Last Friday, April 24, following intense pressure from the sportsmen community, two of Governor Polis’ controversial nominees for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Commission withdrew their names from consideration.
This is a significant win for every sportsman who has felt sidelined by recent commission decisions. Here is what happened:
The Friday Outcome
- Frances Silva Blayney Confirmed: On Friday morning, the Senate unanimously confirmed Frances Silva Blayney for the outfitter seat.
- The “Lay Over” and Withdrawal: In a move that signaled certain defeat for the other two candidates, the Senate “laid over” (postponed) the votes for John Emerick and Christopher Sichko until May 14, the day after the legislative session ends. This procedural move effectively blocked their path to confirmation. Facing this wall of opposition, both men withdrew their names and resigned from the commission that same morning.
Why This Matters
Earlier in the week, the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee signaled that they had heard sportsmen’s concerns loud and clear, voting against both men.
- John Emerick: The committee voted 2–5 against him. His deep ties to pro-wolf organizations made it clear he was the wrong choice to represent a balanced view on the commission.
- Christopher Sichko: The committee voted 3–4 against him. Nominated for a “sportsman” seat, he lacked the background and support of the actual hunting community he was supposed to represent.
Protecting Our Way of Life
The withdrawal of these candidates prevents the CPW Commission from being further stacked with individuals who are ideologically opposed to what we do. It sends a clear message to the Governor: appointments must respect the heritage of Colorado’s hunters and anglers and the fundamental right to pursue our way of life without constant interference from those who seek to end it.
Keep an eye on your inbox. As the Governor moves to nominate new candidates for these vacancies, we will reach out with the latest updates and information so you can stay informed about who is being selected to manage Colorado’s wildlife.
The Sportsmen’s Alliance guarantees hunting, fishing and trapping for the American sportsman now and forever. We’re there when sportsmen need us most. We are the only organization specifically created to protect the individual hunter, angler, and trapper – no matter the threat. We will never compromise when it comes to defending our way of life in the courts, in the legislatures, in the public square and at the ballot box. We make this promise to the American sportsman: we will never give up and never give in while proudly securing our future against those seeking to destroy our values, beliefs, and traditions. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
