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 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 Next End
66	DM066O2R	220	690	3 Pref Points	10 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
71+	DM071O4R	45	274	3 Pref Points	10 Pref Points	None Drawn	None Drawn	Rifle
76	DM076O3R	20	157	3 Pref Points	5 Pref Points	None Drawn	None Drawn	Rifle
82	DM082O4R	20	77	3 Pref Points	4 Pref Points	5 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
93	DM093L1R	30	122	3 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Rifle
102	DM102L1R	20	131	3 Pref Points	5 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Rifle
161	DM161O3R	25	140	3 Pref Points	6 Pref Points	None Drawn	None Drawn	Rifle
511	DM511O4R	35	137	3 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	Rifle
512	DF512S1R	10	51	3 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	None Drawn	Rifle
83	DF083W4R	5	7	3 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	RFW
214+	DF214W4R	3	17	3 Pref Points	No Apps	No Apps	None Drawn	RFW
20	EM020O1A	10	95	3 Pref Points	6 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Archery
66	EE066O1A	150	683	3 Pref Points	8 Pref Points	5 Pref Points	None Drawn	Archery
69+	EE069O1A	105	508	3 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	None Drawn	Archery
501	EE501O1A	70	294	3 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Archery
20	EM020O1M	30	100	3 Pref Points	11 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	None Drawn	Muzzle
61	EF061O1M	45	120	3 Pref Points	4 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Muzzle
67	EM067O1M	35	136	3 Pref Points	11 Pref Points	None Drawn	None Drawn	Muzzle
201	EF201O1M	5	12	3 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	None Drawn	None Drawn	Muzzle
48	EM048O1R	50	236	3 Pref Points	5 Pref Points	None Drawn	None Drawn	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.