Valencia County weighs Coyote and Prairie Dog hunting contest resolution

LOS LUNAS, N.M. (KRQE) - Following protests and attempted legislation, a New Mexico county is now trying to tackle the issue of animal hunting contests that could inspire some change. Valencia County commissioners will soon review and vote on a resolution to oppose the contests. Over the last year, the state has seen several contests targeting coyotes and prairie dogs. At least four of those contests have been held in Valencia County. Commissioner Alicia Aguilar is behind the resolution’s proposal. In a phone interview with News 13 on Saturday, Aguilar said she’s heard from several people, including a wildlife biologist, who are concerned about the contests' impact on wildlife populations.

Other commissioners say residents have raised even more issues with the contests. “They think it's a negative look on the county promoting these contests,” said Aragon. Commissioner Jhonathan Aragon has a background in veterinary medicine. He says he hasn't made his mind up about which way he'll vote on the resolution. However, he says the targeted animals are a real problem. “It is devastating, you know these ranchers put a lot of money and time into these animals to have these coyotes just come in and just, you know, ruin their entire life's work,” said Aragon.

Aragon says despite the vote, it may be time for a change in how the hunting is done.
“Maybe they could work with some of these activist groups to kind of see how they can ... just do things differently so that both sides are happy about the outcome,” said Aragon. Commissioners will debate and vote on the resolution on Wednesday. If it passes, it won't change any local laws but just serve as the county's official opinion saying it "opposes animal hunting contests." Two of the Valencia County gun shops that have held animal hunting contests for coyotes this year say they plan to hold more in the near future.

http://www.kasa.com/news/local/valencia-county-weighs-animal-hunting-contest-resolution




Commissioner Aguilar Supports the Resolution to Stop the Contests.

Contact
http://www.co.valencia.nm.us/contact/Contact_Comm_district2.html





County Commissioner Jhonathan Aragon

Contact
http://www.co.valencia.nm.us/contact/Contact_Comm_district5.html

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From Florida Fish and Wildlife

Myths about coyotes

Coyotes are extremely dangerous: FALSE!
There have been very few reported cases of Eastern coyotes biting people. The coyote’s innate fear of humans tends to keep them from getting too close.

Coyotes are a new problem: FALSE!
Coyotes have been in Florida for many years and will continue to make their homes
around the state. This medium-sized predator is extremely adaptable, thriving in urban, suburban and rural areas.

Coyotes need our help to survive: FALSE!
People like to feed animals. However, by providing a “free lunch” for coyotes, you eliminate their natural fear of humans and increase their populations. Remember … a
fed coyote causes problems. Keep ‘em wild!

Coyotes can be totally eliminated: FALSE!
Removing coyotes is an inefficient and ineffective method to control populations. They compensate by increasing litter size and new coyotes move into areas where others have been removed. Populations can quickly return to original size.


http://myfwc.com/media/2675483/Living-With-Urban-Coyotes.pdf