This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
We've all heard the phrase, "A fool and his money are soon parted." So Utah has paid out $409,600 in the last fiscal year for the ears and lower jaws of 8,192 coyotes ("Coyote ugly," Jan. 13).
Since I can't find any wildlife biologist willing to give me evidence that the destruction of these coyotes actually led to the improvement of statewide mule deer numbers, I can only assume that the state is comfortable subsidizing recreational coyote hunting to the tune of $50 an animal.
Well, fair is fair. I'll bet deer hunters would love to get $50 when they shoot a deer. Can birdwatchers get $10 every time they see a western meadowlark? Heck, if we are subsidizing recreation, can I get something for fishing? Trail running? How about not shooting coyotes … is that worth something?
I have a better idea. Why don't coyote hunters, who don't even need to buy a hunting license, pay the state $50 for the privilege of shooting a coyote? I'm sure the Division of Wildlife Resources could use these funds to protect and improve critical deer habitat, and the fool can keep his money.
Robert Schmidt
Logan