Colorado Hunting Information Licenses

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Colorado Hunting Licensing

Colorado offers various types of big game licenses such as Limited Licenses, Over-the-Counter Licenses, Private-Land-Only Licenses and more. The Colorado big game draw deadline is generally early April each year. Colorado offers a simple to use online application system as well as paper applications. The online system requires the use of a credit card while the paper allows for payment with a check. You do not have to purchase a hunting license to be eligible for the draw. They do charge hunters for the entire big game tag fee upfront. If you don't draw the tag you applied for, you will be refunded all your money except for a small application fee. Colorado offers a points only choice which allows hunters to build preference points without drawing a tag. However, you still have to front the money for the tag for a couple of months. After the drawing is over they will refund all your tag money except for a small bonus point fee. If you want to hunt Bighorn Sheep, Shiras Moose or Rocky Mountain Goat Colorado requires you apply for 3 years before you are eligible to even draw a tag.

All hunters born after Jan. 1, 1949 must have a valid Hunter Education card or certification with them in the field at all times.

Colorado Big Game License Options, Licenses to Meet Your Needs!

Things to remember
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When hunters and anglers purchase a hunting or fishing license, they will also need to purchase a Habitat Stamp. When purchased with a license, the cost is $5, and is required on the first two licenses purchased in a calendar year.
If you bought a license in 2003 or afterwards, your Customer Identification Number (CID) is on the license. If you have a Conservation Certificate (CC), you can still use that number to apply. The number is in the upper right corner of the CC.
As required by the Colorado support Enforcement Act, established by HB 97-1205 and implemented through 24-33-110 C.R.S., your Social Security number (SSN) is required to purchase or apply for all DOW licenses. Your SSN is not shown on your license. It is provided when requested to the Colorado Department of Human Services, Child Support Enforcement, as required by law and is used to enforce the law.
Each year the Colorado Wildlife Commission meets in January to make final decisions on possible new regulation changes pertaining to hunting. Hunters need to be aware that new regulations may apply each year. Be sure to check the big game season information brochure for more specific information.
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(Be sure to check the Big Game Regulations Brochure page for specific rules and regulations. The brochure page also has links to changes and corrections to the brochure that were made after printing.)
Limited Licenses:
Limited in number for specific units (GMUs) and dates. Applications and payment for these licenses are due by April 7, 2009; the drawing results are available, online, in June.

Over-The-Counter Licenses (Unlimited Licenses):
No application or drawings are necessary for these licenses. They are available online, by phone (800/244-5613), at DOW offices, and at license agents starting July 14, 2009 at 9 a.m.

Over-the-Counter Licenses with Caps:
No application or drawings are necessary. A pre-set number of these licenses are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sold online, by phone (800/244-5613), at DOW offices, and at license agents starting July 14, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.

Leftover Limited Licenses:
Any limited licenses that are left after the drawing can be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis. Sold by phone (800/244-5613), at DOW offices, and at license agents starting at 9:00 a.m. August 11, 2009 and online August 12, 2009.

Private-Land-Only Licenses:
Available only by application and drawing; applications must be made by April 7, 2009; valid for specific units (GMUs) and dates on private land and State Trust Lands not leased by the DOW. You must obtain landowner permission before hunting on private land. Ranching for Wildlife licenses (below) are not private-land-only licenses.

Ranching for Wildlife:
Available only to Colorado residents by application and drawing (for specific seasons and ranches); valid for specific units (GMUs) and dates. Each ranch has specific rules for hunting on their property. Check Ranching for Wildlife ranch restrictions before applying.

Note: The DOW conducts big game counts with fixed-wing airplanes and helicopters in late seasons. These counts must occur at this time and may disperse animals. (Late season licenses contain an "L" in the hunt code.)

Before you apply for or purchase a license or apply for a preference point:
Everyone born on or after January 1, 1949, must hold a valid hunter education card/certificate before applying for or purchasing any hunting license or before applying for a preference point. Your hunter education card/certificate and the appropriate license(s) must be in your possession while hunting. For details, see the Hunter Education pages.

As required by the Colorado support Enforcement Act, established by HB 97-1205 and implemented through 24-33-110 C.R.S., your Social Security Number (SSN) is required to purchase or apply for all DOW licenses. Your SSN is not shown on your license. It is provided, when requested, to the Colorado Department of Human Services, Child Support Enforcement, as required by law and is used to enforce the law.

Be aware, also, that a photo I.D. is required for all license purchases made in person.