Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Denver fur ban different from the California fur ban or the Boulder fur ban? 

It’s all in the definition of “fur”. The proposed Denver fur ban uses the most expansive definition of fur, much different from California and Boulder. This is why  the proposed Denver ban would prohibit the sale of many cowboy hats and fly  fishing flies and other lures, in addition to other products. Typical of the pro ban  forces, they try to hide their real intent and it goes too far. 

Also, the Denver ban contains a narrower “Native American exemption” than the  Boulder ban, limiting the ability of Native American communities to share and sell  traditional crafts and goods. This would be a significant loss for both Native  American communities and the broader public that values and supports them.  Proponents of this ban intentionally limited the language to exclude many Native  Americans and other indigenous peoples.  

How many retailers will be impacted by the ban? 

There are at least 24 retail stores in Denver who will be impacted. However,  because the measure also bans online sales of fur products into the city, the real number of impacted retailers including those in other parts of our state is unknown,  not to mention every individual customer in Denver. Proponents’ claims that only 7  businesses would be hurt is deliberately deceiving. 

How are cowboy hats made? 

Many cowboy hats are made with a blend of natural furs. A higher amount of natural  fur used to make a hat increases the quality and durability of that hat. The natural fur also gives a hat its water repelling qualities. A high-quality hat can last for decades, providing cowboys and cowgirls protection from the sun and rain in all seasons and for many years.

What is the impact of the ban on the National Western Stock Show? 

The National Western Stock Show has approximately 270 participating vendors. It is  estimated 20% of these vendors would be impacted in some way. It is believed 7  vendors would be prohibited from attending the show all together since their  primary merchandise is cowboy hats. 

Why is the Native American exemption problematic? 

The Native American exemption is quite discriminatory. The exemption is only  afforded to transactions where the customer is an official member of a federally  recognized or state recognized Native American tribe. Today, a large majority of  individuals with Native American lineage are not official members of tribes. These  individuals would not be allowed to purchase items for any purpose, even  traditional tribal, cultural or spiritual purposes. Additionally, there are many  residents in the City and County of Denver who have indigenous heritage but who do not have Native American ancestry. These individuals too would be prohibited from  purchasing items for any purpose. 

What is the impact of the ban on the Denver March Powwow and Indian  Market and Southwest Arts Fest? 

Similar to the National Western Stock Show, we expect many exhibitors at the  Powwow and Indian Market to be impacted. The Denver March Powwow, alone,  features 1,500 dancers from nearly 100 tribes from 38 states and three Canadian  provinces and hosts 170 vendors who sell a variety of Native American products. 

How are fly fishing flies and other lures made? 

Fishing flies are crafted out of natural feathers, fur, and other materials so that the  files look and act like an aquatic insect. Since not all aquatic bugs look or act the  same, it takes a variety of high quality, natural materials to mimic the broad range of  insects fish like to feed on. Flies and other fishing lures can be purchased from a  number of local small businesses. Fly fishers also purchase raw materials and  make their own custom flies, often taking years perfecting the flies they use to catch  fish. Ban proponents claim that other materials – like petroleum based plastics – can be used instead, but any good fisher will tell you that’s ridiculous. And who  wants more plastic in our rivers? 

What is the impact to the recreation and fly fishing community?

There are at least five (Bass Pro Shops, Anglers All, Orvis, MW Reynolds and  Discount Fishing Tackle) fly fishing retailers who would be impacted. There are  primarily two types of sportsmen and women who use fly fishing flies with real fur or  fiber – those who purchase flies, and those who purchase natural materials to make  their own flies. Both will be impacted. It is estimated the fur ban will cost small retail  fishing shops tens of thousands of dollars in lost revenue annually. 

It is worth noting that flies represent a crucial, key product category for any fly shop.  Flies are the one category that consumers come to the fly shop for most often, in  part because the “right patterns” can change weekly, even daily, depending on  seasonal changes and weather and water conditions. It is an important product  category that keeps consumers visiting the fly shop. Therefore, there could be an  additional impact and lost sales beyond the flies and fly-tying categories. 

Would internet sales of fur products to residents of Denver be banned? 

Yes. The measure states, “the sale of a fur product shall be deemed to occur in the  City of Denver if the buyer takes physical possession of the fur product in the City of  Denver; or the seller is located in the City of Denver.” 

How does the fur ban impact Denver generally? 

The fur ban would tarnish the city’s brand as a Western City with a long agricultural  history and independent culture. It is what has attracted many residents to call  Denver home. The ban sends an unwelcome message to events like the National  Western Stock Show, Denver March Powwow and Indian Market and Southwest arts  fest. The National Western Stock Show has been presenting in Denver for 117 years! 

The National Western Stock Show attracts approximately 700,000 visitors, 30  rodeos, and 11 horse shows in addition to the thousands of other livestock exhibited  at the show. In 2023 the National Western Stock Show alone contributed $171  million in net economic impact, including money spent on hotel rooms, restaurants  and more in the City and County of Denver. Attendance at the stock show equals  filling Empower Field at Mile High at every Broncos home game.