Application Strategy 2025: Colorado bighorn sheep, moose, and mountain goat

Colorado's bighorn sheep, moose, and mountain goat application overview

The application deadline for all Colorado species is 8:00 p.m. MST on April 1, 2025. Colorado is a fairly easy state to apply in. 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 and preference points, tag and license fees and an interactive boundary line map, check out our State Profile. You can also view the Species Profiles to access historical and statistical data to help you find trophy units.

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

*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.

Group applications

Group applications are not permitted for moose or desert bighorn sheep. However, two applicants can apply as a group for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and mountain goat. Residents and nonresidents cannot apply together. The group leader must submit their application first, and all group members must use the same leader and select the same hunt choices to be considered as a group in the draw. The group will enter the draw with the lowest number of points among its members. If any member lacks enough preference points to be eligible for the draw, the entire group’s application will be disqualified. We do not recommend applying as a group for these species.

Waiting periods

If you draw a desert bighorn sheep license and successfully harvest one, you are ineligible to apply for another in your lifetime. For a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep license, if you harvest a ram with at least a half-curl, you cannot apply again for five years. Similarly, if you draw and harvest a mountain goat, you’ll be ineligible to apply again for five years. If you harvest an antlered moose, you cannot apply again for an antlered or either-sex moose license for the rest of your life. However, if you don’t harvest, there is no waiting period to apply again for these species.

Snowpack and drought in Colorado

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Colorado Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Breakdown

Colorado is home to a robust population of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, which has remained stable and even experienced modest growth in recent years. Unlike some other states, Colorado's management strategy doesn’t prioritize producing trophy rams. Instead, the focus is on a more aggressive harvest approach, aiming to manage rams in the five-to-eight-year-old age range. While typical trophy rams measure between 155” and 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 a unique option and something dedicated bowhunters should explore. While the odds of success for these hunts are slightly better, they still remain challenging, with harvesting a ram using a bow proving difficult in many units.

The terrain where these sheep thrive is often remote and steep, making access and hunting particularly tough. While there are some less physically demanding hunting options near the eastern plains, the odds of drawing tags in these areas are generally lower. Overall, Colorado is an excellent state to apply for bighorn sheep hunts, and if this species is on your bucket list, we strongly recommend you apply. Keep in mind that while the odds are tough, you can’t draw a tag if you don’t apply.

Current Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep herd condition

Colorado’s bighorn sheep population has remained relatively stable in recent years. Despite a slight dip in numbers reported in 2024, the state has done an excellent job managing this sensitive, disease-prone species. In 2023, the population was reported at 6,982 bighorn sheep, down from 7,485 in 2022. Where populations have been impacted, Colorado has been proactive, adjusting permit numbers to ensure proper management.

Hit list units for Colorado Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in 2025

Many people say that the hardest part of a sheep hunt in the western US is securing a permit, and I’d agree to some extent. While it remains challenging to draw a sheep tag in Colorado, certain areas offer hunts that are physically demanding and difficult. When deciding which units or hunts to apply for, it’s crucial to review the Unit Profiles. Take a look at the terrain, access, and recent harvest success rates. In addition to these factors, consider the trophy potential, population sizes, and available permits listed in the table below.

The points system

The preference point race

2025 maximum weighted preference points for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep: 24

Managing points and expectations

When reviewing the standalone draw odds for a bighorn sheep license in Colorado within your Insider account, be sure to base your review on the number of points you have. For example, if you have three preference points and nine weighted points, you should check the odds at the 12-point level. We’ve factored in the complexities of the draw process and simplified the information for easy review.

Generally, archery hunts tend to have better draw odds due to the greater difficulty in finding success. In some areas, bighorn sheep can be challenging to locate consistently. Rams often stay in timber and steep, rugged terrain, making them hard to find, spot, and stalk. Do your research and think about your goals. If your primary objective is to harvest a ram, you may want to focus on rifle hunts, paying close attention to harvest success rates. If the experience of the hunt itself is your main goal, archery hunts might be the right choice.

Colorado 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 2025. 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 .71%. Note: Nonresidents can only apply for Unit S62 in 2025 and odds for that hunt were .05% last year.

Colorado Shiras Moose Breakdown

Colorado’s moose populations represent a major success story in western big game management. With current numbers and impressive trophy potential, we are truly in the golden age of moose hunting in Colorado and we might not see it reach this peak again. The statewide population is estimated at 3,470, with nearly every hunting unit capable of producing bulls with a 40” spread, and an increasing number each year approaching the 50” mark.

Hunters lucky enough to draw a bull moose license have the unique opportunity to hunt across all three seasons—archery, muzzleloader, and rifle—until their quota is met. This flexibility allows hunters to carefully choose the bull they wish to harvest. While the nonresident license fee can seem high, considering the current state of Colorado’s moose population, it’s an investment that’s well worth it. 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 2025

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

When it comes to bull or either-sex moose, there aren't many hidden gems in terms of draw odds. The odds for securing a bull moose license are tough, and even cow moose licenses are hard to draw. To improve your chances, use Filtering to research harvest success by unit. Digging deeper into each Unit Profile will help you identify the best options for your hunt. Be sure to consider factors such as terrain, the percentage of public land, and access. Also, reviewing the standalone draw odds will give you a better sense of the more favorable opportunities.

The points system

The preference point race

2025 maximum weighted/preference points for moose: 24

Colorado Rocky Mountain Goat Breakdown

Mountain goat populations remain fairly stable in Colorado with a current estimated statewide count of 1,565. This is a slight increase from the 2023 estimate of 1,460. Colorado follows a highly conservative management plan, which has led to a reduction in permits this year. Populations across the state’s various herd management units vary, as shown 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, and harvest success rates remain consistently high.

Some units offer archery-only or female-only hunts with slightly better draw odds, though the difference is marginal. It’s also important to note that some units restrict hunting to weekdays only due to the increasing presence of recreational hikers and backpackers, reflecting Colorado's strong outdoor recreation culture. As a result, hunters may encounter a significant number of onlookers, which can deviate from the secluded, off-the-beaten-path experience typically associated with mountain goat hunting.

Despite the relatively high cost of a nonresident mountain goat license, it still offers a more affordable option compared to guided hunts in places like British Columbia or Alaska. For those willing to invest in 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 2025

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

2025 maximum weighted preference points for mountain goat: 24

Managing draw expectations

When checking the standalone draw odds for a mountain goat license in Colorado within your Insider account, make sure to consider your total points. For instance, if you have three preference points and nine weighted points, you should review the odds at the 12-point level. We’ve taken the draw process into account and incorporated these details into our odds, presenting them in a clear and easy-to-understand format.