Colorado hunters have one week to submit big-game draw applications
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding hunters statewide that the deadline to submit a big-game draw application in the 2026 primary draw is April 7, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. MST. Applications must be submitted online at cpwshop.com.
The April 7 draw deadline caps the application window that opened March 1 for the 2026 big-game season.
Hunters who have already submitted applications are encouraged to review their receipts to verify the submission was completed correctly. Corrections are permitted through the April 7 deadline via a cpwshop.com account.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has published a Big Game Application Guide to assist hunters through the application process. Landowners wishing to apply for licenses through the Landowner Preference Program must also submit 2026 applications online through their landowner account, using the LPP Application Guide as a reference.
The 2026 Big Game brochure serves as the primary resource for hunt codes, regulations, and changes applicable to all applicants. Colorado Parks and Wildlife encourages hunters to submit applications early to allow agency staff ample time to assist if any complications arise.
Hunters can review CPW’s hunting statistics from previous draws to help maximize their draw potential. An online version of the Colorado Outdoors Preference Point Issue is also available as a planning resource.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife also encourages hunters to watch the “What’s New” video for the 2026 big-game seasons and to review the “What’s New” pages in both the 2026 Big Game brochure and the 2026 Sheep and Goat brochure for a full list of game management unit-specific changes.
The 2026 application process reflects ongoing adjustments to big-game management, as Colorado Parks and Wildlife has been seeking public input on hunting rule changes over the past year.
Note: License quotas will not be finalized until the May 2026 Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting, after staff have completed analysis of population survey data.
Plan Your Hunt
Hunters with questions about account setup, hunt planning, or license applications may contact CPW call center agents Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MST at 303-297-1192. Additional hunting resources are available at cpw.state.co.us/hunting/big-game.
