The Colorado Wildlife Council, formed by the state legislature in 1998, was conceived and developed by a diverse coalition of conservationists, outdoor recreationalists, hunters, fishers, farmers, ranchers, and community leaders coming together to ensure a bright future for Colorado’s wildlife.
By statute, the Council’s mission is to oversee the design of a public education program to inform the general public about the benefits of wildlife, wildlife management, and wildlife-related recreational opportunities in Colorado, specifically hunting and fishing.
Representing all of Colorado
The Colorado Wildlife Council consists of nine individuals representing various interests throughout Colorado.
2 Members
represent the hunting and fishing public east of the Continental Divide
2 Members
represent the hunting and fishing public west of the Continental Divide
1 Member
represents the agriculture and livestock industry
2 Members
one represents municipalities and one represents counties
1 Member
is a media/marketing expert
1 Member
represents Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Andy Neinas
Chair – Media and Marketing Representative
As the owner of Echo Canyon River Expeditions, Andy has spent over 30 years collecting river experiences throughout Colorado and the U.S., visiting many of Colorado’s remote mountain communities along the way. Growing his passion into a business, and providing outdoor recreation experiences to Colorado’s residents and visitors alike, remains his driving force. Andy’s volunteer career spans decades, with a focus on tourism, water for recreation, habitat and wildlife, as well as how the public chooses to engage and recreate on public lands. He believes rural Colorado values and sensibilities are compatible with a progressive mindset and should guide us as we define our state for future generations.
Gary Melcher
Vice Chair – Agriculture Representative
Gary grew up working on his family farm in South Eastern Colorado and currently lives in Holly. He is passionate about the intersection of farming and wildlife, serving as a member and former chair for the Colorado Farm Bureau Wildlife Committee, as well as a current state board director. He is also a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Pheasants Forever. Quite the avid hunter, he enjoys archery and rifle hunting, spin and fly fishing, and is hoping to add bear and turkey hunting to his list.
Representing agriculture in Colorado on the Council, Gary seeks to find common ground between habitat and water conservation, public and private land hunting, and Colorado’s vital farming and ranching communities. He hopes to spread the word throughout Colorado about how agriculture benefits our great wildlife, and how our farmers and ranchers contribute to conservation by taking care of the land.
Tony Gurzick
Treasurer – Colorado Parks and Wildlife Representative
Born and raised in Colorado, Tony grew up in Aurora and attended college at Colorado State University where he earned his degree in wildlife biology. He has worked for Colorado Parks and Wildlife since 1991, where he has followed his passion for conservation and gained direct experience in wildlife management. He was a district wildlife manager in Colorado Springs, the area wildlife manager in Durango, and the assistant regional manager for CPW’s southwest region. Currently, Tony manages CPW’s creative services and marketing section in Denver.
Bob Shettel
West Slope Angling Representative
Bob is from Carbondale and is a retired teacher. He loves to be outdoors hunting, fishing, backpacking, skiing and snowshoeing. He hunts big game and prefers fishing in high mountain lakes – holding three IGFA line class world records for California golden trout, records he set in 1989. He currently serves as a watchman for Backcountry Hunters and Anglers in White River National Forest. In this role he monitors proposed changes in policy, travel management plans and trail development. As someone who has enjoyed wildlife and outdoor recreation throughout his lifetime, Bob is a strong advocate for wilderness and traditional hunting and angling opportunities.
Erin Crider
East Slope Angling Representative
Erin lives in the Aspen-filled woods of Black Hawk, Colorado, with her husband, Dustin. Her degree is in animal science with a focus on beef and dairy sustainable ag production. She spent many years working with agribusinesses and conservationists to develop financial and donation plans.
She learned how to fish with her grandma on their family farm in Missouri, and started fly fishing in 2016 when she moved to Colorado. Erin is passionate about water conservation and encouraging more people to get on the water via fly fishing in hopes that they start to care more about the watersheds and wildlife they support. She stays motivated through her work as a board member of Colorado Trout Unlimited, as well as running a group called Colorado Women on the Fly.
Tony Bohrer
Municipalities Representative
Tony has a strong connection to Colorado and its wildlife, serving as a professional hunting outfitter and spending time with his family exploring the outdoors. He serves as a pastor at his local church, is a member of the Craig City Council, serves as a coach and public speaker, and is passionate about helping people reach their goals and dreams.
Born and raised in northwest Colorado, Tony is the fourth generation of his family to live in the state. In fact, his family still owns the original homestead developed by his great grandparents. He is married to Shannon and is father to two precious girls, Keyara and Braelee.
Dan Gates
East Slope Hunter Representative
A Colorado resident since 1976, Dan is an avid lifetime sportsman. He lives in Canon City, Colorado, where he owns and operates a wildlife control business to help solve human-animal conflicts in a variety of settings. Dan is deeply engaged in multiple sportsmen’s and conservation organizations, and sits on the Habitat Stamp Committee and CPW’s Executive Summit Council.
Dan’s passion for the outdoors is a true representation of his beliefs in conservation. He and his wife Karen and son Ethan conduct their lives in a manner that benefits not only themselves but all of the sportsmen in Colorado.
Robin Brown
West Slope Hunter Representative
Robin landed in Grand Junction in 2010 after spending eight years serving in the U.S. Army as an attack helicopter pilot. She and her husband, Jason, and their two children, Hank and Merli, enjoy public lands and wildlife throughout Colorado for hunting, fishing, hiking, running, mountain biking, and skiing.
When not spending time outdoors, Robin is the executive director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, which is the economic development agency for Mesa County. She sees firsthand that Colorado’s economy depends on its public lands and wildlife, and serves on the council to advocate for those resources.
Meetings
To access all meeting documents, click here:
http://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/WildlifeCouncil.aspx
Public Meeting Notices
*For archives, older resources and prior records, please contact The Wildlife Council at wildlife.council@state.co.us
Funding
The Council’s budget is appropriated through the Wildlife Management Public Education Fund.
This fund is generated through a surcharge of only $1.50 on every Colorado hunting and fishing license.
Partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. The agency manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado’s wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas, and a host of recreational programs.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is committed to keeping Colorado special; they believe in protecting and conserving Colorado’s state parks, wildlife and outdoor lifestyle.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages and protects lands, waters and wildlife for the people of Colorado. It’s a leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. For more than a century, staff have worked to ensure the health and future of Colorado’s state parks and wildlife through cutting-edge science, innovative conservation practices and meaningful experiences.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is primarily funded by hunters, anglers and state parks visitors through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, habitat stamps, and state parks passes − through customer support, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is able to protect the Colorado we know and love.
The Colorado Wildlife Council works in close partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to support their long-term conservation goals.
Current Media Campaign Research
Wildlife Council Research 2019
Historical Council Documents
Wildlife Management Public Education Plan – Original Plan 1998
Video: Nimrod Society The History of the Wildlife Council
*For archives, older resources and prior records, please contact The Wildlife Council at wildlife.council@state.co.us