Colorado reviews furbearer management ahead of spring 2025 rules, focusing on bobcats, foxes, and mink.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reviewing management of 16 furbearer species, including bobcats, foxes, and mink, ahead of a spring 2025 regulatory evaluation. This follows a 2024 voter rejection of a ban on hunting mountain lions, bobcats, and lynx, and two new petitions—one seeking better data on bobcats and beavers, the other calling for a ban on commercial fur sales. A stakeholder advisory group, including hunters, farmers, and conservationists, identified gray fox, swift fox, ringtail cats, and marten as top priorities, with bobcats already under study. Beavers were excluded due to a separate conservation effort. Current rules prohibit certain traps and poisons, allowing only firearms, bows, and air guns, with no bag limits on permits. The commission will consider recommendations at its March meeting.