CPW commissioners for Prop 127

We are current and former Colorado Parks and Wildlife commissioners, the body that sets wildlife policy, and we encourage  a “YES” vote on Proposition 127. The views expressed here are our own; CPW has stated neutrality on Prop 127.

Prop 127 simply protects Colorado’s mountain lions and bobcats from highly unpopular, unscientific and unwarranted abuse and exploitation that in no way contributes to ethical outdoor recreation. Wild cats are hunted by dogs, not humans. The pack is set loose, tracked by phone and often aided by drones. It’s a long and terrorizing attack on unoffending native animals, which seek safety up a tree with nowhere to run. 

A small lion-hunting industry promotes capturing the prize, guaranteeing 100% success. 

This permissive environment for killing wild cats – animals not involved in any human conflict – sharply contrasts with ethical hunting including fair chase. 

Bobcats are baited with the smell of sardines or cat food in cages. The trapper then arrives to choke the caged animal to death so as not to bloody their pelt. 

Trappers sell fur at auction, the first stop China. This is not hunting, but commodification of wildlife. 

It’s time for change because we’re doing much more harm than good. Nearly half of lions killed every year for recreation are females. Trophy hunters are asked to look for kittens, but mothers leave their most vulnerable young behind when going out to find food. 

Thirty years ago, Colorado Division of Wildlife bear biologist Tom Beck, an avid hunter, spoke out in support of Amendment 10, approved by voters to protect bears from baiting with doughnuts slathered with bacon grease and chasing them with dogs. 

Beck was attacked by special interests for doing the right thing. He had no support from commissioners. His boss, Bruce Gill, was similarly attacked for good research: you cannot kill lions to solve declining deer. CPW concluded this again in a study last year.

We’re proud to carry Beck’s legacy that we can support most hunting but not all, and it’s important to see the difference. As we choose to kill apex predators for recreation, it blinds us from seeing lions as the unique biodiversity boon they are. Lions not only selectively target mule deer infected with Chronic Wasting Disease but are equipped with a gut to remove CWD from the environment. CWD is the most serious risk to the future of hunting in Colorado. 

There is no research or evidence to suggest that recreational hunting of wild cats brings any public benefit or solves any problem. It’s not managing populations, public safety or conflict. In fact, there is evidence that allowing lion hunting is increasing human-lion conflict. 

Prop 127 is based on more than a half-century of science – lion populations will stabilize, not increase, without hunting. In California, where lion hunting was banned, populations are stable, not increasing. 

Please join us in voting “YES” for Prop 127.

– Jack Murphy and Jessica Beaulieu, current CPW commissioners; and James Pribyl, former chair, CPW commission