Colorado Hunting Boycott; You Won't Actually Do It And We Don't Want You Anyway!

[CoRoMo]

I was listening to a radio interview last week where a Division of Wildlife spokesman was trying to stress that our new Universal Background Checks legislation will not affect the non-resident hunters who are threatening a boycott due to the recent 2nd Amendment infringements here. I wish I could find a transcript or audio to post because he really went to great lengths to explain that there is no reason at all to boycott the Colorado hunting seasons because our gun control laws won't infringe upon your rights.

But he did not mention the law limiting magazine capacity. That's the one he didn't want to talk about. That's the one that would make a visitor to our state a criminal. That's probably why the boycott is getting so many here in our state nervous.

Apparently it's the greater principal of a state infringing the rights of its residents, and not wanting to "reward" that state government for it. Who would have thought, eh?

Well I don't know where to find that audio/transcript, but here are some articles about the same thing...

http://www.denverpost.com/business/...-hunting-boycott-produce-fear-economic-losses
"I just don't think it'll happen," she said. "Hunters are going to hunt no matter what happens. It's their annual vacation, and they don't want to give it up."

Alabama hunter Gene Myers said he will disregard calls for a boycott.

"People who say they will boycott ... are doing so for political reasons and blowing lots of smoke," he said. "When I am in the woods or mountains hunting, politics is the farthest thing from my mind."

Of course, what Gene Fudd doesn't know or maybe doesn't care about is that if he brings a brand new Glock to Colorado this fall, the post-July 1 magazine in that pistol makes him a criminal. Maybe that'll bring politics a little closer to home for him?

http://www.denverpost.com/willoughby/ci_22877708/ones-protest-is-anothers-shot-big-game-hunting
Upon further review, this notion of disgruntled gun owners boycotting Colorado hunting and fishing seasons in protest of limited magazine capacities and universal background checks may not be so bad after all.
...
The point is that if those jaded sportsmen from out of state and right here at home really do follow through with their threats to never spend another penny on hunting and fishing in Colorado, well, the hunting and fishing just got a lot better for those who do participate. And the application odds for getting a big-game license are improving too.

So who needs all of you out-of-state hunters anyway?!!? Good riddance!

 

[Outlaw Man]

This does hurt the odds of me getting that Wyoming antelope tag I put in for....

At least I can still take my AR along for some varmint hunting without fear of going to jail. Colorado had better hope they don't get overrun by prairie dogs!

 

[hso]

So what provision, if any, does the current legislative mess make for out of state visitors? None? If no one can prove that their magazines are "illegal" then who would know unless the visitor was asked and honestly answered.

 

[MachIVshooter]

If no one can prove that their magazines are "illegal" then who would know unless the visitor was asked and honestly answered.

That's the problem. Nobody who knows how these new laws work is going to be ensnared, but the guy who was unaware of them or didn't understand them will self incriminate, not realizing he's in violation.

 

[MErl]

/me should stop reading articles that are drafted as a simple <removed> to gun owners.

CO residents should not boycott. What are we gonna do after all, pay 10-20x more for an OOS tag in WY or NM? Folks that come from Alabama like mentioned should look hard at other states.

What we really need next fall is for some tourist to get their ass arrested for bringing a modern handgun along, or even an AR10 with a new 20 rounder. That would get a boycott rolling pretty fast. Or are they not going to enforce these laws...

 

[Skylerbone]

The only solution is to repeal the new laws. A boycott, while decreasing slightly the revenue to the State can always be offset by Federal programs. Meanwhile, those whose livelihood depends on hunting tourism will be hurt far worse and that is when DNR officials like to swoop in and buy up land that was once privately owned and hunt-able and create sanctuaries. Drive out the sportsmen, open the floodgates to Eco-tourism and potheads. Population control at its best. If you think things look bad now, imagine what your State (or any other) would look like if all gun owners left.

 

[CoRoMo]

CO residents should not boycott. What are we gonna do after all, pay 10-20x more for an OOS tag in WY or NM?

IIRC, it's cheaper to hunt pronghorn and muledeer in Wyoming as a non-resident than to hunt those animals in Colorado as a resident.

 

[rcmodel]

What about driving through Colorado to get to Wyoming to shoot prairie dogs??

Does the mag ban make you a criminal just passing through??

rc

 

[MErl]

FOPA may or may not protect someone just passing through the state. Not sure if it applies to mags.

if the mag it inst in an inaccessible locked case the law would apply for sure.

 

[Skylerbone]

Only if you stop and stay. If, for instance you decided to catch a Broncos game and spend the evening in Denver then Denver, and not Wyoming would be your destination. You have then knowingly brought banned items into the State.

 

[HankR]

Does the mag ban make you a criminal just passing through??

The Colorado law? yes

but, Federal law should protect you. Who wants to be the first test case? Who wants to pay thousands of dollars in law fees, and travel fees, and maybe spend some time in jail just to prove the point and/or get a few dollars worth of magazines back?

I won't do a total boycott of Colorado -- I have family and other obligations there this year. I certainly will not agree to similar obligations there next year. If I need to visit family I will minimize purchases there by re-routing my trips and making any large (fuel, hotel) purchases in the free-er states, even if it means breaking up the drive in a less convenient fashion.

 

[CoRoMo]

If the magazine on Tom Knapp's 712 is longer than 28", he'd be a criminal if he does an exhibition here.

 

[toiville2feathers]

You Calorado people can say good riddance to out of state hunters , but don't forget that almost 60 % of you fish & wildlife money comes from the out of state hunter. THats how you get the attention of the politicians. That puts the financial burden on you the citizen hunter. Hopefully, the citizens of Colorado decide to take there state back then perhaps out of state hunters will return.
In the mean time I am taking my out of state money and going to a Free state. I quit hunting Colorado several years ago when your fish and wildlife turned to supporting PETA and The HSUS. Went to Idaho, which has worked very well for me and the hunting experience has been fantastic.
Even states like New York are concerned about the boycott. As far as those who say we are blowing smoke about this boycott, I'll mention a couple of examples.
Jim Zumbro (outdoor editor) made a statement that the AR platform rifle should not be considered as a sporting rifle. All of his endorsement supporters dropped him and so did the magazine that he was gun editor for..
The 2013 Harrisburg Gun Show. All the exhibitors, even those who weren't fire arm related pulled out. The show was cancelled because they didn't have any exhibitors. over 200 of them pulled out.
No, don't think this movement don't have any solidarity. It has a lot of support and people are standing up and ready to sacrifice and fight. At what is at stake is our 2A rights and millions of dollars of revenue for your state.

 

[Old Fuff]

I don't spend much time or money in Colorado...

But I would think that some is better then none - as it will be for now.

 

[tarosean]

I guess we will find out in a few days if it was all hot air or not. Applications end tomorrow (Big game).

 

[fdashes]

What toiville says ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ United you stand,,divided you fall

 

[oneounceload]

As someone who used to live in Rifle, the amount of out of state hunters was huge when I lived there and the local motels, guides, grocery stores, etc ALL made a LOT during hunting season -even more that fishing which was longer

 

[G'dale Mike]

The politicians are again, trying to divide and conquer. Attempting to catergorize hunting from owning certain firearms. If a state is going to abridge second amendment rights, i dont care if they fly me there to hunt for free, i want NO part of it. I havent hunted or spent a dime in Colorado, but last year i did spend a bunch in Montana. Who's to say in the future, i wouldnt of went to Colorado to hunt. But the decision was made for me with the passage of the overbearing legislation. They will never see any of my $$.

 

[mrvco]

We'll make up the lost hunting related revenue in fines searching out-of-state cars for non-compliant magazines!!! Class 2 misdemeanors are far more lucrative than speeding tickets.

 

[Akita1]

As much as I feel bad on an emotional level that we shouldn't hurt the guides, etc. that rely on we "out of staters" for their livelihood, I'm still not taking my family to CO for anything, whether it be hunting or skiing. Not even a flight transfer. Emotion is what gets us in trouble - it drives such things as poorly-drafted draconian legislation that has befallen such a fine State as Colorado. Park City here we come.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

It's simple for me. When I hunt big game, I used to go to Colorado, and hang with some friends. In discussing it with them, they fully understand and support MY not hunting there, as THEY are pizzed enough to take their hunting from NW CO to SW Wyoming (and pay out of state fees, etc), and we may all end up there together. The State of Colorado needs to FEEL it. If the bulk of hunters just try one new state other than Colorado this year, they will get a message, and it may help sway voters and those who are fighting for a repeal, or referendum.

 

[340PD]

Boycott Colorado for hunting, fishing, skiing, and anything else that you spend money on. Then, support any company that pulls out of that state.
Hopefully, the residents then can make a case for the elimination of the anti-gunners in next Colorado state election.

 

[razorback2003]

I guess will have to stick to Wyoming. Colorado makes a lot of money off non resident hunters. Havent they already banned bear or mountain lion hunting with dogs, just like their brethren in California? No thank you. I'll pass on hunting there and hunt somewhere hunters are appreciated.

 

[Robert]

I put in for my tag. I can not afford to go out of state to hunt. This is my home and this is where I will make my stand. My not hunting will not make a dent. There are other areas that I can make a larger impact. Now if you live out of state then yes, your impact will be felt.

 

[Beentown]

It still amazes me the number of supposed 2a supporters who are still going to hunt Colorado (out of staters). I spoke with three that said "the elk still need killed". These same people who support gun control are the same ones who will try to limit your hunting opportunities. These people are the same ones that receive funding from groups like PETA, ASPCA, WSPA, CAFT, etc...

Short term, self interest is going to hurt us soon...