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pg. 2--Sport Or Recreational Murder? The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife plans to unleash hounds and hunters on radio-collared cougars to "study the effects of predation by cougars on elk populations." To boost elk herds for hunters, they'll kill up to 75 percent of the state's cougars. And in Salt Lake City, host of the Winter Olympics, the Uinta Basin Sportsmen For Fish & Wildlife intend to kill their state mascot, the coyote, in the "First Annual Predator Control Survey." This ruthless body-count contest will award hunters $2000 in prizes for fetching the most coyote tails and ears. Cougars and coyotes pose minimal risk to humans and livestock. Moreover, the arbitrary culling of predator populations has never been shown to increase prey-animal numbers. Urban development's destruction of wildlife habitat calls for humane measures. Non-lethal predator controls to safeguard livestock include guard animals, fencing, carcass removal, or non-fatal repellents. Options to minimize deer damage include landscape changes, scare devices, chemical repellents, and live trap and transfer programs. Migratory bird flocks can be contained through habitat modification, border collies or egg addling programs. Hunting exists because hunters enjoy killing. No one needs to hunt for food. Nine billion farm animals are intensively confined and slaughtered every year. And while you may not be able to directly control the cruel factory farming industry-you can oppose a blood sport that fosters violence. Some label hunting a noble family tradition. But children who stifle their natural compassion for animals grow into desensitized adults. According to psychologist Stephanie LaFarge, anational expert in court-mandated animal abuse counseling, "cruelty toward animals is a marker for potential violence toward humans." Roger Depue, former chief of the FBI's behavioral lab, says most of America's infamous murderers honed their fury with animaltorture. Though hunters may not become serial killers, numerous studies indicate higher rates of domestic violence. Respect for nature? You won't find it in the brutality and death central to hunting. A fair-play sport? Let me know if you spot an armed animal prepared to shoot back. Until then, recognize hunting for what it is: recreational killing. WHAT YOU CAN DO: 1.) Write to your state conservation department to oppose hunts in suburbs and parks where people and companion animals are at risk from stray bullets or arrows. In Missouri, ask for a moratorium on all types of deer-kills in public regions such as Babler State Park. Director, Missouri Department of Conservation Howard L. Wood, Chairman 2.) Write to oppose the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's cruel plan to study diminishing elk herds by enlisting hunters to kill up to 75 percent of the cougars in Northeast and Southwest Oregon.
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