Colorado Initiative Seeks to Ban Mountain Lion Trophy Hunting

A citizen-initiated measure in Colorado, Initiative #91, aims to ban the "trophy hunting" of mountain lions, bobcats, and lynx in the state. The initiative, backed by the group "Cats Aren't Trophies," has already raised nearly $220,000 and has been approved for circulation. To qualify for the 2024 ballot, proponents must gather over 126,000 valid signatures from registered voters by August.

Why this matters: The outcome of this initiative has implications for the conservation of wild species and the balance between human and wildlife interests. A ban on trophy hunting could set a precedent for similar measures in other states, influencing the broader debate on wildlife management and conservation.

Initiative 91 broadly defines trophy hunting as the "intentional killing, wounding, pursuing, or entrapping of a mountain lion, bobcat, or lynx." This expansive definition has raised concerns among pro-hunting groups, who argue that it effectively bans all forms of hunting. As stated by an advocate for the initiative, "Not only kills but uses animal body parts to decorate their walls with. Almost singular in the animal kingdom. We need to protect them."

Currently, the hunting of mountain lions, bobcats, and lynx is already tightly regulated in Colorado. Hunting is only permitted from November to March, with additional hunting allowed in April if necessary. The meat of the animal must be harvested for consumption, and stringent rules are in place to ensure the sustainability of the species.

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), around 500 mountain lions are killed yearly by hunters, with a success rate of 19%. CPW estimates that there are approximately 3,800-4,400 mountain lions in Colorado, with an average lifespan of 12 years in the wild and up to 25 years in captivity.

An opposition group, "Colorado's Wildlife Deserve Better," has been formed, but its funding is unknown. Dan Gates, from Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management, a pro-hunting group, has expressed opposition to the measure, arguing that the definition of trophy hunting is too broad and effectively bans all forms of hunting.

The next campaign finance reporting deadline is May 6, and proponents have until August to gather the required signatures to place Initiative 91 on the 2024 ballot. If passed, the measure would provide additional protections for mountain lions, bobcats, and lynx in Colorado by prohibiting trophy hunting practices.

Key Takeaways

• Initiative 91 aims to ban trophy hunting of mountain lions, bobcats, and lynx in Colorado.
• The initiative has raised $220,000 and needs 126,000 signatures by August to qualify for the 2024 ballot.
• Trophy hunting is defined as killing, wounding, pursuing, or entrapping for decorative purposes.
• Currently, hunting is tightly regulated in Colorado, with around 500 mountain lions killed yearly.
• If passed, the measure would provide additional protections for the species by prohibiting trophy hunting.