April 1: Colorado Big Game Hunting Application Deadline Approaches

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has announced that hunters have until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, to submit applications for the 2025 big game hunting primary draw. This deadline applies to both new applications and any necessary corrections.

CPW offers licenses for ten big game species, including elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, desert bighorn sheep, mountain goats, moose, pronghorn, black bears, and mountain lions. The primary draw operates on a preference point system, allowing hunters to apply for up to four hunt choices per species. Those unsuccessful in the primary draw will have another opportunity through the secondary draw, which begins June 30.

In the summer of 2024, the CPW Commission approved a new season structure for big game hunting that will span from 2025 through 2029. These changes include adjustments to over-the-counter archery hunting for non-residents, revised season dates, and additional hunting opportunities. Hunters are strongly encouraged to review the updated regulations to ensure compliance ahead of the season.

Applications can be submitted online at the CPW website or by calling 1-800-244-5613. For detailed information on application procedures, fees, and changes for the 2025 season, hunters should consult CPW’s official big game resources.

Hunters are advised to apply early to avoid last-minute issues and to ensure all personal and hunt information is accurate. Applying early helps streamline the process and ensures compliance with the April 1 deadline.

Sources:

•Colorado Parks and Wildlife – Buy & Apply

•Colorado Parks and Wildlife – Big Game

•Original News Article on PostIndependent.com

Tom R

Tom is a former Navy Corpsman that spent some time bumbling around the deserts of Iraq with a Marine Recon unit, kicking in tent flaps and harassing sheep. Before that, he was a paramedic somewhere in DFW, also doing some Executive Protection work between shifts. Now that those exciting days are behind him, he has embraced his inner “Warrior Hippie,” and assaults 14er in his sandals, and engages in rucking adventure challenges while consuming copious water. To fund these adventures, he writes all manner of content (having also held editor positions at several publications) and teaches wilderness medicine and off-road skills. He hopes that his posts will help you find the gear that will survive whatever you can throw at it (and the training to use it). Learn from his mistakes--he is known (in certain circles) for his curse...ahem, ability...to find the breaking point of anything. You can follow him at https://linktr.ee/docrader.