The deadline isn't until April 7, but Colorado Parks and Wildlife is urging big-game hunters to apply for licenses now.
Applications can be done online at the Parks and Wildlife website.
"CPW's website offers essential information for preparing for the big game season, as well as a secure license application portal to submit applications," agency spokesman Matt Robbins said in a news release.
Parks and Wildlife offered this process in applying for a license:
A hunter education certification and card number are required before applying for or purchasing a Colorado hunting license if you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1949.
Colorado offers draws for eight big game species as well as turkey. The Big Game brochure contains regulations for deer, elk, pronghorn, moose and bear, and the Sheep and Goat brochure contains regulations for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, desert bighorn sheep and mountain goat.
Decide where to hunt
Colorado is divided into hunting areas called game management units. Each year, a limited number of licenses are allotted to each GMU. Colorado also offers some over-the-counter licenses that are not limited in number. Check out state maps and unit descriptions in the brochure or online.
Pick your season
Season dates differ by species, but, in general, archery season starts in late August. Muzzleloader season starts in the middle of archery season, and four rifle seasons follow that, beginning on Oct. 10 and ending on Nov. 11. The Colorado Big Game Hunting Planner lists season dates, fees and application deadlines.
Select method
Colorado offers distinct seasons for archery, muzzleloader and rifle hunting. Legal requirements for the various hunting methods and transporting them in the field are in the brochures.
Select hunt code
The hunt code includes the species, sex, game management unit, season/dates and method of take and is required for applying.
Apply or purchase
To complete an application online, the following information is needed:
Current and valid photo ID, hunter education certification, proof of residency (if applicable), a 2015 Habitat Stamp (will be added to an online application if required), Social Security number for those 12 years and older, hunt codes and a Mastercard, Visa or Discover credit card.
Customer service representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (303) 297-1192 and specially trained hunt planners are available to assist hunters by phone at (303) 291-7526.
On the Net
interactive version of 2015 Colorado Big Game brochure or PDF: http://case.epaperflip.com/colorado/Parks-and-wildlife/
license options: http://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/BigGameLicenseOptions.aspx
Online applications: https://www.co.wildlifelicense.com/start.php
news and more information about Colorado Parks and Wildlife: http://cpw.state.co.us
Local information: Call the Durango office at 247-0855.
