Speak up for wildlife

Although Proposition 127 to ban trophy hunting of mountain lions and trapping bobcats was not passed in November, many people spoke at the January meeting of CPW in support of the two commissioners who are being sued by Safari Club for speaking in favor of Proposition 127. The issue was raised that trophy hunting of mountain lions where dogs chase a mountain lion up a tree and then the guide (who can be paid up to $8,000) waits till the “hunter” gets there to shoot the cat is against CPW guidelines of fair chase. Trophy hunting taking 47% females is also against CPW guidelines.

Scientists state that mountain lions self-regulate their populations and that trophy hunting increases conflict with livestock since mature, experienced lions are killed leaving immature inexperienced lions. Mountain lions also help reduce chronic wasting disease.

Hunting mountain lions in California was banned 52 years ago, and the reasons given should also ban hunting of mountain lions here. If there are conflicts, CPW still can use lethal measures where needed. Unlimited numbers of bobcats can be trapped in Colorado and then strangled or bludgeoned so their fur can be sold in Russia and China. I find this abhorrent. I routinely would see bobcats and evidence of mountain lions in the national parks where I worked, which was a joy.

Both mountain lions and bobcats have essential roles in our ecosystems and deserve respect to go about their lives. Please educate yourselves at Catsarenttro phies.com, help educate others and speak at CPW meetings. Be an agent of change. The next one is in the spring in Cortez.

Regarding wolves, please ask your congressperson to reject Rep. Lauren Boebert’s bill to delist wolves and to reject Trump’s delisting of wolves. Also ask to outlaw the killing of wolves in barbaric ways such as running them down with snowmobiles, dynamiting dens, snares, etc. as in Wyoming and Montana. Speak up for wildlife.

– Margaret Mayer, conservation lead, SW Sierra Club, Durango