In Part 1, we walked through a timeline of recent wildlife policy decisions in Colorado. On their own, each issue may seem isolated. Together, they show how wildlife policy is being shaped from multiple directions.
So, what can you actually do about it?
The answer is simple, but often overlooked:
It’s not one big action. It’s a lot of small, consistent actions over time.
Below are five practical ways to stay informed, get engaged, and be part of the process.
1. Know Your Legislators
If you don’t know who represents you, it’s difficult to engage in any meaningful way.
Start here: Find My Legislator
Once you find them:
- Save names, emails, and phone numbers in a note on your phone
- Keep it easily accessible
- Use it when issues arise
Also, know your local and federal level representatives as well. Most of this information can be found on your city, county, or state websites.
A simple, direct email or phone call—especially when tied to a specific issue—still matters. Knowing who represents you is one of the most important steps in staying engaged.
2. Track Legislation and Ballot Initiatives
Many wildlife-related decisions happen through legislation or ballot measures.
Start here: Search CO Bills
- Search for active bills (beavers, hunting, fishing, etc.)
- Track proposals related to wildlife, hunting, fishing, and land use
- Follow progress through committees and votes
You don’t need to monitor everything. Just being aware of what is moving—and when—is enough to know when to engage.
3. Understand the CPW Commission
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission plays a major role in shaping policy.
Start here: CPW Commission Website
- Learn who the commissioners are
- Understand their backgrounds and how they were appointed
- Pay attention to how they vote on key issues
Email the commission: dnr_cpwcommission@state.co.us
You can also attend commissioner office hours, which provide a smaller, more direct setting to ask questions and discuss issues. Check the website for details.
4. Attend a CPW Commission Meeting
If you want to understand how decisions are actually made, attend a meeting. Seeing the process firsthand is different than reading about it.
Start here: CPW Commission Website
At a meeting, you will:
- Hear presentations from CPW biologists and staff
- Watch how commissioners ask questions and make decisions
- See how public comment is handled
- Meet other sportsmen and women from across the state
Even attending once provides context that is difficult to get any other way.
5. Stay Connected and Do Your Own Research
Staying engaged means staying informed.
Start with:
- Following groups like Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management (CRWM)
- Visiting related hunting, trapping, and fishing websites and signing up for updates, both Colorado and nationally
- Following Sportsperson and Outdoorsman organizations social media channels for timely information
- Take time to research and understand opposing viewpoints and organizations.
That last point matters.
You don’t have to agree with those perspectives, but understanding them gives you better context, better awareness, and better conversations when these issues come up.
Applying This to Recent Issues
The timeline from Part 1 provides real examples of where and how engagement matters.
Here’s how these actions connect to those events:
Proposition 114 — Wolf Reintroduction
- Engagement point: Ballot initiative
- What mattered: Voter awareness and understanding of long-term impacts
- Takeaway: When issues go to a vote, public understanding becomes critical
Proposition 127 — Predator Hunting Ban
- Engagement point: Ballot initiative + public outreach
- What mattered: Education, communication, and participation
- Takeaway: Clear, factual messaging can influence outcomes
Denver Ordinance 308 — Fur Ban
- Engagement point: Local government
- What mattered: Local awareness and participation at the city level
- Takeaway: Wildlife-related decisions don’t only happen at the state level
CPW Commission Fur Petition
- Engagement point: Commission process + public comment
- What mattered: Participation in meetings, comments, and direct engagement
- Takeaway: The Commission process is accessible—but only if people show up
Senate Bill 26-1323 — Wildfire Mitigation & Beaver Harvest
- Engagement point: State legislature + committee process
- What mattered: Testimony, outreach, and awareness during the legislative process
- Takeaway: Bills can move quickly, and engagement timing matters
Final Thought
Most people don’t engage—not because they don’t care, but because they don’t know where to start.
The reality is:
- You don’t need to do everything
- You don’t need to be an expert
- You just need to stay aware and take small actions when it matters
Wildlife management in Colorado has long been built on science, data, and sustainable use.
If that model is going to continue, it requires people who are willing to stay informed, show up when needed, and be part of the process.
That’s how these issues move. And it’s how they can be addressed.