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
511 EF511O2R 100 134 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points Rifle
511 EM511O1R 75 100 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps Rifle
511 EF511P5R 50 78 0 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps None Drawn Rifle
521 EF521O1R 50 125 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Rifle
551 EF551O1R 60 106 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Rifle
551 EF551O4R 10 25 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps None Drawn Rifle
561 EF561O2R 30 57 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points Choice 4 No Apps Rifle
561 EF561O3R 30 37 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn None Drawn Rifle
561 EM561O1R 30 42 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points No Apps Rifle
561 EM561O2R 30 59 0 Pref Points No Apps None Drawn None Drawn Rifle
561 EM561O3R 30 25 0 Pref Points 2 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 Rifle
681 EF681O4R 10 15 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points No Apps None Drawn Rifle
851 EF851L3R 25 17 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 4 No Apps Rifle
3 EF003W2R 10 18 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps No Apps RFW
3 EF003W4R 10 21 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps No Apps RFW
3+ EF003W5R 47 72 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps No Apps RFW
4+ EF004W6R 30 23 0 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps No Apps RFW
5+ EF005W6R 18 22 0 Pref Points No Apps No Apps None Drawn RFW
6+ EF006W2R 15 17 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps No Apps RFW
6+ EF006W4R 15 30 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps No Apps RFW

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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