On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Commission voted 6-4 to advance a radical citizen petition that seeks to ban the commercial sale of native furbearer pelts and parts. Despite a strong showing of “blaze orange and camo” and a recommendation from CPW’s own Director to deny the petition, the Commission has moved this proposal into the formal rulemaking phase.
CPW Commission Vote Tally
- Supported the ban: Beaulieu, Emerick, Murphy, Tutchton, Vardy, Chairman Reading
- Opposed the ban: Silva Blayney, Jacober, May, Otero
How the Colorado Fur Ban Impacts Wildlife Conservation
This is a direct assault on our heritage and the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. Here is why this decision is a dangerous precedent for every hunter, angler, and trapper in Colorado:
- Bypasses the Professional Process: This petition allows politically appointed officials to override the data-driven recommendations of professional wildlife managers.
- Erosion of Agency Authority: For decades, CPW has operated on the principle of “management by objective.” By advancing a rule that the agency’s own staff warned against, the Commission has effectively neutered the professional biologists tasked with protecting our natural resources.
- Silence of the Scientists: In a move that undermines the agency’s credibility, the Commission flatly ignored the formal recommendation of CPW Director Laura Clellan, who advised denying the petition. By choosing the whims of out-of-state activists over the expertise of the state’s lead wildlife official, the Commission has signaled that politics now trump professional management.
- Ignores Science and Experts: CPW biologists have found no scientific evidence that furbearer populations are in decline. This decision wasn’t based on biology; it was based on ideology.
- Disregards Voter Will: Coloradans already rejected similar bans, including a 2024 Denver fur ban and the 2024 statewide hunting ban (Prop 127), yet activists are using the Commission to bypass the ballot box.
- Threatens Conservation Funding: Eliminating the fur market removes financial incentives for management and risks critical excise tax revenue that supports all wildlife species.
- Impacts Other Traditions: The broad language of the petition could even affect the sale of fur used in hand-tied fishing flies and the manufacturing of traditional items like felt cowboy hats.
Next Steps: CPW Meeting in Grand Junction
The May 6-7 meeting in Grand Junction will be the next critical juncture where the specific language of the proposed rule will likely be introduced for public comment.
Defending Colorado’s Outdoor Heritage
Now is the time to stand firm. This isn’t just about fur; it’s a defense of our outdoor heritage and the scientific integrity of wildlife management. We must remain united and vocal to ensure that Colorado’s traditions aren’t dismantled by those who value ideology over biology. By showing up, staying informed, and speaking with one voice, we can protect our traditions and lifestyle for the generations of hunters, anglers, and trappers yet to come.
