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
66 EF066O1M 40 59 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 4 Muzzle
69+ EF069O1M 30 53 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Muzzle
74+ EF074O1M 15 33 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Muzzle
76 EF076O1M 15 26 1 Pref Points 3 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Muzzle
79 EM079O1M 15 42 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points None Drawn None Drawn Muzzle
80+ EF080O1M 50 153 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Muzzle
80+ EM080O1M 115 357 1 Pref Points 4 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Muzzle
83 EF083O1M 10 4 1 Pref Points Choice 3 Choice 2 No Apps Muzzle
551 EF551O1M 60 61 1 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 Choice 2 Muzzle
2 EF002O1R 35 87 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
2 EF002O3R 30 67 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Rifle
3+ EF003E1R 25 114 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
7+ EF007O2R 400 553 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 Rifle
10 EF010O1R 65 102 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points No Apps Rifle
29 EF029O1R 10 12 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points No Apps None Drawn Rifle
29 EM029O1R 10 28 1 Pref Points 3 Pref Points No Apps None Drawn Rifle
34 EF034O2R 25 81 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps Rifle
38 EF038O1R 10 28 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points Rifle
Rifle3 EF038O2R 30 49 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points No Apps None Drawn Rifle
38 EM038O1R 10 50 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points No Apps 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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