9/21/24: Coloradans For Responsible Wildlife Management Colorado Ballot Initiative 127-Vote NO!

Sportsman of Colorado Radio Show

Today’s Guests:
Will Marquardt, Owner of Davis Tent and Luke Wiedel, Vice Chair, Corporate Relations for RMEF and Lead Policy volunteer for Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management will join us for a discussion on Proposition 127 (Prohibit Bobcat, Lynx, and Mountain Lion Hunting)
Science-based wildlife management is under attack! Proposition 127 is a dangerous ballot measure that intends to prohibit the hunting of mountain lions and bobcats in Colorado. Proposition 127 is a blatant attempt to undermine the authority of Colorado Parks & Wildlife, who for decades has utilized regulated hunting as an effective tool to manage our state’s mountain lion and bobcat populations. Coloradans know what’s best for our wildlife, and that’s to leave it to the professionals. VOTE NO on Proposition 127 and help ensure wildlife management policy stays rooted in science, NOT the ballot box.

AN ATTACK ON SCIENCE-BASED MANAGEMENT:
Proposition 127 is nothing more than an attempt to uproot science-based conservation strategies in Colorado. If passed by voters in November, this ballot measure would put people, pets, property, livestock, and other wildlife populations in serious jeopardy. Proposition 127 DOES NOT belong in Colorado.

* NO SCIENCE-BASED REASONING: Proposition 127 is based on absolutely zero scientific research, and those in support of Proposition 127 have no regard for how current science-based management strategies will be negatively impacted.

* MISLEADING USE OF THE TERM TROPHY HUNTING: Supporters of Proposition 127 claim that it is simply a prohibition on the trophy hunting of mountain lions and bobcats. However, the practice of trophy hunting is already illegal in Colorado. In reality, Proposition 127 would prohibit all hunting of mountain lions and bobcats, which would have significant consequences for the future of Colorado’s wildlife management policies.

* UNDERMINING WILDLIFE EXPERTS: Experts at Colorado Parks & Wildlife are tasked with managing Colorado’s 960 wildlife species. The implementation of science-based solutions is a difficult task that requires years of experience, training, knowledge, and passion for animals. We cannot allow our state’s wildlife policy to be upended. When it comes to wildlife management, let’s leave it to the experts.

Proposition 127 seeks to prohibit the regulated hunting of mountain lions and bobcats in Colorado.

FAQS:
Q: Why is the regulated hunting of mountain lions and bobcats important?
Regulated hunting is an extremely important wildlife management tool that allows Colorado Parks & Wildlife to keep these animal populations abundant, stable, and sustainable.

Q: Shouldn’t we be protecting important species like mountain lions and bobcats?
Via regulated hunt and harvest, these species are protected and supported. Current research shows that mountain lion and bobcat populations are stable and healthy in Colorado. According to CPW, there are 3,800-4,400 independent lions across the state, while bobcats are the most common wild cat species in North America. Research indicates that—at minimum—there are anywhere from 1.4-2.6 million bobcats across the country. According to CPW, bobcat populations are also stable and healthy in Colorado. Science-based regulations in Colorado have helped to ensure that these wild cat populations are able to remain strong over time.

Q: I don’t personally hunt, why should I care about Proposition 127?
If Proposition 127 passes, then these predator populations would have the ability to increase at a dangerous rate, posing a threat to people, pets, property, livestock, and other wildlife populations.
Implementing complex wildlife management policies requires extreme attention to detail to ensure new regulations will benefit Colorado’s wildlife populations. These decisions should be left to the experts at Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
Fees collected from mountain lion and bobcat hunting contribute to Colorado’s state parks and conservation efforts. These funds help keep our state parks open and well taken care of, as well as provide jobs for scientists and wildlife professionals in Colorado.

Q: I’ve never heard of anyone eating mountain lion or bobcat meat. Is it normal?
Consuming mountain lion and bobcat meat are common practices. In fact, Colorado state law requires hunters to prepare all edible parts of a harvested mountain lion for human consumption to ensure the animal does not go to unnecessary waste. There is a seemingly endless list of recipes that can be found online for those who are interested in trying new dishes that incorporate mountain lion or bobcat meat. Eating mountain lions and bobcats is just like consuming any other animal product: it is perfectly safe so long as it is prepared correctly.

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