Proposed Colorado law would ban big cat hunts, critics say it will end all hunting

Colorado voters will soon decide the fate of a new ballot initiative that seeks to ban the hunting of the state's wild big cats, including bobcats, lynx and mountain lions. While Proposition 127 gained enough signatures to appear on the November ballot, it sparked a debate between wildlife advocates and critics who fear it could impact broader hunting practices in the state.

Opponents, such as the group Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife, argue the proposition puts all hunting in the state "on the chopping block." The groups also claim that its definition of "trophy hunting" is too broad, with the legislation classifying it as the act of pursuing and killing an animal, even for the purpose of obtaining meat.

Additionally, critics contend existing laws already cover much of what the proposition seeks to accomplish. Mountain lion hunting for sport or trophies is currently outlawed in Colorado. Additionally, the lynx, a federally threatened species, has been protected from hunting in the state for nearly 25 years. Only registered fur trappers can hunt bobcats.

The Common Sense Institute of Colorado estimates that the ban could lead to a loss of nearly $6 million in revenue for the state's parks and wildlife services. This would result from both the stoppage of big cat hunting permits and a decline in the number of deer and elk hunting permits that the state can issue, as rising big cat populations could reduce those herds.

Advocates for the ban emphasize that it would not leave Colorado's wild cats unchecked. Under the proposition, wildlife officials would still have the authority to manage populations to prevent overpopulation or threats to livestock. A similar legislative effort failed in 2022, prompting supporters to bring the issue directly to voters.

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