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 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 Next End
11	EF011W6R	20	57	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	RFW
12+	EF012W1R	30	65	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	RFW
23	EF023W3R	6	23	1 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	None Drawn	RFW
83	EF083W4R	5	13	1 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	RFW
83	EF083W5R	5	8	1 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	None Drawn	RFW
214+	EF214W2R	55	115	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	RFW
214+	EF214W3R	14	27	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	RFW
214+	EF214W5R	14	35	1 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	None Drawn	RFW
301+	EF301W4R	9	18	1 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	None Drawn	RFW
4+	AM004O1A	40	110	1 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	None Drawn	Archery
18+	AM018O1A	35	56	1 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	None Drawn	Archery
3+	AF003O1M	20	49	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Muzzle
6+	AF006O1M	40	31	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	No Apps	Muzzle
7+	AM007O1M	10	21	1 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	None Drawn	Muzzle
49+	AF049O1M	20	37	1 Pref Points	Choice 2	No Apps	No Apps	Muzzle
59+	AM059O1M	5	9	1 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	None Drawn	Muzzle
87+	AM087O1M	100	176	1 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	None Drawn	Muzzle
99+	AM099O1M	15	34	1 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Muzzle
142	AM142O1M	25	67	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	Muzzle
4+	AM004P5R	45	122	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	No Apps	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.