As the number of wolves continues to rise in Colorado, the need for effective wildlife management strategies becomes ever more critical. Keeping this need in consideration, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has taken an active step by opening applications for the 2026 range riding season. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the agency is planning to expand its Colorado Range Riding program by increasing the number of contracted range riders and extending its reach into the southwest of the state. This initiative builds upon the successes from the previous year, when 11 riders were contracted mainly in northwest Colorado.
The call for applications is open until February 6, 2026, and the selection process involves submitting Requests for Proposals through the Colorado Vendor Self-Service system. After the deadline, interviews are planned to be conducted later in February, with contracts set to be awarded in early spring. Those interested in participating in the program are required to attend training sessions facilitated by both CPW and the Colorado Department of Agriculture, a joint partner in the endeavor. The informative statement from CPW elaborated on the training, which will cover various aspects of wildlife monitoring, best range riding practices, and strategies for minimizing wolf-livestock conflicts.
Once contracted, range riders will work primarily within the county of their initial assignment. However, as noted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, these work areas might change based on ecological activity and the areas of greatest need. The riders will operate under the guidance of Rae Nickerson, CPW's wolf damage and conflict minimization manager. Nickerson explained the role of range riders as key to monitoring and communication in managing the delicate balance between wildlife and livestock interests. “Range riders provide critical monitoring of wildlife and livestock behavior and activity to help inform effective decision making related to wolf-livestock conflict,” Nickerson stated, as per Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
The range riding positions are an integral part of CPW and CDA's conflict minimization program, with riders serving as the eyes and ears on the ground. They are tasked with collecting and relaying data that enable wildlife managers and biologists to tailor responsive and adaptive conflict mitigation measures. The training they receive is designed to give them a strong foundation in identifying wildlife tracks and sign, usage of tools and technologies, and livestock monitoring techniques, which they will need to fulfill their roles effectively.
An information session for prospective applicants is scheduled for January 16 at the CPW Grand Junction Office, accessible both in-person and online. Registration is mandatory for those who want to download the RFP documents and apply for a position. Detailed information about the Colorado Range Riding program and how to apply can be found by visiting the CPW website, with the specific link directing to published solicitations for the “range rider” positions.
