Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices statewide are gearing up for two of the biggest days of the year – “leftover day” on Aug. 7 and “over the counter day” on Aug. 9.

On leftover day, CPW sells licenses that have gone through the draw process but still have a quota remaining. In the past, lines for leftover day have resembled crowds waiting to purchase the newest smartphone or attend the opening of a Hollywood blockbuster. Some people even camp out at CPW offices to ensure they get first shot at prime hunting licenses left over from the draw. The crowds come because leftover day is a chance to buy tags that were previously offered during the draw and often represent prime hunting opportunities.

CPW staff are reminding hunters that they can avoid the crowds this year by purchasing their license online at cpwshop.com. Hunters can also purchase by phone at 800-244-5613, at CPW offices, and license retailers.

The 2018 leftover list has been published on CPW’s website, at cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/Leftover.aspx.

Many of the 500,000 or so who hunt in Colorado request licenses through a draw system. The draw is the only way to buy mule deer licenses. And it’s also a way to get bear, elk, whitetail deer and pronghorn licenses. Typically there is far more demand than available licenses.

Others buy their elk, bear, whitetail deer and pronghorn licenses over the counter at CPW’s 18 offices or at other retail outlets. The licenses go on sale this year on Aug. 9 at 9 a.m.