Hunters hoping to take home a big-game prize this hunting season can apply for a license beginning Monday. 

And like many other changes that have happened over the past year, Colorado Parks and Wildlife wants even the most experienced hunters to be aware of some new requirements needed to obtain a license.

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Hunters must purchase a qualifying license such as a spring turkey and small game license, or a combination of small game and fishing license to be eligible for a big-game licenses. 

“It’s very important all hunters read the 2021 Colorado Big Game brochure, which is available at all CPWP office locations and online,” spokesman Travis Duncan said.

Other changes taking affect this year is a 2.7% increase to license fees and the requirement of all hunters in 15 game management units to submit their deer’s head for chronic wasting disease. 

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Hunters are also being given the opportunity to voluntarily submit their harvested deer for free in all game management units, or pay a $25 fee for elk to be tested for CWD.

The application for the primary draw closes April 6 at 8 p.m. but a secondary draw will open June 16 to allow hunters to apply for elk, bear, deer licenses.