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 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 Next End
201	BE201O1R	10	41	2 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	None Drawn	Rifle
201	BE201O1R	10	41	2 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	None Drawn	Rifle
21+	DM021O1A	60	187	3 Pref Points	4 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	None Drawn	Archery
55	DM055O1A	60	315	3 Pref Points	9 Pref Points	None Drawn	None Drawn	Archery
66	DM066O1A	65	230	3 Pref Points	9 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	None Drawn	Archery
76	DM076O1A	25	104	3 Pref Points	6 Pref Points	None Drawn	None Drawn	Archery
851	DM851O1A	5	29	3 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	None Drawn	Archery
21+	DM021O1M	25	104	3 Pref Points	6 Pref Points	None Drawn	None Drawn	Muzzle
41+	DF041O1M	10	62	3 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	None Drawn	Muzzle
142	DM142O2M	15	58	3 Pref Points	4 Pref Points	None Drawn	None Drawn	Muzzle
851	DM851O1M	5	22	3 Pref Points	5 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	Muzzle
6+	DM006E1R	15	101	3 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Rifle
6	DM006O2R	35	213	3 Pref Points	5 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	5 Pref Points	Rifle
20	DF020O2R	10	72	3 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	None Drawn	None Drawn	Rifle
21	DM021O2R	310	962	3 Pref Points	8 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
22	DM022O3R	275	790	3 Pref Points	10 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
43	DM043E1R	40	139	3 Pref Points	4 Pref Points	4 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
43+	DM043O4R	25	97	3 Pref Points	7 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
60	DM060O4R	5	39	3 Pref Points	6 Pref Points	None Drawn	None Drawn	Rifle
64+	DM064O4R	20	101	3 Pref Points	6 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.