Colorado Big Game Hunting: New for 2025

Let’s take a look at what’s new in 2025 for Colorado Big Game Hunting! Don’t forget, for all your Archery needs to visit our Denver, Colorado local pro shop, voted best in Colorado! We have a wide range of only the best big game hunting gear, and certified bow techs (that also hunt, so pick their brain). Best of luck this fall!

1. You’ll Need a Qualifying License First

Before you can even toss your name into the limited-license hat, you must buy a 2025 qualifying license. Sales open March 1, 2025, and the purchase has to be made before you apply for preference points or big-game tags. The money from these licenses underwrites wildlife research and conservation far beyond the game species we hunt.

2. The Primary Draw

Application window: March 1 – April 1, 2025
Hard cutoff: April 1 at 8 p.m. MT (don’t risk last-minute glitches).
Pro move: As soon as you submit, check the confirmation email. If something’s off, tweak your application any time before the deadline.

3. The Secondary Draw (Your Second Chance)

Missed the primary? You can still chase leftover deer, elk, pronghorn, and bear tags:

Detail	Key Info
Apps accepted	June 19 – June 30, 2025
Deadline	June 30 at 8 p.m. MT
Who can apply?	Anyone—no preference point history required
Youth advantage	Kids get first crack; they draw before adults
Points?	None used, none earned
Still required	Qualifying license, Habitat Stamp, application fees

4. Archery Elk Licenses for Nonresidents: Major Shift

If you’re a non-Coloradan hoping to fling arrows west of I-25 (plus GMU 140), over-the-counter tags are gone. You must now:

Buy a qualifying license and Habitat Stamp.
Enter the draw —or hope for a leftover tag in August.

A few OTC archery units remain east of I-25, but most sit on private ground where you’ll need landowner permission.

5. After the Brutal Winter of 2022-23

Historic snow hammered northwest Colorado, wiping out large numbers of deer, elk, and pronghorn. Biologists expect a 3–5-year recovery. Until herds rebound, license numbers in that region (including Ranching for Wildlife properties) stay trimmed. Thanks for sticking with the program while nature heals.

6. New Tag Opportunities

First Rifle Deer: Fresh licenses added in select GMUs (see brochure pp. 27–32).
Late-Season Cow Moose: Extra antlerless tags in several GMUs to meet management goals (see pp. 59–61).

7. License Surrender Deadlines

Changed your mind? Turn in your tag online and reclaim your points:

Draw	Surrender by (11:59 p.m. MT)
Primary	Mon, June 2, 2025
Secondary	Wed, July 9, 2025

License fees come back to you, and the tag is wiped from your account.

Draw results posted:

Primary: May 27–30, 2025
Secondary: July 7, 2025

8. Leftover & OTC Sales Day

Mark your calendar: 9 a.m. MT on August 5, 2025. That’s when:

Unpaid or surrendered limited tags hit the shelf.
Standard OTC tags launch too.

First come, first served—both online and at CPW vendors.

9. Need Help?

CPW’s Customer Service crew fields calls Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. at (303) 297-1192. You’ll also find how-to videos, hunt planners, and unit maps on the CPW website.

10. Don’t Skip the Brochure Fine Print

This rundown covers the biggest shifts, but the full story lives in the 2025 big-game and sheep/goat brochures—especially the “What’s New” pages. Give them a careful read before you apply.

Good luck in the draws, and may your 2025 hunt plans come together as smoothly as a well-tuned bowstring!

For other updates, check: