2026 Colorado Elk Hunting Applications
Hello there, Colorado elk hunters! Application season is almost here for Colorado. If you plan to apply for an elk hunt that isn’t over-the-counter, you’ll have from March 1, 2026, to April 7, 2026. All applications are submitted online through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) website.
Here are a few application reminders:
You’ll need to have basic identification information to apply (SSN, driver’s license).
You’ll need to show proof of having completed a state-approved Hunter Safety course before you’ll be able to purchase a license in Colorado. Doesn’t have to be a Colorado-based course. If you haven’t completed a course, most states offer an emergency type of class. If you lost your card from when you took the course, most states have a database of who’s taken their Hunter Safety course, and you can get a new card reissued.
To apply for licenses in the primary draw, you’ll have to purchase a “Qualifying License” before CPW allows you to apply for your big game license. There are several qualifying license options, but the most affordable is typically the small-game license. It would be nice if CPW eliminated this nickel-and-dime, somewhat confusing step and simply increased the cost of their big game licenses by $50-$100, as that’s really all this amounts to, but I don’t make the rules.
The Habitat Stamp is the last item you’ll be required to purchase, and this runs around $12, I believe.
Please save yourself potential hassle and ensure the credit card you plan to enter for your application will not expire in the next few months.
Additional reminders:
Group hunts: If you’re planning to hunt as a group, know ahead of time if the members of your hunting group are going to apply as individuals or apply as a group. If you apply as a group, one of you must identify yourself as the group leader during the application. The group leader will receive a group code from CPW, which every other group member will enter on their application when prompted. If one member of your group draws, everyone draws. However, keep in mind that if you have different numbers of preference points, the hunter with the lowest number of points will be what they base your draw on. If someone has significantly more points than other members of the group, this should be discussed in advance regarding the application strategy.
Hunt codes: Each big game application allows you to enter four hunt codes, essentially four different hunt choices. Any preference points you have will be used only for the hunt code you enter as your first choice. If you draw that first choice, you’ve used up any and all preference points. Preference points are not used for hunt codes entered as your second, third, or fourth choice.
Preference points: On the preference point topic, if you’re not planning to apply for a hunt through the draw, you can use the application period to purchase preference points for specific species. Simply enter the species-specific point code as your first choice in your application, and you’re all set. You can purchase only one point per species per year. You cannot buy a point and use a point in the same year. If you’ve never purchased preference points, this year might be the time to start. They can open a lot of options to be able to go on some really great hunts that put more emphasis on hunt quality vs hunt opportunity. Preference points don’t expire, so you can accumulate them year after year until you’re ready to apply for a hunt that requires them. And you don’t need tons of points to find a good hunt to go on… There are lots of options to draw cow elk licenses or limited bull elk licenses in certain seasons, with as few as one or two points. A suggestion we like to make is to plan an over-the-counter (OTC) hunt for a year or two and pick up a preference point each year in that same time frame. Then, in year three, apply for your draw hunt. It’s a reliable way to go elk hunting every year.
Over-the-counter: If you’re planning to do an OTC hunt this fall, you don’t need to worry about applying through the draw. Your OTC licenses will be available for purchase sometime in early August 2026. The OTC hunts do not require you to purchase a qualifying license.
Booked Hunts with Dark Timber Outfitters
If you’ve booked a hunt with Dark Timber Outfitters, first of all, thank you! Second, please stay tuned for a separate email. I’ll be in touch in the next few weeks to provide you with details specific to your hunt, namely, providing you with your hunt code you’ll need to enter as your first choice on your elk or deer application. You can look up this information as well, but we like to help and make sure everyone knows what code to use for their specific hunt.
If you’re not booked with us but still have questions about any and all things related to Colorado elk hunting, give a shout. Talking elk hunting is what we do, and we’re more than happy to help.
Thank you, good luck to those of you entering the draw, and talk to you soon!