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 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 Next End
63	DM063O1M	25	80	2 Pref Points	4 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	4 Pref Points	Muzzle
66	DM066O1M	65	174	2 Pref Points	10 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	None Drawn	Muzzle
3+	DM003O4R	75	310	2 Pref Points	4 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
4+	DM004O4R	50	152	2 Pref Points	5 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
6	DM006E2R	40	119	2 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	5 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
11+	DM011O4R	55	189	2 Pref Points	5 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
14+	DM014E1R	50	212	2 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
15	DM015O4R	45	127	2 Pref Points	6 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
18+	DM018O4R	235	560	2 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	Rifle
30	DF030O3R	10	23	2 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Rifle
33	DM033O4R	30	107	2 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	Rifle
36	DM036E1R	10	61	2 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Rifle
40	DM040O2R	135	449	2 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	Rifle
43+	DF043O2R	10	75	2 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	None Drawn	Rifle
50+	DM050O2R	275	1037	2 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	Rifle
50+	DM050O3R	250	679	2 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	Rifle
51	DM051O4R	50	145	2 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
53	DM053O2R	115	397	2 Pref Points	5 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	5 Pref Points	Rifle
59+	DM059O2R	175	584	2 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
59+	DM059O3R	75	300	2 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	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.