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 the counter, many of the premier hunting opportunities in Colorado are found through its highly competitive draw system. This is why you need to apply and build valuable preference points in Colorado!
- Deadline to Apply: April 7, 2026.
- Draw Post Date: Early June (staggered by species).
- WTA TAGS Species: Mule Deer, Whitetail Deer, Elk, Pronghorn, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Desert Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, Shiras Moose.
- Youth: Must be 12 years old by the start date of the hunt.
- Hunter’s Safety: Required if born after January 1, 1949.
- Point System: Preference point system for elk, deer, and antelope tags. Tags are allocated to the highest point holders per unit. For moose, sheep, and goat tags, three loyalty points must be accrued to be considered in the drawing. Once eligible for the draw it essentially turns into a bonus point system where drawing odds increase each year of application.
Changes Coming in 2028
We are preparing for changes that have been approved and will take effect in 2028. Here is a short summary.
Deer, Elk, Bear, Pronghorn, and Turkey
Primary Draw Methods
- Split Draw – The quota for each hunt code will be divided 50%/50%. Half of the quota will be allocated to a preference point draw, and the other half to a bonus draw. If the quota cannot be evenly split, the remaining license will be used for the preference point draw.
Tag Allocation for Residents and Non-Residents
- The non-resident allocation for all deer, elk, bear, pronghorn, and turkey licenses will be 25%, unless there is insufficient demand to reach the 75% resident allocation.
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, and Moose
Primary Draw Methods
- A 100% bonus draw will be used for all Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and moose license hunt codes. This new draw method will replace the previous weighted draw for these species.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Harvest
- License holders who harvest any antlered moose, bighorn sheep ram, or mountain goat on an either-sex license will not be eligible to draw another male or either-sex license for the same species in the future. Exceptions to this policy include auction and raffle licenses, private land tags issued under the Bighorn Sheep Access Program, and control/special management licenses approved by the Division. This policy change is not retroactive, but applies to license holders moving forward.
At WTA TAGS, we provide professional tag application services for some of the best hunting opportunities Colorado has to offer. From bighorn sheep to mule deer, each hunt can be tailored to your specific needs. Here are some of our top recommendations:
Colorado Elk in Unit 40
Colorado is often referred to as the elk hunting capital of the world, and this hunt is one of the reasons why. Unit 40 in Colorado is renowned for producing trophy elk, making it one of the most coveted hunting areas in the state. This unit features rugged, varied terrain where mature bulls roam the dense oak brush and towering pine forests. It’s a physically demanding hunt, but the thrill of hearing a massive bull bugle through the mountains is an experience that few hunters will forget. With bulls regularly exceeding 300 inches, Unit 40 offers a true shot at a trophy elk. Although drawing odds are tough (needing 25+ points depending on season) those who secure a tag can expect an exceptional hunt.
High Country Mule Deer in Gunnison Basin
Hunting mule deer in the Gunnison Basin is a world-class experience that draws serious sportsmen from across the country. Known for its expansive sagebrush flats, dense aspen groves and rugged hillsides, the Gunnison Basin is home to some of the largest mule deer in Colorado. This hunt requires physical endurance, as the bucks tend to inhabit remote, hard-to-reach areas. However, the opportunity to pursue a mature trophy buck, often measuring over 170 inches, makes the effort worth every step. While drawing odds for these premium units can be tough—taking 18-26 points depending on the season—the potential for a once-in-a-lifetime mule deer hunt in this iconic region keeps hunters coming back year after year.
Eastern Plains Mule Deer
Hunting mule deer on Colorado’s Eastern Plains offers a unique and rewarding experience for hunters seeking trophy bucks. The wide-open expanses of agricultural fields, rolling prairies, and river bottoms provide prime habitat for some of the largest mule deer in the country. Unlike the rugged high country, this hunt involves spot-and-stalk tactics across flatter terrain, making it less physically demanding but no less challenging. Drawing odds for these plains units are more reasonable, taking anywhere from one to eight preference points. Hunting with an outfitter is highly recommended for the best chance at harvesting a true trophy mule deer, especially since much of the land where these deer reside is privately owned and difficult to access. An experienced outfitter can provide access to prime hunting areas, significantly increasing your chances of success.
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, and Shiras Moose
Colorado is a top destination for big game hunters, offering exceptional opportunities for bighorn sheep, mountain goat and Shiras moose. The state leads the lower 48 by issuing the most non-resident Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep tags, thanks to its thriving and well- managed sheep population. When it comes to moose hunting, Colorado ranks second in the U.S. for non-resident tags but first in antler quality. The Shiras moose being produced in Colorado are among the largest in North America. Additionally, Colorado’s mountain goat numbers continue to grow, offering hunters more opportunities to pursue this elusive high-alpine species. With its abundant wildlife and generous tag allocations, Colorado remains a must apply state for sportsmen wanting to hunt moose, sheep and goat.
If you’ve been dreaming of hunting in Colorado’s rugged backcountry or chasing big game in some of the most breathtaking terrain in the West, applying for Colorado’s limited-entry tags is your best bet. Whether you’re pursuing elk, mule deer, or one of Colorado’s more elusive species like Shiras moose, bighorn sheep, or mountain goat, WTA TAGS is here to guide you through the application process and then connect you with the top outfitters once you draw.
It all starts with a phone call. Contact us today at 1-800-755-8247 and let’s start making your Colorado hunting dreams a reality.
