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+ DF012O1M 25 20 1 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps None Drawn Muzzle
12+ DM012O1M 50 110 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points No Apps None Drawn Muzzle
33 DF033O1M 10 41 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 None Drawn Muzzle
44 DM044O1M 50 121 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Muzzle
48+ DF048O1M 10 39 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps None Drawn Muzzle
49+ DM049O1M 150 332 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Muzzle
50+ DM050O1M 110 205 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 5 Pref Points Muzzle
53 DM053O1M 20 57 1 Pref Points 6 Pref Points 2 Pref Points None Drawn Muzzle
54 DM054O1M 50 108 1 Pref Points 3 Pref Points 4 Pref Points No Apps Muzzle
59+ DF059O1M 30 59 1 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps None Drawn Muzzle
59+ DM059O1M 60 157 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Muzzle
67 DM067O1M 60 86 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points None Drawn None Drawn Muzzle
71+ DM071O1M 75 202 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Muzzle
85+ DM085O1M 35 120 1 Pref Points 3 Pref Points None Drawn None Drawn Muzzle
140 DM140O1M 20 9 1 Pref Points Choice 3 Choice 2 No Apps Muzzle
551 DM551O1M 50 80 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points No Apps Muzzle
5 DM005O2R 50 341 1 Pref Points 5 Pref Points 2 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
5 DE005P4R 10 5 1 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps No Apps Rifle
12+ DM012O4R 55 101 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points Rifle
15 DF015O2R 110 233 1 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.

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