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 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 Next End
72+	DM072O1A	125	191	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Archery
74	DM074O1A	110	165	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Archery
75+	DE075O1A	225	361	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Archery
77+	DE077O1A	300	538	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	Archery
80+	DM080O1A	250	430	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Archery
82	DM082O1A	50	73	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Archery
87+	DE087O1A	100	90	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Archery
92	DE092O1A	80	67	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	No Apps	Archery
93+	DE093O1A	90	82	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	No Apps	Archery
94+	DE094O1A	150	213	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Archery
99	DE099O1A	60	60	0 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Archery
101+	DE101O1A	100	92	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Archery
103	DE103O1A	50	82	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Choice 2	No Apps	Archery
104+	DE104O1A	600	568	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Archery
107	DE107O1A	30	14	0 Pref Points	Choice 3	Choice 2	No Apps	Archery
110+	DE110O2A	200	205	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Archery
112+	DE112O2A	90	44	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	Choice 3	Archery
122+	DE122O1A	325	242	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	No Apps	Archery
128+	DE128O2A	125	102	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	No Apps	Archery
129	DE129O1A	20	26	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	Archery

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.