ISSUES SUBMITTAL FORM
Date: 3/19/14
Should the Division create an Invasive Species classification for certain species of
wildlife, along with a set of rules for the take of wildlife classified as such?
DISCUSSION (FACTS AND FIGURES, EXPLANATION OF ISSUE):
Over the years various non-native species have immigrated into Colorado and become established.
These species include European starlings, English or house sparrows, feral pigeons, feral hogs, and most
recently Eurasian collared-doves (“ECDs”). These species can have negative impacts on Colorado’s
native fauna and flora. Consequently, CPW’s desired management approach is generally to allow liberal
take of such species. Previous regulations have addressed invasive species in a variety of ways. For
example, European starlings and English sparrows are listed as “Other small game” in Chapter W-3,
allowing year-round take and exemptions from waste requirements. However, a small game license is
required, and small game methods of take apply. Feral pigeons are listed as domestic animals in
Chapter W-11, and are thereby exempted from all CPW regulations. As such, no license is required, and
regulations are moot on method of take. Feral hogs are directly declared to be a detrimental species in
Chapter W-0, and are assigned liberal take regulations, essentially allowing nearly any applicable method
of take as well as a license exemption for this species. ECDs are listed in Chapter W-5 with migratory
dove species, with a special extended season. Consequently, a small game license is required and
migratory bird methods of take apply. The continued increase in the population of ECDs throughout the
state has again brought this issue to light.
ISSUE:
The Eurasian collared-dove has rapidly expanded its distribution across North America since its escape
from a pet store in the Bahamas in the1970s. They were first spotted in Colorado near Rocky Ford in
1996. They are now common throughout Colorado with them being documented in all 64 Colorado
counties. Christmas bird counts and websites such as projectfeederwatch.org (sponsored by the Cornell
Lab of Ornithology) document the expansion and proliferation of this species across Colorado and North
America.
A recent Denver Post Article (2/25/2014) highlighted the issue. “It has invaded Colorado and, besides
irritating humans with its noise, it bullies other birds. It has become so pervasive that some birders worry it
might eventually muscle out other species like the common mourning dove.” Although there is no
evidence that their presence has impacted native dove species they have certainly expanded within
urban landscapes.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife approached the issue with ECDs by allowing take year-round and having
an unlimited bag limit with the intent of liberalizing the harvest of this species. By being placed within
Chapter W-5 Small Game-Migratory Birds methods of take are limited (shotgun only), and they are
prohibited from being taken near a bird feeder because they currently are specifically not allowed to be
taken over bait.
The original intent of liberalizing the harvest and methods of take for all of these species can be achieved
by re-classifying them. This issue paper addresses examining all of these non-native species more
cohesively by establishing an Invasive Species Category for Wildlife in Chapter W-0 “General Provisions”
along with a standard set of regulations to be applied equally to species in this category.
WHO ARE THE INTERNAL/EXTERNAL PUBLICS IN THIS ISSUE? WHAT INPUT PROCESS HAS
OCCURRED?
Field Ops personnel-Area Wildlife Managers, Law Enforcement and Public Safety section. Area
personnel have addressed questions from the public as to what methods of take are legal.
ALTERNATIVES: (POSSIBLE OUTCOMES or POSSIBLE REGULATIONS):
1
Preferred Alternative: Create a new classification for invasive species, for which liberal harvest and
take requirements are desired. Establish a consistent approach with regard to hunter take of these
species.
Alternative #2: Move Eurasian collared-doves to Chapter 0, establishing take regulations similar to
that of feral hogs.
Status quo: Continue managing the take of invasive species separately.
Issue Raised by:
Lyle Sidener-Area Wildlife Manager
Bob Thompson-Lead Wildlife Investigator
Author of the issue paper
(if different than person raising the
issue):
CC:
Ron Velarde-Northwest Regional Manager
APPROVED FOR FURTHER
RON VELARDE
CONSIDERATION BY:
REQUIRES NEW SPACE IN THE BROCHURE?
ISSUE PAPER HAS BEEN EMAILED TO REG REVIEW MGRS GROUP?
RECOMMENDED FOR CONSENT AGENDA?
2
YES
YES
NO