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
54+ BE054O1R 125 196 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps Rifle
54+ BE054O5R 85 183 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
58+ BE058O1R 90 217 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
58+ BE058O5R 175 184 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
59+ BE059O1R 80 117 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps Rifle
61 BE061O2R 10 16 0 Pref Points None Drawn None Drawn None Drawn Rifle
68+ BE068O1R 250 514 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points Rifle
68+ BE068O5R 100 291 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
69+ BE069O5R 60 97 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps Rifle
71+ BE071O1R 780 759 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 Rifle
75+ BE075O1R 700 731 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Rifle
82+ BE082O5R 90 96 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Rifle
83+ BE083O5R 105 198 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Rifle
68+ BE068O1R 250 421 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
68+ BE068O5R 100 205 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Rifle
69+ BE069O5R 60 65 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps Rifle
71+ BE071O1R 680 664 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 Choice 2 Rifle
76 BE076O5R 10 23 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points No Apps Rifle
82+ BE082O5R 90 67 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 Rifle
83+ BE083O5R 105 147 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 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.

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