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
16 DM016E1R 45 70 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points 1 Pref Points No Apps Rifle
17 DM017O2R 25 74 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points 2 Pref Points No Apps Rifle
17 DM017O3R 15 22 1 Pref Points 4 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
20 DF020O3R 10 34 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn None Drawn Rifle
20 DF020O4R 10 20 1 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps None Drawn Rifle
22 DM022O2R 300 973 1 Pref Points 5 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
27+ DM027O4R 70 150 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
30 DF030O2R 10 49 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
30 DM030O2R 100 231 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points Rifle
35+ DF035O2R 110 217 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points Choice 2 None Drawn Rifle
40 DM040P2R 25 57 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points No Apps None Drawn Rifle
40 DM040P3R 25 38 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn None Drawn Rifle
41+ DM041O3R 400 1071 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points Rifle
43+ DF043O3R 10 27 1 Pref Points No Apps None Drawn None Drawn Rifle
49+ DM049O2R 800 2286 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points Rifle
49+ DM049O3R 550 1458 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
51 DM051O2R 90 304 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
51 DM051O3R 90 203 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points Rifle
52+ DM052O3R 180 440 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
53 DM053P3R 30 41 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points No Apps 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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