What regulatory body is primarily responsible for wildlife management in Colorado?

The primary responsibility for wildlife management in Colorado falls to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. This agency is tasked with overseeing the conservation, management, and protection of the state's wildlife resources, habitats, and recreational opportunities related to wildlife. It operates under the authority granted by the Colorado Wildlife Commission, which provides regulations and policies. Colorado Parks and Wildlife conducts research, habitat management, wildlife restoration, and education programs to promote sustainable wildlife populations and support hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation.

While the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plays a crucial role at the federal level, particularly in the conservation of endangered species and migratory birds, it does not directly manage wildlife within Colorado's state boundaries. The Colorado Wildlife Commission is crucial in providing guidance and setting policies for wildlife in the state, but it functions under the broader scope of Colorado Parks and Wildlife, which implements those policies. The Department of Natural Resources oversees various aspects of Colorado's natural resources but does not specifically focus on wildlife management as its primary duty.