Tags and Draws
Getting a license is the first step in booking a hunt. Colorado uses a preference point system for most big game, but several of our hunts are over the counter, and landowner vouchers can get you hunting in a year you do not draw. Here is how it works for each of our hunts. Requirements change from year to year, so we confirm the details for your hunt before you book.
How Colorado's preference point system works
Colorado allocates licenses in limited units through a preference point system. Each unit and season requires a different number of points to draw, and you can apply for one preference point each year per species.
Official rules, application dates and draw results are published by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Landowner vouchers
Some of our hunts come with access to landowner vouchers. A voucher lets you hunt in a year you did not draw a license. Vouchers are limited and are quoted separately from the hunt price: $1,000 to $4,000 on the eastern plains and $1,000 to $7,500 in southern Colorado. We confirm availability before you book. See our rates.
Elk
Second and third season rifle elk licenses are over the counter. Archery, muzzleloader and first rifle are drawn. Non-residents draw for everything except second and third season rifle, though leftover archery licenses are usually available. Colorado residents can buy archery licenses over the counter.
Point requirements depend on the ground you hunt. On some of our elk ground, archery, muzzleloader and first rifle licenses draw with 0 to 2 preference points. On our other elk ground they take roughly 6 to 11 points depending on weapon, and we hold landowner vouchers there for archery, muzzleloader and rifle.
No points yet? Many clients apply for a preference point and book an archery hunt the same year, since archery licenses can still be drawn with 0 points, then use that point to draw a muzzleloader or rifle license the following year. See our elk hunts.
Mule deer and whitetail deer
Rifle deer licenses currently take 4 to 6 preference points to draw, muzzleloader 2 to 4 points, and archery 0 to 2 points. We have access to landowner vouchers each year for archery, muzzleloader and rifle mule deer and whitetail deer, so you can hunt in a year you do not draw. Vouchers are limited and must be discussed before your hunt. Mule deer hunts · Whitetail hunts.
Antelope
Antelope licenses in limited units are drawn with preference points, and requirements vary by unit, season and weapon. Tell us which hunt you are interested in and we will confirm what it takes to draw and whether a landowner voucher is available. See our antelope hunts.
Black bear
Archery, muzzleloader and rifle bear licenses are over the counter, and all three are covered by the early rifle private land only (PLO) license. See our black bear hunts.
Mountain lion
Every hunter must take and pass the Colorado Parks and Wildlife mountain lion identification course before buying a license. Once you pass, print your certificate and buy an over-the-counter license. See our mountain lion hunts.
Turkey
Turkey licenses for our areas are over the counter and can be bought when you arrive. See our turkey hunts.
Bison
No license is required for a bison hunt. See our bison hunts.
Aoudad in west Texas
Aoudad hunts are in Texas, which offers a 5-day hunting license or annual licenses depending on your stay. Check Texas Parks and Wildlife for the license you need. See our aoudad hunts.
Booking
Licenses and point requirements change every year. Call 970.580.0441 or email hunt@sandyhillshunting.com and we will confirm exactly what your hunt needs before you book. Season dates are listed on each hunt page. For flights and lodging, see Trip Planning.
