2023 Year-End Hunting News from Colorado

As another year comes to a close, important things are happening in Colorado that have the potential to affect big game hunters. Whether you are a resident or nonresident of the state, these items should be on your radar…

Proposed 2024 Ballot Initiative to Prohibit Trophy Hunting

The proponents of this initiative are specifically targeting the hunting of mountain lions, bobcats and lynx in Colorado. However, this effort, which is being led by extreme animal welfare groups, is driven by misinformation and has the potential to do far more harm than the ban on hunting of big cats.

For example, lynx are already a protected species in Colorado. Their inclusion in the proposed initiative is an obvious diversion tactic. In fact, lynx are an incredible success story here in Colorado. The decades of scientific work that has gone into their recovery was made possible by hunting and fishing dollars.  

To learn more, check out this video. And please visit savethehuntcolorado.com to help fight this misguided initiative.

Changes to the Draw, License Distribution and Season Structure

Next, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is considering changes to the way it handles hunting license distribution, the draw and the hunting season structure.

Considering changes to the hunting season structure is a regular occurrence for CPW. The structure (dates and timing) of hunting seasons is evaluated and implemented in 5-year blocks. The current 5-year season structure is coming to an end in 2024. The next 5-year block will be 2025-2029. Therefore, it’s time for CPW to begin its analysis and planning for the next five years.

In addition to the regular Big Game Season Structure (BGSS) process, CPW is also evaluating the draw process, license distribution, the availability of over-the-counter (OTC) licenses and preference points.

As a part of this process, CPW has held focus groups, town hall meetings, and distributed surveys. More random surveys will be sent to hunters over the coming weeks and a Draw Process Working Group, made up of appointed stakeholders will be reviewing alternatives.

To learn more about this process and how you can be involved, please visit CPW’s Hunting Engagement Page.

Stay Engaged

Now more than ever, it’s important for hunters to stay engaged and involved, here in Colorado and in your home state. Whenever possible, we strongly encourage hunters to attend Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission Meetings (in-person or virtually). Every voice matters.