#248 Dan Gates - Fighting for Wildlife with Coloradans For Responsible Wildlife Management
Watch the episode here
Listen to the podcast here
Dan Gates - Executive Director of Coloradans For Responsible Wildlife Management ( C. R. W. M. ) Host of Though the Gates podcast joins Bobby Marshall in studio for a powerful, co-released episode focused on the future of wildlife management in Colorado. A lifelong sportsman and passionate conservation advocate, Dan has dedicated his career to protecting Colorado’s wildlife through science-based policy, ethical hunting, and responsible stewardship. As a leader of CRWM and the Save the Hunt Colorado campaign, he works at the front lines of legislative battles, commission decisions, and public advocacy efforts that directly impact sportsmen, landowners, and outdoor communities across the state.
In this episode, Bobby and Dan dive deep into:
• Colorado wildlife policy and the statutory mission of Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CRS 33-1-101)
• The growing political influence shaping conservation decisions
• Senate Bill 62 and its potential impact on rodenticide access, pesticide application, and trapping methods
• The proposed statewide fur-sale prohibition petition
• Beaver management strategy and harvest data
• Wolf policy discussions and livestock compensation
• Firearms-related policy proposals tied to wildlife governance
• The importance of public testimony and engagement at CPW Commission meetings
Dan breaks down why wildlife policy should be driven by science, data, and expert guidance — not emotion or political agendas — and explains why Colorado is becoming a “test market” for sweeping wildlife legislation.
He also issues a call to action for the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission meetings (March 4–5 in Westminster and May 6–7 in Grand Junction), encouraging citizens to attend, submit testimony, and stay informed.
Beyond policy, this conversation explores conservation ethics, biology, hunting tradition, archery, outdoor culture, and what it truly means to preserve wildlife responsibly for future generations.
If you care about conservation, hunting rights, wildlife biology, or the future of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation — this is a must-listen episode.
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In the vast and diverse landscapes of Colorado, a battle is being waged—not just to conserve wildlife, but to ensure that the policies governing them remain rooted in science and common sense. Recent discussions led by host Dan Gates on "The Mountain Side Podcast" reveal the pressing issues that Coloradans face in wildlife management and the crucial need for public involvement. As we dive into this narrative, it becomes clear that these decisions do not just impact Colorado but could set precedence across the nation.
The Wildlife Management Challenge Dan Gates, host of the "Through the Gates Podcast" and executive director of Coloradoans for Responsible Wildlife Management, returned to "The Mountain Side" studio to shed light on the intricate and often contentious issues surrounding Colorado's wildlife policies. He advocates for science-driven policy-making, a point that becomes increasingly vital in the face of ongoing political attempts to shift these decisions based on ideology rather than facts. Gates discussed the upcoming Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meetings scheduled for March 4th & 5th and May 6th & 7th, urging public turnout as vital to influencing decisions that will have lasting impacts on wildlife policy. The meetings are pivotal, addressing critical subjects like the proposal to ban the commercial sale of wildlife fur and the management of wolf compensation claims.
Understanding the Legislative Landmines The script from Gates' conversation highlighted several legislative proposals that could drastically alter the landscape of wildlife management in Colorado. Senate Bill 62 poses a potential ban on killing mice—a seemingly small issue with potentially sweeping impacts on public health and agricultural practices. Furthermore, the discussion touched on a petition by Samantha Miller of the Center for Biological Diversity, advocating for a statewide fur ban. Gates emphasized that this has already been defeated in Denver by wide margins, and now opponents are attempting to push it through the commission instead.
An Invitation to Engage The blog aims to emphasize that the decisions made over the next 11 months can shape Colorado's wildlife management for years to come. Gates called for action, urging listeners to attend the upcoming commission meetings in Westminster and Grand Junction. He emphasized the importance of a united front, inviting everyone to participate—not as protesters, but as passionate advocates for common sense, science-backed wildlife management.
Colorado’s wildlife policies are at a crossroads, and the need for public engagement has never been more apparent. The discourse showcased by Dan Gates in "The Mountain Side Podcast" demonstrates a model that other states might follow—where informed and active citizenry plays a crucial role in shaping sustainable wildlife management. For those who cherish Colorado's rich natural heritage, the opportunity to make a difference is now. Let's unite to ensure that science and reason guide the policies that affect our ecosystems and communities.