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
83 DF083W3R 5 8 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points No Apps No Apps RFW
83 DF083W5R 5 10 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points No Apps No Apps RFW
211+ DF211W1R 6 9 1 Pref Points No Apps No Apps None Drawn RFW
301 DF301W3R 6 4 1 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps No Apps RFW
441+ DF441W1R 2 7 1 Pref Points No Apps No Apps None Drawn RFW
46 EE046O1A 60 140 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points No Apps Archery
48 EE048O1A 100 237 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Archery
51 EE051O1A 100 176 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points No Apps Archery
57+ EE057O1A 180 435 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points Archery
2 EF002O1M 5 14 1 Pref Points 9 Pref Points Choice 2 No Apps Muzzle
3+ EE003O1M 10 34 1 Pref Points 4 Pref Points None Drawn None Drawn Muzzle
4+ EE004O1M 130 506 1 Pref Points 6 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Muzzle
10 EF010O1M 5 15 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn None Drawn Muzzle
33+ EE033O1M 100 327 1 Pref Points 5 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Muzzle
39 EM039O1M 70 158 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points 1 Pref Points None Drawn Muzzle
46 EM046O1M 30 64 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points 1 Pref Points No Apps Muzzle
49 EF049O1M 70 141 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn Muzzle
55 EF055O1M 125 94 1 Pref Points Choice 2 Choice 2 Choice 2 Muzzle
55 EM055O1M 60 221 1 Pref Points 4 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 4 Pref Points Muzzle
57+ EM057O1M 100 246 1 Pref Points 3 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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