Information to learn about Colorado's draw system for big game hunts to help you prepare to apply
Colorado has long been a primary destination for hunters thanks to its healthy game populations, great trophy potential, and beautiful landscapes. Hunters will find a plethora of opportunities here, depending on the species they are hunting. Mule deer and elk are among the most popular species, but the state also offers opportunities for antelope, desert and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Shiras moose, Rocky Mountain goat, and more.
There are some over-the-counter tags available, but the majority of tags available will need to be drawn. Colorado primarily uses a classic preference point system but also uses a modified points system that uses weighted points for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and moose.
Before applying, it's essential to understand the state's draw and point system thoroughly. By carefully planning and strategically using your points, you can enhance your chances of drawing a tag and experiencing Colorado’s renowned hunting adventures. Be sure to check out our Application Strategy articles to learn in-depth research and application tips when it comes time to apply in Colorado.
Colorado utilizes two different draw systems depending on the species you are applying for. A classic preference point system is used for most species, including deer, elk, antelope, and black bear.
Tags for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and moose are drawn using a modified weighted point system.
There is no points system for desert bighorn sheep tags, which are drawn randomly.
With the preference point system, all of the available tags are distributed to the highest point holders first. For example, an applicant with two points will not draw a tag before an applicant with three points in the same draw. Preference points are accrued each year an applicant is unsuccessful or if an applicant simply chose to apply for a point only on their application. Points will be removed from your account once a tag is drawn.
Included in the preference point draws is the hybrid draw. The hybrid draw is a way for the state to offer some lower point opportunities on some of the most coveted tags in the state. During the draw, for hunt codes that require 10 or more resident preference points to draw (based on a rolling three-year average for the previous three limited license draws with a one-year lag), up to 20% of the tags will be issued through a random drawing. Nonresident caps still apply. There are some requirements hunters also need to meet:
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 first build three preference points; after which, they have a random chance to draw a license.
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 low number of applications are considered and given licenses until all licenses are allocated.
Unless there is an insufficient number of resident applications, nonresident hunters shall receive no more than 25% of available deer, elk, bear and antelope licenses for hunt codes requiring fewer than six preference points for resident hunters to draw in the regular drawing, and no more than 20% of available deer, elk, bear and antelope licenses for hunt codes requiring six or more preference points for resident hunters to draw in the regular drawing as calculated using a rolling three-year average for the previous three limited license draws with a one year lag.
Nonresidents are limited to 10% of the total number of moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat licenses.
Colorado allows each applicant to select up to four hunt choices on his or her application. All first choice applications are considered before any remaining hunt choice selections are. Drawing a tag as a second, third, or fourth choice does not remove your accrued points.
Group applications of any number are accepted for deer, elk, antelope and black bear. Residents and nonresidents can apply together. When a resident and nonresident apply together on a group application, the nonresident license comes out of the nonresident quota for that hunt. One person must be the group leader and all applications in that group are linked together with that group leader’s CID number. Every member of the group must apply for the same hunt at each choice. The group application will go into the draw with the lowest number of preference points of any single member of the group. This means that if a group of three apply and they have one, seven, and 12 points, the application will go into the draw with one point. Colorado Parks and Wildlife will not over-allocate licenses to cover a group application if there aren’t enough licenses left. For example, if there were two licenses left and an application for a group of three was selected, they would reject that application and move to the next applicant.
Group applications are not allowed for moose or desert bighorn sheep. Two applicants are allowed to apply as a group for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and mountain goat. Residents and nonresidents cannot apply together. If one applicant does not have enough preference points to be considered in the draw, the application will not be in the actual draw. We do not advise applicants to apply as a group for these species.
Learn more information about hunting applications, draw systems, hunt regulations, tag allocations, and more in our State Profile sections:
Hunters must have a minimum of five preference points for the species they wish to apply for to be eligible for the hybrid draw.
Hunters must apply individually.
Group applications are not accepted.
