Hunters and Science-Based Wildlife Managers Rally to Defeat Proposition 127
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — On Oct. 18, a large group of Colorado sportsmen and women gathered on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol to voice their opposition to Proposition 127, a proposed ballot measure that would ban the hunting of mountain lions, bobcats and the already federally protected lynx. While the rally drew significant support against the proposition, the concerns raised were centered on scientific principles, with many warning against the dangers of allowing public opinion to overrule expert, science-based wildlife management.
With the general election approaching on Nov. 5, it is critical for hunters and conservationists to vote NO on Proposition 127, and encourage their friends and families to do the same. Educating the nonhunting public about the importance of voting against this measure is just as important as casting the ballot yourself.
Proposition 127 would take wildlife management decisions away from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission, bypassing the expertise of CPW professionals who base their recommendations on science. Wildlife managers, including those at the rally, stress that proper wildlife management requires understanding ecological complexities and not just emotional responses.
“Trophy hunting” of these species is already illegal under Colorado law, and hunting of the federally protected lynx is strictly prohibited. Introducing such a measure could set a harmful precedent, reducing CPW's ability to manage predator populations, which could result in negative ecological impacts such as overpopulation, habitat degradation and conflicts with humans and livestock.
“Hunting is a vital element of wildlife management, crucial for keeping wildlife populations in a social and ecological balance,” said Patt Dorsey, NWTF director of conservation in the West.
Hunters play an essential role in managing wildlife populations, helping to ensure their health and sustainability for the long term. Colorado’s outdoor economy, which generates billions of dollars annually and supports thousands of jobs, is bolstered by responsible wildlife management —including hunting.
As Colorado voters prepare to receive their ballots, the National Wild Turkey Federation and many other conservation organizations are urging voters to reject Proposition 127. Wildlife management should remain in the hands of experts, guided by science and a long-term view of ecosystem health, rather than being subject to the unpredictable outcomes of ballot initiatives.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 23 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.