Why can't Colorado give us a searchable database instead of a 300 page document? What a PITA.
What kills me is that the paper big game proc doesnt even tell you how many tags each hunt has to offer. You need to cross ref EVERYTHING.
I don't think herd count is done before April 1 and after that they set the number of tags. That is their story and they are sticking to it
The counts are done in December for deer and February for elk in my area, and the license setting meetings for the local areas occur in mid March. Then the license recommendations go up to the regional headquarters in late March, then they go to the commission after the applications are due. The brochures are printed early February. You could always call the area office closest to where you want to hunt by late March to ask what they are going to do with licenses. They'll know at that point.
When applications go to online only next year, some of this could be sped up, or the application deadline could be later. It takes a long time to scan all the paper applications.
