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 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 Next End
93+	DM093O2M	40	43	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Muzzle
96	DF096O2M	30	18	0 Pref Points	Choice 3	No Apps	No Apps	Muzzle
96	DM096O2M	35	39	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Muzzle
99	DM099O2M	40	24	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	No Apps	Muzzle
103	DM103O2M	25	25	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Muzzle
104+	DM104O2M	75	39	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	No Apps	Muzzle
110+	DF110O2M	15	14	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	Muzzle
122+	DE122O3M	60	15	0 Pref Points	Choice 3	Choice 2	No Apps	Muzzle
122+	DM122O2M	35	55	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Muzzle
128+	DM128O2M	25	26	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Muzzle
143+	DM143O2M	15	16	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Muzzle
444	DF444O1M	25	12	0 Pref Points	Choice 4	Choice 2	No Apps	Muzzle
444	DM444O1M	60	66	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Muzzle
501	DF501O1M	25	37	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Muzzle
741	DM741O1M	25	21	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Muzzle
951	DM951O2M	15	9	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	No Apps	None Drawn	Muzzle
3+	DF003O2R	240	366	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Rifle
3+	DM003O2R	800	1027	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Rifle
3+	DM003O3R	1100	1335	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Rifle
3+	DE003P2R	700	685	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	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.