Hunters planning to apply for 2026 Colorado big-game licenses can begin submitting applications March 1, with the primary draw period running through April 7 at 8 p.m. Mountain Time, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

The agency is urging hunters to review updates in the 2026 Colorado Big Game brochure before applying, including changes to licenses, seasons and fees.

CPW encourages applicants to submit early to avoid delays and to ensure their online accounts, contact information and payment details are current.

“The Colorado Big Game brochure is a must-have resource for planning a hunt and it’s available at all CPW office locations and online,” said Danielle Isenhart, CPW License, Reservations & Customer Operations manager. “We encourage all hunters to apply early and check their online accounts to ensure their contact information and credit card information is up to date and valid through May 2026. Hunters will receive email updates on their draw results and the status of their payments.”

Hunters who purchase a license also pay a $1.25 Colorado Backcountry Search and Rescue fee, which supports county-based search-and-rescue teams coordinated through local sheriffs’ offices.

License and draw updates

Nonresident hunters can no longer purchase over-the-counter archery elk licenses in game management units west of Interstate 25 and in GMU 140. Limited hunt codes for nonresident archery elk west of I-25 must now be obtained through the draw. Over-the-counter archery elk licenses remain available for certain GMUs east of I-25.

CPW also announced that broader changes to the state’s draw system, approved by the Parks and Wildlife Commission, will take effect in 2028. The changes are intended to reduce complexity and address preference point concerns.

Bison classification change

The commission approved regulations classifying wild bison as both livestock and wildlife following passage of the 2025 Protect Wild Bison Act. Free-ranging bison that naturally enter Colorado will now be managed as wildlife under CPW authority, specifically as a big-game species. Privately owned herds will continue to be managed as livestock. CPW is not proposing regular bison hunting seasons at this time.

Chronic wasting disease testing

Mandatory submission of chronic wasting disease test samples will be required in 2026 for elk harvested during rifle seasons in certain hunt codes. There will be no mandatory CWD testing for harvested deer. There is no charge for mandatory testing.

Hunters who voluntarily submit deer or elk for CWD testing will pay a $25 fee, though testing fees will be waived for all moose statewide and for elk from certain hunt codes within GMUs selected for mandatory testing.

Wolves and legal penalties

CPW reminded hunters that gray wolves are present in Colorado and are protected under both state law and the federal Endangered Species Act. Wolves have been released north and south of Interstate 70 and are known to travel widely.

State penalties for illegally killing a gray wolf can include civil penalties of at least $1,000, criminal fines of up to $100,000, imprisonment for up to one year and suspension of hunting privileges for up to life. Federal penalties can include civil penalties of up to $25,000, criminal fines of up to $50,000, imprisonment for up to one year and revocation of federal permits.

Hunters with information about the illegal killing of a wolf are encouraged to contact a local CPW office.

Planning resources

Hunters with questions about setting up accounts or applying for licenses can contact CPW’s call center at 303-297-1192 during weekday business hours. Additional information and brochures are available on CPW’s website.

CPW noted that harvest data from 2025-26 seasons will not be available until mid-March, and final license quotas for several species will not be determined until the May 2026 commission meeting.