07/19/2026
Classic case of politically based wildlife management instead of biologically based wildlife management. Think that won’t happen in Alaska? Think again. Look at proposal 4 being considered by the Alaska Board of Game later this week
Wildlife Commission Reduces Furbearer Take to Just Two Per Day, Even Though Biologists Say Restriction “Isn’t Biologically Necessary”
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission voted 6-5 to impose a daily bag limit of just two animals per species on 17 classified furbearers, despite CPW’s own biologists and wildlife scientists concluding that available population and harvest data did not show restrictive bag limits were biologically necessary.
CPW’s biologists and scientists had already proposed a 15-animal daily limit as a social and regulatory compromise. The Commission rejected even that compromise and imposed a blanket limit of just two per species per day. During the debate, Commissioner Becky Niemiec reportedly said part of the reason for the restriction was to “make sure people feel better,” with social acceptance of trapping playing a role in the discussion.
This is exactly why hunters, anglers and trappers need to stay politically active. Science-based wildlife management can quickly be undermined when political appointees choose social pressure over the recommendations of biologists and scientists. You never know when a handful of rogue appointees could threaten the traditions and way of life generations of sportsmen have fought to protect.
Aaron B. Futrell, Author|Owner, Delong Lures
