By Dave Workman
Editor-in-Chief
The Denver Post has stunned at least some readers by recommending a “No” vote on Proposition 127, which seeks to ban mountain lion hunting and the trapping of bobcats in the Centennial State.
Cougars were classified as big game animals in 1965. Hunting the big cats has been going on for generations, but anti-hunters came up with Prop. 127 because—according to the Denver Post editorial—they consider trophy or sport hunting “inherently unethical.” But in a state known for its big game hunting, and which attracts hunters from across the country, the newspaper explains to readers it “has long supported” wildlife officials at Colorado Parks and Wildlife who scientifically manage the state’s wildlife resources.
But the editorial goes in to greater depth, perhaps having observed the experiences in other states—Washington and California—noting, “For now, the target is big cats, but we fear what may be targeted next. Bear hunting?”
California banned mountain lion hunting in 1990. Since then, there have been 23 documented cougar attacks, including four which were fatal, in April and December 1994, January 2004 and March of this year.
In Washington, where hound hunting for cougars was banned by citizen initiative in 1996, there have been at least two attacks in recent years, one of them fatal.
In both states, many hunters suspect there are more mountain lions than wildlife agencies in the respective states estimate.
The Denver Post editorial approaches the dilemma with balance, acknowledging cougar hunters appear to be taking too many females. On the other hand, the editorial says while bobcats may be killed after being caught in live traps, “we do not find those practices to be beyond the pale.”
The editorial also suggests putting a limit on fur trapping for bobcats. Presently, tags are unlimited.
While acknowledging that hunting cougars with hounds may not appeal to non-hunters, the Denver Post editorial explains, “Proposition 127 is not a carefully worded regulation of hunting practices that ensures the critical principles of ‘fair chase.’ It is a complete ban that would open up a slippery slope for all hunting across Colorado.”
Ballotpedia offers voters a look at the debate:
“Cats Aren’t Trophies is leading the campaign in support of the initiative. Samantha Miller, Cats Aren’t Trophies campaign manager, said, “Colorado voters will have an opportunity to halt the inhumane and needless killing of mountain lions and bobcats for their heads and beautiful fur coats. While the measure stops the recreational trophy hunting and commercial fur trapping of wild cats, it allows lethal removal of any problem animal for the safety of people, pets or farm and ranch animals.”
“The initiative is opposed by State Sen. Perry Will (R-5), who said, “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.”
