Colorado Draw System & Preference Points: How to Apply, Build Points & Get Tags

How Colorado's Big Game Draw Works

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) uses a limited license draw to distribute big game hunting tags for most species and units. Unlike states with simple random lotteries, Colorado's system rewards long-term commitment through point accumulation — but includes safeguards so new hunters aren't permanently locked out.

2026 Colorado Big Game Application Deadlines

Non-Resident Costs for the 2026 Draw

To enter the draw, non-residents must first pay the "entry fee," which includes a qualifying license. Even if you don't draw, you must pay for these up-front:

• Qualifying Small Game License: $104.86
• Habitat Stamp: $12.76
• Application Fee: $10.00 (per species)
• Preference Point Fee: $50.00 (if you choose to build a point instead of drawing)

The Two-Phase Draw

Colorado's draw actually operates in two phases for preference-point species:

1. Phase 1 — Preference Point Draw (80% of licenses): Applicants are sorted by the number of preference points they hold. Those with the most points draw first. If two applicants have the same number of points, a random tiebreaker determines priority.

2. Phase 2 — Random Draw (20% of licenses): The remaining 20% of licenses are distributed through a completely random draw among all remaining applicants regardless of point totals. This means a first-year applicant with zero points has a small but real chance at a premium unit tag.

This hybrid system balances rewarding dedication with maintaining accessibility.

Annual Timeline

Preference Points vs Weighted Points — The Critical Distinction

This is the most misunderstood aspect of Colorado's draw system. The rule is different depending on the species.

Preference Points (Elk, Deer, Antelope)

How it works:

• Each time you apply and are unsuccessful, you gain +1 preference point
• Each time you draw a tag, your points reset to zero
• If you don't want to apply for a tag, you can purchase a point only ($40.49 NR) to keep building
• Same-point ties are broken by random number

Weighted Points (Moose, Sheep, Goat, Bear)

Key difference: With weighted points, having more points improves your odds but never guarantees a draw. A hunter with 15 moose points might wait another 5+ years because someone with 3 points drew the tag instead.

Species-by-Species Draw Odds

Elk — Preference Points

Deer — Preference Points

Antelope — Preference Points

Once-in-a-Lifetime Species — Weighted Points

Bear — Weighted Points

Building Points as a Non-Resident — Multi-Year Strategy

For non-residents serious about hunting Colorado, building preference points is a multi-year investment. Here's the financial reality:

Annual Point-Building Costs

Example: 5-Year Point Building for Elk

Strategy tip: You can build points for multiple species simultaneously if you plan to hunt Colorado repeatedly. Many serious non-resident hunters build points for elk, deer, and antelope at the same time ($40.49 × 3 = $121.47/year in point fees on top of the qualifying license).

Smart Application Strategies

1. Apply for realistic units first — Don't burn points on trophy units unless you have enough. A cow elk tag with 0 points gets you hunting in Colorado while building experience and scouting knowledge.

2. Use the 20% random pool intentionally — Put your top-choice unit as first choice (you might get lucky in the random draw) and a realistic unit as second choice.

3. Monitor draw recap reports — CPW publishes detailed reports showing exactly how many points were required for every hunt code. Study these before applying.

4. Consider building points for multiple species — While building elk points, you may draw an antelope or cow elk tag sooner, giving you hunting experience in your target region.

Leftover License Sales — Your Second Chance

After the draw, unclaimed licenses are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. This is an excellent opportunity for:

• Hunters who didn't apply in the main draw
• Hunters who were unsuccessful and want a tag for the current year
• New hunters who missed the application deadline

How Leftover Sales Work

What's Typically Available as Leftovers?

• Cow/antlerless elk tags — Many available in most years
• Some bull archery elk tags — Increased availability starting 2025 due to NR archery moving to draw
• Doe deer tags — Usually plentiful
• Plains whitetail — Good availability
• Bear tags — Some limited tags appear
• Premium bull elk/trophy deer — Extremely rare; these almost never go to leftover

Common Mistakes That Waste Your Application

1. Forgetting the Qualifying License

You must purchase a qualifying small game license before applying. If you apply without it, your application is voided and your application fee is not refunded. Buy your qualifying license and habitat stamp in January as soon as the new license year opens.

2. Choosing Unrealistic First-Choice Units

If you have 2 elk preference points and put a unit requiring 12 points as your first choice, you've wasted your application. Study the draw recap reports to understand realistic draw odds for your point level.

3. Missing the Deadline

The application window closes in early April with no exceptions. Set calendar reminders. The CPW website can experience high traffic near the deadline, so don't wait until the last day.

4. Not Using a Second Choice

You can list a second-choice hunt code on your application. If you don't draw your first choice, your application automatically rolls to your second choice. Leaving this blank reduces your chances of drawing any tag.

5. Incorrect Personal Information

Ensure your name, date of birth, and customer ID match across all CPW records. Mismatched information can flag your application for review and potentially delay or void it.

CPW Online Application Walkthrough

Step-by-Step Process

1. Create or log into your CPW customer account at cpw.state.co.us
2. Purchase your qualifying license — Non-resident adult small game ($104.86)
3. Purchase your habitat stamp ($12.76)
4. Navigate to the draw application portal when the application window opens
5. Select your species (elk, deer, antelope, etc.)
6. Enter your first-choice hunt code — This is the specific GMU + season + sex code (e.g., "E-M-054-O2-R" for 2nd rifle bull elk in GMU 54)
7. Enter your second-choice hunt code (recommended)
8. Pay the application fee ($11.49 per species) — non-refundable
9. Confirm and submit — You'll receive a confirmation number
10. Check results in early June on your CPW account

Hunt Code Format Explained

Colorado hunt codes follow this pattern: Species-Sex-GMU-Season-Method

So: E-M-054-O2-R = Bull Elk, GMU 54, 2nd Rifle Season

Understanding this code system allows you to decode any hunt listing and find exactly the tag you want.