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
12+ EF012W3R 30 41 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points No Apps No Apps RFW
23 EF023W2R 6 10 0 Pref Points No Apps No Apps None Drawn RFW
25+ EF025W1R 35 68 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps No Apps RFW
84+ EF084W5R 5 9 0 Pref Points 2 Pref Points No Apps No Apps RFW
211+ EF211W1R 50 140 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points No Apps No Apps RFW
214+ EF214W4R 55 73 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps No Apps RFW
301 EF301W7R 30 28 0 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps No Apps RFW
441+ EF441W1R 15 24 0 Pref Points 2 Pref Points No Apps No Apps RFW
441+ EF441W3R 15 12 0 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps No Apps RFW
441+ EF441W5R 33 30 0 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps No Apps RFW
441+ EF441W7R 31 22 0 Pref Points Choice 3 No Apps No Apps RFW
441+ EF441W9R 25 51 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points No Apps No Apps RFW
3+ AF003O1A 25 36 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps Archery
4+ AF004O1A 10 10 0 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps None Drawn Archery
6+ AF006O1A 20 13 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 3 No Apps Archery
11 AF011O1A 5 8 0 Pref Points No Apps No Apps None Drawn Archery
48+ AM048O1A 20 26 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points No Apps None Drawn Archery
49+ AF049O1A 30 10 0 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps No Apps Archery
87 AM087O1A 150 223 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Archery
88 AM088O1A 85 83 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps Archery

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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