Jay Tutchton for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission

If you care about wildlife management in Colorado and want to preserve it for future generations as I do then you need to contact your state senator and urge them to vote YES on the appointment of Jay Tutchton to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission.

Tutchton, who was named to the panel last year and is currently seated, manages a native wildlife preserve and has been an environmental lawyer for 30 years. He is very well-suited for this position because he will promote conservation and enhancement of Colorado wildlife and habitat. Hunters and ranchers are already well represented on the Commission and occupy seven out of 11 seats. It is time that we had more balance and representation of wildlife enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, hikers, bikers, etc. that contribute to Colorado's robust economy. If state wildlife agencies are heavily represented by hunters and ranchers then other voices are surely lost.

To lose biodiversity is a tragedy for our state and most Coloradans oppose trophy hunting of mountain lions and bobcats. For example, in 2018-2019 a total of 541 mountain lions were killed mostly with hound hunting. In the same period, 2,000 bobcats were trophy hunted and trapped, according to The Humane Society of the United States. There are no limits on how many are hunted in the state and no counts on population of bobcats. Wildcats enhance the ecosystem health and diversity, provide food to other species, and improve ungulate herd health (elk and deer) by choosing weak and diseased animals. This is only one example of how we could do better in Colorado for our state's wildlife.

Jay Tutchton is a critical voice for conservation, wildlife, and all outdoor users. Please contact Senators who sit on the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Kerry Donovan, Chair kerry.donovan.senate@state.co.us

Jessie Danielson: jessie.danielson.senate@state.co.us

Rhonda Fields: rhonda.fields.senate@state.co.us