1-minute voting guide: Proposition 127 would ban mountain lion, bobcat and lynx hunting

The big picture: Proposition 127 asks voters to prohibit shooting or trapping wildcats with a few exceptions, including if they threaten livestock or people.

• Proponents, including animal conservation groups, say trophy hunting of these big cats "serves no socially acceptable or ecologically beneficial purpose and fails to further public safety."

How it works: If approved, those charged with illegally killing or trapping these animals could spend up to 364 days in jail, receive a fine of up to $1,000 and face a five-year prohibition on obtaining a hunting or fishing license from the state.

Context: Colorado Parks and Wildlife has managed mountain lion hunting since 1965 with annual hunting limits and requires hunters to take an online class and exam before securing a license.

• Wildlife officials estimate there are between 3,800 to 4,400 mountain lions in the state — considered a stable population — with an average of 500 hunted per year, or 11-13%.

Between the lines: CPW hasn't weighed in on Prop. 127, but the agency estimates its passage could lead to a loss of about $410,000 from issuing mountain lion hunting licenses.

The other side: Opponents argue a hunting ban would lead to a significant rise in the number of big cats, which could pose a threat to deer and elk herds.

• They also say science-based decisions should be left to wildlife managers, not voters.

Go deeper: Proposed mountain lion hunting ban divides experts as Colorado's election nears