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 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 Next End
51	DF051O1M	15	27	0 Pref Points	Choice 3	No Apps	None Drawn	Muzzle
51	DM051O1M	50	97	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Muzzle
60	DM060O1M	10	10	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Muzzle
62	DM062O1M	75	122	0 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	Muzzle
64+	DM064O1M	60	79	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Muzzle
68+	DM068O1M	115	167	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Muzzle
69+	DF069O1M	50	90	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Muzzle
69+	DM069O1M	200	311	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Muzzle
70	DM070O1M	90	105	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Muzzle
72+	DM072O1M	105	125	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Muzzle
74	DM074O1M	95	128	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Muzzle
75+	DF075O1M	10	21	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Muzzle
77+	DF077O1M	15	32	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	None Drawn	None Drawn	Muzzle
77+	DM077O1M	205	369	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Muzzle
79+	DM079O1M	25	41	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Muzzle
80+	DM080O1M	200	309	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Muzzle
82	DM082O1M	60	76	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Muzzle
87+	DM087O2M	40	30	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Muzzle
91	DF091O2M	30	31	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	Muzzle
91	DM091O2M	25	36	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	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.