A ballot initiative could have outsized consequences for fly anglers in Denver, Colorado—a metropolis situated near some of the best trout fishing in the world. The proposal, dubbed the “Denver Fur Ban” or “Ordinance 308,” would “prohibit the manufacturing, sale, trade, and display of most fur products” within Denver’s city limits.
The proposal would not only ban fur clothing but other “animal fur products,” including those used in flies and tying materials, as well as some conventional fishing lures such as Mepps Spinners.
Chris Keeley, owner of Anglers All Fly Shop, told The Denver Post that the proposed ban would impact over half of his inventory. “It really threatens the No. 1 category in our store, which is the sale of flies,” he said. The Colorado Chapter of Trout Unlimited came out against the ballot initiative, calling it a threat to fishing.
“While farming of fur bearing animals and sale of luxury fur apparel are not coldwater conservation issues, the proposed fur ban is written broadly and vaguely enough that it puts at risk the purchase or sale of fly-tying materials and many flies and lures. That poses a threat to our fishing and tying members in Denver, and to our business partners in the fishing industry,” TU explained. “Those industry members are not just important in sustaining angling, they are stalwarts in funding fish conservation.”
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The controversial ballot box initiative comes as hunters and anglers in the Centennial State are also contending with a statewide referendum that could ban mountain lion and bobcat hunting. If passed, both the fur ban and big cat hunting ban could take severe tolls on sportsmen in a state known for its hunting and fishing opportunities.
