Thank you for your coverage and editorial regarding the felony fraud investigation associated with the DWR coyote bounty, under the guise of mule deer protection. You are correct that the “science” has been suspect.
It amazes me that we are appalled by rhino, elephant and gorilla poaching and lion trophy hunting in Africa but have Utah state employees who continue to rationalize bounty hunting on coyotes, cougars and bobcats. None of these animals are being killed for meat or clothing, nor do they pose any threat to our population. This is just another form of gun “entertainment” that results in callous killing of animals that are not hurting us. We need to just leave them alone.
With habitat loss and climate change, these animals are already stressed. It is past time for DWR to update its methodology for counting/estimating our wildlife populations.
Christine B Helfrich, Millcreek
