A bill aimed at removing hunting as a primary method of wildlife management in Colorado has failed to pass through the House Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee. Sponsored by Reps. Tammy Story and Elizabeth Velasco, House Bill 1258 sought to clarify that hunting, trapping, and fishing should not be the only tools in managing wildlife ecosystems, especially amid increasing concerns over biodiversity and climate change.
The committee’s rejection of the bill, which ended in a 10-3 vote, sparked heated discussions among supporters and opponents alike. Proponents argued for a more humane and scientifically driven approach to wildlife management, while critics claimed the bill undermines established conservation practices and would limit necessary population control measures. With Colorado already home to over 900 wildlife species, the implications of this legislative debate emphasize the ongoing tension between traditional hunting practices and evolving conservation strategies.
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