How Colorado Preference Points Work | Complete Draw Guide
How Colorado Preference Points Work: The Complete Guide for Elk, Deer, Antelope, and Bear Hunters
The short answer — Colorado uses a preference point system for most deer, elk, antelope, and bear licenses, meaning hunters with the most points draw first until tags are exhausted
Few western hunting topics confuse hunters more than preference points.
Every year hunters ask:
How many points do I need?
How do preference points work?
Should I keep building points?
When should I burn my points?
Is point creep making my strategy obsolete?
Understanding Colorado's draw system is one of the most important parts of planning a successful western hunt.
The reality is simple:
Hunters who understand the draw system make better application decisions.
Hunters who don't often waste years building points without a plan.
What Are Preference Points?
Preference points are essentially a place in line.
The more points you have:
The earlier you get considered during the draw.
Colorado awards preference points for:
Elk
Deer
Antelope
Bear
applications.
Preference points increase your drawing odds for future hunts.
How Preference Points Work
The process is simple.
Hunters are sorted by:
Highest Preference Points First
Tags are then allocated until:
The quota is filled
Licenses are exhausted
Hunters with fewer points are considered after hunters with more points.
Example of a Preference Point Draw
Imagine a hunt with:
- 100 tags available
Applications include:
25 hunters with 15 points
40 hunters with 14 points
75 hunters with 13 points
The draw begins with:
- 15-point applicants
Then:
- 14-point applicants
Then:
- 13-point applicants
Once tags are gone, the draw stops.
Hunters with fewer points never get considered.
How Do You Earn Preference Points?
You earn a point by:
Applying for a Preference Point Code
or
Applying for a Hunt You Cannot Draw
and being unsuccessful.
Most hunters intentionally apply for points while building toward future hunts.
Do Preference Points Cost Money?
Yes.
Hunters must purchase:
A Qualifying License
before applying.
Preference point fees may also apply depending on residency status and species.
Colorado's system has evolved significantly over the years.
Always verify current regulations before applying.
Species That Use Preference Points
Colorado preference points apply to:
Elk
Mule Deer
Pronghorn
Bear
Each species maintains a separate point balance.
Colorado Elk Preference Points
Colorado has one of the most accessible elk systems in the West.
Many hunters can draw quality elk tags with:
0 points
1 point
2 points
while premium hunts may require substantially more.
This makes Colorado one of the best states for first-time western hunters.
🔗 Internal Backlink:
Best States for Nonresident Elk Hunting
Colorado Mule Deer Preference Points
Mule deer demand continues increasing.
Premium units often require:
- Many years of points
to guarantee drawing.
Some of Colorado's most famous mule deer units can require decades of point accumulation for nonresidents.
Colorado Antelope Preference Points
Pronghorn applications continue becoming more competitive.
Quality hunts often require:
Several points
Strategic planning
The best units frequently experience significant point creep.
Colorado Bear Preference Points
Bear remains one of the more accessible species.
Many hunters successfully draw bear licenses with:
Few points
Minimal wait times
depending on hunt choice.
What Is Point Creep?
Point creep occurs when:
More applicants enter the system than there are available tags.
The result:
Point requirements increase over time.
A hunt requiring:
- 5 points today
may require:
6 points
7 points
in future years.
Point creep affects nearly every western state.
Why Point Creep Happens
Several factors contribute:
Increased hunter demand
Population growth
Limited tag numbers
Better hunting information
As western hunting becomes more popular, competition increases.
The Biggest Mistake Hunters Make
Many hunters become trapped in:
Point Hoarding
They continue accumulating points forever.
They wait for:
The perfect hunt
The perfect tag
The perfect opportunity
That opportunity often never comes.
Points only create value when used.
When Should You Burn Points?
The answer depends on your goals.
Ask yourself:
Do I want a trophy hunt?
Do I want frequent opportunities?
How often do I want to hunt?
Many hunters are better served hunting more often.
Experience creates memories.
Points do not.
The Mid-Tier Strategy
One of the smartest Colorado strategies involves:
Mid-Tier Units
Benefits include:
Better draw odds
More hunting opportunities
Less waiting
Many excellent bulls and bucks come from units requiring modest point investments.
Trophy Units Aren't Everything
Hunters often obsess over famous units.
The reality:
Great animals exist throughout Colorado.
Many hunters spend decades chasing a tag when they could be hunting quality units every few years.
The best strategy depends on your goals.
Understanding Resident vs Nonresident Allocations
Colorado allocates licenses differently for:
Residents
Nonresidents
This affects:
Draw odds
Point requirements
Application strategy
Always review nonresident quotas when planning hunts.
Why Hunt Codes Matter
Every hunt code represents:
Species
Unit
Season
Weapon type
Choosing the right hunt code often matters more than simply chasing points.
Successful applicants understand hunt codes thoroughly.
First Choice Applications
Preference points are generally impacted by:
First Choice Selections
Understanding how first-choice applications work is critical to maximizing point strategy.
Many hunters accidentally burn points because they don't understand this rule.
Colorado Is One of the Best States for DIY Hunters
Colorado continues offering:
Numerous elk opportunities
Strong deer hunting
OTC and draw options
Public land access
This flexibility makes Colorado a cornerstone state for western hunters.
Building a Long-Term Colorado Strategy
Successful hunters typically:
Set goals
Identify target units
Track points annually
Remain flexible
The best strategy often combines:
Long-term premium goals
Frequent hunting opportunities
rather than focusing entirely on one dream hunt.
How TAGZ Helps Hunters Understand Colorado Draw Odds
Colorado's draw system can become complicated quickly.
TAGZ helps hunters:
Analyze draw odds
Track preference points
Compare hunt codes
Build application strategies
Identify overlooked opportunities
before application deadlines arrive.
How to Scout Mule Deer Like a Western Hunter | TAGZ Insights
FAQ — Colorado Preference Points
What are Colorado preference points?
Preference points determine draw order, with hunters holding more points receiving priority.
How do I earn a preference point?
By applying for a preference point or unsuccessfully applying for certain hunts.
What is point creep?
Point creep occurs when draw requirements increase over time due to growing demand.
Should I save points forever?
Usually not. Many hunters benefit from using points strategically rather than hoarding them indefinitely.
Is Colorado a good state for new western hunters?
Absolutely. Colorado offers some of the best elk hunting opportunities in the West.
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