Facing a $1.5 billion budget deficit, Colorado lawmakers proposed no longer using state funds to introduce wolves into Colorado.
Citizens passed a 2020 ballot initiative by less than a two percent margin to forcefully introduce wolves, including voters in 51 of Colorado’s 64 counties that voted against it. Out-of-state animal rights and anti-hunting activists largely funded the campaign.
Since then, the wolf program has been extremely messy with 14 of 25 introduced wolves having died since hitting the ground in Colorado. And costs continue to skyrocket well above expectations.
According to Colorado Politics, the annual budget for the wolf program is $2.1 million or almost three times more than original 2020 estimates voters were told it would cost, while compensation is slated for $350,000 per year. However, in just the first three months of 2026, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) already doled out $724,000 in wolf-livestock compensation with costs expected to top $1 million by the end of the year. Plus, CPW recently asked the state legislature for another $450,000 to bring more wolves into the state.
Now, lawmakers are suggesting pulling the plug on using taxpayer funds to do so.
“It is a moment for us to recognize that while we should honor the will of the voters — I am respectful of that — our reintroduction of wolves has not gone successfully nor without significant cost,” House Speaker Julie McCluskie (D-Dillon), told the Aspen Times. “I would ask for your support on this amendment, knowing that there is certainly a better path forward for us on the wolf management plan, and I would encourage further evaluation of the process so far, ways that we can continue to improve it.”
“What I would like to say to my ranchers is that we are not using their taxpayer dollars to introduce more wolves into their backyard,” Rep. Meghan Lukens (D-Steamboat Springs), told the Aspen Times. “The money that is still allocated to the Department of Natural Resources can still be used for conflict minimization and overall management of the program, but if we are going to, as a state, pay for new wolves, I believe that money should be coming from gifts, grants and donations.”
Lukens’ words appear to be an invitation for pro-wolf activists to step up, instead of relying on taxpayer dollars to foot the bill.
About Hunt 2 Conserve
Hunt 2 Conserve is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Its mission is to advance a legacy of hunting and conservation by educating, activating and developing stewards and defenders of these fundamentally American ideals. For more information, go to hunt2conserve.org.
(Photo credit: Colorado Parks and Wildlife)
