Special Report: Prop 127, why it sucks, why you care

Colorado's Proposition 127: The Threat to Hunting and Conservation

Dive deep into the controversy surrounding Colorado's Proposition 127, which aims to ban mountain lion and bobcat hunting. This Bunkhaus Podcast special report examines the far-reaching implications for hunters and wildlife management nationwide. Learn about:

- The out-of-state groups behind the initiative
- Flaws in the proposition's logic and science
- Potential impacts on wildlife populations and ecosystems
- The importance of science-based conservation
- How this could affect hunting rights across America

Join us as we explore why every hunter, angler, and conservation advocate should care about this critical issue. Discover how to take action and protect our wild spaces for future generations.

#WildlifeConservation #HuntingRights #ColoradoProp127 #SustainableManagement #ConservationFunding

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Presented by:
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Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:04

Welcome to a Bunkhouse Podcast special report. We don't usually dive into politics, but when it comes to protecting hunting and science-based conservation, that's when we speak up. Quick interruption here. If you want to stay informed on issues that matter to hunters, anglers and conservationists, hit subscribe now. We'll keep you up to date on what's happening in the world of sporting conservation. Thanks for that brief moment.

Speaker 1: 0:25

Now let's get back to the issue at hand. Today we're tackling a critical issue in Colorado that could have far-reaching consequences for hunters nationwide. What's happening in Colorado? Voters are facing Proposition 127, a ballot measure that aims to ban the hunting of mountain lions and bobcats in the state. You might think so what? I don't hunt cats and I don't live in Colorado, but stick with me. This measure has implications that stretch far beyond the centennial state's borders. Let's dive into what 127's all about, why it's flawed, who's behind it and why it matters to every hunter and angler across America.

Speaker 1: 1:02

The group behind this ballot initiative is called Cats Aren't Trophies. Sounds nice and cute, right? Well, here's the deal. It's not, and this group is not even from Colorado. It's a classic case of a national agenda pushing at the local level. They've raised $200,000 last year alone. Well, that's a lot of outside money meddling in local issues. It's kind of like someone from New York trying to tell a Texan how to run their ranch. That just doesn't work.

Speaker 1: 1:29

Why is this proposition problematic? Let me count the ways. First, it's misinformed ballot box biology. Public input into conservation is crucial, but 127 is built on emotions, not facts. It's about as stable as a house of cards in a windstorm. Second, it paints hunters as bloodthirsty and clueless, an image that couldn't be further from the truth. Many of the largest conservationists are hunters. In fact, we wrote the book on conservation.

Speaker 1: 1:56

This measure ignores years of careful wildlife management for a one-size-fits-all ban. Third, these groups claim to be all about science, but they cherry pick the facts like a toddler picking vegetables off their dinner plate. A US geological survey found these reports often twist evidence to fit their view. That's not science, that's just propaganda. Fourth, they're dead wrong about hunting in Colorado. They call lion hunting a trophy sport, but Colorado law in fact requires using all edible parts For many hunters. This is about sustainable management and food, not trophies. Lastly, they're ignoring local experts. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has been managing wildlife for decades. These out-of-state groups thinking they know better. Well, that's like telling a fish how to swim. Let's talk numbers. Colorado has over 4,000 mountain lions each eating approximately a deer's worth of meat a week. With 400,000 deer, lions could already potentially be eating half the deer population annually. Ban lion hunting and we could see deer numbers crash really fast. And it's not just deer there are implications for elk, moose and bighorn sheep.

Speaker 1: 3:04

So if this passes, here's what we're looking at 1. Too many predators. 2. Not enough prey. 3. More wildlife-human conflicts. 4. Problems for ranchers. 5. A massive hit to conservation funding. That last one's crucial Hunting licenses bring in millions for conservation. Ban hunting and you're cutting off a significant funding source. It's like sawing off the branch you're sitting on. So why should we care? Well, if you're in Colorado, this is your chance to stand up for smart wildlife management. For the rest of us, stay alert.

Speaker 1: 3:35

If this proposition passes in Colorado, it could start a domino effect threatening hunting rights nationwide. So here's what we need to do. One Colorado voters, vote against this misguided proposition. Two hunters and anglers everywhere, register to vote. Your voice matters. Three, learn about wildlife management in your area and spread the word. Four, support conservation groups using real science. Five watch for similar initiatives in your state. Remember our wild places didn't just happen by accident. They're the result of hard work and smart management. Proposition 127 threatens to undo all that in Colorado. As supporting conservationists, we know nature is more than something just to look at. We must understand it, be part of it and manage it wisely. Don't let emotional appeals from out of state groups hijack common sense and science-based local wildlife management. This isn't just about mountain lions in Colorado. It's about our right to participate in conservation through ethical, regulated hunting. It's about ensuring wildlife decisions are based on science and local expertise, not out-of-state agendas. Stay wild, stay informed and let's keep our ecosystems healthy.