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
55 DM055O2R 245 629 1 Pref Points 4 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 5 Pref Points Rifle
56+ DF056L1R 20 44 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps Rifle
62 DM062O2R 410 933 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points Rifle
62 DM062O3R 370 919 1 Pref Points 4 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 4 Pref Points Rifle
62 DF062P2R 10 27 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps None Drawn Rifle
62 DF062P3R 10 28 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn None Drawn Rifle
63 DM063O2R 95 263 1 Pref Points 3 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 3 Pref Points Rifle
67 DF067O2R 95 73 1 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 None Drawn Rifle
69+ DM069O2R 490 1136 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points Rifle
69+ DM069O3R 300 770 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points Rifle
71+ DM071O2R 360 943 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points Rifle
71+ DM071P3R 25 48 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
72+ DF072P5R 60 136 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps None Drawn Rifle
75+ DF075O2R 10 97 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn None Drawn Rifle
75+ DF075O3R 10 51 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points Rifle
75+ DF075O4R 10 21 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn None Drawn Rifle
75+ DM075O4R 80 318 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points Rifle
75+ DM075P4R 30 76 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
77+ DF077O2R 15 129 1 Pref Points 3 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
77+ DF077O3R 15 48 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points Choice 2 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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