Mountain Lion Hunting Ban Gains Ground
By Robert Kroger, Dan Gates, and Gaspar Perricone
It’s February 18th. The ballot initiative to ban mountain lion, bobcat and lynx hunting in Colorado is now officially moving forward as the proponents have begun collecting signatures. It is imperative to remember, that we are in a 15 round bout that if it goes to the bell, it will be rung on November 5, 2024. So far the first three rounds have gone our way on the judge’s scorecards. Round 3 victory – instead of battling two possible initiatives (91 and 101), Proposition 101 was dropped by the proponents, Cats Aren’t Trophies (CATs), and they are solely moving forward with Proposition 91.
As of today, several elements relating to this ballot initiative process have been solidified, to avoid any hearsay and to ensure you have the most accurate information, here are facts on where things currently stand.
Proposition 91 was affirmed by the Supreme Court on January 4, 2024 which started the clock on the signature gathering process. Subsequently, the actual petition that allows the proponents to begin gathering signatures was approved January 30th, and they are now in the field working to build the necessary support to secure a spot on the 2024 ballot. The time window for signature gathering is exactly 180 days and will end on July 5, 2024, at which point they are required to submit the signatures collected to the Colorado Secretary of State’s office for validation. The proponents will be trying to reach the ultimate goal of approximately 125,000 valid signatures, but likely will need substantially more to ensure enough signatures are validated to get the Proposition officially onto the 2024 ballot. Even though this is not an easy endeavor to undertake and accomplish, we must act like it is, and not take our foot off the gas pedal at all.
A new campaign to defeat the initiative has been rolled out called Colorado’s Wildlife Deserve Better , in which the truth will be brought forward:
- 50 years of sustainable regulated hunting has put Colorado as the #1 state for mountain lion management and science, a testament to science based wildlife management and a sound conservation ethic.
- The hunting of mountain lions and bobcats is about hunting for meat and smart wildlife management, NOT hunting for a trophy.
- The banning of hunting will not spare mountain lions being harvested, but rather, they will now be killed by professional government employees and contractors to mitigate human wildlife conflict.
The mission and playing field for the next 180 days will be the same. We need your help to promote the truth and push our message to change perspectives around mountain lion hunting in Colorado. Please join us in this fight and share this with as many fellow hunters and wildlife advocates as possible. Thank you.
The New Era of Exercise Equipment | Eastmans' Journal Podcast
Bert Sorin and his wonderful wife Lesley are the proud parents of three children. Bert and his family, a family rooted in strength, have been entrenched in the human performance world for as far back as he can remember. Growing up with a barbell in his hand has been pivotal in charting the course of his life and leading him to become a 4-time Division 1 All-American Track and Field (Hammer and 35 lb. Weight Throw), Southeastern Conference Champion, former record holder in Weight Throw, and an Olympic trials athlete. Bert is currently the President and Co-Owner of Sorinex Exercise Equipment, a very successful family run business founded by his father, another big name in the iron game, Richard Sorin. Together they are the inventors of hardware and applications to make people more effective, efficient, and safe on the sports field and the battle field. Although Sorin never served in the arms forces, his gear is changing the game to provide readiness and rebuilding to the veterans prior to, during and after their deployments to far off, hostile lands. Bert’s network of veterans, scientists, coaches and therapists allows for a combination of expertise and support, and has been changing lives on both sides of the table. Bert pushes each day to find the best in people, and to assist in their exploration of their potential and maximize their value to the cause.
