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 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 Next End
15	DE015P3R	35	28	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	No Apps	Rifle
16	DM016O2R	35	49	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Rifle
16	DM016O3R	15	20	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Rifle
17	DM017E1R	45	63	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	No Apps	Rifle
19+	DM019O2R	535	745	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Rifle
19+	DM019O3R	615	734	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Rifle
19+	DM019O4R	280	417	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Rifle
20	DM020O2R	200	254	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Rifle
20	DM020O3R	200	227	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
20	DM020O4R	225	202	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Rifle
25+	DF025O2R	70	113	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	None Drawn	Rifle
25+	DM025O3R	380	344	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	Choice 2	Rifle
25+	DM025O4R	75	87	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	Rifle
25+	DE025P2R	35	31	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	No Apps	Rifle
25+	DE025P3R	35	35	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Rifle
27+	DM027O2R	415	234	0 Pref Points	Choice 4	Choice 4	Choice 3	Rifle
31+	DM031O2R	170	306	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Rifle
31+	DM031O3R	230	319	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Rifle
34	DF034O2R	25	28	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Rifle
35+	DF035O3R	60	79	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Choice 4	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.