Best Limited-Entry Elk Units in Colorado
The best elk units in Colorado for limited-entry rifle hunts — ranked by success rate, draw odds, point thresholds, and trophy potential with real CPW data.
Finding the best elk units in Colorado comes down to one question: how many years are you willing to wait for a tag? Colorado’s limited-entry system locks its highest-quality elk hunting behind a preference point wall, and the units at the top of that wall produce success rates three to five times higher than over-the-counter hunts. Some of these units have been turning out 350+ class bulls for decades. Others have climbed the ranks quietly as herd management has shifted.
This guide ranks the top limited-entry elk units in Colorado by 5-year average success rates, breaks down the actual point thresholds for residents and nonresidents, and gives you the tactical detail you need to hunt the five best units in the state. Whether you’re sitting on 20+ points and finally ready to cash in or just starting to build points, there is a unit on this list worth targeting.
If you’re still deciding between limited-entry and OTC, start with our complete Colorado elk hunting guide. Already know you want OTC? Read the best OTC elk units breakdown instead. This article is strictly about the draw units — the ones worth the wait.
What “Limited Entry” Means in Colorado
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) manages roughly 190 game management units (GMUs) across the state. The majority of those units allow over-the-counter archery and muzzleloader tags, but every rifle elk tag in the state goes through the draw. Within the draw system, a subset of units carry the “limited entry” designation for specific season choices — and those units are managed specifically for trophy quality, herd composition, or habitat concerns.
Limited-entry units differ from regular draw units in a few important ways:
- Tag numbers are tightly controlled. Some units issue fewer than 50 total tags across all seasons. That restriction keeps hunter density low and lets bulls age on the hoof.
- Bull-to-cow ratios are higher. CPW manages these units to maintain 25-40+ bulls per 100 cows, compared to 15-20 in general draw units. More mature bulls means better hunting.
- Success rates are dramatically higher. While statewide archery success hovers around 12%, limited-entry rifle units routinely post 30-55% success rates.
- Point creep is real. As more hunters enter the system, the points required to draw a tag climb every year. A unit that took 15 points five years ago may take 18-20 today.
The trade-off is time. Drawing a top-tier limited-entry tag can take 15-25 years of buying preference points. For many hunters, that tag becomes a once-in-a-lifetime hunt.
For a full breakdown of how Colorado’s weighted preference point system works, see our draw odds and preference points guide.
Top 12 Limited-Entry Elk Units Ranked by Success Rate
The table below ranks Colorado’s best limited-entry elk units by their approximate 5-year average success rate for rifle bull elk. These numbers come from CPW harvest statistics and fluctuate year to year based on weather, hunting pressure within the tag allocation, and herd dynamics.
Use our Draw Odds Engine to plug in your exact point level and see where you stand for any of these units.
| Rank | Unit | 5-Year Avg Success | NR Draw Odds (Max Pts) | NR Point Threshold | Terrain Type | Primary Access | Best Season Choice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 61 | 50-55% | 15-25% | 22-25 pts | Dark timber, alpine parks | 4WD + foot/horse | 2nd Rifle |
| 2 | 76 | 45-52% | 10-20% | 20-23 pts | Oak brush, aspen, dark timber | 4WD + foot | 2nd/3rd Rifle |
| 3 | 201 | 45-50% | 20-30% | 18-21 pts | Sage parks, aspen stringers | 4WD + foot | 2nd Rifle |
| 4 | 10 | 42-50% | 10-20% | 22-25 pts | Aspen parks, spruce-fir, alpine | 4WD + foot/horse | 2nd Rifle |
| 5 | 2 | 40-48% | 15-25% | 20-24 pts | Dark timber, aspen, creek bottoms | 4WD + horse | 2nd/3rd Rifle |
| 6 | 12 | 40-47% | 15-25% | 19-22 pts | Steep canyons, dark timber | Foot/horse | 3rd Rifle |
| 7 | 21 | 38-45% | 15-20% | 16-19 pts | Mixed conifer, alpine meadows | 4WD + foot | 2nd Rifle |
| 8 | 55 | 35-42% | 20-30% | 14-17 pts | Aspen parks, sage flats, timber edges | 4WD + foot | 3rd Rifle |
| 9 | 34 | 35-40% | 20-35% | 13-16 pts | Pinyon-juniper, oak brush transitions | 4WD + foot | 2nd Rifle |
| 10 | 44 | 33-40% | 20-30% | 13-16 pts | High alpine, spruce-fir basins | Foot/horse | 2nd Rifle |
| 11 | 35 | 30-38% | 25-40% | 10-13 pts | Mixed timber, sage parks | 4WD + foot | 3rd Rifle |
| 12 | 54 | 30-38% | 25-40% | 10-13 pts | Aspen and dark timber at elevation | 4WD + foot | 2nd/3rd Rifle |
All data referenced from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) harvest statistics. Success rates are approximate 5-year averages and fluctuate with weather, tag allocation changes, and herd management decisions. Point thresholds shown are for the most popular season choice. Always verify current regulations and draw data at cpw.state.co.us before applying.
How to Read This Table
- NR Draw Odds (Max Pts) reflects the approximate chance a nonresident with maximum points has of drawing in a given year. Colorado uses a weighted system, not pure preference, so max-point holders aren’t guaranteed a tag.
- NR Point Threshold is the range of points where nonresidents have historically drawn over the last five years. This isn’t a guarantee — it’s a moving target.
- Best Season Choice is based on historical success rates and hunter reports for that specific unit. Second and third rifle seasons typically coincide with the rut’s tail end and early winter migration, which concentrates elk.
Deep Dives: Top 5 Limited-Entry Elk Units
Unit 61 — The Gold Standard
Unit 61 sits in the White River National Forest between Meeker and Buford in northwestern Colorado. It has been one of the top-producing limited-entry units in the state for over two decades, and the reputation is earned. Five-year average success rates hover in the 50-55% range for rifle bull elk, and the unit regularly produces bulls scoring 330-370+.
The terrain runs from sage-covered river bottoms along the White River up through thick oak brush benches and into dark timber and alpine parks above 9,500 feet. Most of the unit’s best bulls live in the dark timber pockets between 9,000 and 10,500 feet during early rifle seasons, then push lower as snow drives them toward winter range.
Access: Forest roads give you 4WD access to several trailheads on the unit’s southern and eastern edges. The interior requires legwork or horses. Private land borders the river bottoms on the north side — check ownership carefully with a GPS mapping app. BLM and USFS land gives you roughly 55-60% public access, though not all of it’s contiguous.
Tactics: Second rifle season is the prime choice here. Bulls are typically still in or near their rut areas and haven’t been pushed hard yet. Set up in the transition zones between dark timber bedding areas and aspen parks where bulls feed at dawn and dusk. Calling can still work if the rut is dragging. Third rifle historically produces well too, but you’re more weather-dependent — a good snow pushes elk into the open, while a warm spell keeps them buried in timber.
Who should burn points here: Hunters with 22-25+ nonresident points who want a genuine trophy-caliber hunt on a mix of public and private access. This is a once-in-a-lifetime tag for most people. Treat it that way.
Unit 76 — West Elk Powerhouse
Unit 76 covers the country south of Paonia and Hotchkiss on the western slope, stretching into the Gunnison National Forest. It’s one of the most consistent limited-entry elk units in the state, posting success rates of 45-52% for rifle bull elk. CPW manages this unit for quality, and the bull-to-cow ratio shows it — hunters regularly encounter multiple mature bulls during a week-long hunt.
The terrain is a mosaic of dense oak brush at lower elevations, aspen benches in the mid-range, and dark timber parks at the top. Elk use the oak brush as escape cover and security habitat, which means you either hunt the edges at first and last light or put on miles through the brush.
Access: A network of forest roads provides solid 4WD access from the east and south. The western boundary includes some private ranch land, but public land corridors connect through. About 55% of the unit’s publicly accessible. Walk-in access areas and CPW access easements fill some gaps.
Tactics: Focus on the aspen benches between 8,500 and 10,000 feet during second rifle. Bulls transition through this belt on their way to lower elevations. Spot-and-stalk hunting from high vantage points above the oak brush is effective — glass into openings and meadows at daylight, then move to intercept. By third rifle season, if snow has hit, elk stack up along the migration corridors heading toward lower winter range. Setting up on those travel routes can produce multiple opportunities in a day.
Who should burn points here: Hunters willing to work through thick cover for a high-probability hunt. This isn’t a sit-and-glass unit — you earn your elk here. Ideal for someone with 20-23 NR points who wants consistent action.
Unit 201 — San Juan Sleeper
Unit 201 lies in the eastern San Luis Valley, straddling the Sangre de Cristo Range. It doesn’t carry the name recognition of Unit 61 or 76, but its success rates — 45-50% over five years — put it in the same class. The unit benefits from lower pressure relative to its quality because it sits in a part of the state that fewer nonresidents think of as “elk country.”
The terrain is dramatic. The western face of the Sangre de Cristos rises sharply from the valley floor, creating a compression zone where elk move between high summer range and lower sage parks. Aspen stringers, creek bottoms, and scattered timber pockets break up the landscape and give elk cover.
Access: Public land access through the Rio Grande National Forest covers the eastern and higher portions of the unit. The valley floor has more private land, but several state wildlife areas and BLM parcels give you walk-in options. A truck with 4WD handles most of the forest roads. Horses aren’t strictly necessary but extend your range into the steeper backcountry.
Tactics: Second rifle is the go-to. Glass the transition zones at dawn — elk feed in the sage parks and aspen openings on the lower benches before climbing into timber to bed. Afternoon hunts work well on the water sources and wallow areas in the timber. The Sangre de Cristos catch early-season snow more often than units farther north, so even second rifle hunts can get a weather push that moves elk.
Who should burn points here: Hunters with 18-21 NR points who want a trophy-quality hunt with less competition for camp spots and access points than the marquee units. Strong option for a self-guided rifle hunt.
Unit 10 — Flat Tops Trophy Factory
Unit 10 encompasses a large chunk of the Flat Tops Wilderness and surrounding Routt and White River National Forest lands. It’s rugged, remote, and produces bulls that make the record books year after year. The 5-year average success rate runs 42-50%, but the real draw here is antler quality — Unit 10 bulls commonly push 340-360+, with the occasional 380+ animal coming off the mountain.
Terrain ranges from alpine tundra above 11,000 feet down through spruce-fir forests, aspen parks, and meadow systems. The Flat Tops plateau is a massive table of high-altitude habitat that holds elk through the summer and early fall. When snow hits, animals funnel off the top through defined drainages.
Access: This is a wilderness unit, which means no motorized access in the core area. Trailheads off Forest Road 8 and County Road 17 get you to the edge. From there, it’s horses or your own two feet. Plan on 5-12 mile pack-ins to reach the best hunting. Many hunters use outfitter drop camps or full-service guided hunts here because of the logistics.
Tactics: Second rifle season catches the tail end of the rut and the first real weather pushes. Set up camp in the 9,500-10,500 foot range and hunt the parks and meadow edges. Bulls bugle into mid-October in good years. By third rifle, snow depth is the deciding factor — a 12-inch dump moves elk off the top and into the drainages where you can intercept them. Carry a good spotting scope. You will spend more time glassing than walking.
Who should burn points here: Hunters with 22-25+ NR points who can commit to a backcountry operation — pack horses, a full camp, and a week minimum. This isn’t a road-hunting unit. The payoff is a wilderness hunt for a legitimately big bull. If you want a DIY public land hunt for a 350-class elk and are willing to work for it, this is the unit.
Unit 2 — North Park Tradition
Unit 2 covers the North Park region around Walden in north-central Colorado, taking in parts of the Routt National Forest and the Park Range. It’s one of the original premier limited-entry units in the state, and while its reputation has fluctuated with herd dynamics over the decades, it consistently produces 40-48% rifle bull success rates with solid antler quality.
The landscape is big and open compared to the timbered units farther south. Sage flats and irrigated meadows in the valley give way to aspen-covered hillsides, creek bottom corridors, and dark timber at elevation. Elk use the private ranch land in the valley for winter range and spread into the surrounding National Forest during summer and early fall.
Access: Public land access is good on the east side through the Routt National Forest and along the Continental Divide. The valley floor is predominantly private ranch land, and some landowners offer trespass fees or participate in access programs. CPW’s Ranching for Wildlife program operates in parts of this unit, which creates separate tag allocations. The public draw tags cover the remainder.
Tactics: Second and third rifle seasons both produce here, but they hunt differently. During second season, bulls are still using the timber and aspen benches at elevation, and you hunt them like any mountain elk — glass the parks at dawn, still-hunt the timber edges, play the wind. By third season, snow pushes elk toward the valley, and the hunting shifts to intercepting animals on the migration corridors between public timber and private valley floor. Setting up at the public-private boundary during legal shooting hours can be deadly.
Who should burn points here: Hunters with 20-24 NR points who want a mix of accessible terrain and quality elk hunting. The valley setting makes for easier camping logistics than wilderness units, and the road system lets you cover more country. Good option for a hunter who wants high success without committing to a full pack-in operation.
Point Threshold Analysis
The table below shows the historical trend in nonresident point thresholds for the top units, along with the annual creep rate — how many additional points the threshold increases per year on average.
| Unit | 2021 NR Threshold | 2025 NR Threshold | Creep Rate (pts/year) | Projected 2028 Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | 20-22 | 23-25 | +0.5 to +0.75 | 25-27 |
| 76 | 18-20 | 21-23 | +0.5 to +0.75 | 23-25 |
| 201 | 15-17 | 18-21 | +0.75 to +1.0 | 21-24 |
| 10 | 20-22 | 23-25 | +0.5 to +0.75 | 25-27 |
| 2 | 18-20 | 21-24 | +0.75 to +1.0 | 23-26 |
| 12 | 17-19 | 19-22 | +0.5 to +0.75 | 21-24 |
| 21 | 14-16 | 16-19 | +0.5 to +0.75 | 18-21 |
| 55 | 11-14 | 14-17 | +0.75 | 16-19 |
| 34 | 10-13 | 13-16 | +0.75 | 15-18 |
| 44 | 10-13 | 13-16 | +0.75 | 15-18 |
| 35 | 8-10 | 10-13 | +0.5 to +0.75 | 12-15 |
| 54 | 8-10 | 10-13 | +0.5 to +0.75 | 12-15 |
Point thresholds are approximate based on published CPW draw data. Colorado’s weighted system means there is no hard cutoff — lower-point applicants can draw, it’s just less likely. Creep rates shown are averages and can accelerate or slow based on tag allocation changes.
What the Creep Means for Your Strategy
Point creep isn’t constant. It accelerates when a unit gets publicity — a big bull on social media, a magazine feature, an outfitter’s marketing push — and it slows when CPW increases tag numbers or when weather events reduce herd quality temporarily.
The critical takeaway: if you’re starting from zero points today, the top-tier units (61, 10, 76, 2) are likely a 25-30 year commitment. That’s not a reason to avoid them. It means you should:
- Start buying points immediately. Every year you wait, the gap widens.
- Apply with a realistic primary choice while building toward your dream unit.
- Consider mid-tier units that offer strong hunting at a fraction of the wait time.
Check our Colorado draw odds and application guide for the complete walkthrough on building a multi-year strategy.
Mid-Tier Units Worth Targeting (5-13 Point Range)
Not every hunter has two decades of preference points banked. These units sit in the sweet spot — drawable within 5-13 nonresident points, with success rates that still crush the statewide average. If you have been building points for a few years and want a high-quality hunt without waiting until retirement, look here.
| Unit | 5-Year Avg Success | NR Point Threshold | Terrain | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 471 | 28-35% | 7-10 pts | Oak brush benches, aspen parks | 3rd Rifle |
| 54 | 30-38% | 10-13 pts | Aspen and dark timber | 2nd/3rd Rifle |
| 35 | 30-38% | 10-13 pts | Mixed timber, sage parks | 3rd Rifle |
| 551 | 25-32% | 6-9 pts | Sage flats, pinyon-juniper breaks | 2nd Rifle |
| 40 | 25-30% | 8-11 pts | High aspen parks, creek drainages | 2nd Rifle |
| 421 | 22-28% | 5-8 pts | Sage-aspen transition, BLM | 3rd Rifle |
Unit 471 — Best Value in the Draw
Unit 471 sits near the Uncompahgre Plateau and punches above its weight. At 7-10 NR points, it’s drawable years before the glamour units, and the 28-35% success rate is legitimate. The terrain is mostly oak brush benches transitioning to aspen parks, with some dark timber at the top. Access is solid through the Uncompahgre National Forest. Third rifle season here benefits from weather-driven elk movement off the plateau.
Unit 54 — Dark Timber and Elk
Unit 54 occupies country in the Gunnison Basin where aspen and dark timber dominate at elevation. Success rates of 30-38% rival some of the top-tier units, and the point threshold sits at 10-13 — roughly half the wait of Unit 61 or 10. The catch is the terrain demands physical fitness. You’re hunting steep timbered ridges between 9,000 and 11,000 feet. Spot-and-stalk opportunities come at the timber edges during morning and evening feeding.
Unit 35 — The Overlooked Option
Unit 35 covers mixed timber and sage parks in a transition zone that doesn’t get the buzz of the trophy units but quietly produces 30-38% success rates. At 10-13 NR points, it’s an achievable target for hunters in their first decade of point building. Third rifle season works best here when snow pushes elk into more open terrain. The public land percentage is favorable, and the road system gives DIY hunters multiple access points without requiring a horse string.
Unit 551 — Quick Draw, Solid Hunt
For hunters with 6-9 NR points who want to stop buying points and start hunting, Unit 551 delivers. Success rates of 25-32% beat OTC numbers by a wide margin. The sage flat and pinyon-juniper terrain is more open than typical Colorado elk country, which favors spot-and-stalk hunters who like to glass. Second rifle season is the call here — elk are visible and moving before the snow pushes them off the unit entirely.
How to Evaluate a Unit for YOUR Situation
Every hunter reading this article has a different point balance, a different budget, different physical ability, and a different definition of success. A unit that’s perfect for a 55-year-old with 22 points and a horse string is wrong for a 30-year-old with 5 points and a backpack.
Here’s the framework for matching a unit to your specific situation:
1. Define Your Timeline
How many more years are you willing to buy points before hunting? If the answer is “zero,” look at the mid-tier units or leftover tags. If the answer is “as long as it takes,” the top five units are in play.
2. Assess Your Access Capability
- Truck hunter: You need a unit with forest road networks that get you close to elk. Units 76, 201, 2, and the mid-tier options work.
- Backpack hunter: Wilderness and backcountry units like 10 reward your fitness. Go deep where others will not.
- Horse hunter: Units 61, 10, and 2 all have established trailhead systems for pack strings. Horses extend your range and your meat-hauling capability.
3. Match Terrain to Your Hunting Style
- Spot-and-stalk glassers: Look for units with open parks, sage flats, and alpine terrain — Units 201, 55, 551.
- Timber hunters: If you’re comfortable hunting inside dark timber and calling, Units 61, 76, 54, and 10 reward that skillset.
- Migration interceptors: Third rifle units where snow drives elk through defined corridors — Units 2, 35, 471.
4. Factor in Total Trip Cost
A limited-entry elk tag is the most expensive part, but it’s not the only cost. Budget for:
- Non-resident elk license: ~$662
- Preference point fees (accumulated over years): ~$100/year
- Travel, fuel, lodging/camp: $500-2,000+
- Outfitter/guide (optional): $4,000-8,000+
- Meat processing and shipping: $300-600
Read our elk hunt cost breakdown for a detailed budget by hunt type.
5. Check Herd Trend Data
CPW publishes herd management plans for each data analysis unit. Look at:
- Population objective vs. current estimate. A herd above objective often means more tags and easier drawing. A herd below objective can mean tag cuts.
- Bull-to-cow ratio. Higher is better for trophy hunters. CPW manages limited-entry units for 25-40+ bulls per 100 cows.
- Calf recruitment. Strong calf survival means the herd is healthy and growing.
Use our Unit Finder tool to pull all of this data for any GMU in the state.
Quick Reference: Resident vs. Non-Resident Comparison
| Factor | Residents | Non-Residents |
|---|---|---|
| Tag Allocation | 80% of limited-entry tags | 20% of limited-entry tags |
| Preference Point Cost | ~$40/year | ~$100/year |
| Elk License Cost | ~$56 | ~$662 |
| Point Threshold (top units) | 15-20 pts | 20-25+ pts |
| Weighted Draw Advantage | Larger tag pool, lower competition | Smaller pool, higher point requirements |
| Application Deadline | First Tuesday of April | First Tuesday of April |
Nonresidents face a tougher path to the top units because of the 80/20 split. But the weighted system means a NR with max points has a legitimate shot each year — it’s not pure lottery. The strategy is to apply every year, build points consistently, and have a backup plan with mid-tier units.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many preference points do I need to draw a top limited-entry elk unit in Colorado?
For the top five units (61, 76, 201, 10, 2), nonresidents currently need 18-25+ preference points to draw with high confidence. Residents generally need 15-20 points for the same units. These numbers increase by roughly 0.5-1 point per year due to point creep. Start building points now — every year you wait makes the gap wider.
Can I hunt limited-entry units with archery or muzzleloader OTC tags?
Some limited-entry units are restricted to draw-only for ALL season types, including archery. Others are limited-entry only for specific rifle seasons while remaining open to OTC archery. Check CPW’s brochure for the specific unit and season choice before assuming your OTC tag is valid. This is one of the most common and expensive mistakes hunters make.
What is the difference between limited-entry and “draw” in Colorado?
All rifle elk tags in Colorado go through the draw, but not all draw units are “limited entry” in the management sense. Limited-entry units are specifically managed for trophy quality with restricted tag numbers and target bull-to-cow ratios. Regular draw units may issue more tags and have lower success rates. When hunters say “limited entry,” they typically mean the units with the highest point thresholds and best hunting quality.
Is it worth hiring an outfitter for a limited-entry hunt?
If you have waited 20+ years for a tag, the argument for hiring an outfitter is strong — especially in backcountry units like 10 or 61 where logistics are demanding. An outfitter provides camp infrastructure, local knowledge, horses for access and meat hauling, and a guide who hunts that unit every season. Expect to pay $4,000-8,000+ for a guided rifle elk hunt. That said, a well-prepared DIY hunter who has scouted the unit and has the gear can absolutely succeed on their own. Read our DIY elk hunt cost guide to compare the numbers.
How does Colorado’s weighted preference point system actually work?
Colorado squares your preference points to determine your “weight” in the draw. A hunter with 20 points gets 400 chances (20 x 20), while a hunter with 10 points gets 100 chances. This heavily favors high-point holders but doesn’t guarantee them a tag — lower-point applicants can still draw. The system replaced a hybrid draw in 2020 and has been weighted since. Full details are in our preference points explained article.
What happens to my points if I draw a tag?
Your preference points for that species reset to zero when you draw a limited-entry tag. This is why hunters agonize over when and where to use their points. You’re spending 15-25 years of accumulated investment on one hunt. Make it count — scout the unit, plan your camp, and give yourself a full week minimum in the field.
Can I apply for a preference point without putting in for a hunt?
Yes. Colorado allows you to apply for a preference point only during the same application window (closes first Tuesday of April). The point costs roughly $40 for residents and $100 for nonresidents per species. You must also hold a valid Colorado hunting license to apply, which adds another $100.73 for nonresidents. Many hunters buy points for years before ever submitting a first-choice application. Use our Application Timeline Tool to stay on track with deadlines.
Are leftover limited-entry tags available?
Yes. After the draw results are published in late May or early June, CPW releases unfilled tags on a first-come, first-served basis. Leftover limited-entry tags are rare for the top units but do appear for mid-tier and lower-demand units. They sell fast — sometimes in minutes. Monitor the CPW website the day leftovers go live if you want a shot at one.
Start Building Your Colorado Elk Strategy
The best limited-entry elk units in Colorado reward hunters who plan years in advance. Whether you’re cashing in two decades of preference points on Unit 61 or targeting a mid-tier unit like 471 for a hunt in the next few years, the data in this guide gives you a starting point.
Put it to work with these tools:
- Draw Odds Engine — Look up your point level against any Colorado GMU and see your real draw odds.
- Unit Finder — Compare units side by side on success rates, public land percentage, terrain, and more.
- Application Timeline Tool — Never miss a Colorado deadline again.
- Elk Hunt Cost Breakdown — Budget your limited-entry hunt from gas money to meat shipping.
Your tag is waiting. The question is which unit you’re going to burn your points on — and this guide should make that decision a lot easier.
All statistics and point thresholds referenced in this article are sourced from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) published harvest data and draw statistics. These figures are approximate and subject to annual change based on tag allocation adjustments, herd management decisions, weather events, and applicant pool fluctuations. Always verify current data, regulations, and season dates at cpw.state.co.us before applying or purchasing licenses. ProHunt isn’t affiliated with CPW.