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
70 EE070P4R 60 68 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Rifle
70 EF070P2R 125 78 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 Rifle
71+ EM071O1R 550 645 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Rifle
71+ EM071O4R 75 126 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Rifle
73 EF073P5R 10 12 0 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps No Apps Rifle
74+ EM074O1R 275 285 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Rifle
74+ EF074P1R 10 3 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 4 None Drawn Rifle
75+ EM075O4R 80 77 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 Rifle
75+ EM075P4R 25 21 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 None Drawn Rifle
76 EF076O2R 200 298 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Rifle
77+ EM077O1R 690 806 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Rifle
77+ EM077O4R 80 157 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Rifle
77+ EF077P1R 10 5 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Rifle
77+ EF077P5R 20 20 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps Rifle
77+ EM077P1R 60 68 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
77+ EM077P4R 25 27 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
79 EM079O2R 100 98 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Rifle
79 EM079O3R 100 91 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
80 EF080O3R 50 143 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points Rifle
80 EF080O4R 50 47 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 None Drawn 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.

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