The 2026 Colorado Big Game brochure is now available, with a number of changes that affect the upcoming seasons and the limited-license draw.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife have outlined an overview of what’s new for the 2026 big-game seasons, along with important dates and changes that affect the limited-license draws.

Important 2026 dates

Primary limited license draw:

• March 1: Applications accepted/most qualifying licenses available for purchase starting on this date
• April 7: Application & correction deadline, 8 p.m.
• May 26–29: Draw results posted online (check your online account)
• June 1: Surrender period deadline, 11:59 p.m.
• June 12: License payment deadline, 11:59 p.m.
• June 26: Licenses in the mail

Secondary limited license draw:

• June 18: Secondary draw applications accepted starting on this date
• June 30: Secondary draw application & correction deadline, 8 p.m.
• July 7: Secondary draw results posted online (check your online account)
• July 9: Surrender period deadline, 11:59 p.m.
• July 21: Secondary draw license payment deadline, 11:59 p.m.
• July 27: Secondary draw licenses in the mail

Leftover & over-the-counter licenses:

• Aug. 4: Remaining (leftover) limited licenses on sale online, in person and by phone, 9 a.m.
• Aug. 4: Over-the-counter licenses on sale, 9 a.m.

Qualifying licenses

Continuing this year, hunters must purchase a current-year, 2026 qualifying license to participate in the big-game draws, the website states. Most qualifying licenses are available March 1 and must be purchased prior to applying for all big-game licenses or preference points.

Funds from qualifying licenses help to support wildlife conservation and research studies for both game and nongame species. 

Qualifying licenses are on sale starting March 1.

“All applicants must first purchase (online, by phone, or in person at sales agents) or hold a qualifying hunting license for the current license year before applying for either the primary or secondary draws,” the website states.

Hunters are also able to purchase a leftover limited or over-the-counter license without a qualifying license.

Draw applications will not be accessible until a qualifying license is purchased; licenses must be valid for the current 2026 license year.

A 2026 Habitat Stamp will be automatically added when purchasing a qualifying license, if applicable.

Qualifying licenses options:

• Annual resident and nonresident small game
• Annual resident combo small game/fishing
• Annual resident senior combo small game/fishing — Annual licenses are valid March 1 – March 31 (13 months)
• Resident and nonresident spring turkey (over-the-counter turkey licenses on sale March 1)
• Resident and nonresident fall turkey (valid for the secondary draw only)
• Resident veteran lifetime combo small game/fishing
• Resident first responder lifetime combo small game/fishing
• Annual small-game license for resident senior lifetime fishing license holders

Primary draw

CPW will begin to accept applications March 1. The application deadline for the primary license drawing is 8 p.m. April 7.

“Hunters are encouraged to submit their applications early to avoid complications or delays,” the website states. 

Tip: After applying, review the confirmation receipt sent via email to ensure correct submission. Application modifications are allowed prior to the application deadline. 

Secondary draw

Continuing this year, CPW is offering a Secondary Draw that is open to anyone — even those who missed the deadline for the Primary Draw. Most elk, deer, pronghorn, and bear licenses not issued through the primary draw will be made available for this one.

Youth hunters also receive 100% preference in the Secondary Draw.

The Secondary Draw does not use or award preference points but application fees, qualifying licenses, and a Habitat Stamp are still required.

CPW will accept applications online or by phone for the Secondary Draw beginning June 18. The application deadline is 8 p.m. June 30.

Boundary modifications for some GMUs

The boundaries for Game Management Units 97 and 99 have changed.

“Hunters should check the CPW Hunting Atlas and ensure that they are using the latest versions of GPS/map applications for accurate boundaries,” the website recommends.

See page 71 of the Colorado Big Game Brochure for more information.

Chronic Wasting Disease testing for elk

There will be no mandatory CWD testing for harvested deer in the 2026 seasons. 

Hunts added

CPW has added new licenses for moose, buck deer, archery elk, and bear in a variety of GMUs. For detailed species-specific new hunts and changes, see the individual species pages in the big game brochure:

• Deer: Big Game Brochure page 20 
• Pronghorn: Big Game Brochure page 53
• Bear: page Big Game Brochure page 62
• Elk: Big Game Brochure page 35 
• Moose: Big Game Brochure page 58

For more information, visit https://coloradooutdoorsmag.com/2026/02/13/whats-new-2026-colorado-big-game-hunting/.