Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission bans wildlife contests

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission voteD 8-3 Thursday in favor of approving a ban on organized wildlife contests.

The vote, during a virtual meeting, prohibits contests for black-tailed, white-tailed and Gunnison’s prairie dogs, Wyoming (Richardson’s) ground squirrels and all species whose fur has commercial value, according to a Parks and Wildlife news release.

The estimated date of the ban is June 30. The decision is the culmination of a process that dates to a November commission meeting in Wray.

“Wildlife contests are privately organized competitive contests where participants compete for cash or other prizes for taking animals in a specified location during a specified time period, often to alleviate damage caused by the animals,” the release said.

Colorado has a partial statutory ban on wildlife contests, which prohibits contests for “big game.”

“We are committed to sound wildlife management in Colorado, and we always strive to review wildlife-related issues,” Parks and Wildlife Director Dan Prenzlow said in the release. “We studied the issue over the past several months and (the) staff brought forward a thorough recommendation for the commission to consider, culminating in today’s decision.”

Thursday’s action further restricts contests for small game and furbearers.

“I believe we’re still leaving the opportunity for private landowners to manage their properties,” added Commissioner Marvin McDaniel in the release. “At the same time, I believe that for these hunting contests, the staff recommendation (to ban) is a good one.”