Colorado
Non-resident hunting — draw tags, OTC options, fees & deadlines
Data last updated: April 2026
Application Deadlines
Species Details
2026 archery application deadline: April 7. NR archery OTC eliminated west of I-25 as of 2025 — now draw-only for most of Colorado. Very limited OTC archery remains in a few eastern GMUs (east of I-25). Total NR cost ~$929 (NR archery elk tag ~$832 + $86 NR small game license + $11 habitat stamp). Verify current unit status at cpw.state.co.us.
OTC tag details, valid units & fees
- 2nd Rifle: Oct 17–25, 2026
- 3rd Rifle: Oct 31–Nov 8, 2026
- Elk license: ~$845
- Qualifying license: ~$105
- Habitat stamp: ~$13
- Total: ~$963
GMUs 54, 55, 551 are no longer OTC (moved to draw for 2026). GMUs 11, 12, 13, 23, 24, 131, 211, 231 returned to OTC for 2026. Always confirm against the 2026 CPW Big Game Brochure (page ~40) before buying.
OTC tags go on sale early August 2026. Bull only — antler point restriction applies in most units.
CPW Over-the-Counter Licenses ↗Total NR cost: ~$549 (NR mule deer tag ~$452 + $86 NR small game license + $11 habitat stamp). NR qualifying license is $86 small game + $11 habitat stamp = $97. NR archery OTC eliminated west of I-25 in 2025. Premium units (GMU 2, 10, 201) still require many points.
Total NR cost: ~$549 (NR pronghorn tag ~$452 + $86 NR small game license + $11 habitat stamp). NR qualifying license is $86 small game + $11 habitat stamp = $97. Eastern plains units draw quickly. Great starter pronghorn state.
Total NR cost when drawn: ~$2,470 (NR bighorn sheep tag ~$2,373 + $86 NR small game license + $11 habitat stamp). NR qualifying license is $86 small game + $11 habitat stamp = $97. 20-30 year average wait. Apply every year without fail. The lifetime bucket-list hunt.
Total NR cost when drawn: ~$2,470 (NR mountain goat tag ~$2,373 + $86 NR small game license + $11 habitat stamp). NR qualifying license is $86 small game + $11 habitat stamp = $97. The ultimate mountain hunt. 20-30 year wait is realistic. Apply from day one.
Total NR OTC cost: ~$467 (NR bear tag ~$370 + $86 NR small game license + $11 habitat stamp). NR qualifying license is $86 small game + $11 habitat stamp = $97. OTC by unit — some units have quotas that close mid-season. Verify unit-level availability at cpw.state.co.us before purchasing.
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