So your on the right track. However for now just stick to the minimum points required as your guide. The only time I get involved with the other stats is when I am on the verge of drawing or trying. To predict odds etc. for example a tag may only show as 1 point as minimum to draw but that means that only 1 person drew with 1 point the other 100 may have all needed2 points. As example a deer unit I have been watching for my cousin has shown 5 points min to draw for 4 years, however only about 20% of those with 5 points draw and everyone with 6 points draws.
As far as tags. Realize that there are tags listed in the brochure for drawing but. They may not offer any tags for hunt in a year, this the min points page will not show the "hunt code"...
Reading the hunt code is pretty straight forward... For example hunt code EM00502R... The first letter is species in this case elk, the second letter is the sex, in this case male, then the next 3 are unit in this case 5 next is the season of 2 then the weapon type is rifle... Now the real question is what do you want to hunt? You can start hunting elk in September and seasons run all the way to mid January... Do you want to hunt snow and cold? Do you want aspen pines high county? Etc. if it were me, I would look at a 1st rifle season tag or go for a lower muzzy tag. Realize that the muzzy is open sights, no scopes etc. but both tags keep you closer to nicer weather and in the rut. Or a limited 4 th season tag when the weather is worse and the snow has pushed animals down .while there are a handful of tags during the 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons that are draw, I would not think many are much better than OTC tags. Realize you can hunt co every year with an OTC tag if you want.
Let me know what other questions you have... I would start by determine what hunt type you want. High country wilderness, snow and cold, changing leaves bugles, dessert pi?on junipers, wide open sage, etc. then once you decide the hunt type look into units that fit. If you not in a huge hurry pick a tag that takes a couple years then take a vacation to scout...
Also forget the hunt stats for anything except points needed and trying to figure out draw odds etc. pay little attention to odds as they are not real reliable....