Colorado will implement a new Split Draw system in 2028 for Hunters.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has announced significant changes to its big game hunting license allocation process, set to take effect in 2028. These modifications aim to address ongoing concerns such as point creep and to enhance hunting opportunities for a broader range of applicants.

Key Changes:

  • Elimination of the Hybrid Draw System: CPW will discontinue the current hybrid draw system. In its place, a new split-draw model will be implemented for species including elk, deer, bear, pronghorn, and turkey.
  • Introduction of the Split-Draw Model: Under the new system, available tags for each hunt will be evenly divided between two applicant pools:
    • Preference Point Pool: Fifty percent of the tags will be allocated to hunters with the highest number of preference points, favoring those who have been applying and accumulating points over time.
    • Random Draw Pool: The remaining fifty percent will be distributed through a random draw, providing all applicants, regardless of their preference points, an equal chance of obtaining a tag.

This restructuring is part of CPW’s ongoing efforts to simplify the draw process and address issues related to point creep, which has been a growing concern among hunters. By implementing these changes, CPW aims to balance opportunities between long-term applicants with numerous preference points and newer or less frequent applicants, ensuring a more equitable distribution of hunting licenses.

Hunters planning to apply for big game licenses in Colorado should familiarize themselves with these upcoming changes and adjust their application strategies accordingly as the 2028 implementation date approaches.

Impact on Hunters with Existing Points
For hunters who have been accumulating preference points for years, these changes bring a mix of potential benefits and concerns. While the 50% allocation to the preference point pool ensures that those with high point totals still have a strong chance of drawing coveted tags, the introduction of a random draw for the other half of the tags might feel like a setback. Hunters who have built their strategy around accumulating points may need to reevaluate their plans, especially for highly sought-after units.

On the other hand, the random draw system creates new opportunities for those who lack significant point totals, making it more competitive for hunters relying solely on their accumulated points. Understanding these dynamics and adjusting application strategies will be crucial as the new system approaches its 2028 implementation.

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