As you might expect, preference point requirements are higher for non-residents than Colorado residents — about 54% higher on average for elk hunts.
We call this The Resident Advantage Line. The farther a hunt falls from this line, the greater the advantage a resident has over a non-resident.
The size of each bubble corresponds to the number of hunts matching both the resident and non-resident requirements. For instance, two hunts require 15 resident points and 18 non-resident points — so that bubble is slightly larger than surrounding bubbles.
The most extreme example of resident advantage is EM069O4R.
What’s the deal with EM069O4R?
EM069O4R is a classic data anomaly that needs to be explained. Resident hunters only need 1 preference point but non-residents need a whopping 19 preference points. Why the 18 point discrepancy? Was it always this way? Apparently not:
- EM069O4R
- Species: Elk
- Sex: Male
- GMU: 69
(about 45m west of Pueblo) - Season: 4th Season
- Manner of Take: Rifle
If you aren't familiar with Colorado's hunt code system, read our tutorial explaining Colorado hunt codes.
With that mystery solved, let’s look at EE201E1R, the most elusive hunt available to both residents and non-residents.
EE201E1R: The Most Elusive Elk Hunt in Colorado
- EE201E1R
- Species: Elk
- Sex: Either
- GMU: 201
- Season: Early Season
- Manner of Take: Rifle
Unit 201 is the northwest corner of Colorado and EE201E1R is the hardest Elk hunt to land in all of Colorado.
Based on preference point requirements, it’s no surprise that GMU 201 is known for trophy elk. Just to the east, GMU 2 is also a trophy elk mainstay. These units are the premier elk hunting units in Colorado.
EE201E1R will set you back 20 and 22 points as a resident and non-resident, respectively. Start building preference points now and you’ll be eligible around 2034.
Hunters in northwest Utah and southwest Wyoming particularly feel the pain of non-resident point requirements on GMU 201 and GMU 2 — these hunters may live within several miles, but are still subject to the +20 year process. Ouch.
