Colorado Big Game Draws Are Open — Here's What You Need to Know

Colorado just fired the starting gun on the 2026 big game season — and if you haven't started your application yet, you're already behind.

Applications for Colorado Parks and Wildlife's primary big game draw opened March 1, and the deadline is 8 p.m. on April 7. That might feel like plenty of time, but if you're serious about punching a tag this fall, the planning starts right now. Here's everything you need to know about what's new and what it means for your hunt.

The Gunnison Basin Just Got Harder

This is the biggest change for 2026, and it's going to catch some folks off guard. GMUs 54, 55, and 551 — some of the most popular rifle elk units in the Gunnison Basin — are no longer over-the-counter. They've moved to a fully limited draw system.

If you've been banking on grabbing an OTC tag and heading to the Gunnison country, that plan is done. You'll need to apply through the draw like everyone else, which means more competition for fewer tags. The silver lining? Limited tags usually mean less pressure in the field, and that's good news for anyone who draws.

New Opportunities Worth Watching

It's not all bad news. CPW actually expanded hunting opportunities in several areas for 2026. There are new moose tags, additional archery elk units, and more bear licenses available across various Game Management Units.

For those of you who've been wanting to try something different — maybe a moose hunt you didn't think was possible, or an archery elk spot that wasn't available before — now's the time to look at the new offerings. Check CPW's updated unit maps and license tables before you fill out your application.

Youth Hunters Get Priority

Here's something worth celebrating: youth hunters now get 100% preference in the secondary draw. The secondary draw opens June 18, and it's essentially a second chance for anyone who missed the primary deadline or didn't draw their first choice.

If you've got kids who are ready to get after it, this is a massive advantage. Getting young hunters in the field is what keeps this tradition alive, and CPW is making it easier than ever. Take advantage of it.

CWD Testing Requirements

Mandatory chronic wasting disease testing is back for elk harvested in specific GMUs during rifle seasons. Interestingly, there's no mandatory deer testing for 2026, but elk hunters in affected units will need to comply.

CWD is a reality we all have to deal with, and testing helps wildlife managers make better decisions about herd health. It takes a few extra minutes at the check station, but it's worth it for the long game.

Don't Forget the Basics

Before you can even apply for the draw, you need to purchase a 2026 qualifying license. This is a requirement — no qualifying license, no application. These have been available since March 1, so get yours taken care of first.

Also, double-check GMU boundaries if you're hunting units 97 or 99. CPW made boundary modifications this year, and the last thing you want is a boundary violation because you were using last year's maps.

The Bottom Line

Colorado's 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most interesting in years. The shift to limited tags in the Gunnison Basin changes the game for a lot of hunters, but the new opportunities and youth priority make this a season worth getting excited about.

Get your qualifying license, study the unit maps, and submit your application before April 7. And if Colorado is on your bucket list for a guided hunt, we know the country and we know the game. Let's make it happen.

Hunting is not a hobby. It's an obsession.