I’ve spent much of my life advocating for Colorado’s hunting and fishing heritage through my work with the Colorado Wildlife Federation. As the newly elected President and Board Chair, I’ll work to uphold the core belief that conservation, hunting, and fishing are inseparable—and that wildlife is best managed through science, ethics, and active participation by the whole of the outdoor community, including sportsmen and women. As a lifelong angler and outdoorsman, I’ve carried that perspective into public service, including my time representing anglers on the Colorado Wildlife Council from 2012 to 2020, where I helped educate the public and policymakers on the benefits of hunting and fishing to Colorado’s wildlife and way of life.
Looking forward, my focus is on building a stronger, more effective Colorado Wildlife Federation. That means raising the money necessary to support conservation that delivers real results, increasing awareness of CWF’s mission, and expanding hands-on programs that bring new people into the outdoors the right way. I’m committed to growing proven efforts like Becoming an Outdoors-Woman, strengthening SWAP education, and hosting more on-the-ground events that teach ethics, access, and responsible stewardship. The future of conservation in this state depends on education, engagement, and a wider tent—and I intend to lead a Federation that is financially sound, publicly visible, and firmly rooted in Colorado’s outdoor traditions.
One of our guiding principles as an organization is that: “The tradition of ethical hunting and fishing is a valuable part of human culture and of Colorado’s heritage. Properly regulated hunting and fishing is consistent with sound wildlife policy and provides important physical, educational, and esthetic benefits to the participants.” At the same time, I’m realistic about the challenges we face. Colorado sportsmen and women are under increasing pressure and if we don’t stay engaged, organized, and vocal, we risk losing rights that were hard-earned and never guaranteed. My responsibility is to ensure the Colorado Wildlife Federation stands firm—defending our heritage, advocating for sound wildlife policy, and making sure sportsmen and women have a credible voice where decisions are actually made.
In the end, this is about stewardship, legacy, and responsibility. I believe that hunting and fishing aren’t hobbies to be tolerated—they are cornerstones of wildlife conservation and part of Colorado’s identity. I intend to lead with that conviction. By strengthening the Colorado Wildlife Federation, expanding education and outreach, and standing firm against efforts that undermine science-based management, I will work to ensure that future generations of Coloradans can hunt, fish, and enjoy the outdoors with the same opportunities we’ve had. That’s the job. And I’m committed to doing it.
Sincerely,
Tim Emery
President and Board Chair, Colorado Wildlife Federation
