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
40 EF040P5R 100 105 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 None Drawn Rifle
41+ EF041O1R 250 454 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Rifle
41+ EM041O1R 950 877 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 Choice 2 Rifle
41+ EE041P1R 200 212 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Rifle
42 EF042O2R 300 208 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 Choice 3 Rifle
43+ EE043O1R 225 319 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Rifle
43 EE043O4R 75 68 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 Choice 2 Rifle
43+ EE043P1R 10 6 0 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps None Drawn Rifle
43 EF043P5R 125 167 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 None Drawn Rifle
44+ EM044O1R 100 280 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
44 EM044O4R 30 14 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 None Drawn Rifle
46 EF046O1R 20 21 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps Rifle
46 EM046O1R 25 49 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points No Apps Rifle
46 EM046O2R 60 56 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
46 EF046P5R 30 24 0 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps No Apps Rifle
49 EF049O4R 100 109 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points Choice 3 No Apps Rifle
49 EF049S2R 50 74 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
49 EF049S4R 40 16 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 None Drawn Rifle
50 EF050O2R 350 212 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 None Drawn Rifle
51 EF051O2R 100 37 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 Rifle

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.

Sign up for our newsletter for more tips and updates on elktag.com.