Colorado Hunting Preference Points Online

The tool below will provide invaluable insights for Colorado hunters, covering everything from how the Preference Point System works to the strategies for increasing your probability of drawing a future license. Our goal is to provide you with an easy-to-read, searchable resource that goes beyond the limitations of traditional PDF guides.

unit Hunt Code quota applicants adult_res adult_nr youth_res youth_nr season
551 EE551O1A 190 316 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Archery
561 EE561O1A 70 71 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Archery
1 EF001O1M 5 3 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 None Drawn Muzzle
4+ EE004P1M 50 52 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Muzzle
4+ EF004O1M 130 179 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 Muzzle
6+ EE006O1M 400 658 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 3 Pref Points Muzzle
7+ EM007O1M 375 582 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points Muzzle
11+ EE011O1M 100 182 0 Pref Points 2 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 6 Pref Points Muzzle
12+ EE012P1M 50 53 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps Muzzle
12+ EF012O1M 100 133 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 3 Muzzle
14+ EE014O1M 200 341 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 2 Pref Points Muzzle
15+ EE015O1M 350 370 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Muzzle
20 EF020O1M 10 21 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn None Drawn Muzzle
21+ EE021O1M 175 340 0 Pref Points 3 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 4 Pref Points Muzzle
25+ EE025O1M 150 299 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Muzzle
28+ EE028O1M 520 439 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 Choice 2 Muzzle
28+ EF028O1M 85 41 0 Pref Points Choice 3 Choice 2 Choice 2 Muzzle
29 EF029O1M 20 16 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 No Apps Muzzle
29 EM029O1M 30 52 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps Muzzle
35+ EM035O1M 185 128 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 Choice 2 Muzzle

Understanding the Preference Point System

The Preference Point System is a pivotal tool used in managing Colorado’s diverse big-game animals. It's based on a quota system, limiting the number of hunting licenses issued in most game management units (GMUs). When applying for a limited license, you earn a preference point if you're unsuccessful in drawing your first-choice hunt code. These points then provide a mathematical advantage when applied to future license drawings.

Key Terms for Hunting in Colorado

Before you delve into the system, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with a few key terms:

  • Preference Points: Points awarded to hunters when they are unsuccessful in drawing their first-choice hunt code.
  • Hunt Codes: Eight-character codes used to designate species, sex, GMU, season, and method of harvest. A perfect guide to your hunting experience.
  • Game Management Units (GMUs): Designated areas of land used for wildlife management purposes, crucial for maintaining the balance of Colorado hunting.

Applying for a Limited License for Hunting

Applying for a limited hunting license involves specifying your preferred hunt codes. A preference point is awarded for unsuccessful applications for a first-choice hunt code or for hunters using a preference point hunt code as their first choice. Remember, preference points are only used and gained through the primary draw, making every application count.

How Preference Points Impact Your Future Draws

For big game like elk, deer, pronghorn, or bear, you will accumulate preference points until you are successful in drawing a first-choice license. If you draw your first choice, your preference points drop down to zero, regardless of the minimum number of points it takes to draw in a specific unit. This system maintains the fairness and competitive spirit of the Colorado hunting experience.

Our Searchable Online Tool for Colorado Hunting

Unlike other resources that provide this information in a static PDF, we offer an interactive online tool that makes it easy to search and sort the table of hunt codes. This tool allows you to view the preference points associated with each hunting unit, filter through quotas, applicants, adult_res, adult_nr, youth_res, youth_nr, and season, and sort them based on your needs.

Conclusion

Understanding the 2023 Colorado Hunting Annual Preference Point Issue is crucial for anyone looking to apply for a limited license for hunting in Colorado. We hope this guide has provided you with the information you need. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us.

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