Following extensive discussion and public testimony, including a written statement from the Rocky Mountain Bison Association (RMBA) and the National Bison Association (NBA), the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Commission voted on June 12, 2024, to classify bison as livestock in the Colorado Wolf Management Plan thus enabling bison ranchers to receive compensation for wolf depredation losses.
In the initial Colorado Wolf Management Plan, finalized in 2023, domestically owned bison were not classified as eligible livestock, leaving Colorado bison ranchers without recourse if a wolf killed one of their animals. RMBA issued a statement to the Commission in April, arguing that it was not a question of if, but when a bison in Colorado would be killed by a wolf.
According to the CPW’s outline of regulatory amendments:
“These changes expand the livestock definition to include domestic bison, including hybrids with domestic cattle. They also expand regulations making domestic bison owners eligible for chronic depredation permits, intentionally injurious non-lethal hazing permits, and retroactive in the act permits. These amendments are the result of concerns raised by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and other domestic bison producers.”
The Colorado Revised Statutes 33-2-105.8 address wolf reintroduction, wolf management, and compensation. Pertaining specifically to compensation, the statutes now applicable to bison ranchers states:
“PAY FAIR COMPENSATION TO OWNERS OF LIVESTOCK FOR ANY LOSSES OF LIVESTOCK CAUSED BY GRAY WOLVES, AS VERIFIED PURSUANT TO THE CLAIM PROCEDURES AUTHORIZED BY SECTIONS 33-3-107 TO 33-3-110 AND, TO THE EXTENT THEY ARE AVAILABLE, FROM MONEYS IN THE WILDLIFE CASH FUND AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 33-3-107”
These changes take effect August 1, 2024.
We thank the Commission for resolving this original omission and are pleased with the outcome. We also thank Bob and Jim Beauprez of Eagle’s Wing Ranch in Coalmont, CO for their continued pressure on the Commission to help bring the change.
Sincerely,
John Graves
President
Rocky Mountain Bison Association