Current language in Colorado statute 33-6-127 allows for the use of thermal imaging devices, electronically enhanced light gathering optics, and electronic night vision equipment to aid in  hunting of wildlife provided they are only used during legal hunting hours. While some of these devices provide little to no advantage during legal hunting hours, thermal imaging devices in particular can provide an immense advantage to a hunter even when used legally. These devices enable a hunter to find and identify game animals at long distances much earlier, and in much lower light, than they would be able to without the use of electronically aided optics. Before daytime temperatures have risen, game animals, even in thick cover or shade, will pop out clearly from the surrounding landscape in the thermal image. Staying in shade, cover, and/or moving only during low-light portions of the day is one of the primary survival mechanisms of big-game animals; this capability effectively negates that tactic for the wildlife being pursued, and unfairly tips the scales in the hunter’s favor.

These advantages erode the concept of fair chase, increase hunter lethality during vulnerable portions of legal hunting hours, and increase the likelihood of such devices being used illegally outside of legal hunting hours.

By signing this petition you support changing CO Rev Stat 33-6-127 section 2.a. from:

”Unless otherwise provided by commission rule and except as provided in section 33-6-107 (9) for persons owning or leasing land, members of their family, or their agents, it is unlawful for a person to utilize electronic night vision equipment, electronically enhanced light-gathering optics, or thermal imaging devices as an aid in hunting or taking wildlife outside legal hunting hours according to commission rules.”

To:

”Unless otherwise provided by commission rule and except as provided in section 33-6-107 (9) for persons owning or leasing land, members of their family, or their agents, it is unlawful for a person to utilize electronic night vision equipment, electronically enhanced light-gathering optics, or thermal imaging devices as an aid in hunting or taking of any big-game wildlife, or in the hunting or taking of any small-game or fur bearing wildlife outside legal hunting hours according to commission rules.”

Please support this effort to promote fair Chase in Colorado!