Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) administers a lottery system for hunting licenses for elk, deer, pronghorn, moose, bear, and other species. This system, often referred to as the draw, allows hunters to apply for limited licenses in specific hunting units during predetermined seasons. The outcome of this application process, publicly released on specific dates, determines which hunters receive licenses. For example, a hunter might apply for a bull elk license in a particular unit during the archery season. The outcome determines if they are awarded that license.
Access to these limited licenses ensures a sustainable harvest and helps manage wildlife populations effectively. This process allows CPW to balance hunter opportunity with the biological needs of the herds. The draw system has evolved over time, adapting to changing wildlife populations, hunter demand, and advances in technology. Its history reflects the ongoing effort to manage hunting ethically and sustainably in Colorado.