Colorado Game Management Unit (GMU) 51 features over-the-counter (OTC) availability primarily for 2nd and 3rd rifle season bull elk tags, while archery and 1st/4th rifle seasons require a draw. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Unit 51 Overview & Access
  • Location: Douglas, Jefferson, and Teller counties, spanning around 24,000 acres of the Pike National Forest along Rampart Range Road.
  • Terrain: Steep canyons, dense timber, and open mountain parks ranging from lower foothills up to rocky ridge lines.
  • Special Restrictions: Specific properties like the Sharptail Ridge SWA within Unit 51 require separate unit-specific draw permits rather than general OTC access. [1, 2, 3, 4]
License Rules & Purchasing
  • Rifle Seasons: Unlimited OTC either-sex or bull tags are generally offered for the 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons.
  • Archery Changes: Note that general non-resident OTC archery options have shifted significantly under modern Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations, requiring verification of current draw vs. OTC status for bowhunters.
  • Purchasing: Valid licenses can be acquired digitally via the CPW Online System or through authorized local license agents. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
If you'd like, let me know:
    • Your preferred season (2nd or 3rd rifle)
    • Your residency status (resident or nonresident)
I can help verify the specific active hunt codes and license fees for your upcoming hunt.
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Colorado leftover elk licenses for Unit 51 can be purchased online at CPWShop.com, by phone at 1-800-244-5613, or at in-person sales agents. Leftover and reissued limited licenses requiring four or fewer preference points go on sale starting at 9:00 a.m. MT on the designated Leftover License Day in August. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Purchasing Details
  • Cost & Availability: Varies based on residency and specific hunt code quotas remaining after primary and secondary draws.
  • Requirements: No preference points or applications are needed for licenses taking 4 or fewer points, but hunters must hold a valid hunter education certificate and current qualifying outdoor background details.
  • Access Information: Check specific regulations if hunting near properties like Sharptail Ridge SWA inside Unit 51.
If you'd like, let me know:
  • Which specific season (archery, muzzleloader, or 1st/2nd/3rd/4th rifle) you want for Unit 51
  • Whether you are a resident or non-resident

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There are no over-the-counter (OTC) deer tags available for Colorado Unit 51 (or for deer anywhere in Colorado), as all deer licenses are strictly limited-entry draw or leftover license sales. [1, 2]
License Facts for Unit 51
  • Draw Only: Deer hunting in Game Management Unit (GMU) 51 requires applying through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife primary draw system.
  • No OTC Deer: Colorado does not offer over-the-counter deer licenses for any weapon choice (archery, muzzleloader, or rifle).
  • Leftover Licenses: If any tags remain after the draw cycles, they are sold later in the summer as leftover licenses, but availability is never guaranteed. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
If you want, I can help you check:
    • Leftover license availability dates for the current season
    • Preference point requirements needed to draw a tag for Unit 51 in future draws
    • Alternative units that might have over-the-counter options for other species like elk