DERBY: Covers Idaho in blood

A Christmastime “predator derby” (a contest to see who can kill the most wild canines in the allotted time) was recently held in Salmon, and has attracted worldwide negative media attention. Children as young as 10 were encouraged to participate in the contest, enticed by “special youth prizes.”

Sadly, Idaho has earned a widespread reputation for animal cruelty that has been fueled by repulsive actions sanctioned by the Idaho wolf hunt, lax anti-cruelty laws, and contests like these.

NAPA Auto Parts pulled their sponsorship of the event. They issued a statement on Facebook ensuring they were not in support of the contest after learning what a “predator derby” is. In fact, this mirrors the reaction of most of the country, most Idahoans, and even many Idaho hunters.

Despite claims the contest was needed to cull an “overpopulation” of wolves and coyotes, 200 contestants given two days time and vast hunting access couldn’t find any wolves at all, even with $1,000 prizes at stake. (No surprise since the fact is we actually don’t have very many wolves left.) Unfortunately, 21 little coyotes were killed, with the less bullet-ridden carcasses sold at the event, for their fur.

Last November Idaho voters passed HJR2; a constitutional amendment ensuring “the right to hunt, fish and trap.” Can we still save Idaho’s wildlife, wilderness and economy from those who will run it into the ground simply because “they have a right to?”

ANN SYDOW

Athol