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What's new for Colorado 2025-2026 big game

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15 February 2025, 17:53
ronco
What's new for Colorado 2025-2026 big game
CPW sent me this video of what's changing this big game season. The one change that stood out to me, was nonresidents will have to put into the draw for archery elk. More money for the state. I'd like to know how many nonresidents quit hunting Colorado.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8YzPsVA7Uc
15 February 2025, 22:38
slim buttes
There are no deals for nonresidents in any western state. Colorado just gets their revenue steam a little different. Wyo charges for just a point, I think it is about $50. At least in CO an unsuccessful applicant will get a point. You get a fishing license when you draw a tag in CO. other states have their own program that maximizes income. Mainly on the wallets of nonresidents.

So to answer the question, if you enjoyed hunting and fishing in CO before you still can.

I've had some great memories hunting and fishing in CO. The people have all been friendly. The other sportsman I encounter in the field or steam side have all been good people. I hope to do it again this fall. Or Wyo, I already have a nonresident small game and fishing license, I hope to multitask: cow elk (if I draw), upland birds, and fishing.

I really enjoy daydreaming about hunting and fishing this time of year.
16 February 2025, 03:39
chuck375
quote:
Originally posted by ronco:
CPW sent me this video of what's changing this big game season. The one change that stood out to me, was nonresidents will have to put into the draw for archery elk. More money for the state. I'd like to know how many nonresidents quit hunting Colorado.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8YzPsVA7Uc


Hopefully most of them Smiler


Regards,

Chuck



"There's a saying in prize fighting, everyone's got a plan until they get hit"

Michael Douglas "The Ghost And The Darkness"
16 February 2025, 19:34
Stonecreek
quote:
Wyo charges for just a point, I think it is about $50.

In order to get just a point in Colorado the non-resident applicant has to first purchase a small game license, now over $100, and a habitat stamp for another $10+. Mind you, that's just to get a point! And to hunt on Federal land, of which the non-resident is an equal owner.

I own several hundred acres of Colorado forest land on which there is a copious mule deer population. But if I want to shoot one on my own land I have to enter the draw (about $113), and if I'm "lucky enough" to get drawn then pay another $460-something dollars for the tag -- which is good for no more than one week, and only in a small, limited area of the state. I've also got turkeys all over my CO place, but who wants to pay over $250 to shoot a friggin' turkey?

I'm ashamed that Texas charges over $300 for a non-resident hunting license, but licenses are unlimited and include most species you would want to hunt -- and is good anywhere in the state. Looks like a bargain compared to many states.
16 February 2025, 21:06
ronco
If you want a preference or weighted point for Moose, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep or mountain goat. Nonresident is $100.00 and for a resident is $50.00. I haven't looked lately at the cost of the nonresident tags for moose, sheep or goats, but damn $2,758.49 that's on top of the point charges. That might be in line with other Western states, I don't know.
16 February 2025, 21:17
slim buttes
Like I said,"if you enjoyed hunting and fishing in CO before, you still can."

It's cheaper that Disney World, and I hope to never go to Disney World.

One more thing to consider. If you want to actually go elk hunting you can in CO. Every other state there is no guarantee of a license. I like to hunt now while I know I can. Five years from now, I don't know.

Remember for some these are the good old days.