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 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 Next End
35+	DM035O2R	915	924	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Rifle
35+	DM035O3R	640	952	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Rifle
35+	DE035P2R	25	15	0 Pref Points	Choice 3	Choice 3	No Apps	Rifle
35+	DE035P3R	25	15	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	No Apps	Rifle
38	DF038O2R	25	31	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Rifle
38	DF038O3R	25	14	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 3	No Apps	Rifle
39+	DF039O2R	35	80	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Rifle
39+	DF039O3R	35	39	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	None Drawn	None Drawn	Rifle
39+	DM039O2R	225	269	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
39+	DM039O3R	175	148	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	None Drawn	Rifle
39+	DM039O4R	125	141	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Rifle
41+	DM041O2R	1000	1179	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Rifle
41+	DM041P2R	170	142	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Rifle
41+	DM041P3R	110	217	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Rifle
43+	DF043K2R	10	15	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	Rifle
43+	DM043O2R	405	554	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Rifle
43+	DM043O3R	175	365	0 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	Rifle
43+	DE043P2R	25	24	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
43+	DE043P3R	25	23	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Rifle
44	DF044O2R	35	47	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	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.