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
133+ EM133O4R 30 15 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 Choice 2 Rifle
142 EF142L1R 25 32 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 None Drawn Rifle
161 EE161O4R 100 85 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 Choice 2 Rifle
181 EF181L1R 60 75 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps Rifle
191 EM191O1R 50 36 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps Rifle
201 EF201O3R 30 48 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 3 None Drawn Rifle
214 EM214O4R 10 13 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps Rifle
421 EF421O2R 490 212 0 Pref Points Choice 3 Choice 2 Choice 3 Rifle
461 EF461P5R 25 26 0 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps No Apps Rifle
481 EF481O2R 150 108 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 4 Rifle
481 EM481O1R 60 160 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
481 EM481O2R 140 111 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
481 EF481P5R 50 64 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps Rifle
500 EF500O2R 300 243 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 3 Rifle
500 EM500O2R 100 142 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
500 EF500L1R 10 7 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 No Apps Rifle
500 EF500P5R 20 29 0 Pref Points 2 Pref Points No Apps No Apps Rifle
501 EF501O2R 150 150 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points Choice 2 Rifle
501 EF501P5R 30 35 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps Rifle
511 EF511O1R 30 54 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 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.

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