Dear Friend of Wildlife,

New Mexico’s coyotes are depending on you to stand up against brutal killing contests that glorify killing them for killing’s sake, and which cast New Mexico in a terrible light.

House Bill (HB) 316, introduced by Rep. Nate Cote (D-Organ), would make it a crime to organize or participate in a coyote-killing contest. The bill passed out of the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday and now goes directly to the House floor. It will be debated on the House floor very soon.

It is imperative that you contact your Representative and ask him/her to support HB 316 TODAY! Time is of the essence as this could be heard as soon as tomorrow.

Coyote-killing contests are not hunting. They are gratuitous massacres that offer prizes to people for killing the most coyotes or the largest. Prizes are sometimes awarded for killing pregnant females. These dangerous competitions present a public safety risk, as shooters fan out across the landscape, trying to shoot large numbers of coyotes.
 
As Project Coyote Science Advisory Board member Dave Parsons said in his testimony before the Judiciary Committee in support of this bill:
 
"This bill should pass unanimously on moral and ethical grounds alone.  In my opinion, a society that condones unlimited killing of any species of wildlife for fun and prizes is morally bankrupt.
 
But I am here to speak to the science related to this issue.  And I can say unequivocally that there is no basis in science to support any claims to justify contest hunts for coyotes.
 
Coyote populations that are not exploited (that is hunted, trapped, or controlled by other means), form stable “extended family” social structures that naturally limit overall coyote populations through defense of their territories and the suppression of breeding by subordinate female members of the family group.  They deter transient juvenile coyotes from occupying their territories; and it is the juvenile coyotes that are more prone to conflict with human activities.
 
Members of a stable coyote population can be taught, if necessary, to avoid conflict with human activities by a variety of non-lethal predator deterrent methods that have been proven to be successful.
 
The importance of coyotes and other top predators in maintaining order, stability, and productivity in ecosystems has been amply demonstrated in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.  Ecosystem services of coyotes that benefit humans include their control of smaller predators, rodents, and jackrabbits, which compete with domestic livestock for available forage.
 
The notion that coyote populations can be reduced by contest hunts is also not supported by science.  It has been demonstrated that coyote populations would need to be reduced by about 70% annually to achieve ongoing population reduction.  This level of control is impractical and likely impossible except at great effort and expense.
 
The best approach is to allow coyotes to be our 'good wild neighbors,' enjoy their presence, and appreciate the benefit of their valuable ecosystem services."
 
Please use these points from Dave in your calls and emails when contacting your State Representative.
 
To determine your state Representative, go to the New Mexico Legislature site here then enter your home address under the ‘Search by Name, District or Address’ feature for the House of Representatives. Your legislator’s email address will appear.
 
Thank you for speaking up for our native Song Dogs!

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