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The group behind Prop 127 said they’re hopeful CPW will revisit how mountain lions are hunted in Colorado but could put forth another ballot initiative.
DENVER — Colorado’s ballot boxes have been a focal point for wildlife-related issues in recent years, with recent proposals sparking debate about the future of the state’s animal management policies.
Earlier this month, voters narrowly rejected Prop 127, which would have made it illegal to hunt mountain lions and bobcats in Colorado.
The group behind the proposal, Cats Aren’t Trophies, said the defeat was surprising and disappointing.
“We were all surprised we didn’t win,” said Julie Marshall. “But over a million voters said yes, and we said that’s nothing to sneeze at.”
Marshall believes controversy surrounding the wolf reintroduction, and comments by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) workers leading up to the election likely impacted the vote.
The mountain lion hunting ban had 1.37 million (45%) Coloradans voted for the proposal, while 1.66 million (55%) voted against it.
Last week, the president of an association representing CPW workers told 9NEWS he hopes people stop putting forth ballot initiatives that involve wildlife.
Marshall believes those comments send the wrong messages about democracy by restricting people in the public from having a voice on important topics.
“I think the key is we care, and that’s a beautiful thing when people care,” said Marshall. “So, I would say when people care, you should support that, not try to shut it down.”
Marshall stopped short of saying the issue will be on ballots again next November but did say it’s being discussed as a possibility.
“I think to answer your question would we do it again, it just depends on whether we feel like we’re being heard in this system,” said Marshall.
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