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
60 EM060O1M 15 13 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps Muzzle
62 EF062O1M 75 62 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 Choice 2 Muzzle
62 EM062O1M 115 221 0 Pref Points 3 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 3 Pref Points Muzzle
63 EF063O1M 25 30 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Muzzle
63 EM063O1M 35 65 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Muzzle
64+ EM064O1M 110 113 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Muzzle
68+ EM068O1M 85 143 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Muzzle
70 EF070O1M 20 66 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Muzzle
70 EM070O1M 85 207 0 Pref Points 2 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Muzzle
71+ EM071O1M 350 453 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Muzzle
74+ EM074O1M 180 231 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Muzzle
75+ EF075O1M 15 32 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Muzzle
75+ EM075O1M 120 135 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Muzzle
77+ EF077O1M 30 68 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Muzzle
77+ EM077O1M 250 405 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Muzzle
82 EE082O1M 75 106 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Muzzle
83 EE083O1M 50 58 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Muzzle
85+ EE085O1M 130 229 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Muzzle
86+ EE086O1M 115 133 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Muzzle
133+ EE133O1M 10 14 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.

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