Colorado
Opinion: Colorado’s mountain lion hunting helps maintain a delicate balance
In the picturesque landscapes of Colorado, a unique form of hunting has been stirring debate for years — hunting mountain lions with hounds. This controversial practice, deeply ingrained in the state’s heritage, holds several key benefits that deserve consideration. In this article, we explore the importance of predator-prey balance, human conflict avoidance, and selective harvest.
Colorado’s wilderness is home to a diverse ecosystem, where maintaining predator-prey balance is essential for the health of both wildlife and the surrounding environment. Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are apex predators vital to the ecological equilibrium of the state. When the population of these large carnivores grows unchecked, it can lead to imbalances, causing devastating consequences for other species, such as deer and elk.
These consequences, in turn, have negative impacts on the mountain lions themselves. Statistics from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) indicate that mountain lion populations have been steadily increasing in Colorado over the past few decades. These populations have the potential to double every 5 to 10 years in the absence of human intervention.
As Colorado’s population continues to grow, human expansion into once-wild areas also increases the chances of human-mountain lion encounters. In many cases, mountain lions are drawn to human settlements because they perceive them as sources of easy prey. This poses a considerable risk to both humans and lions alike. CPW statistics show an alarming uptick in human-mountain lion conflicts over the last decade. In 2021, there were over 200 reported incidents, a significant increase from previous years. These conflicts resulted in livestock losses, injuries to pets, and even occasional threats to human safety.
In response, hunting with hounds serves as an effective method to mitigate these conflicts and maintain a healthy, stable lion population. Hounds are trained to track and locate mountain lions, allowing hunters to approach and assess the situation before deciding on next steps.
Selective harvest is a key element of hunting mountain lions with hounds. This practice distinguishes it from indiscriminate culling methods and underlines the conservation-oriented approach of hunting with hounds. Hunters can carefully assess the age, sex, breeding status, and overall health of the mountain lion before making the decision to harvest or release the cat. This approach also provides the opportunity to haze released mountain lions, discouraging them from frequenting populated areas.
Studies have shown undeniable data supporting the idea that catch-and-release hound hunting reduces human conflicts. Through the use of selective harvest, hound hunting provides a way to protect human and lion safety, all while maintaining a healthy overall ecosystem.
Hound hunting also provides invaluable data on the lion’s behavior, helping researchers and wildlife managers better understand their movements and behaviors in proximity to human activities. This information is essential for implementing appropriate conservation strategies, minimizing the risk to humans, and ensuring the well-being of mountain lions.
CPW’s harvest data demonstrates the conservation focus of mountain lion hunting. In Colorado, the annual harvest quota is determined based on a variety of factors, including population estimates, prior harvest data, and gender ratios. The goal is to maintain a stable, healthy population that does not exceed the carrying capacity of the environment.
It is also important to note that harvest numbers are dictated solely by the quotas for each unit rather than license sales. Mountain lion hunting licenses are unlimited but can only be used prior to quotas being met. With hound hunting, hunters can adhere to these quotas, in turn, contributing to the preservation of the lion population. This also means that each year over 80% of mountain lion licenses go unused but contribute to the state’s funding for wildlife management.
It’s important to note that hunting mountain lions is not an unrestrained free-for-all. Colorado, like other states, has established rigorous regulations and quotas to ensure that the practice is sustainable and ethical. Hunters must participate in mountain lion hunter education courses, obtain hunting licenses, and follow guidelines on when, where, and how hunting can take place. Hunters are also required to report all harvests within 48 hours as well as obtain an inspection seal by presenting harvested lions to parks and wildlife officers. This inspection involves ensuring that all legal requirements have been met and the collection of valuable data such as DNA, age, sex, and location of harvest. These regulations are carefully crafted to ensure ethical practices while managing our big cats.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife also enforces strict requirements and regulations concerning the consumption of mountain lion meat in Colorado. Regulations outline specific rules for utilizing all edible portions of mountain lion meat. This negates the idea that “trophy hunting” is the primary motivation for mountain lion hunting and ensures that the practice remains ethical and supports the broader conservation goals set by the state. Many lion hunters also note that mountain lion meat is among the best available of Colorado’s game species.
The controversial practice of hunting mountain lions in Colorado serves a critical role in the state’s ecosystem and society. It helps maintain the delicate balance of predator-prey relationships, mitigates human-wildlife conflicts, and offers a conservation-oriented, selective harvest approach that ensures the well-being of mountain lion populations. The stringent regulations regarding the use of mountain lion meat underscore Colorado’s commitment to ethical and sustainable hunting practices.
While the debate around hunting practices often sparks strong emotions, it is important to consider the broader context of wildlife management, conservation, and human safety. Hunting mountain lions, when conducted responsibly and in compliance with state regulations, represents a crucial tool in preserving the natural beauty and ecological health of Colorado. It is a practice rooted in tradition and executed with modern conservation values in mind.
Seth Brandstetter is a Colorado hunting guide and mountain lion hunter.
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Colorado
No white Christmas in Fort Collins, but here’s when Northern Colorado could get snow
Large elk herd congregates in Loveland in winter
Around 1,000 elk migrate in winter from the Estes Valley to the west side of Loveland, creating a unique wildlife viewing opportunity.
It’s looking to be a warm and dry Christmas in Fort Collins, but there may be a glimpse of winter weather ahead.
Fort Collins is in for a sunny Christmas Eve with an expected high of 54 degrees, with clouds and light wind forecasted heading into the evening and an overnight low of 27, according to the National Weather Service. Christmas Day will likely be much of the same, with some clouds, a high of 50 and low of 24 expected.
After another warmer day Thursday with a high of 50 degrees, we could get a glimpse at some winter weather Thursday night. There is a slight chance of rain after 11 p.m. that could mix with snow after 1 a.m., according to the National Weather Service. The chance of precipitation Thursday is 20%.
After another warmer weekend — with a high near 47 degrees expected Friday, 54 on Saturday and 57 on Sunday — there’s another chance of rain and snow accompanied by wind Monday, according to the National Weather Service, despite the high temperature Monday expected to be near 52 degrees.
Colorado’s mountains have a much better chance of a white Christmas, with 1 to 3 inches of snow expected around the holidays.
Colorado
Colorado woman recovers from unique liver cancer surgery in time for Christmas
It was a very special holiday season for an Aurora resident recovering after a unique surgery. Doctors push the limits to treat patients, especially during this time of year.
It only takes one look around Anna Aist’s house to see Christmas is her favorite holiday.
“I started to buy those many, many years ago,” Aist told CBS Colorado.
Aist’s house was ready ahead of Christmas. From the village, to the nutcrackers lining her kitchen, to the handmade pieces of art from her late husband, who passed away this year.
“He loved woodwork,” Aist explained. “He made all of these. This this whole room is Santa.”
It’s almost a year since, Aist’s husband passed away in January.
“Who would have thought I would have got cancer after that,” Aist said.
At 84 years young, this is a special Christmas for Aist. She’s still recoverin from surgery after being diagnosed with liver cancer earlier in 2024.
“He told everybody I looked spry, and I passed all the tests except for three, and they had to do with my liver,” Aist said.
Dr. Raheel Jajja at HCA HealthONE Presbyterian St. Luke’s tried a unique liver resection surgery.
“He thinks he got it all, and he took out 10% of my liver,” Aist explained.
A had specific instructions on when to have the surgery this year.
“I said, if you’re going to do it, do it soon,” Aist said. “Because I want to be up feeling good for the holidays. That’s one of my favorite things.”
So Aist’s family from all over Colorado will soon be with her to unwrap presents and spend time together. It’s precious time with a patient who has worked hard to make the holiday special.
“And they said they want food, food, food,” Aist said with a positive chuckle.
Colorado
Deion Sanders and Colorado land Texas A&M transfer OL Aki Ogunbiyi
Colorado has landed a significant addition to their offensive line with the transfer of Texas A&M offensive lineman Aki Ogunbiyi. This move signals head coach Deion Sanders’ ongoing commitment to the trenches after a season plagued by pass protection struggles.
Ogunbiyi, a 6-foot-4, 330-pound lineman from Houston, Texas, brings experience and potential to a unit that ranked near the bottom nationally in sacks allowed, giving up 39 in 2024.
Ogunbiyi’s decision to transfer to Colorado comes after four seasons at Texas A&M, where he showcased his talent despite limited playing time. Originally a four-star recruit in the 2020 class, Ogunbiyi was ranked as the No. 9 offensive guard in the nation and the No. 34 player in Texas. His arrival at College Station was met with high expectations, and while he contributed in multiple games, his full potential was never fully realized during his time with the Aggies.
Deion Sanders says he won’t attend the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay
Over the course of his career at Texas A&M, Ogunbiyi accumulated 654 offensive snaps, starting eight games and earning the team’s Offensive Most Improved Player Award. His size, strength, and pedigree as a run blocker align well with the Buffaloes’ urgent need to establish a more formidable offensive line presence. In the 2023 season, Ogunbiyi appeared in three games against McNeese, Missouri, and New Mexico State before entering the transfer portal.
For Colorado, Ogunbiyi’s arrival could provide an immediate boost to their offensive line, a crucial factor as the Buffaloes aim to contend in the Big 12.
With only one year of eligibility remaining, Ogunbiyi is expected to compete for a starting role at either guard position this spring. His experience against SEC competition and accolades as an improved offensive player could make him a pivotal piece in Colorado’s efforts to protect quarterback Shedeur Sanders and strengthen the run game.
As Coach Prime continues to reshape the roster, Ogunbiyi’s transfer underscores the Buffaloes’ focus on enhancing their offensive line – a critical step toward achieving their championship aspirations.
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