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
137+ AF137L1R 50 73 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps Rifle
137+ AM137P1R 100 77 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Rifle
140+ AM140O1R 140 83 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 Choice 2 Rifle
141 AM141P1R 70 71 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
142 AF142O1R 25 45 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps None Drawn Rifle
214+ AF214O1R 10 12 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps Rifle
214+ AM214P5R 25 35 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points No Apps Rifle
951 AF951P5R 40 39 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps None Drawn Rifle
1 BE001O1A 5 3 0 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps None Drawn Archery
2 BE002O1A 5 5 0 Pref Points No Apps No Apps No Apps Archery
15+ BE015O1A 150 145 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 None Drawn Archery
20+ BE020O1A 80 77 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps Archery
40 BE040O1A 30 23 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 Archery
54+ BE054O1A 130 137 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Archery
66+ BE066O1A 30 61 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps None Drawn Archery
68+ BE068O1A 140 226 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Archery
69+ BE069O1A 50 53 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps Archery
71+ BE071O1A 120 117 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 Archery
75+ BE075O1A 125 138 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Archery
82+ BE082O1A 60 82 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 1 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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