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Colorado Hunting Information
When it comes to big game hunting, Colorado stands in a class of its own. With endless opportunity across the Centennial State, it’s nothing short of a hunter’s paradise. But to unlock its full potential, you must first understand the point systems that govern the draw.
For elk, deer, and antelope, Colorado runs on a pure preference point system—meaning the applicant with the most points claims the tag. Four points will never beat five, and year after year the competition builds. For moose, sheep, and goat, the system shifts. You’ll first need to earn three “loyalty points” just to be considered. From there, it becomes a bonus point game: draw odds increase with each point you carry, but luck can strike at any time.
Because of this structure, every serious sportsman should be building Colorado points for every species of interest. The opportunities are simply too great to ignore. WTA TAGS knows precisely how many preference points it takes to draw the best units, and we’ve partnered with top-tier outfitters across Colorado’s most coveted GMUs. Whether your dream is trophy elk, mule deer, antelope, or even the state’s robust offerings of Rocky Mountain bighorn, Shiras moose, and mountain goat—Colorado is a must-apply state.
Let WTA TAGS be your guide. Call 1-800-755-8247 today, and we’ll chart your path to success in Colorado. And don’t forget—applications for kids are always FREE, and female applicants receive 50% off.
Colorado Application Information
- Species: WTA TAGS offers application assistance for the following species in Colorado: Elk, Mule Deer, Whitetail Deer, Antelope, Black Bear, Shiras Moose, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Desert Bighorn Sheep and Mt. Goat.
- Point System: Deer, elk, antelope, bear: True preference point system. Moose, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, and Mt Goat: Applicants must first earn three loyalty points before entering the weighted draw. (There is no point system in place for Desert Bighorn Sheep)
- Party Applications: Group applications are unlimited and allowed for most species (with the exception moose or Desert Bighorn Sheep. Group applications are not recommended for Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep or Mt. Goat). Group applications are considered at the lowest point total in the group.
- Hunter’s Safety Card Requirement: Hunter education is required for anyone born on or after January 1, 1949 and must be in your position at time of application. Apprentice licenses and test-out options exist for older hunters.
- Youth: You must be 12 years old to hunt big game in Colorado and youth applicants may begin building points at the age of 11 as long as they turn 12 years old before the end of the hunting season.
Colorado is truly a special place for the avid sportsman. Here at the WTA TAGS office we often refer to it as “The Opportunity State.” It truly has something for all.
The mule deer species is the standout in this state. A true giant can turn up anywhere – from the Eastern Plains to the Western Slope. The key here is to build up those valuable preference points. Every sportsman who is serious about someday hunting a big muley should have this plan in place. Because of this widespread opportunity, a high-quality mule deer tag can be drawn much sooner than in other Western states.
Regardless of whether you have just a few elk preference points or two decades worth, WTA TAGS probably has a solution for you. From the famed northwest corner, to the units encompassing RMNP, to anywhere in between, we represent quality elk outfitters all over the state. Give us a call – we can help.
Regarding the moose, sheep, and mountain goat category – Colorado is a “must apply state” for the non-resident. With approximately 20 non-resident sheep tags (including the only state to have dedicated archery tags) and 15 to 20 goat tags given annually, the odds of drawing are some of the best in the west. Also, the sheer size of Colorado’s Shiras moose will get anyone’s blood pumping. Get started on building those three loyalty points today – the sooner the better!
Building preference points is the name of the game in Colorado. If you have them and need outfitter recommendations or if you want to get started, so you can someday hunt the Centennial State – give us a call today – we are here to help.
Colorado Application Deadlines
Antelope, Deer, Elk, Goat, Moose and Sheep
April 7, 2026
Secondary Draw
June 30, 2026
Colorado Species: Antelope, Bear, Bighorn Sheep, Deer, Elk, Mt. Goat, Moose
Apply for Colorado’s Limited-Entry Big Game Tags
When it comes to big game hunting, Colorado is often at the forefront of every sportsman’s mind. With its diverse landscapes, from the iconic Rocky Mountains to the expansive eastern plains, Colorado offers a range of hunting opportunities for both residents and non-residents. While some tags can be acquired over
Draw your Colorado hunting tag. Find the right Colorado guide.
Top 5 Advantages to using WTA TAGS
1. Dedicated Consultant
Each client is assigned a dedicated WTA TAGS Consultant. Our Consultants are the absolute experts in this field and valuable to have in your corner.
2. Peace Of Mind
Your applications will always be submitted on time and with your best interest at heart. If drawn, you will be notified by your dedicated Consultant.
3. The Float
Several states require the applicant to submit the entire tag fee, up-front, at time of application. No worries, WTA TAGS will float the tag fee on your behalf.
4. Extensive Outfitter Network
Once drawn, you can be assured WTA TAGS has the very best outfitter network in place to consider for your world-class tag.
5. WTA TAGS Outdoor Legacy Program
Kids under 19 apply FREE, and women receive 50% off.
Apply with WTA TAGS
Expert Knowledge
1-800-755-8247
1-800-755-8247
