Proposition 127 - Colorado Prohibit Hunting of Mountain Lion, Bobcat, and Lynx Initiative

Summary

Proposition 127 would prohibit intentionally killing, wounding, pursuing, entrapping, or discharging a deadly weapon at bobcats, lynx, and mountain lions in Colorado. While the measure uses the term “trophy hunting,” it bans all hunting, pursuing, or entrapping of bobcats, lynx, and mountain lions regardless of intent. Individuals convicted of any of these activities are subject to up to 364 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both, and a five-year prohibition on holding a license issued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), with more stringent penalties for subsequent convictions.

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.

Arguments

"Bobcat and mountain lion hunting causes the animals pain and trauma. The hunting of mountain lions may involve the use of dog-chases, while the hunting of bobcats may involve the use of baits, lures, or live traps. Hunting and trapping these animals, often for trophies or the commercial fur trade, is an unnecessary practice." - CO Legislative Hearings Comments, in support of Proposition 127 (Learn more)

"Ballot box biology is the absolute worst way you can manage wildlife. Our capable wildlife professionals are put in charge to manage our wildlife. But they feel the power to do this because that's how reintroducing wolves was passed. They would have done it with wolverines if I wouldn't have put a bill in place, which is a better way to do these things." - Perry Will, CO State Senator, in opposition to Proposition 127 (Learn more)

"The value of having three species of wild cats in Colorado should not solely be measured in the dollars they bring as fur for trappers, or a head, hide or a mount for a trophy hunter. Mountain lions occupy a unique place in Colorado as an apex predator bringing vast benefits to Colorado's deer and elk herds by keeping them healthy from the deadly neurological Chronic Wasting Disease; mountain lions are key to whole ecosystem health, and public safety because they reduce vehicle collisions with deer that are becoming much more common and deadly. By allowing inhumane and unnecessary trophy hunting and trapping of wild cats in modern times when we face climate change and biodiversity losses, we should be working hard to invest in our wildlife, rather than offer such easy shooting opportunities for no public good. Especially when we truly do not know how many of these species exist in our state." - Cats Aren't Trophies, in support of Proposition 127 (Learn more)

"The future of Colorado's wildlife management is at a crossroads. The underpinnings of science-based wildlife management administered by wildlife professionals may be on the ballot this November, and the stakes couldn't be higher," Gaspar Perricone, chair of Colorado Wildlife Conservation Project (a coalition of hunting organizations), in opposition to Proposition 127 (Learn more)

Measure Details