Dr. Duray’s column paints Colorado’s wolf reintroduction as a poorly managed, ethically flawed program causing avoidable livestock losses and financial strain on taxpayers. He strongly advocates for Initiative 13, which would legally end the importation of wolves and impose stricter oversight—argued as necessary to correct CPW’s failures and restore public confidence.

Here’s a breakdown of the guest opinion “Stop the bleeding from Colorado’s wolf disaster” (Western Livestock Journal, Jun 26, 2025):

🐺 Key Points from the Author, Dr. Chuck Duray

• Argues that Colorado’s wolf reintroduction has become a “man‑made disaster,” with only 8 survivors out of the initial 25 wolves (32% survival) en.wikipedia.org+2wlj.net+2wlj.net+2.
• Says Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) is treating wolf reintroduction as an “ongoing experiment” rather than responsible wildlife management, ignoring ethical and legal concerns wlj.net.
• Highlights significant livestock losses attributed to wolves, including direct kills and stress-induced issues like pregnancy losses wlj.net+1en.wikipedia.org+1.

Criticism of CPW & Support for Initiative 13

• CPW allegedly violated its own protocols by relocating chronically depredating wolves, leading to “Memorial Day massacres” at three Pitkin County ranches wlj.net+3wlj.net+3en.wikipedia.org+3.
• The author argues that CPW ignored warnings against translocation and lost public trust .
• Initiative 13 seeks to halt further wolf importations and reintroductions, legally preventing CPW and the Department of Natural Resources from continuing what the author views as reckless management wlj.net.

Broader Implications & Stakeholder Critique

• The author criticizes ranchers’ associations for being “short‑sighted,” lacking effective engagement with Gen Z/millennials urban voters who supported 2020’s Proposition 114 wlj.net.
• Compares CPW’s ongoing compensation to Colorado taxpayers to the inefficiencies of “Cash for Clunkers,” noting compensation claims are 153% over budget wlj.net.
• Concludes that supporting Initiative 13 is the only way to stop what he calls an ideological, government‑driven wolf experiment, restore trust, and protect both livestock interests and taxpayers