Activists have filed a petition for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to outlaw the sale, barter and trade of wildlife fur.  

 “As the latest effort to undermine hunting and trapping by activists, this is nothing more than an emotional ploy aimed at a commission with little connection to or understanding of hunting and trapping,” said Blake Henning, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation chief conservation officer. “If passed, it would both frustrate Colorado’s proven wildlife management practices and have negative impacts on business and consumers.” 

RMEF sent a call-to-action alert to its members in Colorado to both keep them informed about the situation and urge them to jointly submit comments to commission members. More than 1,000 of them did so. The message included highlighting the lack of biological justification in the proponent petition, supporting the North American Wildlife Conservation Model and keeping the regulatory focus on biologically-driven conservation priorities. 

A regularly scheduled commission hearing will take place Wednesday, March 4, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Denver. Hunters, trappers and other outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen are encouraged to attend and provide public comment. A live stream will also be available. 

Colorado’s furbearer population is healthy and well managed under current regulations, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) assessments do not show conservation concerns. CPW biologists are currently reviewing furbearer regulations through an established, data-driven process; however, this petition bypasses the scientific and public process. 

Voters affirmed their support for science-based wildlife management less than two years ago by rejecting statewide bans on mountain lion and bobcat hunting 55 to 45 percent and rejecting a similar fur ban in urban Denver County 58 to 42 percent.  

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation    
Now in its fifth decade of Conserving America’s Big Game,™ RMEF will extend its impact on habitat and public land access to 10 million acres by 2030. RMEF conserves and enhances habitat for elk and a variety of big game, opens and improves access for hunting and other outdoor recreation, conducts science-based wildlife research and ensures the future of our hunting heritage through advocacy, outreach and education. Members, volunteers and supporters nationwide help RMEF further its mission. Find out more and join the movement at rmef.org or 800-CALL-ELK.