2020 COLORADO HUNTING CHANGES – Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) recently published key hunting changes for 2020. Changes include fees, dates, draw processes and CWD testing. We provide a concise summary here but make sure to read through the brochure for specifics on Colorado hunting rules or see CPW’s video.
Major Changes
- Secondary Draw
- The leftover draw system no longer exists. It is replaced with a “secondary draw.” The secondary draw does not award preference points. It is open to anyone and actually gives preference to youth hunters. The application fee is still applied and a qualifying license is still required. There is no group hunt application for the secondary draw.
- Application Deadlines
- Primary draw application deadline is 4/7/2020 8 PM MT.
- Secondary draw application deadline is 7/7/2020 8 PM MT.
- Dates & Structure
- The new season dates and 5-year season structure take effect this year.
- New options for qualifying licenses:
All applicants must purchase a qualifying license prior to applying for the big game primary draws or new secondary draws.
– Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Other Changes
- Valid dates for annual licenses & habitat stamps.
- Changes to groups of hunt codes with shared quotas.
- Hunt code letter for season choice has changed.
- Hunting reservations can now be made online or by phone.
- Mandatory CWD testing in select GMUs and more.
In 2020, CPW will require mandatory submission of CWD test samples (heads) from all deer harvested during any of the rifle seasons from specific GMUs. There will be no charge for mandatory testing.
-Colorado Parks & Wildlife
What’s New
- Add-on OTC archery or muzzleloader bear licenses.
- Novice adult outreach licenses.
- Season choice hunt options for moose.
Starting in 2020, you can hunt bull or either-sex moose during archery, muzzleloader and/or rifle seasons with the correct method of take in certain units until you fill your license. You must follow all applicable season restrictions, including season dates.
-Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Do any of these changes affect you or your hunting group?
