Prairie Dog Shooting on Public Lands

PC: Randy Vacchi

Citizen Petition for Rule Making:

At Issue:

Recreational prairie dog shooting on public lands should be banned so we can have safe and healthy grasslands.

Background:

Recreational shooting is one among several threats to the state’s prairie dogs and one that can be reduced significantly by regulatory change. Currently, Colorado has no bag or possession limit for shooting prairie dogs.  There is a season on public land from “June 15 – end of February annually” but no seasonal closure on private lands. 

The petition is based on the best available science. The Petitioners 1) delineated the proposed language changes for 2 C.C.R. § 406-309, 2) provided the science-based reasons for the proposal, and 3) requested a hearing on the petition with the Commission.

Proposed Action:

This rule is narrow and science driven. Private landowners keep full authority to manage prairie dogs on their own property (private lands), including recreational shooting with no limits. Public lands offer the best chance to maintain healthy prairie dog colonies that support more than 120 other wildlife species.

Petitioners propose the following amendment to 2 C.C.R. § 406-309: 1) Season Dates - Public Land: June 15 - end of February annually. None; 2) Black-tailed, white-tailed and Gunnison’s prairie dogs: Daily Bag Limit on Public Land – None; 3) Possession Limit on Public Land – None; 4) There shall be no bag or possession limit on Private Land.

The Petition was submitted April 3, 2026, by fourth generation Coloardoan, Pam Wanek, prairie dog management expert and consultant. Mrs. Wanek also serves on the Prairie Dog Coalition Steering Committee.