Over-the-counter bull elk hunting licenses will no longer be available in the northern Gunnison Basin beginning with the 2026 hunting seasons, following a recent regulation change approved by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission.

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission voted Jan. 14–15 to eliminate OTC bull elk licenses that had previously been available during the second and third rifle seasons in Game Management Units 54, 55 and 551. The decision followed years of discussion over herd management, hunter pressure and license structure in the Gunnison area.