Demand an end to the Coyote Massacre!

To: Governor Herbert and the Utah State Legislature

Opposition to SB 245 S1 - the "Mule Deer Protection Act"

We, the undersigned, demand the repeal of SB 245 S1 - the "Mule Deer Protection Act". This bill that pays hunters a $50 bounty for every coyote carcass turned into the DWR is fundamentally ineffective, will cause more imbalances in the ecosystem, and is ethically challenged on many levels.

The published intent of this bill is to increase the mule deer population by killing coyotes that prey on their young. The not so secret reason for this is that mule deer are a preferred game animal of hunters and with more mule deer roaming our lands, there will be more to hunt. However, sound research on this matter reveals that coyotes preying on mule deer are a minor reason as to why mule deer populations are down. Habitat loss, harsh winters and disease are the main reasons of low populations, not to mention hunting mule deer tends to also decrease mule deer populations. This bill is misguided and intentionally deceitful. Please repeal this bill immediately and let sound science and research guide wildlife decisions, not special interests.

Sincerely,

The undersigned