Ok, I got drew for a cow elk (2nd Choice). I am waiting until my buddies get their results and for deer results. How does the preference points thing work? If I have to ask for a refund, do I keep my pref pt? If I go out this Sept. for cow elk with ML, do I still have 1 pref point?

Anybody know?

Yep you get to keep your preference point on a second choice, I drew a bull ML tag took 2 preference points
Redclub

From Colorados division of wildlife's web site.

A primary tool used in the management of Colorado’s big game animals is a limit or quota on the number of licenses issued in most game management units (GMUs). When applying for a limited license, a preference point in awarded when an individual is unsuccessful in drawing their first-choice hunt code. Preference points provide a mathematical advantage when applied to future drawings.

If you hunt with your cow tag you still keep your preference point.

If you ask for a refund for your cow tagit must be done before your season starts. You still keep your preference point.
http://wildlife.state.co.us/NR/rdonlyres/75A4E687-F7B3-496F-BF49-4D60AC7F37CE/0/DOWLicRefund.pdf

Since you drew your 2nd choice, you gain a preference point and keep all that you had....

pts only go towards 1st choice in colorado....since everyones 1st choice is considered before anyones 2nd choice.

If you ask for a refund however....I believe you will lose this years pref pts.....think you should call on that one, go for cow elk regardless and keep your pts.....

I found out that a person in our party got a cow tag as well. We should know Thursday who all got deer tags. This is my first year to go but, the party I am going with have been going every year for 20 years. i hope I get a deer tag. I want a Muley worse than an Elk.

Call me crazy!!!

Well, thanks guys. This is the most complicated system I have ever seen. Hopefully, the other guys will draw deer or something.

They're all complicated....and all different....which is fun when you apply to 10 states....

It is complicated but if you know how to work it (believe me it can be worked) you will draw pretty much every year.

I am 5 out of six this year and I was five out of six last year.

Well, this sucks, my buddy who was going out with me didn't get drawn on anything. I don't know what I am doing out there. My cow elk draw is statewide. So not sure if I am going or not.

Plenty of great places to use a state wide cow license, if you decide to use it. Your buddy can probably get either a left over cow license or an over the counter cow license...I would certainly look before I gave up on it.