On Thursday, February 9, upon House adjournment in HCR 0107, the House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee will hear HB 23-1036, a bill to require all Colorado hunters to pay an estimated $13 tax on every hunting license sold in the state to fund a “voluntary” program to swap lead ammunition for nontoxic replacements. The $13 tax is an estimate only, which could be even higher after a more thorough analysis of revenue is conducted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).

The Fiscal Note attached to the bill estimates that only 20% of hunters will take advantage of the ammo swap, which is expected to cost $5 million during its initial implementation. Details on how the swap will work will be developed by CPW in the rule-making process.

“This is an outrageous bill that turns the word ‘voluntary’ completely on its head,” said Todd Adkins, vice president of government affairs at the Sportsmen’s Alliance. “This program is forcing the entire hunting community to eat a new tax when they know going in that only a small percentage will take advantage of the program.”

Colorado sportsmen must reach out to their elected officials to register their concern about HB 23-1036. Use our take action button to email the members of the committee urging them to OPPOSE HB 23-1036. Don’t forget to tell your family, friends, and fellow sportsmen about this new tax and urge them to also take action.

About Sportsmen’s Alliance: Working in all 50 state legislatures, the Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing, trapping and recreational shooting – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public and youth education, legal defense in state and federal court and research to guide the decision-making process of all involved. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance at www.sportsmensalliance.org, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.