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 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 Next End
77+	EF077P4R	10	26	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
81	EF081P5R	20	44	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	No Apps	Rifle
201	EF201O2R	55	90	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Rifle
211	EF211L1R	50	190	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Rifle
551	EF551O2R	90	287	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Rifle
551	EF551O3R	70	182	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Rifle
551	EM551O1R	60	170	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	Rifle
741	EF741P5R	25	140	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
751	EF751P5R	25	65	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Rifle
851	EF851L1R	20	9	1 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	Choice 2	Rifle
3+	EF003W1R	46	115	1 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	RFW
4+	EF004W1R	37	110	1 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	RFW
4+	EF004W3R	36	102	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	RFW
4+	EF004W5R	36	85	1 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	RFW
5	EF005W1R	12	72	1 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	No Apps	RFW
5+	EF005W2R	35	108	1 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	None Drawn	RFW
5+	EF005W4R	35	81	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	RFW
6+	EF006W1R	15	47	1 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	None Drawn	RFW
11	EF011W2R	20	34	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	RFW
11	EF011W4R	20	105	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	RFW

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.