them in a clear and easy-to-understand format.
New resident bull and cow moose hunts for units 55 and 551
New resident wilderness-only moose hunt in Unit 66
New cow moose hunt for unit grouping 48, 56, 481, and 561
New resident bull moose for Unit 79
For moose, Unit 79 has been removed from unit grouping 68 and 681
For moose, Unit 55 has been split into east and west subunits for moose
Some moose units will have a reduced quota in 2026; a portion of the 2025 quota will be rolled over into 2026 due to wildfires in those areas
New resident and nonresident archery bighorn sheep hunt in Unit S3
New resident late archery bighorn sheep hunt in Unit S23 and S27
The Unit 34 first archery ram bighorn sheep hunt will start four weeks later. The second archery hunt will start one week later than in previous years
The Unit S59 first rifle bighorn sheep hunt will have one or both licenses set aside for hunters in 2025 that were impacted by wildfires
Unit S42 second season bighorn ram hunt has been eliminated this year
Unit S79 bighorn sheep hunts have been eliminated this year
Unit S35 bighorn sheep hunts have been eliminated this year
Rocky Mountain goat units G7, G10, G15, G16 will have license reductions this year due to low populations
Moose preference point only code: M-P-999-99-P
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep preference point only code: S-P-999-99-P
Rocky Mountain goat preference point only code: G-P-999-99-P
Save unit seasons in Filtering
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And much more!
The deadline to apply for all species in Colorado is 8:00 p.m. MT on April 7, 2026.
You can apply online here or by calling 1-800-244-5613.
Draw results for bighorn sheep and mountain goat will be available around April 23, 2026.
Draw results for moose will be available roughly from May 26 to 29, 2026
All applicants, including youth, must purchase a qualifying license before applying for the big game draw(s).
Qualifying licenses:
Annual licenses (valid March 1 to 31):
Annual resident and nonresident small game
Annual resident combination small game/fishing
Annual resident senior combination small game/fishing
Resident and nonresident spring turkey (over-the-counter (OTC) turkey licenses on sale March 1
Resident and 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 holder
Applicants do not have to front the cost of the licenses that they are applying for.
Applicants born after Jan. 1, 1949 must have completed an approved hunter’s education course before applying and must carry their hunter’s education card with them while they hunt.
Hunters over the age of 50 or military personnel who have not completed hunter’s education can take a one-time online test to test out. The cost is $34.95, and you must pass with 90%.
If you draw a license and CPW is unable to charge the credit card on file, you must pay for the license online or by phone or at a CPW office by May 7 for sheep and goat and June 12 for moose. If you do not, your license is surrendered and you lose both the license and any preference points you used to draw it.
If you draw a license you would like to return, you will have a window of time when you can decline the license if you do not want it. If you choose to keep it, payment will be charged to the card used to apply.
You can also return a license you drew for a refund or preference point restoration. You must relinquish your license and carcass tag at least 30 days before the opening day of the season for which the license is valid.
