4 Reasons to Apply in the Colorado Big Game Draw this Year

Colorado’s big game application deadline is Tuesday, April 6th. Whether you’re planning to hunt Colorado this year or not – and even if you’re planning to purchase an over-the-counter license – you should still be applying in the draw!

Here are four reasons why:

1. Apply for Preference Points

Planning to purchase an over-the-counter (OTC) elk license? Or perhaps you’re not planning to hunt Colorado this year at all. In either case, that’s no excuse to skip this year’s draw.

Each year, you can apply for a preference point for elk and still purchase your OTC elk license. Get your elk license AND save a preference point. If a Colorado mule deer hunt is on your list, you should also be applying for a mule deer preference point in the draw.

If you’re a nonresident in Colorado, applying for preference points in 2021 will cost $92, plus a $9 fee for each species. For a little more than $100, these points will set you up for quality hunting opportunities down the road.

2. Apply for First or Fourth Rifle Elk Seasons

Colorado offers over-the-counter elk licenses in many units for archery, 2nd rifle and 3rd rifle seasons. But in these same units, the 1st and 4th rifle seasons are available in the draw only. These limited early and late season hunts can be a great opportunity! In our area (and many others around the state) you can draw 1st and 4th rifle season tags with zero preference points.

They may be easy to draw, but you still need to apply by the April 6th deadline. To learn more about hunting during our early and late rifle seasons, please give us a call at 208-691-3014 or send us a message.

3. Apply for a Mule Deer License

In Colorado, all mule deer licenses are limited and available through the draw. There are no over-the-counter mule deer tags in Colorado. If you’re hoping to hunt mule deer this year, don’t miss the April 6th deadline.

If you were not planning to hunt deer this year, we’d still encourage you to apply for a preference point. Having just a few points can open up some great mule deer hunting options.

4. Use Your Saved Preference Points

Have a bunch of preference points in Colorado? Maybe it’s time to cash them in! We offer hunts in unit 61, one of Colorado’s premier hunting destinations.

If you’re a nonresident with more than 21 preference points for elk or more than eight preference points for mule deer, please give us a call at 208-691-3014 or send us a message to discuss your options.

Applying for Big Game in Colorado

Again, the application deadline is Tuesday, April 6th. Applications must be submitted by 8:00 p.m. Mountain Time.

In Colorado, you are NOT required to submit the entire cost of an elk or deer license when applying. You will pay for the license if and when you draw. This makes it relatively easy to apply without having to front the cost of a nonresident elk tag.

To apply however, you will be required to purchase a qualifying license (spring turkey, small game or small game/fishing combo license). You will be required to purchase a Habitat Stamp for $10.13 and then a $9 application fee for each species.

If you have questions about hunting with Dark Timber Lodge, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 208-691-3014 or send us a message. We’d love to help you plan a memorable Colorado hunting experience!