Beginnings of Wildlife Law Enforcement in Colorado
Just 150 years ago, the future of Colorado’s wildlife was uncertain. Overhunting and water pollution had a harsh impact on deer, elk, pronghorn, buffalo, bear, birds and fish and many feared that some of these species would never recover. In 1870, the Colorado Territorial Legislature passed its first wildlife protection laws, and in 1879, the first wildlife protection agency was formed. The Colorado Division of Wildlife worked to set and enforce limitations, including banning the use of nets for fishing, setting season and bag limits, and even prohibiting hunting of pronghorn and bighorn sheep for over 50 years.
Beginnings of Wildlife Law Enforcement in Colorado
Just 150 years ago, the future of Colorado’s wildlife was uncertain. Overhunting and water pollution had a harsh impact on deer, elk, pronghorn, buffalo, bear, birds and fish and many feared that some of these species would never recover. In 1870, the Colorado Territorial Legislature passed its first wildlife protection laws, and in 1879, the first wildlife protection agency was formed. The Colorado Division of Wildlife worked to set and enforce limitations, including banning the use of nets for fishing, setting season and bag limits, and even prohibiting hunting of pronghorn and bighorn sheep for over 50 years.
What is it like to be a District Wildlife Manager?
Law Enforcement Today
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is charged by statute to protect, preserve, enhance, and manage wildlife for the use, benefit and enjoyment of the people of this state and its visitors, as well as to provide a quality state park system. CPW regulations are created by the Parks and Wildlife Commission. Our officers enforce those regulations, as well as season dates, bag limits, and license requirements.
Without law enforcement, effective wildlife and parks management would not be possible. Without wildlife management, Colorado’s abundant and diverse wildlife populations would not exist.
We facilitate wildlife management objectives such as:
- Determining the numbers and types of wildlife taken
- Providing opportunities to hunt, fish, or engage in other wildlife-related recreation
Meet Our Officers
Our officers do way more than enforce rules and regulations.
If you have a wildlife emergency, you can reach a District Wildlife Manager 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Colorado Wildlife Officers work on a rotating on-call schedule. Most officers are dispatched through Colorado State Patrol, or your local Sheriff’s Department.
Questions? Contact Your Nearest CPW Office or Park
State Park Ranger
State Park Rangers wear many diverse hats, but their general duties are to provide public safety, natural resource protection and administrative management of those areas.
District Wildlife Manager/Officer
District Wildlife Managers enforce the laws and manage wildlife in the field, but also work with school kids, deal with human-wildlife conflicts, make presentations to groups, offer customer service and get involved in their communities in many ways.
Colorado Wildlife Employee Protective Association (CWEPA)
Colorado Wildlife Employee Protection Association provides members with legal protective features, death and retirement benefits, a liaison and representation with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and to enhance the ability of employees to work for the wildlife resources of Colorado. This non-profit organization represents approximately 230 employees from all areas within CPW to include biologists, administration assistance, and officers.
Find out more
Rules and Regulations
Wildlife management objectives such as determining the numbers and types of wildlife taken, and providing opportunities to hunt, fish, or engage in other wildlife and outdoor-related recreation are realized through the creation of regulations by the Parks and Wildlife Commission.
Enforcement of season dates, bag limits, license requirements, off-highway vehicles, boating and Parks rules are part of the Law Enforcement section. Without wildlife and parks management, Colorado’s abundant and diverse wildlife populations and recreational opportunities would not exist.
Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact
The Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact establishes a process whereby wildlife law violations by a non-resident from a member state are handled as if the person were a resident.
Hunters and anglers whose licenses have been suspended in other member states will also have their hunting and fishing privileges suspended in Colorado. Individuals suspended due to a wildlife violation are advised to contact the state where the violation occurred to understand how the compact provisions apply to their specific case.
Pay a Citation
Our online citation payment application will allow you to conveniently pay your Colorado Parks and Wildlife penalty assessment. It can take 2 to 5 business days for citations to be entered into this application. You must be 18 years or older to use the portal and will need your citation number and the birth date of the cited party.