How to Apply for Preference Points & Big Game Tags in Colorado
Written by Tim Berges, Fall Obsession Regional Coordinator & CO Resident
Big Game Tags
Go to Colorado Parks and Wildlife Website (cpw.state.co.us)
Click “Buy & Apply”
Click Sign In or Create Account
If you are a new user, look on the right at “New Customers” and click “Create an Individual Account”. If you are a returning customer, scroll down.
If you are a returning customer, scroll down and reference your License from last year; and the CID number (the big number) on your license.
The next page is long and has lots of personal information. Click “Confirm Details” when everything is correct.
You will end up on this screen. If you are a returning user, click “My Preference Points” to double check point numbers.
This is the Points Screen. Now, scroll over to “Go Hunting & Fishing”.
The 2nd option under “Hunting Licenses” is “Buy Small Game and Combo License”. If you are a Resident, follow the red circles. If you are a Non-Resident, follow the green circles.
If you are a Resident, this is your screen. Pick which option(s) you want. Only Furbearer does not allow you to put in for the Big Game Draw, but it can be added to either of the other licenses.
After you make your selections, it will look like this. If you need any in of the items in the red circle, make your selection. Band Tailed Pigeon, Federal Duck/Migratory Bird, Colorado Waterfowl, and Furbearer cost extra.
In your cart, a Habitat Stamp will appear unless you previously purchased a lifetime one. Now it is time to purchase what’s in your cart.
Make sure you read carefully and scroll all the way to the bottom, check Terms and Conditions and complete the Robot test.
The next screen will have an order number. Check your email to ensure you get an email with the same order number.
Preference Points
Scroll over to “Go Hunting & Fishing”, and select the first option “Buy Big Game License”.
Click on animal you want to apply for. Below is the next set of screens.
Enter code P-999-99-P click confirm. If you want to put in a 2nd to 4th choice, you can draw those tags if they make it past the first round. If you want to apply for a tag as your first choice, enter it on line #1 and put the other tags in 2nd to 4th.
Add to Cart.
It will now take you back to the Big Game Application Information screen. Repeat the process for as many animals as you want. When done, click the Cart icon.
There are lots of personal / credit card information screens I skipped. At this point, pay, check your order number and email, then you are done.