Application Strategy 2024: Colorado bighorn sheep, moose and mountain goat

COLORADO'S 2024 BIGHORN SHEEP, MOOSE, AND MOUNTAIN GOAT APPLICATION OVERVIEW

The application deadline for Colorado is April 2, 2024 at 8:00 MT. You can apply online here or via telephone at 1-800-244-5613. Paper applications are no longer available.

New Or Noteworthy For This Year

Insider features

Hunt Planner

To aid in your research and planning efforts, we have a tool called Hunt Planner. This product will help you be more efficient at planning for hunts and also keeps all your research data organized. No more notepads getting lost or headaches when trying to remember what units caught your eye during your research! Everything you need is always in one place at GOHUNT.

What can you do in Hunt Planner?

Point Tracker

Your GOHUNT Insider account also has the Point Tracker feature. This allows you to enter the number of points you have for each state and species and, as you research through Filtering and Draw Odds, your point total will automatically be highlighted.

State Information

It is important to understand the way that the tags are drawn for Colorado bighorn sheep, moose and mountain goat. The draw system is different than it is for deer, elk and antelope. Check out the “understanding the draw” section below for the method behind this calculation.

To view important information and an overview of Colorado’s rules/regulations, the draw system, tag and license fees, check out our State Profile. You can also view the Species Profiles to access historical and statistical data to help you identify trophy areas.

Colorado is a fairly easy state to apply in. You will have to create an online account if you have not previously done so. Or you can call 1-800-244-5613 for help getting an account.

IMPORTANT DATES AND INFORMATION

**Annual licenses are valid March 1–March 31 (13 months)

*License cost will only be charged if you are successful in the draw.

The Colorado Draw System

UNDERSTANDING THE DRAW

Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mountain goat and moose licenses are allocated differently than deer, elk and antelope. The licenses for these species are allocated through a preference point/weighted preference point system. Applicants must build three preference points; after which, they have a random chance to draw a license. 

Desert bighorn sheep licenses are randomly allocated and there is no point system for that species. If you apply for desert bighorn sheep, you cannot also apply for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. You have to pick one of those species to apply for. 

Nonresidents are limited to 10% of the total number of moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat licenses.

POINT SYSTEM

As stated, desert bighorn sheep licenses are randomly drawn; there is no point system. Every applicant is on the same level playing field for those permit(s). For nonresidents, there is only one desert bighorn sheep license available in Unit S62. If you apply for desert bighorn sheep, you cannot also apply for and build points for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.

Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain goat and moose utilize a preference point/weighted point system to allocate licenses. Preference/weighted points are species specific. For these species, applicants can build up to three maximum preference points; after which, they will receive weighted bonus points for each year they apply for a hunt and purchase the weighted point. Applicants must build three preference points before they have the possibility to draw a license for bighorn sheep, mountain goat or bull moose. The drawing for licenses is random with the weighted points giving applicants statistically better odds of drawing; however, any applicant who applies with three preference points could, in theory, draw a license.

WEIGHTED POINTS 

How do weighted points help you in the draw? Each application received in the system is assigned a six-digit number. That number is then inverted, so that the order in which the application was received does not affect the draw. After the application number is inverted, it is converted to a new number using a random number replacement sequence. That number is then divided by the number of weighted preference points plus one. An applicant with three preference points and no weighted points will have their application divided by one. Thus, the more weighted points you have, the better your chances of getting a lower number. 

After the final application numbers are assigned, all applicants with three preference points are grouped together, final application numbers are then sorted from lowest to highest and the low number applications are considered and given licenses until all licenses are allocated.

Let's look at an example. Applicant Brady has three preference points and 12 weighted preference points. Let’s suggest that Brady’s application number is 9,045. His application number is then inverted to 5,409. That number is then converted to a random number by means of a random number replacement sequence. Brady’s new number may be 3164. That number is then divided by 13 (12 weighted preference points plus one). Brady’s final application number is 3,164/13 = 243

If Brady had 20 weighted points in the same situation, his final application number would be 3,164/21 = 150 

You can see that the more weighted points an applicant has, the better the odds of getting a lower random number in the draw and, possibly, a license in the draw. 

Overall, weighted points do increase your chances, but it all depends on the random number that is generated for your application during the initial stages. Even if you only have the three preference points and no weighted points, you have a chance in the draw. Review the draw odds to see if the odds are worth continuing to apply and build weighted points to you.

Moose preference point only code: M-P-999-99-P

Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep preference point only code: S-P-999-99-P

Rocky Mountain goat preference point only code: G-P-999-99-P

GROUP APPLICATIONS

Group applications are not allowed for moose or desert bighorn sheep. Two applicants are allowed to apply as a group for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and mountain goat. Residents and nonresidents cannot apply together. The group leader must apply first. Group members must use the same person as the leader and apply for the same hunt choices in order to go through the draw as a group. Groups will go into the draw with the lowest number of points of any member of the group. If one applicant does not have enough preference points to be considered in the draw, the application will not be in the actual draw. We do not advise applicants to apply as a group for these species.

WAITING PERIODS

If you draw a desert bighorn sheep license and harvest one, you cannot apply again in your lifetime. If you draw a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep license and harvest a ram of at least a half curl, you cannot apply again for five years. If you draw and harvest a mountain goat, you cannot apply again for five years. If you draw and harvest an antlered moose, you cannot apply again for an antlered or either sex moose license again in your life. If you do not harvest, there is no waiting period to apply again for these species.

SNOWPACK AND DROUGHT IN COLORADO

2024

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2023

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2022

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Colorado Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Breakdown

Colorado is home to a thriving population of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, which has shown stability and even modest growth in recent years. Unlike some states, Colorado's management approach doesn't focus on producing trophy rams. Instead, they are a little more aggressive with harvest and try to manage for rams in the five- to eight-year-old range. While the typical potential trophy ranges from 155” to 165”, every year, there are rams harvested that exceed 170”.

Colorado offers both archery and rifle licenses for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. The opportunity to draw an archery specific license is unique and something diehard bowhunters should look into. The odds are better for those hunts, but not significantly, and harvesting a ram with your bow is very challenging in many of the units.

The habitat for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in Colorado often consists of remote, steep terrain, making access and hunting challenging. While there are less strenuous hunting options closer to the eastern plains, odds of drawing in these areas are generally lower. Overall, Colorado is a great state to apply for bighorn sheep and, if this species is on your bucket list, we highly recommend that you apply. Keep in mind that the odds are very tough, but you cannot draw if you do not apply.

Current Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep herd condition

Colorado has had a pretty stable population of bighorn sheep over the past few years. Even with a small dip in population reported in 2023, they have done a great job of managing a very temperamental and disease-prone species. For 2023, they reported having 6,982 bighorn sheep on the landscape, compared to the 7,485 reported in 2022. Where populations have been affected, they have been proactive and have adjusted permit numbers accordingly. 

Hit list units for Colorado Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in 2024

People often say that the hardest part of a sheep hunt in the western US is getting a permit. I agree with that to a certain degree. Although it’s still very tough to draw a sheep tag in Colorado, some areas only have physical and difficult hunts. It’s important when looking at what units or hunts to apply for that you look at the Unit Profiles. Check out what the terrain and access are like along with what the harvest success has been in recent years. That, along with the trophy potential, populations, and permits available in the table below, should give you a solid starting point when deciding where to apply.

The points system

THE PREFERENCE POINT RACE

2024 maximum weighted preference points for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep: 23

MANAGING POINTS AND EXPECTATIONS

When reviewing the standalone odds within your Insider account of drawing a bighorn sheep license in Colorado, you should review your odds based upon the number of points you have. For example, if you have three preference points and nine weighted points, you would look at the odds at the 12-point level. We have taken the draw process into account and built those intricacies into our odds and display them in a simple, easy-to-review manner. 

Generally speaking, archery hunts have better draw odds due to the difficulty in finding success. In several areas, bighorn sheep can be tough to consistently find. Rams may stick to timber and steep cover, making them difficult to find and even harder to spot and stalk. Do some research and consider your objectives. If you have to have the opportunity to harvest a ram, you might consider the rifle hunts and pay special attention to harvest success rates. If the opportunity to hunt is enough, consider archery hunts.

Colorado's 2024 Desert Bighorn Sheep Breakdown

There are four desert bighorn sheep units in Colorado — and only one of which is available for nonresidents to apply for and hunt. There will be one nonresident license once again in Unit S62 in 2024. There are no archery seasons for desert bighorn sheep. All seasons are rifle hunts.

Trophy potential is average when compared to other states like Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico; however, a mature 155” to 165” class ram is realistic. Harvest success rates are typically 100%.

Note: Applicants cannot apply for both desert and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in the same year. If you apply for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, you have the option to build points; there is no point system for desert bighorn sheep. The draw for desert bighorn sheep is random; every applicant has an equal chance to draw.

Colorado Desert bighorn sheep herd condition

The points system

There is no point system in place for desert bighorn sheep. With only four units to choose from for residents, study the Unit Profiles and Draw Odds to find the best option. The odds for Unit S63 were the best for residents at .88%. Note: Nonresidents can only apply for Unit S62 in 2024 and odds for that hunt were .05% last year.

Colorado Shiras Moose Breakdown

Moose populations in Colorado stand as a remarkable achievement in western big game management. With their current population and trophy potential, we are witnessing the golden age of moose hunting in the state. Furthermore, with the reintroduction of wolves, the reality is it's as good as it’s ever going to get. The statewide population now sits at an estimated 3,460, with nearly every hunting unit capable of producing impressive 40” wide bulls, and an increasing number pushing close to that 50” each year.

Those fortunate enough to secure a bull moose license have the privilege of hunting across all three seasons—archery, muzzleloader and rifle—until they fulfill their quota. This flexibility allows hunters to be discerning in their choice of bull to harvest. While the nonresident license fee may seem steep, given the current conditions in Colorado, it's an investment well worth making in my view. I highly recommend applying and hoping for success in the draw!

Colorado moose herd condition

GOHUNT's hit list units for trophy Colorado moose in 2024

Colorado is a great state to hunt and harvest a trophy class bull — if you are lucky enough to draw a license. Almost every unit can produce a 40”+ bull.

Managing draw expectations

For bull or either sex moose, there are no real hidden gems in terms of draw odds. Draw odds for a bull moose license are rough — even the cow moose licenses are tough to draw. Utilize Filtering to research unit-by-unit harvest success. Further exploration of each Unit Profile will allow you to find the best options for you. Consider factors like terrain, the percentage of public land and access. Review the standalone draw odds to explore the better options.

THE POINTS SYSTEM

The preference point race

2024 maximum weighted/preference points for moose: 23

Colorado's 2024 Rocky Mountain Goat Breakdown

Mountain goat populations remain fairly stable in Colorado with a current estimated statewide count of 1,460. This is a slight dip from the 2022 estimate of 1,680. Colorado does have a highly conservative management plan and have cut permits this year accordingly. Across Colorado's various herd management units, populations vary as detailed in the table below. While Colorado may not offer abundant trophy potential with few record book billies harvested, access to high country is generally good with consistently high harvest success rates.

Certain units provide opportunities for archery only or female only hunts with slightly improved draw odds, albeit marginally so. It's worth noting that some units restrict hunting to weekdays only due to the growing presence of recreational hikers and backpackers, reflecting Colorado's deep outdoor recreation culture. Consequently, hunters may encounter a significant number of onlookers during their hunts, deviating from the secluded hunting experience most expect with a mountain goat hunt.

Despite the relatively high cost of a nonresident mountain goat license, it remains a worthwhile investment compared to the expenses associated with guided hunts in British Columbia or Alaska. For those capable of shouldering the license fee, I highly recommend applying for a mountain goat hunt in Colorado.

Current mountain goat herd condition

GOHUNT's hit list units for Colorado Mountain goat in 2024

As previously noted, Colorado does not produce many trophy quality billies. Top units are a combination of healthy populations, permits available and some trophy potential consideration.

The points system

THE PREFERENCE POINT RACE

2024 maximum weighted preference points for mountain goat: 23

HOW TO UNCOVER HIDDEN GEM MOUNTAIN GOAT UNITS

There are very few — if any — hidden gems for either sex mountain goat hunts. Odds are tough regardless of which season/unit or weapon you apply for. The nanny licenses do offer slightly better odds generally.

MANAGING POINTS AND EXPECTATIONS

When reviewing the standalone odds within your Insider account of drawing a mountain goat license in Colorado, you should review your odds based upon the number of points you have. For example, if you have three preference points and nine weighted points, you would look at the odds at the 12-point level. We have taken the draw process into account and built those intricacies into our odds and display them in a simple, easy-to-review manner.