Colorado’s 2024 Proposition 127: The Big Cat Hunting Ban

Proposition 127 is pouncing onto the 2024 ballot, and it’s causing quite a stir. The measure, spearheaded by animal conservation groups, proposes banning the hunting of mountain lions, bobcats, and lynx across Colorado. Now, if you’re already wondering why the lynx is on this list when it’s already illegal to hunt them—well, welcome to the world of ballot initiatives. Let’s dig in and see what’s behind this big cat controversy.

What Is Proposition 127?

Proposition 127 would amend Colorado law to ban the hunting and trapping of mountain lions, bobcats, and lynx. The law would prohibit the intentional killing, pursuing, or injuring of these animals using any weapon. There are, of course, some exceptions, like protecting human life, property, and livestock. Violators would face class 1 misdemeanor charges, fines, and limitations on their wildlife license privileges.

If you’re curious about the exact wording, here it is

Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning a prohibition on the hunting of mountain lions, lynx, and bobcats, and, in connection therewith, prohibiting the intentional killing, wounding, pursuing, entrapping, or discharging or releasing of a deadly weapon at a mountain lion, lynx, or bobcat; creating eight exceptions to this prohibition including for the protection of human life, property, and livestock; establishing a violation of this prohibition as a class 1 misdemeanor; and increasing fines and limiting wildlife license privileges for persons convicted of this crime?

What’s Proposition 127 Trying to Accomplish?

Supporters argue that hunting these species, particularly mountain lions and bobcats, is inhumane and unnecessary. They insist that such practices are primarily for trophies and not for managing wildlife populations or meat consumption, even though Colorado law already mandates that lion meat must be utilized. They want to ensure these cats can roam freely without the threat of hunters and claim that this measure is critical to preserving Colorado’s ecosystem.

The Pros

1. Protection for Wildlife: Groups like “Cats Aren’t Trophies” argue that mountain lions and bobcats play vital roles in maintaining a balanced ecosystem, keeping prey populations in check. They claim hunting disrupts this balance, and their proposal aims to let nature take its course without interference ​(The Colorado Sun)​ (BallotReady).
2. Ethical Hunting Standards: Proponents emphasize that using hounds and traps for mountain lions and bobcats is outdated and unethical. They believe that modern conservation efforts should focus on humane practices that don’t involve killing these species just for sport ​(MeatEater | Your link to the food chain)​ (Colorado General Assembly).
3. Reducing Human-Animal Conflicts: Supporters argue that left alone, mountain lions naturally control their populations, reducing the likelihood of conflicts with humans, as these predators keep their distance when their habitats and food sources are undisturbed​ (Colorado General Assembly).

The Cons

1. Threat to Science-Based Wildlife Management: Critics, including hunting groups and wildlife experts, call this initiative a case of “ballot box biology.” They argue that wildlife management should be left to professionals at Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), who have successfully managed these populations for decades. Removing hunting as a tool could undermine these efforts ​(MeatEater | Your link to the food chain).
2. Economic Impact: According to CPW and independent economic studies, a ban could result in an estimated $5.8 million annual loss in license revenue from deer and elk hunting alone, due to reduced mountain lion population control. They also forecast a larger economic hit—up to $61.65 million—due to reduced hunting tourism and activity ​(The Colorado Sun) ​(BallotReady).
3. More Human-Wildlife Conflicts: Some opponents argue that without regulated hunting, mountain lion populations could increase to the point where they venture into urban areas, posing safety risks. They see hunting as a critical tool to manage these populations and keep both animals and people safe​(MeatEater | Your link to the food chain).

What the Colorado Blue Book Says

A “YES” vote on Proposition 127 would make it illegal to hunt bobcats, lynx, and mountain lions in Colorado.

A “NO” vote on Proposition 127 would continue to allow the hunting of bobcats and mountain lions, as it is currently regulated by the state. Hunting lynx would remain illegal under state and federal law.

The Bottom Line

Proposition 127 aims to halt the hunting of mountain lions, bobcats, and lynx, citing ethical and ecological reasons. Supporters believe it’s a necessary move for wildlife conservation, while critics argue it ignores science-based management and could lead to significant economic and safety issues. If you think Colorado’s big cats deserve absolute protection, this might be an easy “yes” vote. But if you trust the wildlife experts at CPW or worry about unintended economic and safety consequences, a “no” vote might be more up your alley.

We were objective. Now, we’ll let our bias flag fly

We’re voting (OH HELL) no. Stop, Denver/Boulder-ites, just stop. Stop imposing your wrong-headed views on the rest of common sense Colorado. We have had about enough. You gave us wolves. That experiment is failing. When will you stop? It is not “trophy hunting.” It’s not about the health of Colorado’s big cat population. What it’s about is you imposing your will on the rest of the state, so you can feel good about something you don’t understand. Send a message to these morons that Common sense Colorado has had enough of them forcing their will on us. Vote NO on Prop 127.