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Commission denies petition to open selective spearfishing after divisive hearing
Summary
A citizen petition to allow selective freshwater spearfishing in limited Colorado waters was denied by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission after a multi-hour debate that highlighted enforcement, biological, and recreation-conflict concerns.
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission voted Aug. 21 to deny a citizen petition that would have opened selective spearfishing at a set of lakes and reservoirs after a public hearing and staff briefing.
The petition, presented by Grand Junction diver Austin Rickard, would have allowed freediving spearfishing under specified limits and a three‑year pilot reporting program at 23 waters; CPW staff had proposed a narrower pilot option and offered technical support to monitor impacts. The commission rejected the petition by recorded vote after commissioners debated enforcement practicality, potential biological effects and conflicts with…
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