Colorado Parks and Wildlife Celebrates National Hunting and Fishing Day, Recognizing Sportspersons' Conservation Contributions

Colorado Parks and Wildlife will observe National Hunting and Fishing Day on September 27, honoring hunters and anglers for their essential role in funding wildlife conservation programs that benefit all species throughout the state, including in Larimer and Weld counties.

Governor Jared Polis officially proclaimed September 27, 2025, as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Colorado, recognizing sportspersons' contribution of $13.8 billion spent on outdoor activities in Colorado last year. This spending helped fuel the outdoor economy, which comprised 2.6% of Colorado's GDP in 2023.

In Northern Colorado, hunters and anglers directly support conservation efforts at popular locations including Lory State Park, Boyd Lake State Park, Horsetooth Reservoir, and Carter Lake in Larimer County, as well as wildlife areas like the Pawnee National Grassland and Prewitt Reservoir in Weld County. The Fort Collins Natural Areas Department manages 45 local sites totaling over 25,000 acres, with permitted fishing and regulated hunting in some areas.

Hunters and anglers fund more than 70 percent of CPW's wildlife management programs through license purchases and equipment taxes. Current 2025 fees include annual fishing licenses at $44.75 for adults, small game licenses at $34.75, and combination licenses at $55.75 for Colorado residents. All license holders must also purchase a $12 annual habitat stamp.

"Hunters and anglers are one of the biggest reasons Colorado enjoys such abundant wildlife," said CPW Statewide Hunter Outreach Coordinator Bryan Posthumus. "While only roughly 40 species in Colorado are huntable, the fees from hunting and fishing licenses help conserve all wildlife in the state, including threatened and endangered species."

The funding model stems from the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, established around 1900 when sportspeople recognized that market hunting threatened North America's wildlife populations. This revolutionary approach created a structured conservation system funded by those who use the resources.

Federal excise taxes also support Colorado's conservation efforts through the Pittman-Robertson Act, which imposes an 11% tax on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment, and the Dingell-Johnson Act, which places a 10% tax on fishing rods, tackle, and motorboat fuels. According to the Wildlife Society, these federal programs distribute millions of dollars annually to state wildlife agencies, requiring matching state funds typically derived from hunting and fishing license sales.

CPW's work follows Colorado's Seven Outdoor Principles, which guide sustainable outdoor recreation and conservation statewide. These principles emphasize that fish and wildlife resources are held in trust for the public, regulated through science-based management, and funded through a user-pays model where hunters, anglers, and outdoor users support conservation efforts.

The celebration coincides with National Public Lands Day, when entrance to all National Parks is free. However, Colorado State Parks will still require parks passes, with daily passes costing $10 per vehicle and annual passes at $80.

CPW operates 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres statewide. The agency's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.

National Hunting and Fishing Day has been observed on the fourth Saturday of September since 1972, recognizing the leadership role of sportspersons in conserving America's wildlife and habitat for future generations.