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Colorado Parks and Wildlife will begin accepting applications for 2025 big game hunting licenses on March 1 

Colorado offers hunting opportunities for 10 big game species

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Staff Report

Jim Hinson and his son Levi load up in the ATV after a successful morning of hunting at Hayward Ranch Outfitters.
Chelsea Self/Post Independent

Starting March 1, hunters seeking a license for one of Colorado’s big game species in 2025 can submit their applications ahead of the primary draw period opening on April 1. 

Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers hunting licenses for 10 big game species: elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, desert bighorn sheep, mountain goats, moose, pronghorn, black bears and mountain lions. 

Colorado’s big game draw uses a preference point system to determine who gets limited licenses for hunting. Hunters can apply for up to four hunt choices per species. If a hunter doesn’t draw a license in the primary draw, they can apply in the secondary draw, which starts June 30.

The agency has different rules and seasons based on the region and species as well as for residents and non-residents seeking licenses.  

Last summer, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission approved new season structures for big game hunting from 2025-2029. This included changes to over-the-counter archery hunting for individuals living outside of Colorado, new season dates and new hunting opportunities. This year, the agency will also require mandatory submission from all deer harvested in certain regions to test for chronic wasting disease. 

Applications for big game licenses are available online at CPW.State.CO.US/Buy-Apply or by calling 1-800-244-5613. Information on how to apply, fees and more about the 2025 season changes can be found at CPW.State.CO.US/Big-Game. 

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