COLORADO SPRINGS — The deadline to apply for big-game hunting licenses in Colorado is near.
The deadline to apply is April 7 at 8 p.m. but the application site is open around the clock. In fact, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is urging hunters to get online and apply and not wait until the last minute.
“When a high volume of people hit the site on the last day, that can cause system slowdowns and we want to ensure you have the ability to put in for the license you want,” said Rebecca Ferrell, public information and website manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “There’s no reason to wait until the last minute - get online now, spend some quality time with our videos, harvest data and other resources, and be sure your account is set up correctly.”
To apply for a limited big game license, go to cpwshop.com, sign in to your account, and then click on the "Go Hunting and Fishing" tab in the menu bar at the top of the page. CPW said the system is set up to guide hunters easily through the well-defined steps. Be sure that you know your CID number before beginning the process.
CPW asks that hunters review the big game section of the web site to review information on hunting seasons and how to apply. This page also includes harvest statistics from 2019 for all season, species, and units.
You can also get help with planning your fall hunting season by calling CPW's hunt planners at (303) 297-1192. Wait times may be lengthy as staff is complying with current stat-at-home orders, CPW said.
CPW wants to remind hunters that they are required to purchase a "qualifying license" before submitting an application. Qualifying licenses include small game, spring turkey, and youth licenses, among others. You can find out more about qualifying licenses here: https://cpw.state.co.us/qualifyinglicenses
