Colorado Gov. Polis Signs Bill Protecting Wild Bison by Classifying Them as Big Game Wildlife

Colorado Gov. Polis signs bill protecting wild bison by classifying them as big game wildlife

DENVER Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill on Thursday morning to protect wild bison that move from neighboring states into Colorado, where they do not have protections and have been legally killed.The bill is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. While most bison in Colorado either live in captive herds and are classified as livestock or are maintained in fenced-in areas for conservation efforts, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has observed…

Colorado Gov. Polis to sign bill protecting wild bison by classifying them as big game wildlife

DENVER Colorado Gov. Jared Polis will sign a bill on Thursday morning to protect wild bison that move from neighboring states into Colorado, where they do not have protections and have been legally killed.The bill is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. While most bison in Colorado either live in captive herds and are classified as livestock or are maintained in fenced-in areas for conservation efforts, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has obser…

To protect bison, Colorado declares them a huntable game species

A symbol of the West and vital sustenance for Native Americans who lived on the western Plains, the bison was hunted to near extinction 100 years ago. Today, Colorado lawmakers passed protections for the few wild animals that wander into the state. Continue reading…

Bison Receive Dual Listing, Bolstering Protections

Bison Receive Dual Listing, Bolstering Protections mdewane May 22, 2025 Golden, CO May 22, 2025 Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill today designating bison in Colorado as wildlife in addition to livestock, opening the species up to management by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The “Protect Wild Bison” bill passed the Colorado legislature in April.“A bison treated as wildlife is a bison treated with the respect and care that it deserves,” said Michael …