Hunters hoping to draw a big-game license in 2025 are urged to review the changes in licenses, seasons and fees in the 2025 Colorado Big Game brochure prior to the March 1 opening of the primary draw application period.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) encourages hunters to submit their applications early to avoid complications or delays. For a good overview of what’s in store, watch CPW’s "What's New" video for the 2025 big-game seasons. Important information for hunters to take note of this season includes:
Nonresident OTC archery elk now limited
Out-of-state residents can no longer buy over-the-counter (OTC) archery elk licenses for game management units (GMUs) west of I-25 and GMU 140. For new limited hunt codes for nonresident archery elk, see page 43 of the big game brochure. These new limited licenses can be applied for in the draw. A qualifying license (spring turkey or annual small game) is required to apply for the primary draw. Nonresidents can still hunt OTC in certain GMUs east of I-25. See maps on pages 38-39 for more details.
Coyote hunting changes
Big-game hunters with an unfilled big-game license could previously take coyotes during the season on their license with the same method of take as their license. This provision has been removed in an effort to improve coyote harvest estimates. The vast majority of big-game hunters already purchase a small game license, so only a small number of hunters will be affected.
New fail-to-pay policy
If a customer draws a license during the primary or secondary draw, but the license is not paid for by the payment deadline, the license will now be removed from the customer’s account. If preference points were used to obtain the license, those preference points are restored to the pre-draw level.
Secure firearm storage
in vehicles
Unless engaged in lawful hunting activities, or the instruction of hunter education offered by CPW, House Bill 24-1348 requires that firearms left in unattended vehicles be securely stored.
Mandatory testing for chronic wasting disease
In 2025, CPW will require mandatory submission of chronic wasting disease (CWD) test samples (heads) from all deer harvested during rifle seasons from specific hunt codes. See pages 1, 13 and 22 of the big game brochure for more details.
If a hunter is not selected for mandatory testing, but wants to know whether their harvested deer or elk has CWD, they can submit their animal's head and pay a $25 testing fee. Testing fees for voluntary submissions will be waived for all moose statewide, and all deer from hunt codes that were not selected for mandatory testing but are within the same GMUs. Voluntary submissions are accepted annually statewide for a $25 testing fee.
Watch for wolves
Gray wolves are now another one of the more than 960 wildlife species on the landscape in Colorado. Wolves have been released both north and south of I-70, and wildlife managers expect them to explore their new environment and travel widely. One female wolf is exploring the southeast region of the state.
The gray wolf in Colorado is protected by the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and state law. The state penalties for illegally killing a gray wolf can include: Civil penalties of at least $1,000; criminal fines of up to $100,000; imprisonment for up to one year; suspension of license privileges for up to life. The federal penalties for illegally killing a gray wolf can include: Civil penalties of up to $25,000; criminal fines of up to $50,000; imprisonment for up to one year; suspension or revocation of federal licenses or permits.
Plan your hunt
Those with questions about setting up accounts, planning hunts or applying for licenses, can call 303.297.1192, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. More hunting resources are available at cpw.state.co.us/hunting/big-game.
Note to hunters: CPW harvest data from 2024-2025 will not be available until mid-March. License quotas will not be finalized until the May 2025 Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting after staff are finished analyzing data from population surveys.
(Source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife.)
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