Windog,
I have been researching Colorado for a 2009 DIY hunt. You can request a 2008 Colorado Big Game regulations book from the CDOW and they will send you two free to your house, applications are included. In Colorado they have a preference point code that you can put on your application for any big game speciesif you know that you cant hunt that year. They are species specific and will last as long as you apply each year. If you dont get drawn for your first choice you automatically get a preference point and can still get another hunt.Bow season is mainly during the rut and the state has tons of OTC tags for archery. Muzzleloader and 1st rifle and 4th rifle is draw only for elk. You can purchase/apply online but there might be a cutoff time close to the start of season that you can buy an OTC tag from a regular retailer. Application deadline for Colorado is April 1st. I live in KY and am in the same boat as you. The different rules and regs. are easier to read in print for me, rather than online. I have never been West of the Mississippi River so I am doingas much research as possible for my hunt so that I am legal and safe.The February issue of Outdoor Life has some pretty good information for western hunts. GMUResearch.com has some good information for Colorado.
ScoutMan