FAQs

In November 2022, the Parks and Wildlife Commission (the Commission) approved an update to big game license allocation. The 3-year average that is used to determine high-demand hunt codes that are allocated 80% to residents (R) and 20% to nonresidents (NR) was updated such that CPW will use the most recent 3 years (with a one year lag). The Commission adopted the Division's recommendation and retained the 6 preference point threshold, which adds about 1,200 deer and elk hunt codes to the 80/20 allocation of high demand hunts. This change will be effective for the 2023 big game hunting season.

During the March 2023 Commission Meeting, the Commission requested staff bring back preference point banking alternatives for deer, elk, bear, and pronghorn limited licenses. On April 21, staff sent a memo to the Commission, which recommended that CPW maintain the status quo (in which no preference point banking system would be implemented) and outlined the benefits and drawbacks of preference point banking. Staff also outlined two potential preference point banking alternatives for the Commission to consider.

During the May 3 Commission meeting, CPW staff presented their recommendation and alternatives on preference point banking to the Commission. The Commission directed staff to maintain the status quo and not implement preference point banking. 

The Commission requested that license distribution be reviewed separately from Big Game Season Structure, due to the complexity of the subject as well as on-going interest from stakeholders. Members of the Colorado General Assembly also showed interest in making changes. In response, CPW reviewed license distribution issues, policies, and regulations, and presented possible changes to the Commission.

During the May 3 Commission meeting, the Commission directed staff to form a Draw Working Group to analyze CPW’s current draw rules and processes. The group will identify ways to reduce complexities and find new solutions or alternatives to address some of the perceived preference point issues, as well as biological and sociological concerns. 

Big Game Attitude Survey 

The Big Game Attitude Survey (BGAS) was distributed in early 2022 to a random sample of resident and nonresident hunters. The BGAS captured opinions on a number of big game hunting topics, including license distribution. Over 2,000 responses were received. Results from the BGAS are available in the Big Game Attitude Survey Summary Report.

License Distribution Focus Groups

CPW staff held public focus groups with big game hunters to analyze license distribution systems and potential changes. Ten focus groups were held, 8 in-person with residents and 2 virtually with nonresidents, split between the topics of preference points and license allocation. More information on the feedback received through the focus groups is available in the Summary of 2022 License Distribution Focus Groups (beginning on page 2). 

Public and Stakeholder Meetings

CPW staff have discussed license distribution, including possible changes, at several public and stakeholder meetings including the Colorado Sportsperson’s Roundtable, regional sportsperson’s caucuses, and stakeholder organization board meetings. 

License Distribution Comment Form and Guestbook Tool

CPW posted a public comment form on our Big Game License Distribution Engage CPW webpage asking big game hunters to provide their input on various license allocation alternatives and several preference point topics as requested by the Commission during the November 2022 Commission meeting. This public comment form was  well advertised through a press release, CPW’s hunting e-newsletter, and at events such as  regional Sportsperson’s Caucus meetings. The form was available for a total of 6 weeks, from  January 9th through February 20th, 2023. 

In addition to the public comment form, big game hunters could provide input through an online guestbook on the Big Game License Distribution Engage CPW webpage. Members of the public used this guestbook feature to submit short-form responses outlining their general  thoughts and ideas on CPW’s overall license allocation process.

During the 6-week comment period, CPW received a total of 2,819 completed comment forms and 214 short-form responses from members of the public. 

Hunters and affected communities are encouraged to share their comments about license distribution with the Commission. For information on how to share written or oral comments with the Commission please see the Submit Public Comments webpage. To receive email updates about this and other relevant topics please complete the Email Updates Form.