Animal idolatry comes in various forms. One of the not-so-obvious forms is media propaganda laced with misinformation intended to mislead, most always for the purpose of conning money support out of those unable to think for themselves and to understand the truth of what they are supporting.
In this latest platform of predator drool, people are told about “killing contests” that “killing unlimited numbers of predators is legitimate wildlife management.” In support of their nonsense about “killing unlimited numbers of predators,” we read this: “How many people even know that thousands of coyotes, mountain lions, foxes, bobcats, prairie dogs, crows, and wolves are killed every year in “contests” across the country where winners get guns, belt buckles and ribbons for killing the most animals?”
These drooling fools present “killing contests” as part of “wildlife management.” Obviously they know nothing of wildlife management and/or are intentionally attempting to mislead the public by making such ridiculous claims.
Legitimate wildlife management (which, by the way, exists only in acceptable forms of environmentalism) is aware of so-called “killing contests” and the results of which are factored into their management plans and goals. The reality is that these “fake news” “killing contests” have virtually zero affect on wildlife management agencies long term management plans.
Much like a hunting season, managers allow for several things before making decisions in the next hunting harvest to know how many tags, etc. to issue to meet the goals of the 10-15 year management plans….”killing contests” included.
Now to the meat of the drool given to the public about the “unlimited” numbers of predators killed each season by “killing contests.”
Yes, there are isolated contests in various parts of the country. However, coyote populations are running amok and any legitimate game management agency would welcome reductions in coyote numbers to ensure the “public trust doctrine” the author of the drool presented calls it, can be upheld to provide balanced and healthy populations of wildlife across the board. A landscape dominated by predators, results in predator pits where wildlife in general is nonexistent.
I know of nowhere in North America where mountain lions are targets of “killing contests.” If they do exist I’m sure the reasons are serious and extenuating in order to uphold that cherished, cherry-picked “public trust doctrine.”
I know of nowhere in North America where foxes are targeted by “killing contests.” Foxes, as a rule are a tightly regulated fur bearing animal and seldom, if ever, exist in numbers that make a “killing contest” necessary or even a viable effort.
Bobcats, where they exist in this country, are a prized possession. About the only “enemy” the bobcat faces, other than competition among other predators, is the specialized bobcat hunter/trapper. Again, I know of no locations in North American where hunting contests are carried out that target bobcat.
Prairie dogs are targeted at times by those wanting to hone their shooting skills by shooting these animals at long range. Prairie dogs are notorious for carrying several diseases, many of which are harmful to other creatures, and people, and wildlife managers generally condone any means of reducing the nuisance and diseased animals.
I am not aware of “killing contests” for crows. Many states have an open season on crows and yes, some people eat crow and use the animal parts for other uses. Truth be known, the federal government deliberately kills more crows than any other person, persons or group of persons, even if there where “killing contests” for them. The Federal Government kills crows because they are a nuisance and a public safety hazard. As part of that wonderful “public trust doctrine” it is a necessary thing in order to protect and promote other species being destroyed or limited due to excessive crow populations.
“Killing contests” for wolves made me laugh. In more states than not, believe it or not, wolves are a federally protected species. I know of one time, in Idaho, when a group, legally obtained all the necessary permits and permissions to establish a wolf and coyote killing contest. After a weekend of wolf “killing,” exactly zero wolves were killed, and a handful of coyotes.
Other than some isolated regional pockets, predator “killing contests” have no affect on the populations of these predators. It is a shame, and borders on criminal activity, that any group would attempt to sway public opinion by publishing deliberate lies in the media.
Shame on them.
I would suggest that before anyone gives money, or supports any organization like this, they first learn the truth about the propaganda being spewed.
But don’t go look!
