Colorado regulations are out

[JimP]

It is also usually senseless to apply for a hunt that takes points as a second choice. Odds are all the tags will be gone in the first drawing, but there are exceptions but if you look at the statistics page you will see them listed as 0 points required. A good example is the muzzle loader hunt in my unit 44. The statistics page says 0 points required but you better have at least one point if you want a guaranteed tag as a resident, all the tags go in the first go around.

 

[BKC]

NOTE: Make sure you do not list codes that take points to draw as your backups unless you are OK spending yours. Like, don't list a 1-pointer as a backup-plan if you're saving for some 4-6 point zone down the road. It WILL use up your points even if you list the PP first.

This is not correct. Even if you draw a tag on your 2nd, third or forth choice, you never lose preference points. You only lose preference points on your 1st choice.

You do not have to list a preference point code as your first choice, you can list any unit that take 15 or more points ( or whatever)that perks your interest. You are not going to draw it. Do this for 5 years and then get into the hybrid draw for any of the top units and you will at least have a slight chance to grab a great tag for a few points.

I think most of what you said is pretty much common knowledge to someone who has played the draw game.

 

[swampokie]

2nd choice codes neither generate or use any points

 

[taskswap]

Only first choice hunt codes use preference points. If you draw your 2nd, 3rd or 4th choice you don?t lose your points.

Sorry, you're right, I misspoke on that point.

 

[RICMIC]

The biggest change for NRs is the requirement to purchase a "Qualifying License" even to apply for a pref. pt. So now, you will spend $10 for the habitat stamp, $9 for the app. fee, and either $81.75 (small game) or $151.75 (turkey). That is in addition to whatever tag you are applying for. But gee-wiz they threw us a bonus and no longer charge a pref. point fee. These are non-refundable fees. So now when I draw the expected elk tag with my 11 pts., I will also be paying for a fishing license and small game license that I will likely not be using. When I am back in CO this fall I will look for an appropriate sized log to bend over so that I can properly receive my due.

 

[JimP]

Look at the bright side of having a small game license in your pocket. Now you can shoot some of those dusky (blue) grouse that you find and have a great meal of them. But if you are like me and specifically look for them you will never find them.

I think that Colorado is just catching up with a few other western states on the license requirement. Utah has required it for quite a while along with Arizona. As the game and fish departments budgets are crunched I can see where the rest of them will follow just to pick up some extra revenue.

 

[graybird]

The biggest change for NRs is the requirement to purchase a "Qualifying License" even to apply for a pref. pt. So now, you will spend $10 for the habitat stamp, $9 for the app. fee, and either $81.75 (small game) or $151.75 (turkey). That is in addition to whatever tag you are applying for. But gee-wiz they threw us a bonus and no longer charge a pref. point fee. These are non-refundable fees. So now when I draw the expected elk tag with my 11 pts., I will also be paying for a fishing license and small game license that I will likely not be using. When I am back in CO this fall I will look for an appropriate sized log to bend over so that I can properly receive my due.

I guess you don't apply for states like NM, UT, NV, AZ, AK, etc. Yup, I have a lot of state game licenses at the end of application season that I don't use yearly.

 

[RICMIC]

I guess you don't apply for states like NM, UT, NV, AZ, AK, etc. Yup, I have a lot of state game licenses at the end of application season that I don't use yearly.

Exactly right. Years ago I decided to avoid applying in states that required the non-refundable license to even apply. I stuck with WY and CO, and between the 3 hunts this year will be on my 20th hunt since 2006. Some of the other states app fees are high, but the elk or deer licenses are then lower. This may well be my last hunt in CO...some things just seem to tic me off, and this is one of them.