Colorado’s Primary Big-Game Tag Application deadline is April 7. Don’t miss it. The Centennial State is a big-game mecca. According to recent herd counts and estimates, Colorado’s elk herd is between 280,000 and 303,000 strong, the largest in the world. Mule deer numbers dipped after some brutal winters but are on the rebound. Pronghorn and bear numbers are strong, and Colorado allows non-resident hunters to enter the annual draw for moose, sheep, and goats.