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 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 Next End
44	DF044O3R	15	25	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Rifle
44	DE044P2R	10	4	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	No Apps	None Drawn	Rifle
44	DE044P3R	10	13	0 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Rifle
47	DM047E1R	40	60	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Rifle
48+	DM048O2R	320	735	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Rifle
48+	DM048O3R	220	442	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Rifle
51	DF051P5R	75	79	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	No Apps	None Drawn	Rifle
51	DM051P5R	100	157	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Rifle
52+	DM052O2R	400	754	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Rifle
52	DF052P5R	200	85	0 Pref Points	Choice 4	Choice 3	Choice 4	Rifle
52+	DM052P3R	150	89	0 Pref Points	Choice 3	Choice 2	Choice 3	Rifle
53	DF053P5R	40	56	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	No Apps	None Drawn	Rifle
54	DM054O2R	400	765	0 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	Rifle
55	DF055O3R	80	58	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	Choice 2	Rifle
60	DM060O2R	65	63	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Rifle
60	DM060O3R	65	83	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	Rifle
60	DM060P3R	30	9	0 Pref Points	Choice 3	Choice 2	Choice 3	Rifle
62	DM062P2R	100	78	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	Rifle
62	DM062P3R	90	77	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Rifle
63	DF063P5R	50	56	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	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.