Didn't know this, someone said trapping is illegal in Colorado on the original "make a trapping forum" post. Anyone know for sure? Guess I'll check the DOW website.

It was voted out by the Kalifornians that moved here. I think it was on the ballot about 6 years ago. Farmers get an exemption I think.

I posted the same question on the trapping forum I hang out on. All the responders said that it was not totally banned, but severly restricted. Exceptions are made for animals causing damage. They also said that the DNR backed the legislation. To me, that's the scariest part of the story.

RO <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

You can only trap if you are a rancher and go through a lot of red tape (if they approve it). You have to prove there is damage or livestock loss. A normal guy cannot run a trapline.

Got beat by the democraps in 1996. ALL traps are illegal other than live traps.

AND THE DOW DID BACK IT!

Call it a coincidence, but it was around the same time they decided to reintroduce the lynx. Hmmmm...

The thought of game management by popular vote should make everyone a little nervous. That and what is the agenda of the DOW in Colorado.

Well, just got done reading the reg's at their website http://wildlife.state.co.us/regulations/ (Chapter 3, pages 4 & 5) It looks like possibly once you're set up it wouldn't be too bad but there are some references to statutes that probably tighten the screws. I would paste some text here but it is all adobe pdf format and I can't seem to cut/paste. Vern.

I think public land is out, so if you had an in on some private, you might be able to work the system. Of course, if I had private I would just trap anyway and not tell anyone. I have thought of running snares, that is hard to notice.

The worst part of the ban...it was defeated in EVERY rural county in the state, it only passed because of Denver and Boulder.

I've talked to several trappers in both MN and MT that left CO after the ban so that they could continue to trap. Too bad when those with no clue as to what they are talking about/voting for end up making the decisions for those with a clue --- Guess that's voter referendums for ya.

I have the opportunity to leave Colorado in the spring of 2007. I was thinking of relocating to another state here in the west. Anyone know if NM has trapping still?

It might be a nice place since I could hunt big bulls too!

Screwed up might be a more correct description.
I was living there at the time all this idiocy came to pass. I trapped some the last year everything was "normal".The DOW didn't support it or oppose it officially since something in their bylaws or rules forbade them or even their employees taking a public/vocal position on a ballot initive. Word had it that any employee of the DOW would have been terminated or severely diciplined had they publicly commented on the issue, and that a memo to that effect was issued from the top to all employees. Technically this even included Hunter Education instructors since they are considered "unpaid employees" of the DOW in Colorado. Those that were the best informed (DOW agents and biologists) simply couldn't make any public statement at all without risking their career.
Rumor has it that there are a lot of non hunters and or anti hunting sympathizers working for the DOW these days, and from the complexity of the game regs, I'd almost agree, and that their mission is to get people to give up in exasperation. The politics of wildlife management in Colorado is one reason why I'll never be a resident there again. I don't think I'm alone in that attitude either.AW

"It was voted out by the Kalifornians that moved here."

That statement pretty much says it all. This state in changing into one I no longer recognize, nor wish to be a resident of a whole lot longer.

God, sir, what did we do to deserve this plague of California locusts?
DAL

I left there in 95 could not take it any longer, the best hunting in the west, but damn the people who are there now!

Whats funny about that, my dad always said don't Californicate Colorado......He lives in California now. I still have all of my grandpas steel traps, the problem is I can't use them anymore. I accidently caught the neighbors cat though a few years ago....The same one that kept crapping in my wifes flower garden and used my open truck window as an excuse to use my seat cushion as a scratching post and litter box. SHHHHH, neighbor still doesn't know. Can take the boy out of the country, can't take the [bleep] eating grin off his face, when he gets to use his toys again........Ryan

...I agree. Just as well give up. There's just too damn many of 'em.

...and when combined with Vail and Aspen, not only comprise a huge portion of the population, but a huge portion of the "money".