In November 2024, Colorado houndsmen roared, crushing Proposition 127—a ballot measure that aimed to ban mountain lion and bobcat hunting. This victory wasn’t just for big game hunters; it was a stand for science, conservation, and the houndsmen lifestyle. Led by Dan Gates and Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management (CRWM), our community proved that grit and unity can defeat misinformation. Here’s how houndsmen, backed by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and Howl for Wildlife, won this fight and why you need to join the United Houndsmen of Colorado or your local state Association to keep the momentum.
Proposition 127: An Attack on Our Way of Life
Proposition 127, pushed by animal rights groups like Cats Aren’t Trophies, sought to outlaw hunting and trapping of mountain lions and bobcats, falsely branding houndsmen as “trophy hunters.” It threatened jail time, hefty fines, and license bans for ethical big game hunting, ignoring our role in managing Colorado’s 3,800–4,400 mountain lions and abundant bobcats. Dan Gates, CRWM’s Executive Director, called it “ballot box biology,” a reckless attempt to replace science with emotion. On November 5, 2024, 55.5% of voters rejected it, choosing the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation over propaganda [or.web:1].
Dan Gates and CRWM’s Unstoppable Campaign
Dan Gates and CRWM were the heart of the resistance, rallying outdoorsmen to defend our heritage. Their campaign, Colorado’s Wildlife Deserve Better, raised $1.9 million to counter $2.3 million from anti-hunting groups. Gates, a lifelong sportsman, spent 169 days on the road, delivering 85 podcasts and speeches to expose Proposition 127’s flaws. CRWM, alongside the United Houndsmen of Colorado, hosted events like Colorado Outdoorsman Days in Florence, showcasing ethical hound hunting. On October 18, 2024, Gates led 300 sportsmen at the state Capitol, declaring hound hunting as the most selective, conservation-driven method for managing predators.
CRWM’s ads and the documentary Lionheart swayed suburban voters, debunking myths about houndsmen. Gates leveraged frustration with wolf reintroduction (Proposition 114, 2020), framing Proposition 127 as another attack on sound wildlife management. His decades-long ties with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) ensured houndsmen’s voices reached decision-makers, making CRWM the campaign’s cornerstone.
Why This Victory Matters
Defeating Proposition 127 preserved the houndsmen lifestyle—where the bond with our hounds and the thrill of tracking big game define us. Justin Angelovich of the United Houndsmen of Colorado called the ballot fight “gut-wrenching,” but the win proved hound hunting is the safest way to manage mountain lions, preventing overpopulation that harms deer, elk, and livestock. Hunting license fees fund CPW’s conservation work, unlike non-hunting activities. This victory sets a precedent, but Gates warns that animal rights groups are planning 2025 attacks, like bobcat trapping bans, making local houndsmen groups critical.
Three Ways to Stay in the Fight
The defeat of Proposition 127 is a call to action. Here’s how you can protect big game hunting:
-
Join a Local Houndsmen Group: Connect with organizations like the United Houndsmen of Colorado to share knowledge and fight anti-hunting laws.
-
Use Howl for Wildlife: Visit howlforwildlife.org to send quick letters to legislators opposing new restrictions.
-
Follow CRWM: Check savethehuntcolorado.com for advocacy tools and hunter education.
Join the Pack Today
Dan Gates and CRWM showed houndsmen are conservation warriors, balancing ecosystems with every hunt. Proposition 127’s defeat is our battle cry, but the war isn’t over. The United Houndsmen of Colorado needs you to keep our hounds running and our rights secure. Join them now at www.unitedhoundsmenofcolorado.com to stand with fellow houndsmen, share the trail, and fight for our future. Don’t wait—sign up, share your story in the comments, and let’s keep Colorado wild!
Sources: U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance [or.web:1], Howl for Wildlife [or.web:2]. Special thanks to Dan Gates and Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management for leading this fight.
