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 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 Next End
63	DM063P2R	50	51	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
64+	DM064O2R	450	409	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Rifle
64+	DM064O3R	300	371	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Rifle
64+	DM064P2R	80	57	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	Rifle
64+	DM064P3R	80	81	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
66	DF066O2R	85	97	0 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Rifle
66	DF066O3R	45	40	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Rifle
67	DF067O3R	60	50	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	None Drawn	Rifle
69+	DF069L1R	75	135	0 Pref Points	2 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	Rifle
69+	DF069P2R	100	129	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	None Drawn	None Drawn	Rifle
69+	DF069P3R	100	62	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 3	None Drawn	Rifle
69+	DM069P3R	330	206	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	Choice 2	Rifle
70	DM070O2R	405	809	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Rifle
70	DM070O3R	405	952	0 Pref Points	3 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	5 Pref Points	Rifle
70	DF070P2R	10	8	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	No Apps	None Drawn	Rifle
70	DF070P3R	10	13	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	None Drawn	None Drawn	Rifle
70	DM070P2R	150	111	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Choice 2	Choice 2	Rifle
70	DM070P3R	150	133	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	Rifle
71+	DM071O3R	505	742	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	1 Pref Points	Rifle
71+	DM071P2R	35	55	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	0 Pref Points	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.