Letters to the Editor: Reader calls for end to wildlife killing contests
Most Michiganians would be appalled to learn that wildlife killing contests not only occur in the state but are perfectly legal. These events pit participants against innocent animals, usually coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and raccoons, with prizes awarded for the most or largest kills. This barbaric practice is not only cruel, but also counterproductive to sound wildlife management.
Science has unequivocally proven that randomly killing predators like coyotes does not effectively control their populations nor does it increase the number of prey species, such as deer. In fact, indiscriminate killing can exacerbate problems by disrupting pack structures and leading to increased conflicts with humans. Hunting has a storied history in Michigan but make no mistake about it: wildlife killing contests serve no purpose other than to kill as many animals as possible and are contrary to all hunting ethics. The dead animals aren’t used for meat nor is their fur harvested; instead, their bodies are left to rot.
Wildlife killing contests have been documented in Michigan since at least 2003, and disturbingly, events are already being planned for 2025. Resolutions in opposition to wildlife killing contests were adopted by both the Kalamazoo and Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners in 2021, and now it’s time for the state of Michigan to enact a comprehensive ban.
It’s time to end the senseless slaughter of wildlife for fun and games in Michigan and embrace a more humane approach to coexisting with our wild neighbors.
Thad Dickinson,
Berkley