AmmoSight

Colorado Draw Odds

Colorado's primary draw is a preference-point draw: for each hunt code the licenses go to the applicants with the most points, and only the last point level that draws is decided by chance. Hunt codes that historically needed 10 or more points also send 20% of their licenses to a random 'hybrid' pool open to applicants with five or more points. Nonresidents get up to 25% of licenses in codes that needed fewer than six resident points and up to 20% in codes that needed six or more, pay only the application fee, qualifying license, and habitat stamp up front — the license fee is charged after the draw — and must apply by the first Tuesday in April.

Every figure below cites the agency document it came from. Last verified August 31, 2026.

Odds by species

White-tailed / Mule Deer
1062 hunt codes · draws 2021–2026 · 46,231 NR tags
186 gmus mapped · harvest 2021–2024
Elk
1117 hunt codes · draws 2021–2026 · 95,586 NR tags
186 gmus mapped · harvest 2021–2024
Pronghorn
340 hunt codes · draws 2021–2026 · 9,090 NR tags
186 gmus mapped · harvest 2021–2024

How the draw works

White-tailed / Mule Deer · nonresident

Preference points

Worked example. Tags go to the applicants with the most preference points, one level at a time. If the last level that draws has more applicants than tags remaining, those applicants are chosen at random. Everyone below that level is unsuccessful and earns a point.

Max choices
4
Lower choices burn points
No
Point only purchase allowed
Yes
Points expire
Yes
Group apps average points
No

2 CCR 406-2 #206(B)(4)(j)(1)(a) · verified Aug 31, 2026

White-tailed / Mule Deer · resident

Preference points

Worked example. Tags go to the applicants with the most preference points, one level at a time. If the last level that draws has more applicants than tags remaining, those applicants are chosen at random. Everyone below that level is unsuccessful and earns a point.

Max choices
4
Lower choices burn points
No
Point only purchase allowed
Yes
Points expire
Yes
Group apps average points
No

2 CCR 406-2 #206(B) · verified Aug 31, 2026

Elk · nonresident

Preference points

Worked example. Tags go to the applicants with the most preference points, one level at a time. If the last level that draws has more applicants than tags remaining, those applicants are chosen at random. Everyone below that level is unsuccessful and earns a point.

Max choices
4
Lower choices burn points
No
Point only purchase allowed
Yes
Points expire
Yes
Group apps average points
No

2 CCR 406-2 #206(B)(1)(a)-(d), (B)(3)(c), (B)(4)(j)(1)(a) and (d), (B)(5)(d), (B)(6); Big Game Brochure 2026 pp.4, 9, 19 · verified Aug 31, 2026

Elk · resident

Preference points

Worked example. Tags go to the applicants with the most preference points, one level at a time. If the last level that draws has more applicants than tags remaining, those applicants are chosen at random. Everyone below that level is unsuccessful and earns a point.

Max choices
4
Lower choices burn points
No
Point only purchase allowed
Yes
Points expire
Yes
Group apps average points
No

2 CCR 406-2 #206(B) · verified Aug 31, 2026

Pronghorn · nonresident

Preference points

Worked example. Tags go to the applicants with the most preference points, one level at a time. If the last level that draws has more applicants than tags remaining, those applicants are chosen at random. Everyone below that level is unsuccessful and earns a point.

Max choices
4
Lower choices burn points
No
Point only purchase allowed
Yes
Points expire
Yes
Group apps average points
No

2 CCR 406-2 #206(B)(4)(j)(1)(a) · verified Aug 31, 2026

Pronghorn · resident

Preference points

Worked example. Tags go to the applicants with the most preference points, one level at a time. If the last level that draws has more applicants than tags remaining, those applicants are chosen at random. Everyone below that level is unsuccessful and earns a point.

Max choices
4
Lower choices burn points
No
Point only purchase allowed
Yes
Points expire
Yes
Group apps average points
No

2 CCR 406-2 #206(B) · verified Aug 31, 2026

Nonresident allocation

Elk: 25% of quota 2 CCR 406-2 #206(B)(5)(d)(2) 'Until January 1, 2028'; effective date per co_news_2023_05_23_allocation; Big Game Brochure 2026 p.4 'Nonresident License Allocations' · since Jan 2024
Elk: 20% of quota 2 CCR 406-2 #206(B)(5)(d)(2) · since Jan 2024
White-tailed / Mule Deer: 25% of quota 2 CCR 406-2 #206(B)(5)(d)(2) · since Jan 2024
White-tailed / Mule Deer: 20% of quota 2 CCR 406-2 #206(B)(5)(d)(2) · since Jan 2024
Pronghorn: 25% of quota 2 CCR 406-2 #206(B)(5)(d)(2) · since Jan 2024
Pronghorn: 20% of quota 2 CCR 406-2 #206(B)(5)(d)(2) · since Jan 2024

Nonresident fees (2026)

Showing nonresident fees. Switch to resident

FeeAmount Paid at applicationRefundableSource
Nonresident limited-license application-processing fee (per species, per draw) $11.49 Yes No 2 CCR 406-0 Appendix F (5); Brochure 2026 p.5
Nonresident annual small game license (cheapest qualifying license to enter the draws; base $102.11 + surcharges) $104.86 Yes No Brochure 2026 p.5 'Qualifying Licenses'; W-0 Appendix F (1)
Nonresident spring turkey license (alternative qualifying license) $194.21 If drawn No Brochure 2026 p.5
Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp (ages 18-64, once per license year, added automatically) $12.76 Yes No 2 CCR 406-0 Appendix F (1); Brochure 2026 p.5
Hunt-code exchange fee (same species, quota remaining, before season starts) $5 If drawn No Brochure 2026 p.8 'Exchanges'
License refund processing fee (most refunds) $15 If drawn No Brochure 2026 p.8 'Refunds'
Preference point fee, deer/elk/pronghorn (none until the 2028 draw) (White-tailed / Mule Deer) $0 If drawn No Primary Draw page: 'Deer, elk, pronghorn and bear do not have preference point fees'; W-2 #206(B)(4)(j)(1)(c)
Preference point fee, deer/elk/pronghorn (none until the 2028 draw) (Pronghorn) $0 If drawn No Primary Draw page: 'Deer, elk, pronghorn and bear do not have preference point fees'; W-2 #206(B)(4)(j)(1)(c)
Preference point fee, deer/elk/pronghorn (none until the 2028 draw) (Elk) $0 If drawn No Primary Draw page: 'Deer, elk, pronghorn and bear do not have preference point fees'; W-2 #206(B)(4)(j)(1)(c)
Nonresident deer license (adult, includes fishing combo; base $504.17 + surcharges) - charged only if drawn (White-tailed / Mule Deer) $506.92 If drawn Yes Brochure 2026 p.5; W-0 Appendix F (1)
Nonresident elk license (bull, either-sex or cow; includes annual fishing combo; base $842.41 + surcharges) - charged only if drawn (Elk) $845.16 If drawn Yes Brochure 2026 p.5; W-0 Appendix F (1)
Nonresident pronghorn license (adult, includes fishing combo; base $504.17 + surcharges) - charged only if drawn (Pronghorn) $506.92 If drawn Yes Brochure 2026 p.5; W-0 Appendix F (1)
Nonresident youth (12-17) deer, elk or pronghorn license $130.07 If drawn Yes Brochure 2026 p.5

Deadlines (2026)

Elk: opens Mar 1, closes Apr 7, 2027 (expected); results ~May 26. (2026 ran Mar 1 – Apr 7.) Tag fee is charged only if you draw (refunds in about 30 days). Point-only purchase: Mar 1 – Apr 7. 2026 Colorado Big Game Hunting brochure (deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, bear)
White-tailed / Mule Deer: opens Mar 1, closes Apr 7, 2027 (expected); results ~May 26. (2026 ran Mar 1 – Apr 7.) Tag fee is charged only if you draw (refunds in about 30 days). Point-only purchase: Mar 1 – Apr 7. 2026 Colorado Big Game Hunting brochure (deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, bear)
Pronghorn: opens Mar 1, closes Apr 7, 2027 (expected); results ~May 26. (2026 ran Mar 1 – Apr 7.) Tag fee is charged only if you draw (refunds in about 30 days). Point-only purchase: Mar 1 – Apr 7. 2026 Colorado Big Game Hunting brochure (deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, bear)

Legal cartridges in Colorado

Drew a tag? Check which cartridges are legal for your species and weapon on the Colorado hunting laws page.

Sources

2021 Primary Deer Post Draw Report (Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved September 1, 2026 · 2021
2021 Primary Elk Post Draw Report (Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved September 1, 2026 · 2021
2021 Primary Pronghorn Post Draw Report (Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved September 1, 2026 · 2021
2021 Secondary Deer Post Draw Report (Secondary Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved September 1, 2026 · 2021
2021 Secondary Elk Post Draw Report (Secondary Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved September 1, 2026 · 2021
2021 Secondary Pronghorn Post Draw Report (Secondary Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved September 1, 2026 · 2021
2022 Primary DEER Post Draw Report (Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved August 31, 2026 · 2022
2022 Primary ELK Post Draw Report (Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved August 31, 2026 · 2022
2022 Primary PRONGHORN Post Draw Report (Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved August 31, 2026 · 2022
2022 Secondary Deer Post Draw Report (Secondary Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved September 1, 2026 · 2022
2022 Secondary Elk Post Draw Report (Secondary Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved September 1, 2026 · 2022
2022 Secondary Pronghorn Post Draw Report (Secondary Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved September 1, 2026 · 2022
2023 Primary DEER Post Draw Report (Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved August 31, 2026 · 2023
2023 Primary ELK Post Draw Report (Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved August 31, 2026 · 2023
2023 Primary PRONGHORN Post Draw Report (Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved August 31, 2026 · 2023
2023 Secondary Deer Post Draw Report (Secondary Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved September 1, 2026 · 2023
2023 Secondary Elk Post Draw Report (Secondary Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved September 1, 2026 · 2023
2023 Secondary Pronghorn Post Draw Report (Secondary Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved September 1, 2026 · 2023
2024 Primary DEER Post Draw Report (Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved August 31, 2026 · 2024
2024 Primary ELK Post Draw Report (Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved August 31, 2026 · 2024
2024 Primary PRONGHORN Post Draw Report (Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved August 31, 2026 · 2024
2024 Secondary Deer Post Draw Report (Secondary Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved September 1, 2026 · 2024
2024 Secondary Elk Post Draw Report (Secondary Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved September 1, 2026 · 2024
2024 Secondary Pronghorn Post Draw Report (Secondary Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved September 1, 2026 · 2024
2025 Primary DEER Post Draw Report (Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved August 31, 2026 · 2025
2025 Primary ELK Post Draw Report (Draw Recap), run 5/17/2025 Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved August 31, 2026 · 2025
2025 Primary PRONGHORN Post Draw Report (Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved August 31, 2026 · 2025
2025 Secondary Deer Post Draw Report (Secondary Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved September 1, 2026 · 2025
2025 Secondary Elk Post Draw Report (Secondary Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved September 1, 2026 · 2025
2025 Secondary Pronghorn Post Draw Report (Secondary Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved September 1, 2026 · 2025
2026 Colorado Big Game Hunting brochure (deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, bear) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved August 31, 2026 · 2026
2026 Primary DEER Post Draw Report (Draw Recap), run 5/11/2026 Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved August 31, 2026 · 2026
2026 Primary ELK Post Draw Report (Draw Recap), run 5/14/2026 2:26 PM Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved August 31, 2026 · 2026
2026 Primary PRONGHORN Post Draw Report (Draw Recap), run 5/21/2026 Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved August 31, 2026 · 2026
2026 Secondary Deer Post Draw Report (Secondary Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved September 1, 2026 · 2026
2026 Secondary Elk Post Draw Report (Secondary Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved September 1, 2026 · 2026
2026 Secondary Pronghorn Post Draw Report (Secondary Draw Recap) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved September 1, 2026 · 2026
2 CCR 406-0 Chapter W-0 General Provisions, consolidated as of 05/06/2026 (Appendix F license and pass prices, effective July 1, 2026) Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission · retrieved August 31, 2026 · 2026
2 CCR 406-2 Chapter W-2 Big Game regulations, consolidated as of 05/06/2026 (includes 2026 hunt-code tables and 'until/beginning January 1, 2028' draw rules) Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission · retrieved August 31, 2026 · 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029
Agenda Item 12: 2028 Draw regulation changes and Chapter W-2 (Final Regulations, March 5-6, 2025 Commission meeting mailing 02/21/2025) Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission · retrieved August 31, 2026 · 2028
CPW news release 05/23/2023: Commission finalized 75/25 resident/nonresident allocation for most deer, elk, pronghorn and bear hunt codes effective 2024 seasons Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved August 31, 2026 · 2023, 2024
CPW web page: Primary Draw (application window, preference points, hybrid draw, group applications, payment deadlines) Colorado Parks and Wildlife · retrieved August 31, 2026 · 2026
Spot a data error on this page? Tell us.

Every report is checked against the agency source before we change anything.

How to read these numbers

Every percentage on this page is a prior-draw probability: the chance an applicant with that many points would have drawn in the draw year shown, computed from the agency's published results. It is not a forecast — quotas, applicant numbers, and point creep change every year. Every figure links to the agency document it came from. Where a state does not publish a number, we show a dash, never a zero. Hunts with fewer than five tags show counts instead of percentages. Fees show the fee year used. Read the methodology for the engine details.

Not an application service

This page is informational only. Draw rules, quotas, fees, and deadlines are set by the state agency and change by commission action — confirm everything on the agency's own site before you apply, and apply through the agency, not here. We disclaim all liability for reliance on this page.