Reminder: Upcoming Landowner Hunting License Deadlines
While the 2024 big game hunting season is in full swing, 2025 landowner license deadlines are already fast approaching in many Western states. Although key dates vary by state, landowners who wish to secure tags for the 2025 big game season shouldn’t wait to begin the registration process. Below are some upcoming program deadlines to keep in mind:
Colorado:
Registration Deadline: December 1st 2024 at 11:59pm MST
Voucher Application Deadline: April 1st, 2025
December 1st is the deadline to register or renew participating properties in Colorado’s Landowner Preference Program. Previously enrolled properties need to renew enrollment every 5 years to maintain eligibility in the LPP program. After a property registration has been approved, the landowner will receive LPP voucher (license) applications for the following season.
Also note that beginning with the 2025 season, LPP program applications and registrations will only be accepted via the online Colorado Parks and Wildlife IPAWS platform. Traditional paper applications via mail/drop-off will no longer be accepted.
Registrations and renewals can be completed online at the following here.
Wyoming:
Registration Deadline: No set deadline, enroll ASAP
Nonresident License Application Deadline: Elk: January 31st, 2025. Deer/Antelope: May 31st, 2025
Resident License Application Deadline: May 31st, 2025
Registrations to enroll property in Wyoming’s Landowner License program are reviewed by Regional Wyoming Game and Fish Department Offices on an ongoing basis. Landowner License applications need to be entered by the application deadlines listed above. Nonresident landowners should enroll their property as soon as possible if they intend to apply for landowner elk licenses valid for the 2025 Big Game Season.
To register property in Wyoming’s Landowner License program, contact the Regional Wyoming Game and Fish Department Office where the property is located. Contact information can be found here.
New Mexico:
Registration Deadline: January 5th, 2025 (Primary Zone), June 30th, 2025 (Secondary Zone)
New Mexico’s Elk Private Lands Use System (EPLUS) program allocates elk tags to eligible properties. Deadlines to enroll in the program vary by management area. For the Primary Management Zone (which includes many of New Mexico’s sought-after elk hunting areas), landowners who have not previously enrolled in the EPLUS program will need to submit the EPLUS Initial Application and Agreement and provide supporting ownership documentation to New Mexico Game and Fish Department by Sunday, January 5th. Participating ranches that have previously enrolled will automatically receive agreements in December to continue participation in the program.
Landowner deer and antelope licenses are offered over-the-counter in most areas. In some select areas, these licenses must be approved by a regional wildlife biologist.
EPLUS Registration Documentation can be located here.
Montana:
Registration Deadline: April 1st, 2025 at 5:00pm MST
License Application Deadline: April 1st, 2025 at 5:00pm MST
Montana’s Landowner Preference program allocates licenses to landowners on a preferential basis. Landowners must first apply for their desired licenses, then complete and submit the Landowner Preference Required Additional Information documentation to receive preferential status. Both the license application and landowner supporting documentation must be received by the April 1st deadline. This documentation must be submitted annually regardless of prior participation.
Information and required documentation for the Montana Landowner Preference program can be found here.
Allow Us to Assist with the Application Process
Across the West, participation in landowner license programs allows you to maximize the potential value of your recreational property and enjoy memorable hunts year after year. While registration in these programs requires some forethought, completing the necessary applications now will pay dividends when it comes time to plan next Fall’s hunts.
Confluence Land Company’s brokers have extensive experience with landowner license programs in nearly all Western states. If you are interested in learning more about your state’s landowner hunting opportunities, need assistance registering your property in a landowner license program, or are considering the purchase or sale of Western hunting property, we would be honored to assist you. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
