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 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 Next End
143+	DE143O1A	40	28	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	No Apps	No Apps	Archery
741	DE741O1A	55	32	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	Choice 2	Archery
1	DM001O1M	1	5	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	None Drawn	None Drawn	Muzzle
3+	DF003O1M	75	84	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	None Drawn	Muzzle
7+	DM007O1M	550	334	0 Pref Points	Choice 3	Choice 3	Choice 3	Muzzle
11+	DF011O1M	25	30	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Muzzle
11+	DM011O1M	150	212	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Muzzle
15	DF015O1M	25	27	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Muzzle
18+	DM018O1M	640	437	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	Choice 2	Muzzle
23+	DM023O1M	75	70	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Muzzle
25+	DF025O1M	25	16	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	None Drawn	Muzzle
31+	DM031O1M	100	127	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	None Drawn	Muzzle
33	DM033O1M	150	102	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	Choice 2	Muzzle
35+	DF035O1M	40	53	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	No Apps	None Drawn	Muzzle
35+	DM035O1M	245	162	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	Choice 2	Muzzle
39+	DF039O1M	25	35	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Muzzle
41+	DM041O1M	250	276	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Muzzle
43+	DF043O1M	10	21	0 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	None Drawn	Muzzle
43+	DM043O1M	200	153	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	Choice 2	Muzzle
48+	DM048O1M	100	172	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	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.