The Battle to Protect Cat Hunting in Colorado

TSV host Fred Bird is joined by Dan Gates of Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management to talk about the ongoing ballot initiative fight in Colorado that aims to ban trophy hunting of mountain lions and bobcats. He emphasizes the importance of educating the general public about the implications of the measure and the need for sustainable wildlife management. Gates also highlights the role of organizations like the Colorado Wildlife Conservation Project in advocating for conservation and fighting against anti-hunting efforts. The conversation focuses on the importance of unity and collaboration within the sportsman community to protect hunting, fishing, and wildlife management. The speakers discuss the need to cast aside differences and focus on common goals, such as science-based wildlife management and the preservation of outdoor traditions. They emphasize the power of collective action and the importance of engaging with legislators and decision-makers. The conversation also touches on the need to educate the public about the benefits of hunting and conservation, and the role of younger generations in shaping the future of wildlife management.

Fred then transitions to interview CSF’s own Barry Snell, Assistant Manager in the West to discuss the work of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) in engaging legislators and advocating for scientific wildlife management. They also talk about the ballot initiative process in Colorado and the efforts to gather signatures for a potential ballot measure related to mountain lion hunting. They highlight the importance of storytelling and communicating the benefits of hunting and conservation to the general public. The conversation concludes with a discussion of the upcoming Sportsman's Day event and the support from legislators in the Colorado Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus.

Key Takeaways:

• The ballot initiative in Colorado aims to ban trophy hunting of mountain lions and bobcats.
• Educating the general public about the implications of the measure is crucial.
• Organizations like the Colorado Wildlife Conservation Project play a vital role in advocating for conservation and fighting against anti-hunting efforts.
• Sportsmen and women need to be actively involved in protecting hunting rights and wildlife management. Unity and collaboration within the sportsman community are crucial for protecting hunting, fishing, and wildlife management.
• Casting aside differences and focusing on common goals, such as science-based wildlife management, is essential.
• Engaging with legislators and decision-makers is important to have a voice in wildlife management policies.
• Educating the public about the benefits of hunting and conservation is crucial to gain support and understanding.
• Younger generations play a vital role in shaping the future of wildlife management and outdoor traditions.

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