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 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 Next End
8	AF008P1R	15	11	1 Pref Points	Choice 2	No Apps	No Apps	Rifle
59+	AM059O1R	15	68	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	4 Pref Points	No Apps	Rifle
80	AM080P1R	15	21	1 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	None Drawn	Rifle
82+	AF082P5R	10	23	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	None Drawn	Rifle
87	AF087O1R	125	451	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	None Drawn	None Drawn	Rifle
88	AF088O1R	120	249	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	Rifle
90	AM090O1R	30	89	1 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Rifle
95	AF095O1R	25	60	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Rifle
95	AF095P5R	20	53	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	None Drawn	Rifle
105	AM105O1R	335	903	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
107	AM107O1R	150	314	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Rifle
111	AM111O1R	200	408	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	4 Pref Points	Rifle
119	AM119O1R	200	465	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
214+	AM214O1R	15	42	1 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	No Apps	Rifle
951	AM951O1R	90	171	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Rifle
3	AF003W2R	17	43	1 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	RFW
211+	AF211W1R	3	11	1 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	None Drawn	RFW
7+	BE007O1A	50	193	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	None Drawn	Archery
83+	BE083O1A	40	118	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	No Apps	Archery
7+	BE007O1M	20	85	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Muzzle

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.