Wildlife Management Public Education Advisory Council

Many people don't understand the role that hunting and fishing play in managing wildlife populations. The average age of people who hunt and fish is rising and fewer and fewer young people are learning to hunt and fish. Some people are opposed to any hunting and fishing. Urban residents dominate the voting population in Colorado, but many urban citizens have never participated in hunting or fishing and are unaware of the importance of these activities.

In 1999, the state legislature created the Wildlife Management Public Education Advisory Council (PEAC). The job of the council was to develop and implement a comprehensive media-based information program to educate the general public about the benefits of wildlife, wildlife management, and wildlife-related recreation in Colorado. Despite its admirable mission, the Council lacked funding to accomplish its mission.

Sportsmen's Advisory Group members felt that a 75¢ surcharge on each hunting and fishing license sold in Colorado would be an appropriate method of funding the Council's public information campaign. The surcharge provision was approved and passed thereby providing the PEAC with needed funding. (The surcharge is in addition to the 25¢ search-and-rescue surcharge.)

For meeting announcements, reports, and information about the Council's education campaigns, go to the Public Education Advisory Council's website.

Last Updated: 6/16/2011 3:56 PM