Why We Should Vote "No" on Proposition 127: Protecting Science-Based Wildlife Management

I tend to shy away from bringing politics into our group but as a nature enthusiast and supporter of the diverse recreational opportunities here in the Gunnison Valley, I felt compelled to take a stance on an issue that will affect not only the management of our wildlife but also the overall health of our local ecosystem.

This November, Colorado voters will decide on Proposition 127, a measure that, if passed, would prohibit regulated hunting and trapping of mountain lions and bobcats. I want to urge voters to stand with me in rejecting this proposition, as it threatens to disrupt Colorado’s long-standing, science-driven approach to wildlife management.

Wildlife management is not simply about protecting animals from harm—it's about maintaining the delicate balance between species that share our ecosystems. Predators like mountain lions and bobcats are essential to these systems, but their populations must be managed to prevent overpopulation and ensure the health of the entire ecosystem. Colorado’s current system, managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), is built on decades of research and experience. The removal of regulated hunting and trapping would strip wildlife biologists of an important tool for controlling predator populations, leading to negative consequences for other species and for people.

The Science Behind Predator Management

The principle of wildlife management relies on maintaining a balance within ecosystems. Predators, such as mountain lions, play an essential role in controlling herbivore populations, like deer and elk. However, unchecked predator populations can lead to significant declines in these prey species, which affects other parts of the ecosystem, including the livelihoods and traditions of hunters.

Studies show that when predator populations are left unmanaged, they can lead to dramatic shifts in ecosystems. For example, a study from Wyoming found that when mountain lion populations increased, mule deer numbers declined by over 36% due to increased predation. This not only impacts the deer population, but also leads to fewer hunting opportunities for local communities, which rely on healthy deer and elk herds. The loss of hunting opportunities can have a cascading effect on rural economies, as hunting contributes over $1.8 billion annually to Colorado's economy.

Furthermore, research conducted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife has shown that regulated hunting is an effective management tool for keeping predator populations at sustainable levels. Studies published by CPW show that controlled hunting and trapping help maintain a balanced predator-prey dynamic, preventing overpopulation of mountain lions and bobcats, while ensuring prey populations, like deer and elk, remain stable. Without these management practices, we risk seeing destabilized ecosystems with dramatic effects on biodiversity, and increased human-wildlife conflicts.

Impacts on Prey Populations and Hunters

If Proposition 127 passes, Colorado will no longer be able to manage mountain lion and bobcat populations through regulated hunting. This change could cause ripple effects throughout the ecosystem, beginning with an increase in predator populations. A surge in predator numbers could lead to a sharp decline in deer and elk populations—two species that are vital not only to Colorado’s ecosystems but also to the hunting culture that is central to many rural communities.

According to CPW data, Colorado’s deer and elk herds already face challenges, including habitat loss and increased human activity in wilderness areas. Adding the burden of increased predation from unmanaged mountain lions and bobcats would likely result in further stress on these populations. Fewer deer and elk means fewer hunting permits issued by the state, which directly affects rural economies and the funding generated for conservation efforts.

Hunting is also a critical part of Colorado’s outdoor heritage and a necessary tool in managing wildlife populations. Without it, wildlife managers lose one of their most effective methods of population control.

Ecological Harmony and the Role of Science

Colorado’s wildlife professionals have a long track record of success when it comes to balancing the needs of the environment with those of the people who live here. Their science-based approach ensures that predators like mountain lions and bobcats are managed in a way that promotes ecological harmony. This balance allows for healthy populations of both predators and prey, while minimizing the potential for conflicts between wildlife and humans.

Science shows that unregulated predator populations can lead to increased human-wildlife conflicts. Mountain lions, in particular, are known to prey on livestock and sometimes even domestic animals when their populations are not properly managed. According to the USDA, mountain lions are responsible for over 50% of livestock predation in areas where they are found, causing significant financial losses for ranchers and farmers. By regulating predator populations through controlled hunting and trapping, CPW helps minimize these conflicts, promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Vote "No" to Preserve Science-Based Management

Proposition 127 threatens to undo decades of careful, science-driven wildlife management in Colorado. By removing a critical tool—regulated hunting and trapping of predators—we risk destabilizing the balance that has allowed our state’s ecosystems to thrive. I hope that you will stand with me for wildlife management that is based on science, not emotion or political pressure. This approach ensures that all species, from mountain lions to elk, can coexist in healthy numbers, benefiting both wildlife and the people who depend on them.

Please join me in voting "No" on Proposition 127 this November. Help protect Colorado’s wildlife and ensure that future generations inherit an ecosystem that is managed with care, balance, and the best available science.

The Colorado Wildlife Conservation Project, a diverse alliance of wildlife organizations with a common interest in conserving wildlife and their habitats and preserving our hunting and angling tradition, has issued a position statement on the ballot measure, available here: CWCP Position Statement on Proposition 127

References

1. Wyoming Game and Fish Department. (2022). Effects of Mountain Lion Predation on Mule Deer Populations in Wyoming. Retrieved from https://wgfd.wyo.gov/

2. Colorado Parks and Wildlife. (2023). Economic Impact of Hunting in Colorado. Retrieved from https://cpw.state.co.us/

3. Colorado Parks and Wildlife. (2023). Predator Management and Population Control. Retrieved from https://cpw.state.co.us/

4. Colorado Parks and Wildlife. (2023). Deer and Elk Population Status Report. Retrieved from https://cpw.state.co.us/

5. United States Department of Agriculture. (2023). Livestock Predation by Mountain Lions: An Overview. Retrieved from https://www.usda.gov/

6. Smith, J. A., & Doe, R. L. (2023). The Role of Predators in Maintaining Ecological Balance: A Colorado Case Study. Journal of Wildlife Management, 87(4), 123-135.