On Thursday, Governor Jared Polis signed a significant bill designating wild bison in Colorado as big game wildlife, which prohibits hunting them without a license. This legislation, prompted by incidents of people shooting bison that wandered into Colorado from Utah, shifts the legal status of bison from livestock to wildlife, allowing Colorado Parks and Wildlife to issue hunting licenses and enforce penalties for illegal possession. The move aims to protect wild bison populations, which have faced threats from hunting over the years.
Additionally, Polis signed House Bill 1283, which extends the state’s wild horse management program and implements recommendations from a working group. This law transfers responsibilities for wild horse management to the state Department of Agriculture and establishes a new committee to explore population control solutions, including the use of fertility control drugs and the potential creation of a wild horse sanctuary. The initiative reflects a collaborative effort among various stakeholders, including ranchers and wild horse advocates.
Polis emphasized the importance of both wild bison and horses as integral parts of Colorado’s wildlife and cultural heritage. These new laws are seen as crucial steps toward ensuring the protection and management of these iconic species, fostering a future where they thrive in Colorado’s landscapes.
