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
Start Prev 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 Next End
39	EF039O1R	10	30	1 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	No Apps	Rifle
39	EM039O1R	60	167	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
39	EM039O2R	50	92	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
39	EF039P5R	25	60	1 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	None Drawn	Rifle
46	EF046O2R	60	36	1 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	No Apps	Rifle
48	EF048O2R	75	130	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	Rifle
48	EM048O2R	40	135	1 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	None Drawn	None Drawn	Rifle
49	EF049O3R	100	204	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Choice 2	No Apps	Rifle
50	EM050O1R	30	100	1 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	No Apps	Rifle
50	EM050O2R	160	190	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
50	EF050P5R	30	86	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Rifle
51	EM051O1R	40	106	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
53	EF053O1R	20	90	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
53	EF053O2R	30	81	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
54	EF054O2R	50	147	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Rifle
54	EF054O3R	35	108	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Choice 3	Rifle
56	EF056P5R	10	56	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Rifle
57+	EF057O2R	120	281	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Rifle
57+	EM057O4R	80	159	1 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
61	EF061O3R	190	279	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	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.