The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission has announced significant changes to the draw system for hunting licenses, which will take effect in 2028. This revamp aims to address longstanding challenges with the current preference point-based allocation system, introducing a more balanced and accessible process for both residents and non-residents alike. These new regulations are designed to provide an adaptive framework while preserving opportunities for hunters of varying point levels.
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With the new system, the longstanding ability to sandbag points by applying for a points-only code while simultaneously hunting on a second or third choice will be eliminated. Applicants must now decide whether to either apply for points or enter the draw for specific hunts. This forces hunters to prioritize their hunting goals and reduces the ability to "game" the system.
Non-residents will now be required to pay a $30 fee for each preference point per species, while residents will incur a $15 fee. This was a controversial decision by the commission, as it significantly increases the cost for applicants aiming to build points, making hunting in Colorado more expensive. The potential for backlash from residents may yet encourage a reevaluation of this aspect.
For species like Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, moose, and mountain goat, Colorado will combine preference and weighted points into a single point system. However, a three-year waiting period will still be required before hunters are eligible to enter these draws. Additionally, hunters will only be able to draw one male or either-sex license of these species in their lifetime starting in 2028.
The updated rules reinforce a 75-25 allocation split between residents and non-residents on first and second choices during the draw. After the second choice, tags will be distributed without regard to residency. This is an attempt to prevent the over-allocation of tags to non-residents that has occasionally occurred in the past.
To streamline the process for returned tags, Colorado plans to implement an opt-in auto reissue system. Applicants can elect to automatically accept and pay for tags returned up to two before the season, with points burned if the issued tag was a first-choice application. This system mimics successful programs in states like Nevada and aims to minimize unused tags.
Hunters navigating Colorado's system should anticipate a dynamic few years ahead. For those sitting on a high number of points, it may be wise to prioritize units within reach, as the predictable point thresholds of the past will shift unpredictably in response to the new random allocation component. Conversely, lower-point holders may view the changes as an opportunity to target high-demand units they previously had no chance of drawing.
While the changes make access to Colorado’s hunting opportunities more equitable overall, they also create uncertainty and complexity for seasoned applicants accustomed to the previous structure. Hunters should begin adjusting now, keeping an eye on unit trends and draw odds to make the most informed decisions possible.
Though controversial, Colorado’s draw system overhaul reflects an effort to balance fairness, sustainability, and hunter satisfaction. By introducing a 50-50 split and addressing point creep issues, the new framework is designed to support a broader diversity of applicants while preserving the value of accumulated points. With careful planning and adaptability, hunters of all levels can continue to find rewarding opportunities in Colorado’s vast landscapes.
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