The 2028 draw changes
Colorado's draw is getting its biggest overhaul in decades, starting with the 2028 license year. Here's what was approved and what it means for your points.
What's changing
- Split draw. Each hunt's licenses are split in half: half go to the top preference-point holders (like today), half go to a random bonus draw where more points mean more chances but anyone can win.
- Hybrid draw ends. The bonus half replaces it.
- Nonresidents: no more than half of the nonresident allocation goes through the preference half.
- Point fees. Deer, elk, pronghorn, bear and turkey points will cost a fee (reported as $15 for residents, $30 for nonresidents per species), with an option to opt out if unsuccessful — and not gain a point.
- The 1st-choice point-only code goes away.
What it means for elk hunters
- High-point hunters compete for half as many preference licenses in each hunt, so cutoffs in the preference half may jump.
- Low- and mid-point hunters get a real chance at premium hunts through the bonus half.
- Historical odds get less predictive for 2028. We'll show both halves separately once CPW publishes 2028 results.
Note: details summarized from CPW Commission documents and hunting media coverage. Final regulations can change before 2028 — check CPW's announcements.
Until then, the current rules apply. How the current draw works →
Questions
When do the Colorado draw changes take effect?
The Parks and Wildlife Commission approved the changes in 2025 for the 2028 license year. 2026 and 2027 run under the current rules.
Will I lose my preference points in 2028?
No. Existing preference points carry over and are used in the preference half of the split draw.
Updated 2026-11-07. Rules summarized from the CPW Big Game Brochure and Parks and Wildlife Commission documents — the brochure is the final word.