Hunting

Supporters say it would prevent attempts to limit hunting, while opponents worry it could complicate wildlife management.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service started allowing hunting this fall at Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge as part of a Trump administration push to expand hunting and fishing on public lands.

The tribe released two golden eagles in Montana last year. One died in Colorado, likely due to lead poisoning.

At a recent White House dinner with hunting groups and companies, Trump announced the orders directing federal land agencies to take several steps to improve hunting and angling opportunities.

Voters finally felt the threat to public lands had reached a critical point, observers say.

The decision coincides with a disease-heavy year for Wyoming packs.

Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and Washington could take over management, but hunting will not immediately be on the table.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said more than 95% of national refuge lands could be open to hunting after proposed expansions, which follow a Trump Administration order from earlier this year that directs agencies to remove barriers to hunting and fishing.

Signs point to the first major outbreak of canine distemper since the state took over management. As a result, this year will likely see fewer hunting tags than most: the state has proposed cutting the wolf mortality limit to 22. That’s down half from last year.

Relaxed gun restrictions on public lands worries conservation groups about safety to public and wildlife