Proposition 127 – Prohibit Bobcat, Lynx, and Mountain Lion Hunting

We’ve seen wildlife management by citizen initiative before. In 2020 voters narrowly approved Prop 114 to reintroduce gray wolves in Colorado. Since December 2021, gray wolves have killed more than three dozen livestock.

This time around we have a ballot measure to prohibit hunting of bobcats and mountain lions. (Lynx hunting is already prohibited under state and federal law.) Prop 127 would continue to allow the killing of bobcats and mountain lions in certain non-sport situations, including in defense of a human life, livestock, personal property, or a motor vehicle.

Currently, Colorado may provide reimbursement to owners for damage by “big game” to personal property, agricultural land and livestock. Prop 127 would remove mountain lions from the “big game” category, rendering owners ineligible for future reimbursements.

Recommendation: No

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Agency is responsible for wildlife management and administering hunting and trapping regulations of “big cats.” State law requires wildlife to be protected and managed for the people of Colorado. Bobcats and mountain lions are not classified as threatened. Let the CO Parks and Wildlife Commission continue to manage these big cats and keep their populations stable.

Website for the Yes Side (Cats Aren’t Trophies)
https://catsarenttrophies.org/

Website for the No Side (Colorado’s Wildlife Deserve Better)
https://wildlifedeservebetter.com/


Approved Ballot Language
Proposition 127 (STATUTORY)

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?

YES/FOR ___
NO/AGAINST ___

Prop 127 initiative language filed with the Secretary of State
https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/filings/2023-2024/91Final.pdf