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 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 Next End
38	EF038O1M	10	15	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Muzzle
38	EM038O1M	30	40	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Muzzle
39	EF039O1M	15	19	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	None Drawn	None Drawn	Muzzle
40	EF040O1M	10	21	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Muzzle
41+	EM041O1M	500	723	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Muzzle
43+	EF043O1M	40	44	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	None Drawn	Muzzle
43+	EM043O1M	175	172	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	Muzzle
44+	EM044O1M	200	265	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Muzzle
46	EF046O1M	15	9	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	No Apps	Muzzle
48	EF048O1M	30	35	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	Muzzle
50	EM050O1M	30	48	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Muzzle
51	EF051O1M	40	28	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	No Apps	Muzzle
53	EF053O1M	20	23	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Muzzle
53	EM053O1M	85	84	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	Muzzle
54	EF054O1M	25	35	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	No Apps	Muzzle
54	EM054O1M	60	163	0 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	None Drawn	None Drawn	Muzzle
56	EM056O1M	35	55	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Muzzle
57+	EF057O1M	90	79	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 4	No Apps	Muzzle
59+	EF059O1M	120	77	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	Choice 2	Muzzle
59+	EM059O1M	100	150	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	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.