Population change and its implications for wildlife management in the New West: A case study of Colorado

Abstract

Dramatic change is affecting wildlife management in the Rocky Mountain states. Evidence of this change is seen in new, “nontraditional”; interest groups who have become effective in influencing wildlife decisions. In a case study of Colorado, this paper examines four elements of population change that may be related to the changing climate for wildlife management in the West. Population increase has led to growing numbers of traditional consumptive recreationists using a diminishing land base. Also, population increase has been accompanied by growing participation in other outdoor activities and more contact and conflict between traditional and nontraditional recreationists. Migration to Colorado does not appear to have caused an influx of “new”; values; the wildlife value orientations of long‐term and short‐term residents are similar. Values do appear to be changing across generations. Compared to older age groups, younger age groups are more likely to be positive toward wildlife rights and wildlife welfare and negative toward wildlife use and hunting. Values also differ between urban and rural residents. Compared to rural residents, urban residents are more likely to be positive toward wildlife rights and wildlife welfare and negative toward wildlife use and hunting. These trends are likely to continue into the future and to exert strong effects on wildlife management.

Keywords:

• population change
• Rocky Mountain states
• Colorado
• wildlife management
• human dimensions