#187 Luke Wiedel - Colorado Proposition 127

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Vote NO on Colorado Proposition 127 Our state’s wildlife deserves management rooted in science, responsibility, and proven practices—not radical, one-size-fits-all approaches. Proposition 127 threatens to undermine years of dedicated conservation efforts by disregarding the needs of Colorado’s diverse ecosystems. Effective wildlife management requires a balanced, adaptive approach that considers the unique environmental and ecological needs of each species, rather than imposing sweeping, inflexible policies. This proposition could lead to unintended consequences, risking harm to habitats and disrupting the delicate balance that local experts have worked hard to maintain. For the sake of Colorado’s wildlife, let’s support smart, science-based conservation efforts, not extreme measures. Vote NO on Proposition 127.

Luke Wiedel -Coloradans For Responsible Wildlife Management Ep. III

Wiedel is a member of the Issue Committee opposing Proposition 127, Colorado's Wildlife Deserve Better (CWDB). He is the Lead Policy Volunteer in Colorado for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and is a Board Member of Coloradans For Responsible Wildlife Management (CRWM). Wiedel grew up hunting and fishing in Colorado, with his Dad and his five younger brothers. He splits his time between Colorado and Southeast Alaska where he has operated a fishing guide business for the past 23 years, with his wife and five young children. Luke's commitment to preserving the beauty and diversity of Colorado's wildlife makes him a respected figure within the outdoor community. Please support wildlife responsibly at: www.savethehuntcolorado.com. Luke Wiedel joins Bobby Marshall in Studio to discuss, Conservation, Wildlife, Biology, Politics, Advocacy, Hunting, Trudistion, Outdoor life & much more. Please subscribe or like us on social media platforms for updates on shows, events, and episode drops.

  • The Mountain Side Podcast recently took a deep dive into Colorado's Proposition 127, focusing on the contentious issue of wildlife management and the role of the public in these decisions. With the current political season upon us, the podcast episode featured a crucial conversation with Luke Wiedel, a board member of Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management, who provided an in-depth understanding of the stakes involved with Proposition 127.

    Understanding Proposition 127 Proposition 127 aims to bring wildlife management decisions, specifically regarding mountain lion and bobcat hunting, to the ballot box. Luke Wiedel argues that such decisions should not be politicized. Instead, they should remain in the hands of experts and state agencies like Colorado Parks and Wildlife, which have successfully managed wildlife with scientific precision and deep expertise.

    The Case Against Ballot Box Biology Wiedel insists that "ballot box biology," where the general public votes on wildlife management issues without scientific expertise, undermines effective management. Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages 961 species, with game species funding benefiting the lesser-known species. The proposition, if passed, could disrupt this intricate ecosystem balance.

    The Importance of Scientific Expertise Bobby Marshall draws a comparison with nuclear power plant security, highlighting that expert decisions are essential for specialized topics like wildlife management. Public interference without adequate scientific understanding could limit the ability of biologists to make necessary adjustments if ecological circumstances change.

    The Broader Implications of Colorado Proposition 127 Luke argues that eliminating regulated hunting could have broader implications. Banning the hunting of predators like mountain lions could impact other species, disrupting the ecological balance and effective wildlife management strategies developed over decades. Rural economies that benefit from regulated hunting could also suffer.

    Hunters as Conservationists Wiedel emphasizes that hunters are often seen as wildlife's staunchest supporters. Through regulated hunting, wildlife populations have thrived due to the North American model of wildlife conservation. The misconception that hunting equates to reckless killing is countered by the reality of regulated, scientific management that benefits broader ecosystems.

    Encouraging Voter Engagement With only a few days left for voters to cast their ballots on Proposition 127, Weedle urges listeners to engage their communities, educating them on the implications of this ballot initiative. He stresses the importance of mobilizing voters and keeping wildlife management rooted in science rather than emotion.

    Conclusion The discourse around Proposition 127 is emblematic of the broader struggle between public sentiment and scientific management of natural resources. As voters, understanding the complexities of wildlife management can guide informed decision-making that respects the delicate balance of Colorado’s ecosystems while supporting effective conservation practices. Listeners are encouraged to share the podcast, educate themselves, and others, and most importantly, to vote. By participating in this privilege & process, individuals can ensure that decisions impacting wildlife and natural resources remain well-informed and scientifically grounded. For additional information on Proposition 127 and wildlife management, resources are available at "Colorado's Wildlife Deserve Better" and "Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management" websites. As the podcast episode concluded, a call to action resonated: Vote No On Colorado Proposition 127 to preserve science-based wildlife management for the benefit of all species in Colorado.

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