EP77 Save The Hunt – A conversation with Dan Gates of Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management 

Of the Rocky Mountain states, Colorado has been ground zero for animal rights and anti-hunting, trapping, and science-based wildlife management extremists bent on challenging more than 100 years of successful and sportsmen funded wildlife restoration and management. After a stingingly narrow victory of a ballot box biology initiative to introduce grey wolves into the state, conservation minded Coloradans formed Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management (CRWM) led by Dan Gates to become the tip of the spear for anticipated future battles. Using a collaborative approach, identifying key constituencies, and key, and factual messaging, Dan and CRWM found the secret sauce to defeat Proposition 127 this past November that would have ended mountain lion management, as well as two other anti-led with Governor’s office support ballot initiatives. These were not only defeated, they were crushed by CRWM with financial support from across the country including WSF’s contribution of $100,000 to educate the public on the consequences of Prop 127. 

Sheep Fever co-host Gray Thornton, and guest host Corey Mason sit down in studio with Dan to discuss the 2024 wins, and plans for the next, seemingly never-ended battle to preserve science-informed, sustainable use wildlife conservation. Sit back with a Scotch and cigar, and enjoy!