Colorado's Draw System

The landscape of hunting in Colorado is undergoing significant changes, with the state’s draw system being a focal point of discussion. These changes, which will begin in 2028, are designed to simplify the process, address preference point concerns, and balance requests from sportsmen. This article breaks down the key updates and what they mean for hunters applying for big game licenses in the coming years.
      

THE DRAW PROCESS WORKING GROUP: SHAPING THE FUTURE

In May 2023, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission directed the formation of the Draw Process Working Group (DWG). This group included representatives from various backgrounds: two commissioners, eight public members (residents and one non-resident), and seven staff members, two of whom served in a non-voting capacity. The DWG conducted five meetings from October 2023 to May 2024, focusing on refining draw methods, preference points, and the reissue process. I was selected as the non-resident representative and enjoyed having a voice to share knowledge and experience with various states’ draw systems with the working group.
 
Three Commission workshops, held between January and July 2024, further analyzed these changes, ensuring a comprehensive review before implementation. Changes were presented to the CPW Commission as recommendations, and the Commission voted on their decisions through multiple motions in January 2025. While some recommendations from the group were passed, some adjustments were made and some additions were made.


 

COLORADO KEY CHANGES FOR 2028 AND BEYOND

1. Primary and Secondary Draw Adjustments
The most significant updates revolve around how the primary and secondary draws will be conducted. By refining eligibility criteria and quota allocations, the system aims to ensure a fairer distribution of hunting opportunities by creating a split draw. The primary draw will now be conducted with a 50/50 split between the preference draw and the new random draw. The old hybrid draw system will be retired. Fifty percent of all licenses per hunt code will be allocated to those applicants with the highest number of points. The remaining 50% of licenses will be drawn by any applicant, with extra chances (bonus chances) based on the amount of points they have going into the draw. When an odd number of licenses are available, the preference draw will receive the majority of the licenses.
 
The Secondary Draw will remain mostly unchanged where youth applicants under the age of 18 will receive 100% preference.
 
2. Quota Adjustments
All hunt codes for elk, deer, antelope, and bear will be subject to a 75% resident and 25% non-resident allocation. No high-demand or low-demand split allocation rules will be in place anymore. Licenses for sheep, goat, and moose will remain at the 90% resident/10% resident split. These resident vs. non-resident allocations will be in effect for the first and second choice applications during the Primary Draw.
 
3. Preference Points Overhaul
Preference points, a longstanding component of Colorado's draw system, have been slightly restructured to provide better access to quality hunts for newer applicants. The modifications seek to balance opportunities for long-time applicants and new hunters entering the system. Applicants will have to decide if they want to purchase a preference point or enter the draw at the time of application. Applying for a point only as a first choice will no longer be an option.
 
The Commission also voted during the last meeting to institute a preference point fee for elk, deer, antelope, and bear with a cost of $15 each for residents and $30 each for non-residents per species. While this is directly contrary to the Draw Working Group’s recommendations, we will see if it sticks during future Commission meetings.
 
4. Sheep, Goat, and Moose Draw
The weighted draw system for highly sought-after species like bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and moose has been reviewed. Weighted points and the 3 preference points will be merged together to create just one point total for all applicants. Going forward, a bonus draw will be instituted for all draws, thus simplifying the understanding of the sheep, goat, and moose draw. The three-year minimum threshold for ram, bull moose, or either-sex goat licenses remains in effect. A once-in-a-lifetime harvest bag limit will also be created for all those who harvest a bull moose, ram sheep, or mountain goat using an either-sex license beginning in 2028.
 
5. Reissue Process Modifications
When tags are returned or left unclaimed, they will be reissued under a revised process designed to maximize efficiency and transparency. This ensures that unused tags go to deserving applicants in a timely manner. Applicants will be able to opt-in and opt-out to be considered an alternate for each hunt code they apply for during the Primary Draw. This system will be similar to Nevada’s alternate program. Licenses will be auto-reissued to those willing to accept licenses instead of going to the weekly re-issue list that has been increasingly difficult to use for non-residents to obtain licenses.


 

THE IMPACT ON COLORADO HUNTERS

For both resident and non-resident hunters, these changes bring a mixture of opportunities and challenges. The preference point adjustments could mean greater accessibility for some, while others may need to rethink their long-term strategy.
 

COLORADO HUNTING LOOKING AHEAD: IMPLEMENTATION AND ADAPTATION

As these updates roll out over the next decade, hunters must stay informed about evolving regulations and application strategies. The new split draw could drastically increase point creep for the top units that are currently demanding high preference point levels. This also means that over the next three draw years (2025, 2026, and 2027), many applicants will be trying to use their points for lesser hunts in an attempt to get out of the point creep game before the quota to top point holders is reduced.
 
While the 2028+ draw system updates introduce several shifts, they reflect a broader effort to make Colorado’s hunting opportunities more accessible and sustainable. Hunters who react to these changes with a strategic approach will be best positioned for success and will continue to hunt Colorado often.