Effective July 1st, a valid hunting or fishing license is required to access Colorado state land. Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) Commission unanimously voted in favor of the change at the April 30, 2020 meeting. A statement was released shortly after:
“Beginning on July 1, 2020, anyone entering a state wildlife area or state trust land leased by CPW must hold either a valid hunting or fishing license in Colorado.”
– CPW News Release
Why Require A License To Access
CPW Commission staff are aware that Sportsmen and Sportswomen are bearing the cost burden for these state lands. This change discourages non-wildlife-related use.
“State wildlife areas are acquired with hunter and angler dollars. SWAs provide wildlife habitat and wildlife-related recreation.”
– Brett Ackerman, CPW Southeast Regional Manager
Using Colorado State Land
Ackerman cited several instances of increased public use of state land. Also, he pointed out inconsistencies between uses and purpose of the land (wildlife conservation). Those inconsistencies include:
- Setting up temporary residences
- Using vehicles on winter range
- Vandalism
- And other uses detrimental to wildlife and wildlife-related purposes.
“There’s certainly an impact on staff and resources, potential public health impact, degradation of habitat and displacement of wildlife. There is a pattern of non-wildlife related issues we’re seeing out there.”
– Brett Ackerman
Additionally, Ackerman was careful to clarify:
- Emphasizing the need to clearly communicate this change to the public.
- Clarify the original, intended purpose of State Wildlife Areas and CPW-leased State Trust Lands.
“As with all new regulations, especially one as far reaching as this, our policy is to first educate. Especially, when talking to constituent users of state wildlife areas. We want to help people understand why we’re taking this action. We’re not seeking to catch people off guard and write them tickets. We want to curtail non-wildlife use of these properties and return them to their original intended purpose.”
-Brett Ackerman
