GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — Proposition 127 sought to ban the hunting of mountain and coyote lions, but about 1.6 million Colorado residents voted against it, leading to Proposition 127’s denial.

Jack Cassidy runs Cassidy Outfitters, which hunts deer, elk, bear and mountain lions. He tells WesternSlopeNow he is pleased with the result.

Animal Wellness Action President Wayne Pacelle was part of a 110-member coalition trying to pass the proposal. He says he’s both disappointed and confused about how Prop 127 was denied. He brings up a ban on bear hunting that was passed by voters a few years ago.

Mesa County Commissioner Cody Davis says he’s happy Colorado Parks and Wildlife can continue to manage these cats the way they already are. In his mind, this should not only keep the mountain lion population in check, it should also keep Coloradoans safe.

Pacelle tells them that WesternSlopeNow supporters now plan to try to meet with CPW to stop the dog hunt.

Pacelle also brings up CWD, also known as zombie deer disease, which is a fatal neurological disease that affects cervids in North America. According to CPW PIO Joey Livingston, 40 of the state’s 54 deer herds have traces of CWD.

Mountain lions are able to eat infected deer and elk without also getting the infection. Davis says it’s a moot point because every hunter must test their deer for CWD before eating them.

Pacelle tells WesternSlopeNow that if advocates are unable to get CPW to ban the hunting of these animals, they will continue to work in other ways to bring their dream to life.

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