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
50 EF050L1R 10 106 3 Pref Points 0 Pref Points No Apps None Drawn Rifle
57+ EM057O1R 80 360 3 Pref Points 4 Pref Points 3 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
57+ EM057O2R 80 418 3 Pref Points 3 Pref Points 3 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
61 EF061O1R 50 197 3 Pref Points 4 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 2 Pref Points Rifle
68 EF068O2R 10 283 3 Pref Points 4 Pref Points 2 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
69+ EM069O2R 75 316 3 Pref Points 3 Pref Points 3 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
69+ EM069O3R 40 204 3 Pref Points 3 Pref Points 3 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
71+ EF071O1R 40 438 3 Pref Points 3 Pref Points 2 Pref Points 3 Pref Points Rifle
77+ EF077O3R 35 437 3 Pref Points 5 Pref Points 1 Pref Points 1 Pref Points Rifle
77+ EF077O4R 10 111 3 Pref Points 3 Pref Points 2 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
81 EF081O2R 50 368 3 Pref Points 3 Pref Points 2 Pref Points None Drawn Rifle
501 EF501L1R 10 52 3 Pref Points 1 Pref Points No Apps None Drawn Rifle
711 EF711O4R 10 121 3 Pref Points 0 Pref Points None Drawn None Drawn Rifle
3 EE003W2R 7 34 3 Pref Points 2 Pref Points 4 Pref Points 4 Pref Points RFW
5 EF005W5R 110 294 3 Pref Points 3 Pref Points No Apps No Apps RFW
10 EF010W1R 15 40 3 Pref Points 4 Pref Points No Apps No Apps RFW
11+ EF011W3R 15 62 3 Pref Points 3 Pref Points No Apps No Apps RFW
40 EF040W1R 18 83 3 Pref Points No Apps No Apps None Drawn RFW
83 EF083W2R 5 25 3 Pref Points No Apps No Apps None Drawn RFW
84+ EF084W1R 5 29 3 Pref Points 4 Pref Points No Apps No Apps RFW

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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