Colorado Elk Hunting Units & Draw Odds
185 units · 19.7% avg hunter success
Colorado's elk draw uses a preference-point system across 185 units, and nonresidents make up 20% of the tag allocation. Applications open March 1 and close April 7 for the 2026 draw, with results announced May 26—giving you time to plan before season. Nonresident tag fees run $845.16, plus an $11.49 application fee. The unit data below shows 2024 results for five accessible units where nonresidents drew with zero preference points, along with harvest success rates ranging from 26% to 67%. Whether you're chasing bulls or cows, these Colorado options give you concrete odds to compare.
How the Colorado Draw Works
Draw system
Preference points — the highest point holders draw first.
Nonresident allocation: 20% of tags
2026 application window
Mar 1 – Apr 7(nonresident)
Results: May 26
2026 fees (nonresident, regular)
$11.49 app · $117.62 license · $845.16 tag · $100 point
Easiest Elk Draws for Nonresidents (2024 Results)
Point levels that drew with certainty, and the best documented zero-point hunts — actual draw results, per hunt.
0 pts drew with certainty · Rifle, Female S5
0 pts drew with certainty · Rifle, Male S1
0 pts drew with certainty · Rifle, Female S1
0 pts drew with certainty · Rifle, Female S1
0 pts drew with certainty · Rifle, Female S1
0 pts drew with certainty · Rifle, Male S2
0 pts drew with certainty · Rifle, Either S1
0 pts drew with certainty · Rifle, Female S1
0 pts drew with certainty · Rifle, Male S4
0 pts drew with certainty · Rifle, Either S1
0 pts drew with certainty · Rifle, Either S1
0 pts drew with certainty · Rifle, Female S3
| Unit | Drew with certainty at | Best zero-point hunt | Success | Public land |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | 0 ptsRifle, Female S5 | — | 0% | 92% |
| Unit 104 | 0 ptsRifle, Male S1 | — | 35% | 13% |
| Unit 128 | 0 ptsRifle, Female S1 | — | 24% | 15% |
| Unit 133 | 0 ptsRifle, Female S1 | — | 29% | 17% |
| Unit 134 | 0 ptsRifle, Female S1 | — | 67% | 8% |
| Unit 14 | 0 ptsRifle, Male S2 | — | 27% | 87% |
| Unit 140 | 0 ptsRifle, Either S1 | — | 41% | 8% |
| Unit 141 | 0 ptsRifle, Female S1 | — | 33% | 8% |
| Unit 142 | 0 ptsRifle, Male S4 | — | 0% | 100% |
| Unit 18 | 0 ptsRifle, Either S1 | — | 13% | 89% |
| Unit 181 | 0 ptsRifle, Either S1 | — | 0% | 61% |
| Unit 201 | 0 ptsRifle, Female S3 | — | 67% | 97% |
All Colorado Elk Units
Colorado Elk Draw FAQ
How many preference points do I need to draw a Colorado elk tag as a nonresident?
It depends on the unit. In 2024, several accessible Colorado units—including Units 1, 104, 128, 133, and 134—drew nonresident tags with zero preference points needed. Competition and point requirements vary by unit and season type, so check the specific unit data for current draw difficulty.
When are Colorado elk applications due in 2026?
Applications open March 1 and close April 7, 2026. Results will be announced May 26, 2026. Mark those dates—missing the April 7 deadline means missing the draw cycle.
What do Colorado elk tags cost for nonresidents?
The tag fee is $845.16, and the application fee is $11.49. Plan for both costs when budgeting your nonresident application.
How does Colorado's elk preference-point draw work?
Colorado uses preference points to prioritize applicants in the draw. Hunters with more preference points have better odds of drawing. The system works across 185 units statewide, each with its own draw odds and point requirements that shift year to year based on demand and tag availability.
Plan your Colorado Elk hunt — free account, no card. Run the draw simulator at your point level and compare every unit in the state.
Create free account