Colorado Mule Deer Hunting Units & Draw Odds
182 units · 36.0% avg hunter success
Colorado's mule deer draw runs on a preference-point system across 182 units, giving nonresidents a real shot at quality hunts. Applications open March 1 and close April 7, with results posted May 26. You'll pay an $11.49 application fee plus a $506.92 tag fee if drawn. Nonresidents receive 20% of available tags, so competition is real but manageable depending on the unit and season you target. The data below shows 2024 results for five units—including draw certainty points and harvest success rates—so you can compare opportunities before committing your applications.
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 · $506.92 tag · $100 point
Easiest Mule Deer 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 · Archery, Either S1
0 pts drew with certainty · Rifle, Male S1
0 pts drew with certainty · Rifle, Male S1
0 pts drew with certainty · Rifle, Male S1
0 pts drew with certainty · Rifle, Male S1
0 pts drew with certainty · Rifle, Male S1
0 pts drew with certainty · Rifle, Male S1
0 pts drew with certainty · Rifle, Male S1
0 pts drew with certainty · Archery, Either S1
0 pts drew with certainty · Rifle, Male S1
0 pts drew with certainty · Rifle, Male S1
0 pts drew with certainty · Rifle, Male S1
| Unit | Drew with certainty at | Best zero-point hunt | Success | Public land |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 104 | 0 ptsArchery, Either S1 | — | 27% | 13% |
| Unit 105 | 0 ptsRifle, Male S1 | — | 34% | 13% |
| Unit 106 | 0 ptsRifle, Male S1 | — | 48% | 8% |
| Unit 107 | 0 ptsRifle, Male S1 | — | 43% | 3% |
| Unit 109 | 0 ptsRifle, Male S1 | — | 22% | 5% |
| Unit 114 | 0 ptsRifle, Male S1 | — | 0% | 5% |
| Unit 115 | 0 ptsRifle, Male S1 | — | 43% | 6% |
| Unit 116 | 0 ptsRifle, Male S1 | — | 31% | 4% |
| Unit 117 | 0 ptsArchery, Either S1 | — | 45% | 4% |
| Unit 118 | 0 ptsRifle, Male S1 | — | 32% | 35% |
| Unit 119 | 0 ptsRifle, Male S1 | — | 32% | 15% |
| Unit 120 | 0 ptsRifle, Male S1 | — | 0% | 15% |
All Colorado Mule Deer Units
Colorado Mule Deer Draw FAQ
How many preference points do I need to draw a Colorado mule deer tag?
It depends on the unit and season. In 2024, several quality units—including 104, 105, 106, 107, and 109—drew nonresident tags at 0 points to draw with certainty, meaning first-time applicants had a legitimate chance. Other units require more points, so research the specific unit before applying.
When do Colorado mule deer applications open and close?
For 2026, nonresident applications open March 1 and close April 7. Results are posted May 26. Mark these dates on your calendar if you plan to apply.
What's the harvest success rate on Colorado mule deer?
Success varies by unit. In 2024, rifle hunts in units 105, 106, and 107 ranged from 43% to 57%, while archery in unit 104 sat at 48%. Unit 109 ran lower at 14%. Success depends on your skill, season timing, and the specific unit's terrain and deer quality.
What do nonresidents pay to apply and hunt Colorado mule deer?
Each application costs $11.49. If you draw a tag, the tag fee is $506.92. Budget for multiple applications across different units and seasons to maximize your chances.
Plan your Colorado Mule Deer hunt — free account, no card. Run the draw simulator at your point level and compare every unit in the state.
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