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 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Next End
21+	BE021O1A	175	25	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Archery
9	EF009L1R	45	8	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Rifle
12+	BE012O1A	450	178	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Archery
132+	AM132P1R	200	48	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Rifle
27	EF027P5R	125	19	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Rifle
391	EM391O1M	40	3	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Muzzle
74+	EM074O1A	550	287	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Archery
103+	DF103L2R	125	13	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Rifle
15+	EF015O1M	100	34	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Muzzle
191	EM191O2R	330	70	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Rifle
104	DE104O2R	10	5	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Rifle
132+	AF132P1R	400	2	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Rifle
130+	AF130P1R	175	10	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Rifle
110	AF110O1R	200	66	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Rifle
89	DF089O1R	65	15	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Rifle
104	DF104L2R	45	0	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Rifle
104	DF104L3R	600	73	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Rifle
128	EE128O1M	25	2	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Muzzle
136+	AM136P1R	120	38	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Rifle
105+	DF105O2R	60	3	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	Leftover	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.