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Background
Colorado’s wildlife management treats our state's “furbearers” — animals like beavers, ringtails, swift foxes and pine martens — as commodities rather than integral parts of functioning ecosystems, and our native species have suffered greatly because of this. Current harmful policies include:
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Any Colorado resident can hunt or trap an unlimited number of furbearing animals after purchasing a $35 permit. Anyone can come to Colorado from anywhere in the world to hunt and trap an unlimited number of furbearers for $100.
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Wildlife labeled as “furbearers” can be killed in unlimited numbers and their pelts sold for the personal profit of a very, very few individuals.
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No population data is recorded for most furbearing species.
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There are no reporting requirements for 16 of the state’s 17 furbearer species, making it impossible to determine how many animals are killed annually.
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The real risks to wildlife under this system have been known since a 1994 study (the Fitzgerald Analysis) and in the 30+ years since, almost none of the detailed, species-specific recommendations for science-based reform have been implemented.
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The time for furbearer management reform and modernization is NOW.
The Five Proposed Reforms
We propose the following practical, science-based reforms to Colorado Parks and Wildlife's management of our state's furbearer wildlife:
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Stop Dangerous Poisons and Prevent Accidental Wildlife Deaths
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Reduce Cruelty and Waste in Wildlife Killing
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Update Hunting and Trapping Rules for Ethical Management
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Protect Colorado’s Ecosystems and Species for Future Generations
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Align Wildlife Management with Coloradoans’ Values
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Each of these five proposals have multiple steps and the complete, detailed reform proposal with species-specific detail can be reviewed in this comprehensive report.
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Take action today and let CPW know you support these reforms.
Email the CPW Commissioners here and add your name to the petition we will present to the Commission in their March, 2026 meeting.