05/27/2026
For thousands of years, humans have utilized the natural resources of the land that we live on. For some, it is not only wonderful time spent with loved ones doing what they love, it is a way of life. The right to hunt and fish has been under attack in the State of Colorado for many years now. Wildlife management has fallen away from science-backed management decisions to "ballot box biology" voted on by citizens-many of which do not understand that hunting is the basis of conservation. These ballot initiatives and propositions are backed by out-of-state agencies that push to change our beautiful state into something it should never be.
In 2020, the people of Colorado voted to reintroduce Gray Wolves. Since then, over $1.3 million has been paid in depredtion claims. To ease the mind of ranches across the state, the reintroduction plan stated that wolves from known depredating packs would not be introduced. However, five wolves from a pack known for livestock kills were introduced, and have since killed 16 livestock animals in Grand County. Ranchers are being forced to live with the consequences of decisions made by uneducated voters rather than highly educated, experienced and trained biologists.
In 2024, hunting came under attack again when Proposition 127 was put on the ballot to ban all hunting of mountain lions, bobcats and lynx. The Proposition was narrowly struck down by the people of Colorado.
In 2024, voters in Denver rejected a ban on the sell of all fur within city limits. The people of Colorado once again stood for the rights of conservationists, biology, and consumers. However, the Center for Biological Diversity ignored the voices of Coloradans and filed a petition to prohibit the commercial sell of wildlife fur across the entire state. At the commission meeting in March of 2026, over 400 Coloradans showed up to advocated for science-backed wildlife management decisions. Of these 400, 120 signed up to speak. The voices of Colorado's citizens were once again ignored, and the petition was passed by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission in a 6-4 vote.
It is time for anglers, hunters, conservationists, and those who love our state and the resources it has to offer to get off of defense and start playing offense. It is up to us to stand up for the wildlife in our state and for our rights to hunt, fish, consume game, trap, sell fur and more. No one understands conservation and loves the wildlife of Colorado more than hunters and fishermen. Initiative 302 would make hunting and fishing a constitutional right for all Colorado citizens. It does not allow for trespassing on private property or any changes to property laws. Most importantly, it puts wildlife management into the hands of educated biologists of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. PLEASE sign this initiative so that conservationists can be represented on the Colorado ballot in 2026. Please go defend science-based wildlife management! 124,238 signatures are needed for this to appear on the ballot.
For Trinidad and surrounding areas, this initiative is available to sign during the day in front the Safeway in Trinidad.
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