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Understanding Colorado's Preference Point System |
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Understanding Colorado's Preference Point System - 2007
To manage big game animals to assure sustainable hunting opportunities and resource preservation, the Colorado Division of Wildlife issues a limited number of licenses through a drawing process for most species.
For big game, over-the-counter licenses are available only for bull elk during the second and third seasons.
Hunters who want licenses for deer and other big game – including elk in some game management units and seasons - must apply annually.
Here's how the application and draw system works:
Hunters apply for licenses and submit up to four choices for the game management units desired. Applicants who don't get their first choice get a preference point for that unit. An applicant can also purchase one point each year for $25. However, no more than one preference point can be awarded in a year. Points are awarded for each individual species.
The number of preference points needed to draw a license depends on the species, season, and the particular game management unit. For the most coveted units, hunters must accumulate numerous preference points to have a chance to obtain a license in the draw.
An example: To obtain an elk license during the first rifle season in GMU 1, Colorado residents need 14 preference points and a non-resident must accumulate 15 preference points. In that unit more than 1,100 people apply, but only 26 licenses are issued.
If you want to accumulate points for a preferred unit, but you still want to hunt for that season, apply to a coveted unit but pick units with zero point requirements for your subsequent choices. Preference points continue to accumulate until you receive a first-choice license.
For cow elk, the majority of game management units require no preference points, so everyone who applies has a similar chance of drawing a license. For buck deer, many units require 1-2 points, and for limited bull elk most units require even more points.
The DOW maintains a permanent preference point record for everyone who applies. The record is automatically referenced when a hunter applies for a unit that requires points.
Most big game licenses are reserved for Colorado residents. For units and species that require five or more preference points, 80 percent of the licenses are allocated to residents, the remainder to non-residents. If fewer than five preference points are needed, 65 percent of the licenses are allocated for state residents and the remainder for non-residents.
A complete explanation for all species and a list of preference-point requirements for the upcoming season is published each year in the March/April edition of Colorado Outdoors, the DOW's magazine. The information is also published on the DOW's web site, www.wildlife.state.co.us.
The drawing for licenses is always held on the first Tuesday in April. Results are posted on the web site. Leftover licenses go on sale the second Tuesday in August and are available until they are sold out.
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