Hunting applications in Colorado are a pure Preference Point drawing system, which can help with planning. See the application dates and deadlines from TopRut.
I've hunted elk in Colorado a few times (never successfully), but man, those nonresident tag prices got nuts the last few years. Almost $1K. I think I can spend that money somewhere else for a couple of years till my boys get a little older.
Over twenty trips to CO hunting & offroading since 1979. So many good times & memories with family and friends. Fully intended on retiring there, breaks my heart to see what it's turned into.