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 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 Next End
61	EF061P5R	50	78	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
62	EF062O1R	60	192	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Rifle
62	EF062O2R	100	326	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Rifle
66	EM066O1R	230	755	1 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
67	EM067O3R	110	234	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
68	EF068P5R	10	18	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Rifle
69+	EF069O2R	75	154	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Rifle
69+	EF069P5R	125	346	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Rifle
70	EF070O1R	50	198	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Rifle
70	EF070O4R	20	50	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Rifle
70	EF070P5R	20	116	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Rifle
71+	EF071P1R	10	21	1 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
71+	EF071P4R	20	45	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Choice 2	None Drawn	Rifle
71+	EM071P1R	75	59	1 Pref Points	Choice 3	Choice 2	No Apps	Rifle
72	EF072O2R	10	18	1 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
72+	EF072P5R	20	64	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Rifle
74+	EF074O1R	15	83	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
75+	EF075O1R	20	120	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
75+	EF075O2R	90	181	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Rifle
75+	EF075P4R	10	34	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	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.