Rosenberg: Time to end this blood sport

I sincerely thank the majority of the courageous Colorado Parks and Wildlife commissioners who are supporting Proposition 127 which, when passed, will outlaw the trophy hunting of mountain lions and bobcats In Colorado. It is already illegal to hunt lynx in Colorado.

The current throwback practice of “hunting” our elusive and enigmatic cats is a cruel form of blood “sport.” This activity uses vicious dog packs, wearing GPS collars to chase, frighten, scare, and run these threatened majestic felines up a tree or to a cliff end where they are then shot at close range, often with a pistol. The meat is not eaten. The deceased critters are gutted skinned and made into rugs and/or their heads are mounted in an individual’s “trophy” room.

This killing leaves kittens without their mothers. Three out of four adult females killed each year are mothering dependent young. Kittens less than 1 year old have no chance of survival. Therefore, the killing of one female with kittens results in a multiple of deaths of many more cats. These young cats die a slow, agonizing and wretched death by starvation.

Colorado law permits an unlimited bag limit for bobcats. Customers are often charged more than $6,000 for a lion hunt and $3,000 for a bobcat hunt.

This is not sport or sporting but a money-making endeavor to soak rich often out-of-state customers. What do they care so long as they bag their trophy and their money?

It’s time to end this unsporting, inhumane, selfish, and environmentally degrading activity. A “yes” vote on Proposition 127 will end the cruel, ego, and money driven trophy run down of our mountain lions and bobcats. A “yes” vote on Proposition 127 will still allow CPW to manage the rare problem cats in a professional and humane manner. It will protect people, pets, livestock, and the environment. Colorado will enhance its image that “Colorado Cares.” This is plain and humane common sense.

Michael G. Rosenberg

Carbondale