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
4+ DM004P5A 5 12 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points No Apps None Drawn Archery
6+ DM006O1A 155 352 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points None Drawn Archery
12+ DE012O1A 100 236 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Archery
44 DE044O1A 65 143 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points 1 Pref Points Archery
49+ DE049O1A 330 815 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points Choice 4 Archery
50+ DE050O1A 220 446 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps Archery
52+ DM052O1A 110 250 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Archery
54 DM054O1A 55 128 1 Pref Points 3 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Archery
59+ DM059O1A 175 425 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points No Apps Archery
62 DM062O1A 190 336 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points Archery
63 DM063O1A 50 142 1 Pref Points 3 Pref Points 2 Pref Points None Drawn Archery
67 DM067O1A 65 115 1 Pref Points 3 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Archery
69+ DE069O1A 290 813 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Archery
79+ DM079O1A 10 51 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points None Drawn None Drawn Archery
85+ DM085O1A 125 332 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Archery
91 DE091O1A 75 144 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps Archery
96 DE096O1A 110 194 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps Archery
142 DE142O2A 35 111 1 Pref Points 4 Pref Points 0 Pref Points Choice 2 Archery
551 DM551O1A 50 96 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points No Apps None Drawn Archery
6+ DM006O1M 95 299 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points None Drawn 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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