I am writing to express my support for the regulation of coyote hunting in Vermont. As of now they can be hunted 365 days/year, night and day, with no bag limit. This is partly because the Department of Fish and Wildlife does not need to “manage” the coyote population to maintain their numbers — the coyote are quite capable of doing this for themselves by increasing their rate of reproduction when there is a decline in population.
Regulations would address the needless killing of countless animals during the coyote derbies, one of which is happening now in Bristol. Research has shown that coyotes have minimal impact on deer herds, which is another argument the derby enthusiasts use to justify their “sport.”
The Department of Fish and Wildlife conducts hunter education classes that teach that animals should be “respected and utilized,” neither of which happens in these derby hunts. It’s time for the Department of Fish and Wildlife to back up their philosophy with some regulations.
Sue Rasmussen
Shoreham