Did you not draw the tag you were hoping for or miss the April deadline to apply? For those of you who are still dreaming of coming to Colorado to hunt big game, the secondary draw is now open.
There are many elk, deer, bear and pronghorn licenses that are available. Check the details out below, and let me know what you’re hoping to pursue in Colorado this fall.
The secondary draw application period is open June 16 through June 30 at 8 p.m. MST.DENVER – Colorado hunters can now apply to draw a license in the Colorado Parks and Wildlife secondary big game draw. The secondary draw is officially live now that the annual primary big game draw results are posted.
The secondary draw is open to everyone, whether they applied for the primary draw or not. Most elk, deer, pronghorn and bear licenses not issued through the primary draw are now made available in the secondary draw.
The secondary draw gives hunters increased opportunities to hunt in the state. The old leftover draw was only available to customers who participated in the primary draw, did not draw, and only offered deer and elk licenses. The secondary draw offers two more species: bear and pronghorn licenses, in addition to deer and elk licenses. Youth hunters also have 100% preference in the secondary draw. The secondary draw processes all youth application choices prior to processing adult choices. A hunt could be completely drawn by youth before the adult application stage of the draw.
When can I apply?
The secondary draw application period began at midnight on June 16 and is open through 8 p.m. MST, on June 30.
A list of hunt codes eligible for the secondary draw is now posted online.
Any licenses remaining after the secondary draw as well as those which are eligible for public reissue (except for Ranching for Wildlife licenses) will be placed on the leftover list and available for purchase beginning at 9 a.m. MST on Aug. 3.
Applications for both the primary and secondary draws are only available online or by phone.
Identified “unsuccessful options” have been removed from the draw application process, and over-the-counter unlimited licenses will be available for purchase starting at 9 a.m. on Aug. 6.
What to know before you apply
The $7 resident and $9 nonresident application fees apply per species for the secondary draw as well as the primary draw. Hunters can apply for the secondary big game draw without having applied for the primary big game draw and don’t use any preference points if they draw a license.
A qualifying license is required. Resident and nonresident hunters must purchase or have purchased one of the following:
Qualifying license valid for Colorado residents only include:
- 2021 annual resident combination small game/fishing license
- Veteran’s lifetime resident combination small game/fishing license
- Annual resident senior combo small game/fishing (the previous licenses are valid March 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022)
- A disabled resident first responder lifetime combo small game/fishing
Additional Hunting Resources
For more information on hunting, visit cpw.state.co.us/hunt. Some additional resources to help you plan your hunt include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Colorado Hunting Atlas – View big game concentrations, motor vehicle use maps, game management units on top of street maps, USGS topographic maps or high-resolution color aerial photography. The Hunter Resource Report allows hunters to create a list of important emergency and contact information, field office locations, campgrounds, CPW’s sales agents and more.
- Colorado Hunting Statistics – Provides detailed insights into the draw results using the draw recap reports and valuable information regarding the estimated harvests and population estimates for all of our big game species.
- Elk Hunting University – CPW hosts an online educational program focusing on elk hunting in Colorado. Discover “how-to” information through a series of articles, videos and other educational tools.
- Hunter Outreach – CPW offers clinics, seminars, advice and educational hunts for novice hunters of all ages.
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife YouTube Channel – Provides videos on a variety of educational material specific to hunting, fishing, camping, and Colorado state parks.
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Mia Anstine is an outdoor writer, licensed outfitter, hunting guide, life coach, keynote speaker, and a range safety officer, firearms instructor, and archery instructor. She is the founder of MAC Outdoors and Host of the MAC Outdoors Podcast.
Mia Anstine strives to encourage others to outdoors, hunt, fish, shoot, and survive life with others in a positive way.
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Mia Anstine
MAC Outdoors LLC
PO Box 31
Ignacio, CO 81137-0031
